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Pontiac Aztek

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Comments

  • juanchoo1juanchoo1 Member Posts: 2
    i need the instruction please.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Not true according to the source.

    Pontiac.com

    Some websites stick extraneous info in their meta data or site headers or in seemingly "real" pages to try to get more search engine hits, hoping that you'll click an ad on their site..
  • vaaztekvaaztek Member Posts: 12
    I too have had problems with my 2001 Aztek overheating in the past. I have also replaced the intake manifold gasket (there's a service bulletin out on this, I was told) and currently have the car in the shop for the 3rd time (2 weeks at a time) to fix the "clown car" effect that you described in your posting.

    The mechanic hasn't thrown in the towel yet and replaced the BCM. Primarily because he doesn't think that this is the issue with my car.

    We'll see.
  • faguirrefaguirre Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2001 Aztek, and just got this weird problem when I turn the key, the instrument panel is dead, and cannot shift the gear from P to N, electrical windows and radio do not work however the alarm for the open door works, and also the A/C. Fuses and battery are OK. Please help :sick:
  • lovemyazteklovemyaztek Member Posts: 2
    I have an '01 Aztek (bought it used about 3 years ago).

    About a year ago - you name it - and it went wrong with the electrical system. At first the blower on my heating system went out ... so I took it in to the dealer and had it replaced. It worked again - for the short term.
    Then my fuel gauge stopped registering. Again - took it in to the dealer and had it replaced. It worked again - for the short term.
    Then the car just went NUTS (I think some have described it as the Disco Effect). If you popped the hatch ... nothing else electrical would work until you unattached the battery and then reattached (and it was only a 50/50 chance that resetting the battery would fix the issue).
    After awhile you did not have to pop the hatch anymore to trigger the electrical issues ... they just started going crazy on their own. I would constantly have a little wrench with me everywhere I went to unattach the battery and reattach after each and every drive.
    I could NEVER get the windows open, NEVER use the AC (and I live LA - yuck) ... never use the radio, I could not even move my seats as they were power seats. It was like the car's electrical supply was being plugged in, unplugged, plugged in, unplugged (the radio, dash lights and even front lights would flash on and off, on and off, on and off).
    The day we stopped driving it was the day that we were stuck in traffic on the 405 ... blistering hot (could not open the windows or have any type of blowing air in the car) ... and the alarm system started going off - on its own - with us still stuck in the car. We had to pull over (took 25 minutes in 3 lanes of traffic) ... turn off the car and get our trusty wrench out to unattach the battery (all with the horn blasting away) to make everything stop screaming at us.

    After that day - I put the car in storage until my Dad could come down and take a look (he worked for GM for 30-some years). After replacing the battery (we let the car sit for about 6 months after the "405 Incident") we decided to take it into a TRUSTWORTHY mechanic (no more dealerships for this gal). My Dad was of the opinion that it was the BCM (as was I after reading this forum) ... but wanted a 2nd opinion (oh - and we did look at the electrical wires behind the driver's seat ... they were in pristine condition). After trying to run a diagnostic - they agreed (they could not even run the diagnostic due to the condition of the electrical system) - and in 24 hours had replaced the BCM and she is running PERFECTLY now (for about 10 days straight)!

    Just wanted to share this as I know a number of you are suffering with similar issues ... DEFINITELY get the BCM checked / replaced - I am assuming there is some type of 'issue' with the original ones that were installed (it sounds like each car may have different 'symptoms' - but I think the illness [BCM] could be the same!).

    I love my Aztek and am THRILLED to have her running again (as all the other systems - such as engine, etc - continued to run so well through the electrical issues). Best of luck everyone ...

    :)

    EDIT: Oh yes - I forgot to mention, when it was acting up - I could never use the FOB and that the Security light was always on on the dash (all the lights would go on and off on the dash - sometimes things would register - like our speed - most of the time - they would not) ... I am sure there are other issues that I am forgetting to mention that we experienced (the list was never ending) ... but I think I have suppressed them ... for the most part.
    I think I also had some overheating issues - but that was sorted out on one of the first trips to the dealership a year and a half back when the problems were just rearing their ugly heads (had a head gasket changed - I remember that). I have put about $3000.00 in repairs into the car ... but had I simply replaced the BCM first ... I probably would have saved $2300 of that (The dealership really soaked me at the beginning). It is important to have someone you trust work on your car (and even better if you can have someone familiar with cars there to verify their evaluations and work).
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Yay is right! I hope that does it for you. I am about to replace by BCM also. Mine has all the options like Heads up Display, AWD, TC, Versatrack etc. I teach this stuff for a living I know every single possible thing about GM vehicles and it still makes me crazy sometimes.
    Good for you LMA...let me know how it's and you are doing.

