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Pontiac Aztek

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  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Gear shift light is fairly easy as posted above. For the lighting problem,,,,,could be a lot of things. First I would check the fuses both in cabin and underhood to be sure they are tight. Also while your checking underhood make sure the cable from battery to underhood fuse box is tight and not corroded. You could also check (if you can find) any ground connection from instument panel to make sure its tight. Because battery light comes on and you replaced battery (perhaps a little early) there may be a problem with alternater, you could get an active load test on that to see if there any any issues of flucuations in output that could cause problems. It might be helpful to put headlights on manualy (instead of auto) to see if they stay on when interior light go out.
  • gmhatergmhater Member Posts: 3
    Well every Aztec Owner...

    Read this and do not ignore.

    After 8 months and $3000.00 paid to Caroll Pontiac in Halifax N.S. they were unable to find the source of my electrical problems which include but are not limited to:

    - key stuck in ignition (Check fuse # 44 and 42 under your shifter center console)

    - Corroded wires leading to fuel pump

    - shorted out starter

    - switches in shifter disallowing me to turn car off or remove keys

    - all the brake related warning light come on a beep when going uphill

    - Warning light for transfer case, traction control, brakes, ABS, security system, door ajar and many others

    Many other electrical problems and to many to type.

    Now I was about to install a new Body Control Module costing $400. just for parts, after Caroll pontiac informed me that the must install it at $80/hr because it had to be pre-programed 1st I decided to get a second opinion from McPhee Pontiac (a separate business in Dartmouth N.S.)

    After 60sec on the phone he offered me this solution and saved me over $400.00.

    What the supposedly qulified Automotive Techs at Caroll Pontiac were unable to tell me is this:

    The Aztec has a HISTORY of leaking from various points into the interior of your car. This water ingress finds its way through the frame and gets under your carpet. Right behind your drivers seat there is a huge electrical connection with about 25 diffetent wires going into it. The water will seep into this connection and cause electical shorts to MANY of your systems. Do not think because your carpet appears dry you do not have this problem. The carpet has a vapor barrior on it. I had many puddles of water throughout the floor of my car. All the electrical connections behind my seat are coated with corrosion and the water forms a electrical bridge between the various connectors causing shorts.

    I advise every aztec owner to pull the carpet back and feel under the drivers seat and expose the connector to see evidence of water. I have yet to fully determine the area where water is getting in to my car. I currently have the entire interior ripped out of my car and have determined it is either my roof rack or from arounf the frame of the rear hatch. LOOK INTO THIS IMMEDIATLY BEFORE IS ALSO COSTS YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
  • gmhatergmhater Member Posts: 3
    In addition to all the ailments in my last post. On one of the many occasions that I had my keys locked in the ignition, unable to move shifter and the ignition in the ACC position...

    I had it towed to Caroll Pontiac in Halifax N.S., I reported to their service area and explained the senerio. They decided to leave it out all night with the keys still locked in the car. After the sun went down the headlights came on and stayed on all night, well until it drained the battery. The temperature that night was -10deg C and it froze my battery solid. The next day I was charged almost $400.00 to replace a fuse (#44 which is for the Accessory Voltage from the Body Control Module) which blew and resulted in the keys being locked in the ignition and unable to shift. They also charged me to replace the battery that froze over night due to their negligence.

    Oh and yes I have told them I was reporting them to the better business bureau, GM Canada, the Media and so on. Their reply was "Oh, well have a nice day."
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I posted about the connecter this past aug in relation to dancing fuel gauge, some of the other things that could be affected are the ABS,AWD and other things toward the rear Fuel pump, perhaps the reported stalling on turns and others. One fairly common water leak is the sunroof if equipped, drains get clogged
  • gmhatergmhater Member Posts: 3
    I thank you ray80 for the possible leak area,

    I am sad to report I dont have a sun roof so I am still looking for the source.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    After the sun went down the headlights came on and stayed on all night, well until it drained the battery.

    You didn't mention anything similar to that in your first post but why would anyone have anticipated the headlights coming on by themselves when the Sun sets? Had you mentioned that autonomous behavior to the dealer beforehand?

