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Their parts computer does not yet have information for 2002 grand ams or aleros, so you need to look under the Saturn L series.
The Malibu and Alero have a stiffer feel, which I do not like, and the Gran Am has a lighter feel which I prefer. I also noticed these differences in the Cavalier and Sunfire which I thought use the same components.
I prefer the Malibu but not if I have to struggle with the steering. Anybody know technically what's going on and what can be modified, etc?
It seems to be totally random, though it does seem to happen more often right after I use the turn signal. I will hear the same clicking noise that you hear when you use the turn signal, but it will be at a faster rate and then will stop after a few "clicks." The signal itself does not come on when this happens, just the clicking noise. The randomness is what is strange, I can be driving down the road not having used my turn signal for a while and all of a sudden I will hear the clicking noise and then it will be gone.
I first experienced this problem about 2 months ago, but then it never happened again until a few days ago. And now it has happened at least once every time I drive the car.
Perhaps this is just a malfunction in the turn signal system? I don't know, I'm not a mechanic. but the randomness is what bothers me, it will occur if I use the L or R signal, whether the car is warm or cold, stopped or moving, it doesn't seem to matter. Any help would be appreciated.
I am in the process of purchasing a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 to use as a second vehicle. Currently I have a 2002 GMC Envoy SLT and I am looking forward to the purchase of the Pontiac. With the use of the GM discount, 5.9% for 60 months and $2002 cash back, I just couldn't pass up this offer so I decided to take the plunge!
The MSRP for my vehicle is $23,720 ($100 price increase added for models built after December 2001). It was a toss-up in color, but after careful consideration, I chose the Galaxy Silver Metallic over the Black with the graphite leather interior (Solid Value Package). Additionally, the vehicle was just delivered to the dealership this past Monday and has 4 miles on it, I am scheduled to take delivery this Friday!
Since all of you are current owners of Grand Am's, I was wondering if you could please tell me if there's any mechanical issues/concerns that I should be aware of?? What (if any) problems exist that I should be aware of? Please feel free to e-mail me or post a message to this board.
Thanks in Advance!
Dennis D.
IExplore2000@aol.com
Thanks for the information. My lights all work fine, the only problem is the turn signal clicking noise. You said you had yours replaced. How much does it cost to replace and is is something that I could do myself to save $$$? Where would I be able to buy the combo switch?
Thanks again.
A Service Tech at my usual Pontiac dealer said it looks as if my car as been in Florida for a while. The car was purchased new from this dealer in April 01, I live in KY so we don't get much snow, the car has never been south of the Mason-Dixon line, east of the Appalachian Mountains - thus my conclusions about salt spray or recycled water.
I recently drove a GT V6 and I really liked it. It really surprised me. What I am here for is to find out any problems with this model year. I have heard of problems with 92-94's and the newest models. Any info would be great. Just e-mail it to me at NABDaMan316@Yahoo.com
Thanks.
I don't have the GT model, I have a 2000 SE. I have to say that I haven't noticed any road salt when I look under the hood, perhaps this is because I don't have the RamAir. All I ever notice is general dirt and dust, nothing worse than that.
Abour car washes, I have discovered a place that hand washes the car and then runs it through water jets and a dryer to finish it off. It's great because it's only about $8 for the basic wash and it's all done by hand. Now the only think I wonder about is what kind of towels they use to wash it with.
I only get mine washed once every few weeks during cold weather, as soon as it's warm enough I'll be doing it myself!
Just an update, I havn't been experiencing the turn signal clicking in the last few days.
Any experience with the exhaust systems would be appreciated.
Since you have 3 kids, might I make a suggestion? I too have a minivan for most hauling, although I only have one kid (another in the oven) If I were in your position, I'd go for the Saturn L100, since it has a back seat large enough for 3 kids.
I saw one this week...had a spoiler, aluminum wheels, CD, power windows, sticker price of 17,400. THat's a nice package and price, and it isn't as sedate looking as a Malibu.
I picked the Alero over the grand am due to style and the enhanced warranty, but everybody has different tastes there. You are not too old for the Grand Am!
Hopefully, the extended warranty will cover it. If I find a fix I'll let everyone know.
Here's the problem: The vinyl is coming loose from the door panels. On both back doors, the vinyl is coming loose at the top of the panel where it meets the glass. On the front doors, there are bubbles under the vinyl where it is coming loose from the panel.
I live in South Texas, and know that the hot sun is making this worse, but I've nevere seen a car this new with this problem. Since the door panels all have this problem, it seems like it is a design defect, or a defect in manufacturing the panels.
Does anyone know how to get GM to fix this? They have refused to do anything so far. Does anyone know of a TSB (technical service bulletin) or some sort of GM authorization to replace these panels? Has anyone else had this problem?
Any help would be appreciated...
Joe
As far as driving a Grand Am at an "older" age, I turned 40 this year (on 9/11 nonetheless), and I love driving my bright red GT around and getting looks and comments. Maybe I'm a kid at heart, but I just can't see driving a sedate looking car!
I don't know if there is actually a TSB on this problem, or if you're out of luck once warranty runs out. I'll see if I can find out any more info.
