Pontiac Aztek

bill163

i have 2001 aztec . i brought the vehicle to my regular garage to have new plugs and wires installed. after job was completed my mechanic started the car and it ran for 2 or 3 seconds then quit, and continues to do so everytime he tries to start it.vehicle had a miss on 3 cyclinders and sputtered when given hard throttle mechanic said it needed above work done. any suggestions

svtwhat

Hello everyone,
I hope someone out here can help. My wife purchased a Aztek Fwd 3.4 about 6 months ago, and it's been falling apart since. The major problem now is that it will not start. We had a bad storm and she got stuck in the mud now the abs and trac light will not turn off (I am checking the sensors tomorrow). The next day she was driving down the street and the whole car just turned off/ stopped running in the middle of the road. Try to start it now and still nothing. Key was also stuck in the ignition. (I had to pull the bottom panel from the steering column, and I was able to get the key out). The lights, radio, locks all still work, it just wont start. There is no noise from the starter at all not even a click. Just turn the key & nothing. I checked all cables to the battery, little corrosion nothing major. I cleaned up the corrosion and replaced the battery still will not start. I also got under the Aztek and checked the wires to the starter all of them are clean with no corrosion.
I am leaning towards the BCM, ECM or EBCM?
Anyone with any idea's

Oh by the way I have been doing alot of research on the Aztek and all seems bad! Most seem to fall apart around 50,000 miles.

belloli

Hello. Our 2003 Aztek has 65,000 miles on it. We love it, but it's been eating batteries for the last 18 months. We had the original battery replaced within the first month of buying the car new because of a faulty radiator fan switch that drained the battery. Since then, it was fine. But in 12/06, the battery died, and thankfully, we bought a new battery installed by AAA. It came with a free replacement warranty. Which we've used, every 90 days since then. Literally. We replaced the battery again in 3/07, 7/07, 10/07, and now again in 2/08. (There was one more in there, too, I know, because it was only 31 days since the prior replacement.) AAA has been great, and gets the job done quickly each time.

But what is causing this? I had the alternator replaced in 11/07 (~$500) to see if that would stop it. But apparently not. Ideas?

We love this car, though it has its history of challenges (head gasket replaced under warranty, same with wheel bearings). But we can't keep replacing batteries every 3 months.

Any help would be most appreciated. My mechanic and I are completely flummoxed.

Thanks in advance.

tvplas

I ran into the same but not as intense problem (2 batteries in 12 months) with my 2001. Mine turned out to be the BCM and not the batteries which I happen to catch after a fresh battery replacement. Seems the BCM felt it was not necessary to turn off items that it controls (i.e. dome lights, dash lights, day lights etc.) and after returning to the vehicle 4 hours later, the dash & radio were still lit. Not much after, I started getting the disco light show and had to replace the BCM. I have not had any problems since. You did not mention if the batteries were indeed damaged (verified via load bank testing) or if they just kept going dead.

belloli

This sounds related, but not the same yet. I have no evidence that dash lights/radio/DRL stay on. Typically, they do seem to turn off.

The batteries have been damaged. They all show that they have at least one dead cell. The electrical tests have been done by AAA, my mechanic, Sears, and AutoZone. Prior to the vehicle not starting (usually in the morning, but otherwise giving absolutely no advance warning), they test fine, including the battery.

jmancillas

I had this same problem! Be careful. Just try to wiggle the key. My husband jammed it in and it got stuck. We had toi call a lock smith! There were broken peices in the ignition that he repaired. It works now but I am real careful! And now my key can come out while it is on. I have had a lot of weird things happen with this car!

jmancillas

I have had the same problem 3 times! Gm covered the 1st at 36,000 miles. The next one was at 78,000 and they paid 80% and it was $2000. Now it happened again at 118,000 and they said since it is over 100,000 they will not help! IThis time it was only one that went out and I paid $550 to fix it.This car is the worst. I also have a leaking gas tank which has not been recalled yet. I asked since my insurance company lists it as a recall. They said it has not been completed as a recall yet. I have had a wheel bearing go out. Thank god it was under warranty at the time. And ignition problems.What can we do to get rid of this and get something worth what we paid for already??? I need help too!