    Just curious. :)

    tidester, host
  • jmccabe2jmccabe2 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks Ray80! I printed out your advice and will have my older brothers follow it as best they can, if all else fails, I'll head to a dealership. I'm excited to know the gear shift light wil be a fairly easy fix. I had my battery replaced because on two different occassions it wouldn't start and my car was hesitant to turn over on start-had it tested and they said it was bad but good that my original battery had lasted so long. When my gages didn't work the mechanic told me there was in fact a service bulletin on them. Can I ask, do you think this has anything to do with the new battery? Feel free to enlighten me with your thoughts! thanks so much for your time! - Jessica R. McCabe - Quincy, Illinois :blush:
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I don't think the new battery is causing problem (unless it happens to be bad even though new). While I gave some thing that could be checked at home, the fact that battery went dead and you continue to have problems would tend to make me think charging system (alternator)may be the culprit and problem may be intermittent (If you do get load test done, try to make sure they run it for a while to see if voltage fluctuates at all). There is also a chance there could be BCM involvement (either bad or bad connections) but I would check the other things first
  • jmccabe2jmccabe2 Member Posts: 8
    Ray - Is the alternator something that would cause me to have a hard time starting my car? Sometimes (and it's becoming more frequent) I will go to start my car and I really have to hold the key there for a while to get it to start...my husband thinks there's nothing wrong by this but I remember when I first got it it didn't do that, it would turn over right away. Or is this my starter? What exactly does the alternator do?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    The alternator charges the battery and also provides the electric power while running. It should not directly affect starting unless it didn't charge battery during prior running. Ours once in a while has a problem starting (slow to fire, turns over fine and quick) on a hot start (I:E: drive it, shut it off for 5 mins or less then try to restart), does this sound similar? Also does it seem to turn over at the usual speed?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I think the answer is as complicated as the rest of the stuff. I believe with the keys in ignition by default the drls (during daytime) are on, and would automaticly switch to full headlights when dark. The retained power accessory feature should have shut them off but with the electrical problem that may not have functioning either. Dealer staff may not have noticed the drls being left on. Got to love the electronics on new vehicles ;)
  • mjonesinthenwmjonesinthenw Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2003 Blue Aztek with the camping, and tow package. Purchased right before Thanksgiving back in 2002 right off the showroom floor. I love my Aztek as I haven't had a problem with it at all, until now. I have 84559 miles on the car ( driving cross country).
  • mjonesinthenwmjonesinthenw Member Posts: 7
    I have 84555 miles on my Aztek and I have noticed I have to keep putting water in the radiator. No lights or warning instruments have come on. I just got my oil changed about 2500 miles ago. The engine started making a pinging noise when I start it up. It last for just a little while, until it warms up, then goes away. I added some more water to the resevoir and the noise went away. I just added some Dex-Coolant and the noise is back. Does anyone know what this could be?
  • jpfjpf Member Posts: 496
    The fact that you're losing coolant may indicate that you have the infamous leaking intake manifold gasket. A common problem with the 3.4 liter engine. You need to get it checked out right of way, especially if the coolant is getting into your oil. Good luck.
  • mjonesinthenwmjonesinthenw Member Posts: 7
    There doesn't appear to be any water in the oil as of this evening. But, the water does evaporate quickly with no signs of leaking anywhere and no signs of moisture out the exhaust.
  • dstill01dstill01 Member Posts: 2
    The exact same thing happens to my 2001 Aztek, and has been happening for several months now! I know for a fact that there is a water leak coming in somewhere on the passenger side, and since I have a roof rack and sun roof, I could have leaks coming in other places also.

    I will have to lift the carpet and check where "gmhater" suggested. Hopefully, this is the cause and I can stop up the leaks and dry out the connections!

    My dealer ran a diagnostic on my computer and checked a few connections, but did not find anything. They certainly did not check under the carpet inside the car!

    My hatch will not open either, and has been like this for a couple of months, could this also be caused by a short from water leakage to the same area? It will not open via the remote or the key, so I suppose it could just be jammed. Does anyone know how to remove the plastic trim from the tailgate while it is closed?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Specific for the hatch issue, look at my post #173 in Aztek care and maintenance forum, could be of help to you.

    The connector problem I believe is related to wiring that goes from inside cabin to underneath vehicle just behind drivers seat and can have ramifcations to anything towards the rea of vehicle I think
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    If it is the lower intake gasket issue, they tend to leak externaly initialy. You may be able to see it if it is. You can look at the engine from drivers side front. Just a little higher and beyond pivot point for engine you should be able to see the gasket (line between parts could be black or blue). If you see dark oily looking wet spot there it is most likely the gasket failure and you may have to 'follow' that line around the whole engine as it could leak anywhere. The coolant tends to evaporate, but the stain remains.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    This morning, driving to work, the AWD disable and the ABS lights turned on. Anybody had experineced the same or any idea why these two indicators lit.

    The vehicle, I named EXZUR, is a yellow 2001 Pontiac AZTEK GT AWD. The car already has almost 104,000 miles on the odometer.

    Also, anybody knows when to service the carrier assembly - differntial(rear drive module) and transfer case(power transfer unit)? I mean replace the fluid.