I do not feel too old for the car but my girl friend hates it and called it a kids car. The car is a blast to drive and have had no problems for the first 5,000 miles
Age is just a number and being 'old' is just a state of mind!
Think young, act young, stay young!
Joe
Also have the exact same problem with quirky turn signal. Before I have the combo switch replaced, I'll check the bulbs in the tail lights and directionals. I've replaced one taillight bulb. Bulb was not burned out, but wire in bulb base heated up plastic and no longer made contact with the socket. At 39k I've replaced the drive belt, water pump, battery, and had the plastic on the door panels reglued. The brakes are original and no problems. Anyone have any info on the 2003 Grand Prix? I've searched the web without finding a good spy photo.
I certainly don't frigging care what my neighbors think of my car!
Anyone who lives like that to me is truly sad.
The only consideration I have for my neighbors is that the car is not a total eyesore (rust bucket, different color panels, etc) and doesn't wake them out of bed when I start it up in the morning. Other than that - it's my car so I drive what I want!
I started smelling coolant (there's no other smell like it), but didn't see ANY fluid on the ground. Days went by, and using a flashlight, I noticed coolant underneath of the intake manifold (that space below the manifold and above the lifter/cam cover)... I've had the car for 1.5 years and have put 20000 miles on it myself (it has just under 50000 miles on it)...
My first reaction to seeing fluid coming from a gasket is that it's been overheated, and thus warped. But I have never overheated it, so I don't know if it had loose manifold bolts, or a defective gasket...
Took it to the dealer, and they replaced the gasket...Waiting to see if it holds.
Has anyone heard of such a serious leak, with relatively few miles?
Today, I went and bought a '02 Grand Am SE1, with the option package that includes the chrome wheels off the GT, and moonroof, Monsoon stereo, etc....got it in the same color as my '99, gold.
Had 7 miles on it. Glad to be back a part of the Grand Am family.
What does the tire noise sound like? About 1,000 miles ago (I'm at ~22,000 now) I noticed a pulsating, grinding sound coming from my front wheels at speeds below 20mph, whether or not the brakes were applied. The pulsing frequency seems to be directly proportional to the wheels' rotational speed. The strange thing, though, is that when I first heard the noise, I didn't hear it again for over a week. Now the noise is back and it seems to be louder than before. If this indeed is the tire noise you referred to, I have no intention of replacing the tires while they're still good ($200/tire on the GT). Any thoughts?
The noise is definitely proportional to the speed, as the tire rubs on the wheel once per rotation.
Since there seems to be no cure for this ailment, I will be driving a while before I get new tires. I think you can get tires for less than $200 each, somewhere around $150 I believe.
Since you are still under warranty, I would take it to the dealer and see what they do for you. If you really want to fight it, tell them you want new tires!
As far as the tire noise, I'm pretty sure that it is only the GT low-profile tires that have the problem.
My husband and I are both engineers and we're scratching our heads trying to figure out how the tire could rub on the wheel (we're not car experts). Could you share the details of the problem with us if you know them? And, if the tire is rubbing in one spot (hence, once per revolution), then wouldn't that create a weak spot on the tire and therefore the potential for a serious problem?
I need to take the car in for an oil change and to have the rotors machined (they said they'll machine, but not replace them under warranty), so I'll have to add the tire noise to the list. AGH!!! I absolutely love my GT but I'm feeling awfully disappointed right now. No car is perfect, but... My SmartBuy is up in December. My neighbor runs a Chevy dealership and I am quite fond of the TrailBlazers he brings home everyday...but I'm sure they have their own share of problems as well.
Anyway, if you (or anyone) could elaborate on the tire noise, I'd greatly appreciate it!
The dealer twice tried to lubricate the wheels to eliminate the rubbing sound. Once with baby powder (I'm not kidding) and then with some kind of clear coat finish. They gobbed the clear coat on and I spent an hour trying to clean the excess off of my rims! Neither was a permanent solution to the problem, as the noise reestablished itself soon after. And when I rotated my tires recently, the noise just moved from one part of the car to another, and seemed to be louder than ever!
Unfortunately no, the SE model does not have the low tire pressure indicator. That is something that would be nice to have though!
I'm taking my car in to get it inspected by the end of the month, I'll have them check the tire again to see if they find a leak.
This is an interesting site, allowing you to totally customize your instrument cluster, including allowing you to have white-faced guages, among many other colors, and an indiglo (various colors, user-changeable color) illumination scheme.
About four of us jumped at the chance rather quickly, but there needs to be about eleven more since SpeedHut needs fifteen pre-orders before they can justify tooling up to make the modification.
At any rate, if you are a SEer wanting to dress up your '99 - '02 instrument cluster, here is a great opportunity. Certainly outclasses the cheap overlay kits.
I'll have to check this out. I assume it has a platinum impeller and is located inside the block where the engine must be removed for replacement.
Water pumps do have a finite life mostly determined by the condition of the coolant and drive tension. GM went to the Texaco Dexcool phosphate free extended life coolant, with one of the benefits being to extend the life of the water pump. This coolant is incompatabile with regular ethylene glycol and when mixed causes some severe cooling problems.