jmancillas

I bought a 2003 Azteck brand new in 2003.I still owe $4225.00on it and have had all these problems and some. I have had the rocker bolts strip right out.This has happened 3 times! Gm covered the 1st at 36,000 miles. The next one was at 78,000 and they paid 80% and it was $2000. The first 2 times the replaced the intake manifold and fixed the stripped rocker bolts. Now it happened again at 118,000 and they said since it is over 100,000 they will not help! This time it was only one that went out and I paid $550 to fix it. This car is the worst. I also have a leaking gas tank which has not been recalled yet. I asked since my insurance company lists it as a recall. They said it has not been completed as a recall yet. I have had a wheel bearing go out. Thank god it was under warranty at the time. And ignition problems where the key would not go in and then got stuck. What can we do to get rid of this and get something worth what we paid for already??? I need help on what to do!

ray80

Could be tough to find an easy answer for. You aren't leaving anything plugged in to power outlet (like cell phone charger) or had any issues with those outlets have you? It potentialy could be battery cable/connection issue (one of those items may not be letting alternator properly charge battery). Lastly there may be parasitic battery drain from something and may be difficult to find without testing things while vehicle is off.

ray80

For the fuel tank leak, there is a couple things. I believe recall latter has been sent out for the limited number of vehicles that may be most prone to problem. Also letters have been sent out to others (like me) that extend warranty for fuel tank to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Your Pontiac dealer should be aware of this by now. In any case if its leaking fuel I would take it to pontiac dealer to get it fixed, better sooner then later.

jwebb2

Heres the deal; I was getting all the disco lights and #20 realy (inside) was constantly clicking i replaced it it worked for a short time, so i did not replace it i took it out, no more clicking. Under the hood # 66 was clicking as well took it out and stopped. my horn did the honk my drivers side door would not stop locking and unlocking (drained Battery). i let the disco (die) on its own....meaning i have not reset the battery or the positive on the fuse box under hood. when this happens i dont have the dash board lights (gauges work As well as heads up) I dont have the lights on shifting stick and my radio is locked up also the anti-theft light dont work on dash but will on radio.

sorry very unorganized post......anybody with a fix for the problems?

esmed

I have a 2001 Aztek that was stop for almost three months. When I tried to turn it on again I had to pass current from another car's battery. The crank started and everything went ok but suddenly all electrical systems became crazy, dash is comming on and off, so are the radio, door locks and also lights. Once you stop the vehicle and engine is cold you can turn it on again and everything works OK but once engine is hot everything become crazy. Can anybody tell me what is going on and how can I fix it? I'll really appreciatte.

tvplas

Sounds like you both have the same problem which are classic signs of a bad BCM. As stated in a previous post, my 2001 had all these problems along with many Aztek owners as you no doubt notice if you read this thread. I would start at the beginning of this thread and read all the posts but in the end you will most likely have to replace the Body Control Module. Please note the BCM controls many systems that you can not see that will drain the battery.

pappypooh

Just recently I have had my 2001 Aztek giving me an Overheating warning light no service engin soon light came on. Well I had to pull over to let the car "cool" down and did this several times. I took it to the dealership that morning and they stated that i had a bad sensor. Well they went ahead and replaced the sensor and thermostat and flushed the radiator, Welll that was on Tuesday that I got my car back drove it that night and again i got the warning and this time the tempture gauge was moving up and down before it "overheated". So i took it back to the dealership and they stated it had air pockets from the flush. So Thursday it worked fine all day until Thursday night again it went inot the "overheating" state cold air was blowing from my vents. So I am now back at the dealership and very confused about what is going on with my car. Reading this I am hoping that I dont have to pay for the manifold.. ugh... :sick:

belloli

I'm responding to both ray80 and esmed at once here, so thanks to both.

no, there are no items that are plugged in (eg: cell phone) or anything other than what is native to the aztek itself. I've had no issues w/ the power outlets, though I do have the typical aztek hatch hiccup (must be unlocked twice to open every time) and the occasional door lock problem, too.

not sure if there is any parasitic drain, as obviously those are very hard to find or isolate. I hope not.

I actually did read the entire thread the other night for 2 hours or so. I do say it sounds much like a BCM from what I've read. Any thoughts on the two schools of thought on the mail order vs the GM BCM? seems like the former can be much less cash, but *if* it solves it finally, either would be money well spent. but will it solve it?

again, thanks.

tvplas

I purchased a BCM from brightauto.com for $160.69 and it is a OEM part not an after market knockoff. Did the replacement myself and it corrected all of the electrical problems I was having. You will need to have it programed at the dealership and they charge 1/2 hour rate fee for it (or at least my dealer did).