    Responses will be appreciated.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    This morning, driving to work, the AWD disable and the ABS lights turned on. Anybody had experineced the same or any idea why these two indicators lit.

    The vehicle, I named EXZUR, is a yellow 2001 Pontiac AZTEK GT AWD. The car already has almost 104,000 miles on the odometer.

    Also, anybody knows when to service the carrier assembly - differntial(rear drive module) and transfer case(power transfer unit)? I mean replace the fluid.

    Responses will be appreciated.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    The basic symptoms indicate a problem with sensor(s) on one of the wheels. Either the sensor(s) is bad or there is a problem with connection somewhere. I'd have to look on manual for service interval for versa-trak fluid but I seem to remember 50k miles if towing, longer if not.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    When I started the engine going back home that same day the AWD disable and ABS lights did not lit. Hopefully, it would not come back.

    Thanks Ray80. What I saw in the manual, is the check up interval for the Versatrak fluid. Add the fluid if there is a need to. There's no mention of fluid replacement.

    The fuel filter that I had replaced at 100,000 miles is almost clogged. The power steering fluid is dirty, so I had it flushed and replaced too. These two issues are not in the 2001 Pontiac Aztek Operation Manual.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    When I started the engine going back home that same day the AWD disable and ABS lights did not lit. Hopefully, it would not come back.

    Thanks Ray80. What I saw in the manual, is the check up interval for the Versatrak fluid. Add the fluid if there is a need to. There's no mention of fluid replacement.

    The fuel filter that I had replaced at 100,000 miles is almost clogged. The power steering fluid is dirty, so I had it flushed and replaced too. These two issues are not in the 2001 Pontiac Aztek Operation Manual.
  • brooke71832brooke71832 Member Posts: 1
    First, my temperature gauge quit working, so my service engine light came on and it makes the cooling fan (which has never come on before) come on after i turn off the engine and it makes a gurgling sound. Second, while traveling at 60 mph my car runs at 3000 rpms it doesn't shift out. Third, about every 3000 miles the low engine oil level comes on and I'm about 1 1/2 or 2 quarts low. Its not leaking on the ground and it doesn't smoke so I don't know where its going. If anyone has any answers or suggestions please help.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Hhmm could be various problems. A stuck open thermostat can cause the temp gauge to appear not to be working and also the ses light. The most common thing for possible oil loss (and coolant loss) on these is lower intake manifold gasket leaking.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    Had anybody replaced the versatrak fluid? How much did it cost?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I have not but I understand the fluid is kind of pricey (If I have the correct part number the list price is $25.90 and if I remember correctly, that may be for a pint). Are you going to have dealer replace?

    I did find an owner that had it replaced. $144
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    Thanks Ray80. I checked with a local Pontiac dealer and they can do the Versatrak fluid replacement for $95 plus tax.

    Why, I want to get it done is because I heard whining noise which I think is coming from the rear axle.

    My other concern is I feel like the transmision takes a longer time to shift into overdrive.
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    Hi All,

    I see a few Aztek owners here. I have an 2001, nothing to fancy, would have love to have the Rally. I loved the funky design since it's release and bought one 2 1/2 years ago. I've never had any problems with mine and I just recently added remote starter too it.

    CaliberChic
    Wagons Host
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    Not sure if you found your answer to this or not, or if still a problem for you because your post is from June 06 but I wanted to let you know this is a common issue.

    Both my Mother and myself own an Aztek and both had/have the same problem. She had hers fixed under her warranty as she had a 03' but I've never taken mine in. I just :mad: and :cry: when it doesn't work.
  • dangeedangee Member Posts: 2
    Wow,,,,this happened to us today on our 2001 Aztek AWD,,The dash lights stay on..Phoned our Pontiac Dealer ,,said they never seen what I explained...they say thay would have to test to find problem,,at $ 90 a hour plus parts,,they said it could take a day maybe for tech to find problem...So any advice to where I could tell them to start would help me out,, and save afew bucks...thanks to all who reply.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Seems strange he Pontiac dealer won't know at least a little about the lights, but anyway:
    Could be a few things I now of that could cause it. Assuming you don't have the spare tire on (which will turn those lights on), it could be something as simple as a tire(s) that are low on pressure, I would check that first (its cheap). Other things it could be are a bad sensor in wheel hub assembly (or perhaps the connector to one came loose) or there is a wiring harness connector that runs under drivers seat and down under and to the rear of vehicle that in some cases gets some corrosion and creates troubles. I'll see if I can find any other possibilites.
  • draw1draw1 Member Posts: 1
    I have this problem with a 2003 pontiac grand am do you know if changing the intake gasket will fix the noise or is that another problem
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Actually I think the noise is different, intake gasket troubles shouldn't cause any noise unless it goes way way to long and engine is failing. Noise at startup (perhaps more so in cold temps) that goes away after warmup I think is common (it may be 'piston slap') and while I have heard of complaints, supposedly it doesn't indicate a real problem.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    Yesterday, driving back home, the HOT COOLANT TEMP reddish light and chime turned on. The needle pointer of the TEMP gauge was at the max. I slow down and look for a good spot to park the car. As I was about to park, the lit indicator went off. The TEMP gauge needle started to go down. Slowly, I was able to drive the car home.