    See ya
    Bill :)
  • lew59lew59 Member Posts: 4
    GOT BCM? WHERE IS THE BCM? :confuse: My Aztek is a 2002 with about 75k on it. It seems to have avoided all the nightmare Aztek problems in this discussion with the exception of the front wheel bearings, GM replaced them for free. BUT, the disco dash started about a month ago. I purchased a BCM for $160 and will have it reprogrammed by a dealer after I install it. Can somebody clue me in on where it is, how to get it out? Any procedures on the internet?

    Thanks,
    Lew
  • lovemyazteklovemyaztek Member Posts: 2
    Yowzers! All I know about the BCM location is that it is where my mechanic found it.
    :)
    So sorry - can't help you out there. However - I have noticed that Bill (participant in this thread) seems to know A LOT about vehicles. I am sure he can point you in the right direction ... Best of luck!!!
    :shades:
  • faguirrefaguirre Member Posts: 3
    Is in left side dash.
  • hofmanmshofmanms Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Aztec with 34000 miles. I had my BCM replaced about 4 months ago. Everything worked fine until today. When I first start the car, if I dont give it gas, it will stall out. When Im driving, it seems at any speed, my RPM gauge will jump between 1000-4000 and the engine will bog down or rev up accordingly. My battery light is also going on and off for a few seconds about every 5 minutes. Any Ideas?
    Thanks,
    Mike
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Hi All,
    If anybody wants any print info on anything let me know through my other email:
    billkitt@bellsouth.net. I can attach what you need. The BCM is actually located in the center console toward the front under dash area. Some vary but in the '02 it's righrt at the end of a big harness in the center console around the Body Control fuse box. I can be more exact when I get to work tomorrow and pull it up on my computer there.

    Good Luck
    Bill
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    I've had several questions about the 'programming ' part of this BCM fiasco.
    The programming part is due to parts consolidation. The ‘One BCM fits all’ concept. It's just a blank box and it is later programmed to all of the options on a particular make model etc. (ie your Aztek). We used to just pop a PROM chip in the box which you could get out of the old one. Now the electronics are so complicated that they must be electronically programmed.

    Unfortunately, you must have a ‘Tech 2’ scan tool to do this procedure. The vehicle will not start or run without programming it. It’s like buying a brand new PC and not loading any operating system. You will probably have to go to your local GM dealer to do this. Some good independent shops (ACDelco Service Shops) www.acdelco.com that have a Tech 2 can do it as well. I believe it pays about .5 (half) hour labor. I’ll have to check and see if you can get this programmed off car. I don’t think so though.

    Good Luck and keep me posted.

    Bill">
  • jpm1145jpm1145 Member Posts: 23
    So if you have this part, you must take it to the dealer and replace it there? This is starting to get complicated. I thought that I could replace it at home and then take it to the dealer for reprogramming. Now I'm having second thoughts.
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Hey JPM
    Unfortunately that is the case. The theft system will not recognize it and will not allow you to start the car. You could try it...who knows, as weird as these Azteks get sometimes you never know. You could also leave everything apart and tell the dealer to just program it and you'll do the rest? Is it drivable w/the old BCM?

    Let me know what you do next.

    Bill
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Hello Steve,

    What is this ground kit you are talking about? Sound interesting.

    Bill
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I've never messed around with one but people have posted about them occasionally over the years. Supposedly a grounding (or earthing) kit can improve idle and driveability by stabilizing electrical noise and voltage spikes and equalizing resistance and voltage between various ground points (if that sounds like an infomercial, it's because I copied most of it from a web site).

    Other people with actual experience have reported that a grounding kit helps some cars but has no effect on others.