CVC-15143352
MODULE ASSEMBLY BODY CONTROL
Quantity : 1
Price : $153.00
S&H:$7.69
Total Price: $160.69

nad5

How do you change a thermostat in a Pontiac Aztec?

nad5

How do I contact you to find out how you replaced your thermostat? I think ours is stuck shut and is overheating. We want to change it to see if that is all that is needed.

pwb1

the hub sensors are acting up. very fragile wires. is it possible to engage the allwheel drive manually by installing your own switch? its awsum when it works but thats only when it wants too

scottm4

We had a similar water problem. After a trip to the dealer we found that an elbow was missing from the a/c condensation line. It was left out during manufacturing. Our dealer replaced at no charge since it was never actually installed.

skaroger867

my wife has a few problems with her aztek. its a 2001 with 2wd, about 130000miles and she has had a headlight that is very dim since she bought it. we were told it was a problem with the reflector, but i dont know if i believe that. it looks like a problem with her ground to me. on the inside when the lights are on the bright light symbol will flash on and off, im not sure if the dull light does the same or not. its on the driver side and i believe the fog light is dim to. also on the driver side the panel for the power windows was giving her trouble rolling up and down one window so we replaced the panel and it was working great for a few months now the driver side window doesnt want to roll up, we have to push it up. she thinks it because when it iced here she tried rolling it down then up again. also the ligth on her dash where the fuel gage is doesnt seem to work. alos her trunk button doesnt really work.

i tried checking under the driver seat where the electrial thing is to see if it was wet and i couldnt feel anything, but it is cold here, like 20F.

any ideas. her car has no warrenty and im worried about it. oh and the electrical connections dont look lose.

also i should mention it looks like it was in an accident (in the front driver side where the light is in the front, go figure) but when we checkd the history of the car i couldnt find an accident. it has a rebuilt title too.

belloli

thanks much for the info. I'll pass this along to my mechanic and see where we end up. won't be dealing w/ this for a few weeks, as I'm about to head off on vacation and then a trip for work.

thanks for the insight, though. very helpfu...

doindiana

I have 2002 Aztek with a jammed ignition lock, the dealership said that it was so jammed that they couldn't get it off the steering column to replace. So they were going to have to replace the entire steering column just to fix the ignition issue, this just seems so b.s. to me. They have said they have tried everything and this is the only fix for this. So instead of a $300-$400 fix, it would be $1200.00 to replace a part that wasn't broke to begin with (steering column). That price is for parts and labor. Has anyone had this issue and how far of a ride our they taking me on???

doindiana

I have 2002 Aztek with a jammed ignition lock, the dealership said that it was so jammed that they couldn't get it off the steering column to replace. So they were going to have to replace the entire steering column just to fix the ignition issue, this just seems so b.s. to me. They have said they have tried everything and this is the only fix for this. So instead of a $300-$400 fix, it would be $1200.00 to replace a part that wasn't broke to begin with (steering column). That price is for parts and labor. Has anyone had this issue and how far of a ride our they taking me on??? I have also asked to see the parts that have been taken out to see what they have tried and they can not seem to find them.

ray80

I have heard of ignition lock getting jammed for sure, but never heard of replacing the whole sterring column. What happened initialy, key got stuck shutting it off, couldn't turn key when trying to start, key turned but wouldn't start, then got stuck?

doindiana

Thanks for the replies, The steering wheel locked and the ignition wouldn't turn , tried to move the steering and turn the ignition, but it wouldn't unlock. I couldn't get the key to the ACC. position to pull out cylinder and change with new one. I have had the key get stuck and not release, but I reseeded wires to the shifter and that has been taken care of. I did check fuses under the inside console, but not under the hood. Its already at the dealership. I have complained enough that they are knocking $600.00 off the bill, but it is still too much for what it was taken in for.

ray80

Have you checked the connection to underhood fuse box? I might also lean towards checking fuses to make sure they are properly seated. Does the key still get stuck, or was that a one time thing?

ray80

Hhmm trying to recall exactly how things are set up, but I know for the HVAC cluster trim you should put the tranny lever in L and carefully pry off trim piece starting at bottom (don't break the tabs that hold it in). The HVAC cluster can be removed by taking out 2 scews. The radio may be a different story, and I don't know how thats done.

pwb1

i know the abs engages and disengages the awd. is it possible to engage the awd when the abs is out of order which is usually always. possibly even fulltime awd would be better than none at all

dartzoey

Hello. I have a 2003 aztek. I have purchased a new factory radio and CD player and also the heater control switch panel off ebay for my aztek. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how I go about getting the trim/casing off around these two things so that I can take the old ones out and put the new ones in? Looking forward to some help!