    I am not driving the car until I have it checked. Any idea what the problem is?

    The car is a 2001 Aztek AWD GT with 105,000 miles.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    First I would check coolant level and correct if needed. I have recently seen a few instances of thermostat troubles in 01's which could either stuck open or closed and could cause the problem.
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    The coolant level in the transparent plastic container looks good. I went to a car repair shop to have the car checked. The mechanic open the coolant cover on top of the radiator and find out the level very low.

    The Dexcool coolant was drained and replaced with a different brand. That fixes the problem.

    Dont't rely on the looks of the coolant in the plastic container. The level may look good but it's not, specifically if the dexcool stuff is in there.
  • mjonesinthenwmjonesinthenw Member Posts: 7
    I don't know if it is the same issue. I keep putting water into the reserve container at least once a week. After I put the water in, the noise goes away. Now my change oil light is on. I checked my oil and it is fine. The noise sounds like an engine is out of oil ( someone told me that). A long time ago after I first got the vehicle, I was told by Pontiac that I had a little leak in the heads. They didn't offer to fix it as they told me it is fine for now. Well if the heads seems to be the problem, my car is out of warranty. Can I hold them to fixing this, since the problem started back in 2003 when I first got the vehicle? The car didn't make a noise during the whole time I've had the vehicle until last month. I bought the vehicle with 11 miles on it and now I have 85,234.
  • dangeedangee Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Ray for reply...I took it in the shop,,,I couldn't find the problem myself...Broken wire harness ,,a small one,,going to the left hub sensor..The break in the wire was not seen because of the brack plastic coating...I printed out your reply and gave it to the tech for some 'heads up' your advice saved us hundreds.....thanks again Ray
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Noise that goew away after adding coolant doesn't sound good to me at all. If you are lucky, it may just be bearings in water pump complaining. If your 03 was built early in model year, it is most likely the intake manifold gaskets that are casuing coolant loss. The dealer can confirn where the coolnat is going, and I would get it fixed right away as it seems your adding it quite often. I would not expect the dealer to take care of it if you only got verbal mention of it.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    If the coolant was not replaced with dex-cool equivelant brand, hopefully they did a very good flush as well as replacement (dex-cool and silicate coolant don't play well together I've heard). Sometimes the pickup in overflow tank doesn't work correct and radiater can go low, you do have to check both once in a while.
  • mjonesinthenwmjonesinthenw Member Posts: 7
    I worked on older cars and i know that the intake manifold is, I can't see where this one is and i can't find a repair book. Can you help me out on that? I can't find a repair book for the 03 Aztek, do you know where I might be able to snag one?
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    You can get one Here

    It's $27.50
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I may be able to help you find it via carspace e-mail
  • mjonesinthenwmjonesinthenw Member Posts: 7
    I just sent you an email...mjonesinthenw@carspace.com
  • knightmbaknightmba Member Posts: 1
    Do you still need these instructions? If so, I will look for mine. I may still have them in the tent bag.
  • josieandijosieandi Member Posts: 6
    Hi I am new to this site but I hope someone can help me.
    I read #70 and #40 message on maint. and repairs for the Azteks.. I have the same problem My light has gone out and I was wondering if anyone had this problem and how they fixed it. I can read mine with a flashlight too and my traction control acts up once in a while ( there is no ice - it's spring)This happened just before my light went out. I wonder if it is affiliated in any way. Anyone out there who can give me some advice?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I don't believe the 2 problems are related. If your lucky it could be just the dimmer switch got adjusted, try turning it all the way up. any other problems with lighting on the instrument cluster?
  • exzur2071exzur2071 Member Posts: 43
    Dealer say replacing the Versatrak fluid($94.99) will not remove the noise. Flushing rear differential as per GM TSB may correct the problem. Cost is $322.45 which I declined because there is no guarantee. If flushing will not work, the rear axle will be replaced at a cost of $3,777.
  • josieandijosieandi Member Posts: 6
    Thank you for replying to #208 of 209. I already tried the dimmer switch. No other problems with lighting on the instruments cluster...it lights up when I need gas,oil change, my lights come on automatically at dark, etc. Do you know if I have to change the whole cluster if only the odometer light is out because everything else works perfectly?
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