    I think I'll ask about them over on Edmunds Answers and try to flush out more details from a wider audience.
  • tvplastvplas Member Posts: 7
    I am not sure where the BCM must be programmed before the vehicle will operate appeared however if you read this thread you will find that this is not the case. I replaced mine with one from Brightauto.com about a month ago and still have not had it programmed. The vehicle works fine, I just have no radio and the airbag light is on. It will need to be programmed and you will be charged ½ hour of labor but all who have changed them were able to drive the vehicle to the shop.
  • jpm1145jpm1145 Member Posts: 23
    Thank you, now I'm willing to give it a try.
    My biggest problem now is that the rear hatch keeps opening
    unexpectantly and then the interior lights come on and on....
    then the battery wears down and I have to get a charge.
    If I could figure out where the wire was for the hatch I would
    put a toggle on it and only turn it on when I needed to release the hatch.
    If anyone has any info to share, I would really appreciate it.
    I am now keeping the rear hatch fuse out (#13) but this also disables
    the power windows and the weather is heating up around here(No AC, don't ask)
  • lew59lew59 Member Posts: 4
    Damn...looks like a crap shoot as to if the car will run after replacing the BCM, I see conflicting information. Based on the quirky electrical system in this vehicle, I can see a situation where both conditions could prevail. Thought the BCM did not control any engine/ignition functions. Find it hard to believe that the same module that dictates if the radio lighting works, also controls spark timing, etc. I also purchased the BCM at brightauto ($160, it went up 10 bucks), seems to increase my chances that it will run again. I am tempted to call a dealer but have a feeling there answer will be "we do not recommend replacing the BCM module by anybody other than a certified GM technician (Mr. Goodwrench?) I wonder if Mr. Goodwrench himself had anything to do with the front wheel bearing design.
  • lew59lew59 Member Posts: 4
    Bill, I need your help! I took the top off the councel and removed the side access panels to my 2002. Found the BCM, removed the three electrical connectors on the drivers side...now what. How in the heck are you supposed to remove the BCM with that big honking connector attached to the bottom??? Does the BCM slide out towards the drivers side access panel. Looks like it is designed to, but could not get it to move. Where can I get info on this?

    The airbag light does not seem to be a BCM reprogram issue, mine is on all the time now after disconnecting-reconnecting the 3 connections on the drivers side.
    (I had a service engine light on, but it went away after disconnecting reconnecting the battery)
    thanks
    Lew
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    You are right...it's a trick. There is a secret lever that you have to pull and it releases it. I've got a picture and instructions that I have been sending people at their request. Send me an email at billkitt@bellsouth.net and I'll attach it to my reply. The picture is worth a thousand words! Also, the air bag light may be BCM related. The air bag module must communicate with the Body Control Mod at all times. The BCM may not be able to process the info. Once you get the BCM in you will have to get it programmed to your particular vehicle so the modules can talk and listen to each other. They have to be 'introduced' to each other.

    Email ASAP because I have a busy day tomorrow and I'll be away from my computer until the evening.

    Take care Lew
    Bill
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    I just realized I think I already sent you the info. If so, maybe I can detail the BCM removal stuff.

    Bill :confuse:
  • lilone8907lilone8907 Member Posts: 2
    Yes i have had transmission problems with my 2001 Aztec mine wouldn't shift into fourth gear it would get close then jump down to third and shifting was hard and jerky i took it to a transmission shop and they said that the computer was working and telling my transmission to shift into fourth but the transmission itself wasn't doing it. And now months later my problems just keep getting worse i dont know if they all stemmed from the transmission problem or what i just know i love the car but if it cost more than what i paid for it to be fixed im selling it.
  • lew59lew59 Member Posts: 4
    Bill,

    I sent you an email...reply anytime in the next couple days, I won't get around to it until the weekend anyway. Thank you so much for the info. I'll post results and all my aztec lessons learned after the module is installed and programmed.

    Thanks,

    Lew
  • trosperttrospert Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone please assist me in finding a new headlight (the whole plastic cover piece), Mine just flew off and when I was driving down the highway and so now I am without. I looked on numerous websites and noone seems to have any. Please assist if you can! Thank you! :confuse:
  • ragerrlragerrl Member Posts: 6
    Penty,

    Did you get the problem figured out, cause I have got the same one. Did you find the resistor or did you replace the BCM. Any info would be helpful. Thanks!!! If someone else reads this, do you know the location of the AC resistor that was spoken about in thread #89. Thanks Again!!!
  • dolittle64dolittle64 Member Posts: 8
    Lower intake manifold gasket class action???? I've been waiting for a recall but -
    I'm supposed to take my car in TOMORROW to get the gasket replaced. My understanding is that I have to pay for it myself... not cheap! Please tell me more!
  • dolittle64dolittle64 Member Posts: 8
    Replying to my own message, see:

    http://www.dexcoolsettlement.com

    It looks as if being unable to afford fixing the cracking gasket means that they will only reimburse me $100 (maybe) to my $750-1000 repair bill!