ray80

Both the ABS and AWD systems rely on the one speed sensor in each hub/bearing assembly to work, so the answer is no

jwebb2

I give up and am going to replace the bcm on my 01 aztek. Can any one help me with finding a replacement bcm at a good price and info on where it is located. I have heard to stories on says location is under radio other says under the hood by the air intake.

bruckmann

I was looking on some websites and found a recall website for Aztecs, there were many recalls.... I called the number and I was referred to a different number because I live in Canada and that was a US number I called. When I called the Canada number barely any of the recalls that were diplayed on the page were in Canada. I asked the person on the phone why that was and she said it was because of where the Aztecs were manufactured. So my questions are:
Do this mean that more people in the US are having problems with their Aztecs or is Canada just falling behind on owning up to these problems? Or is it actually possible that problems are more common with Aztecs that were manufactured in the US?
I have had my share, expically brake wise. Just curious.

beanpole1014

Please tell me someone has foud the issue with this? I have a 2004 Aztec nightmare also. The AWD disable and Anti-lock break lights come on and the engine wants to cut out. Sometimes they come one and it drives fine or the breaks "grab". Other times i feel something in the steering wheel when i make a turn then shortly after the AWD disable and anti-lock lights come on. I have had this monster since October 13th 2007 and have been dealing with this issue since i got it. Also, its bad weather here and thats when it all seems to happen. Please tell me someone has found the fix to this mess???

tidester

Do this mean that more people in the US are having problems with their Aztecs or is Canada just falling behind on owning up to these problems?

I think it's just a demographics thing. There are 10 times more Americans than Canadians and I think proportionally more Azteks are sold south of the border so there will be far fewer "complaints" on your side of the border on that basis alone. I also think that Americans may be a little less patient when trying to resolve issues and would ratchet things up more quickly.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

pwb1

what website did you find the aztek recalls on? and what braking issues did your unit have. mine is in the abs sensors.

kori

I'm having the same problem with the cooling fan coming on after I turn off the engine and even if I'm idling for a little bit. I was told that it was the O2 sensor, but not sure how that would effect the heating system, that sometimes blows cold air unless it is full of coolant. Have you heard anything about the O2 sensor being bad? Has anyone? :confuse:

ray80

02 sensors can go bad for sure, but it should illuminate the ses or check engine light. If you have to keep adding coolant, it may be overheating and that will cause the cooling fans to come on more often

simpleaztek

It appears that 60k miles was a bad omen. Heard a very loud grinding noise - so I paid $350 to get the passenger wheel bearing replaced.

Now, less than a 1,000 miles later, I notice the coolant level is low. Just diagnosed as a bad head gasket. Dealer wants $1,600 to fix it. I called Pontiac customer service and they are going to get back to me tomorrow, but I doubt I'll see a penny.

If ANYONE from GM is reading this, let me state I'm nearly 40 years old. I have never purchased anything but GM vehicles and I converted my wife from a VW lover to a GM lover. I have always told my kids to buy GM products and I always suggest GM to friends and relatives, but if GM thinks that a blown head gasket - which is COMMON on these vehicles - is something they can stick to their customers I will never buy a GM product again. This isn't just a bad month for me and my Aztek - GM has been working on losing my business when they sold me this vehicle in 2003 and then, less than four years of ownership later, they end analog transmission service for OnStar. That's wonderful - I paid $600 extra to get OnStar, paid my monthly fees and then when the car starts to get old, when you really want the extra service, they kill analog service.

I predict I will become the person I despise - an IMPORT owner. I'm already researching Honda's and Toyota's because I doubt Pontiac customer service will come through for me.

bruckmann

My brakes squeal, however I have had the roators machined, replaces, and new brake pads and they STILL squeal...I am told that this is normal occurance. Just 2 weeks ago though I had to have a sensor replaced because my ABS kept disabling...the wire was clearly coroded though...so it was time for a new one.
I now am having a problem where when I go to drive my car and it has been sitting for awhile I brake and the car stops and then go's a bit (even though my foot is on the brake) and then stops....scary. Its being looked at on Friday.(I take mine to a Mazda dealership they have been amazing) Does anyone find that their car engine is quite noisy? Or that their Aztec is quite loud when speeding up and the gears are changing?