    Does anyone know any other options for getting this fixed inexpensively or getting reimbursed more? Repairs need to be done prior to May 30, 2008 to be a part of this class action. I'd like to opt out if there's a better option. (White Pontiac Aztek 2002 FWD)
  • dolittle64dolittle64 Member Posts: 8
    Lately, when I drive my 2002 Aztek, either when I speed up or slow down (poor historian here) it makes this vibrating noise and the brakes? (steering?) seem to not work properly for a moment. It seems to especially happen when I'm turning right at low speed, partially braking. Any ideas?
  • anthony716anthony716 Member Posts: 10
    Does any body have Automotive Professionals Inc. warrenty
    that was purchsed with your aztec in New york? What are you dealers doing for you.
  • dolittle64dolittle64 Member Posts: 8
    I've got my car in the shop today with two things needing to be fixed - the lower intake manifold gasket ($750) and the right wheel bearing ($381). I'm appalled that I am expected to pay these when they appear to be defects in Azteks in general. Do you have any idea how I can negotiate or get this done for less? I live in Jacksonville, FL.
  • anthony716anthony716 Member Posts: 10
    there is a recall or "advisory" for the wheel bearing from gm"
    I had to call GM laster year about my ABS car was in the shop fro 1month"
  • dolittle64dolittle64 Member Posts: 8
    Well now I've really got a problem with my 2002 Aztek. They said that because the oil and coolant have already mixed (they ran a test), it would cost $2200 to fix that now whole situation now (another gasket below it is blown). This does not include fixing the wheel bearings or anthing else. Help!
  • faguirrefaguirre Member Posts: 3
    Lew. Just curious. Have you ever get the BCM out? If so can you let me know how you did it?

    Fer
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Sounds like the head gasket is gone also. Assuming you are working with GM dealer you could ask them nicely if Pontiac could assist in covering some of the expense. If they won't , you could call yourself and ask (nicely). Its ok to try and be persistant as long as you are nice about it.
  • dolittle64dolittle64 Member Posts: 8
    Yep, that's exactly what I did just about an hour before I got your message. The service manager said he is going to see what he can figure out and call back soon. I was glad that I was able to remain nice about it while in such a panic!

    Did you say that, specifically, "Pontiac" could assist? I'm confused about the different arms of GM, who makes decisions about what, and who is in the best position to move on this quickly.

    Hopefully I'll get some good news and they will back up their product and their work!
    Thank you.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Yes , Pontiac seeing as how its their vehicle. I know some (when their vehicles were younger) had called the Pontiac assistance line and managed to get some help for things like this.
  • milk54437milk54437 Member Posts: 1
    After reading some of the post here and having taken my 2001 Aztek to the dealer twice. First time replaced ignition switch then tore the tail gate trim panel to pieces and telling me they cannot find the problem. I came to the conclusion this has to simply be an electrical corrosion problem. I took apart the connection below the passenger compartment, the one on top of the engine and all the fuses under the hood. Sprayed them with electrical contact cleaner, brushed them with a wire brush and packed the female ends with dielectric grease. All the electrical problems are gone now. Keeping my fingers crossed but I believe this has solved the problem.
  • mrsomrso Member Posts: 2
    We have a 2004 Aztek and have been told that we need a new BCM. The dealership wanted $700 to replace it for us. We found one online and bought it but are having trouble locating where it is in the vehicle and how to get to it. Can anyone help?
  • mrsomrso Member Posts: 2
    We are needing to replace the BCM on a 2004 Aztek. Can anyone tell me where it is located and how to get to it?
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Hey mrso,
    Send me an email at billkitt@bellsouth.net and I'll attach the BCM replacement instructions to my reply. Once you get the BCM in you will have to get it programmed to your particular vehicle so the modules can talk and listen to each other. They have to be 'introduced' to each other. GM Dealer can do the programming or (recommended ACDelco shop at acdelco.com)

    Bill
  • tx2wheelertx2wheeler Member Posts: 1
    After reading some of these posts, mine seems a like a little problem. We have an '04 Aztek that we have had for almost 3 yrs. Have had no problems up till now. Last week the odometer stopped lighting up so you can read it. It is one of those electronic types. All the other lights are working for the instrument cluster. Is there a single light that lights the meter and where/how can I change it out? I'm guessing I'll have to take the trim off of the dash, but didn't see how to do it. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks
  • needhelp44needhelp44 Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone tell me what kind of motor is under the drivers seat, on the car frame? This thing has been kicking on all the time and it is driving me crazy.Even when the car is not running and I am listening to the radio it comes on for a while. What does it do and can it be unhooked?

    johnrd@ameritech.net
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Hey tx,
    Unfortunately the gauge cluster has to be removed and sent to an authorized electronics dealer. They will swap it out. Email me at billkitt@bellsouth.net and I can give you more info as far as where an authorized service center is and removal instructions. Give me you zip code as well.
    Bill
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    Hello
    If it is inside the car under the seat, it is the 'mirror - seat motor mod' but if it's under the vehicle it is the Auto -level control module (most likely) Either way, Unplug it. Otherwise it will run your battery down (if it already hasn't). There is probably a leak in the air ride system which is causing the pump to keep pumping.
    Let me know if I can help you out with the repair.

    Take care
    Bill :)
  • jpm1145jpm1145 Member Posts: 23
    I've read most of the threads I could find on this and had some diagrams sent to me but I'm still not getting how to get this out. I have most things apart but I'm stumped with the BCM removal. It is inset in a plastic cage that seems to go all the way around it. I don't have the new BCM yet, that might help me with what I'm looking at, but maybe someone can explain what I'm supposed to do now. I've even pulled back the side trim(which was a real pain) on the drivers side, because it looks like it has to slide out one way or the other. I have pictures I could send if needed. The part I'm talking about at this point is the part that there is 3 or was it 4 plugs of wires plugged into it. I guess its the BCM but from what I've learned, you have to push the lever to the left and the lever is behind some plastic. Also, the fact that this plastic cage it is in will does not provide any room to lift it up.
    Help
  • jpm1145jpm1145 Member Posts: 23
    I'm at this point. Removed the 3 harness connectors, is that all. Which way does the unit slide out, drivers side or passenger side. If either, its looks like you have to remove the side trim? Do you have to remove the 2 ventilated boxes on the drivers side with all the wires going to them?
  • jpm1145jpm1145 Member Posts: 23
    Ok, I finally figured out how to remove this thing. Without much needed instructions that would help my challenged mind and after going back to re-hash 4 or 5 times, I finally got it out. Very frustrating. The bits and parts of help that I got thru this and other forums all made sense after after it was out. I'm determined to try and make something to help others as I put this back together when the new BCM arrives. Even the joy of when it finally snapped free from the holding bracket was quickly extinguished when I found it very difficult to then fully remove it from the console. If I had to do it over again, I think the dremel would have been used to open up that white shell opening just a little more.
    Thanks to all who add to these forums, without which I would have never attempted this.
    My one last test will be when I put the new one in. There seems to be some debate on whether this should be done at the dealers or whether you are able to drive the vehicle without some features. I've gotten the feeling that it is the later, although I do understand that it should be programmed at the dealer.
    Thanks to all.
  • nicholebnicholeb Member Posts: 1
    This is my first time posting here, and I'm a new Aztek owner. We just bought our 2001 Pontiac Aztek a little less than a week ago from an auction and one or both of the previous owners kept all of the cool assesories that actually led me to buy the vehicle. It's missing the center console cooler, air compressor, tent, mattress and whatever else comes with the vehicle. I've checked on ebay and can't find any thing for the interior except LED's. I really don't want to go to a dealer and pay an arm and a leg for the pieces. Does anyone know where I could find them cheap? I've even checked out local junk yards and can't find anyone who even has a wrecked one. Any advice?
    Thanks,
    Nikki
  • jpm1145jpm1145 Member Posts: 23
    Today I received the new BCM and tonight I put it all back together and all my problems are gone. :)
    I have written up instructions with pictures, email me and I will send them to you.
    I just finished them so I'll probably go back over them tomorrow and see if I've made any mistakes
    or have anything else to add.
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