likearainbow

Hi!
Brightauto.com has THE cheapest replacement BCM. I did my research and paid $150 and that included shipping. The next cheapest I found online was over $200. You have to remove the whole console to get to the part but the savings in doing it yourself are worth it. I paid $80 to have the new part programmed at the dealership after I installed it. If you send me your email address I can email you the pages from the service manual that show how to do it.

trudy2

On the messages in this section I found out about this adjustment for the 2002-2004 Pontiac Aztek vehicles. It's policy #06036. It said if you were in that time period and the car was under 5 yrs. old or 60,000 miles that you would be reimbursed for the expense of replacing these. I filled out all the paperwork and sent it in with high hopes. But today we rec'd an answer back and they refused our claim. We called the customer service number that was on the letter. She told us that certain cars, even if they fell in this time slot, were not covered. I don't know if it had to do with where they were made, or the VIN number or what. She was no help. We asked to talk to someone else higher up but she said the place that we send the claim to has no phone number, just an address. Our Aztek is a 2004 and had 56,753 miles on it at the time we needed to replace the wheel bearings. Very disappointing since it cost us about $340.00. Anyone else have this problem? Trudy

bruckmann

The first problem is that when I go to drive my car after it has been sitting for a bit I brake and while my foot is on the brake it continues going less then a foot and then stops.....any ideas?
The second I am wondering is if anyone notices their Aztec is noisy when you speed up and your car s switiching gears...is this normal or should I be concerned. It has been going on for awhile and I have had my car for almost a year now (Bought a used 2003) and no problems have been presented so far but just noises.
The third is that when I looked uderneath my car today, in between the drivers and pasenger side there was a square box with a wire exposed. If you know what this is should it have a cover??? I think so but I have never really looked under my vehicle so I can't tell you if its been like that for the last year or if something fell off...
:confuse:

ks08

After dealing for years with the electrical problems: no A/C, no ABS, no AWD,
no rear hatch, lights flashing, losing headlights, overheating, locks on and off,
no power windows, no fuel gauge,etc. - It all seemed to start way back in early
2002 when starting on a long trip we decided to get an oil change @ WalMart.
After shopping we were told that our new battery was installed - Oops a little
mixup. Anyway we eventually had the BCM replaced to no avail, searched
around for moisture and condensation, were told by mechanics that there is
no problem or couldn't find a short. So now we have a vehicle that is
really not functional, unsafe, and seems to be unfixable by most analyses.
Oh yeah things usually start working again temporarily but no one knows
how long till they do. GM really screwed up here as we liked the vehicle
but basically its been broken for 6 years so now we have agreed to just be
rid of it - did not want to because the resale value is so low but no choice.

esmed

Does any one know wher can I get the module of switches for windows control?
The one for the driver's window is not working and they don't seems to be fixable.
Thanks in advance

J. Luis Priego

jwebb2

Hi I am a 2001 Aztek owner just came back from getting my new BCM programed everything is great on the electrical end now! I saved $400 replacing the BCM my self and bought the BCM from Brightauto.com (ACDELCO Part) for $172 vs. $280 anyway i am still having trouble with the awd and abs. Know.... it sounds kinda like a plane taking off while driving. Has anyone had this same problem and if so how to fix it?

ray80

For the AWD/ABS warning light, either a sensor in wheel bearing/hub assembly is bad, or in quite a few cases, a connection to one of the sensors is corroded or wire is broken. For the noise, is it a metallic sound/grinding or more like groan or moan sound? Also does it change in intensity or tone and happen more at slow speed or get worse at faster speed? Does it change when turning one way or amother?

jwebb2

The noise is more like a groan sound, I know it is not the break pads i just had new ones put on. From what i can remember the noise gets worse at high speeds and i do remember it changing a little as i make turns. Where would the sensor be located and/or the connection that i should probly check first.

Thanks

ray80

The groan/moan with the AWD version is usually either an indication the versa-trak fluid needs to be changed, or quite likely it is low on fluid due to a leak. It may be real noticeable on a fairly high speed turn (like an tight turn on exit ramp). I had around 75k miles on ours when I had a leak, so I had them do a fluid change as well as correcting the leaky seal. Each wheel bearing/hub assembly has a wire for the speed sensor that could be checked ( I think a GM dealer can check codes to point to a particular wheel ).

purplepuppy

Found the recalls on "Aztekfanclub.com" which is down at the momment I expect the moderator is trying to fix the problem but you might want to try there tomorrow or the next day. I usually check daily to see what is going on but am camping Tue, Wed, Thur. Anyway there is lots and lots of info there and you can just put "recall" in the search slot and it will bring all the infor up.