2002 grand am broken timing chain

[tashelmet]

50,000 miles on a 2.2L chain broke vavles bent is this common talked to one other person 37,000 had the same thing happen the dealer told him chian tensioner was to tigh from factory

[RocketFast321]

one or two people on the site had that problem too.

[knrt03]

brand new to this site and club but i can tell that this will be a great place to share info and problems.

i am in the same situation with my 2002 G.A. with 60,000 miles. i know a couple of GM cert. mech. they tell me that this is a known problem @ GM. from what i understand it is a failure in design and manufacturing the timing components. the chain does not receive sufficient lubrication causing premature failure. solution is gm does not want to own up to the problem, even though they had completely redesign the system since. they want you to buy the dealer only timing kit, expect $240.00-$300.00, this includes redesign guides, sprockets, chain, & oiler. this is only after you spend upwards of $500 to rebuild the head, ex. bent valves and or busted guides. not to mention the damage that may have been done to the bottum end the moter when the pistons slammed into the valves. basically gm's response to me was to grab my ankles, if you know what i mean. we need some kind of support for a major problem just begining to rear its ugly head. sorry for being so dramatic but i feel very passionate about somthing when i feel like i am being screwed over. i have a gm bulliten # given to dealerships that alerts them to the problem and the appropriate parts to use, keep in mind i do not believe this bulliten was released to the public. i was able to locate 2.2 eco's @ a local junkyard for $550 with 20,000 to 40,000 miles on them. that is the route i will be taking @ this point because speaking with gm is gettiing me no where.

[TheTrader]

Hi everyone

Well, after reading a few horror stories I decided to call my dealership and talk to the parts guy, not letting on I even own a pontiac asking about any posible problems with the timing chains and he didnt know of any, so I called the service counter a second time to run the VIN just to see if there was any recalls, just for fun, he told me there was none for the timing chain, but there was one posted for a "software upgrade"... he couldnt tell me much about it, accept it had something to do with the car stalling??? anyone else know about this one?

[Zinger]

I have had my ECU reflashed. My car never stalled out on me but it does act wierd from time to time. The rpms will drop from idle 900 to about 300 for a second then go back up. And im running at 79 382 kilometers on it. Theres no warrning to this chain failure i take it......

[MantaGreen97]

So the Ecotech is an interference engine eh? Timing chain is a great idea but if it is breaking at that low a mileage on an interference engine??? That's retarded. You'd think that a chain would be a good idea since [primarily on imports] you have to change the timing belt every 60k miles or so, otherwise. But what did GM use for a chain a bicycle chain??? Unbelieveable. I never heard about this problem until now. Has GM got it sorted out yet on newer cars? I'll have to be sure to tell anyone I know not to buy a car with an Ecotech in the time-being...

I may think the LIM gasket problem on the 60 degree V6s is bad but this is even worse--I'm glad I don't have an 2.2L Ecotech!

[tenspeed]

I find it interesting that both people that had chains break also have 2002 ecotecs. Since I have 50K miles on my '02, I'm keeping an eye out for any more information. I'm also planning on removing my polished valve cover for the winter so I'll take a look at the chain at that time.

[Zinger]

yea i have a 02 as well and i used to work at a GM dealer as a tec. i asked about the chain problem to the sevice tecs and the engines guys and they said they never seen this problem b4. im running close to 80k on my 02...... i dono guys maybe its just a problem with how the cars are put togeather???

[knrt03]

i am currently reassembling my 2002 ga eco from this problem. you my have seen a couple other threads on similar topics that i have started. car has 60k miles, way to soon to have a timing chain failure. when i complete the job and figure out how to post picture i will for all that are curious. from what i saw the chain did not wear out nor did the guides or any other components. for reasons unknown as of yet one of the chains links tore complete out of the pin that holds the links together. i thought in the past that maybe the chain stretched first then failed later, but from what i saw i don't think that was the case. your guess is as good as mine as to what happened. sprocket also had a few chew up teeth on it. i am not trying to cause panic, simply informing everyone the trouble i have gone through with this and the price tag attatched to it. like they always said at the end of G.I. joe cartoons "now you know, and knowing is half the battle".

[goredsox]

i know i dont have an ecotec but i was wonderin if any of u know if my 3300 has a timing chain or belt? what does the 3800 have since the 3300 is the same just less displacement. because i have 142,000 miles on my 93 and we have never had any work done on the timing chain/belt, never even had it replaced. should that be a concern, cuz i dont want it to fail and have a piston/valve collision horror story on my hands! :roll2:

[tenspeed]

Originally posted by knrt03
from what i saw the chain did not wear out nor did the guides or any other components. for reasons unknown as of yet one of the chains links tore complete out of the pin that holds the links together. i thought in the past that maybe the chain stretched first then failed later, but from what i saw i don't think that was the case. your guess is as good as mine as to what happened. sprocket also had a few chew up teeth on it.

I would be interested in seeing pictures of your chain failure. If you need them posted, send them to tenspeed@rochester.rr.com

I will resize them and post them for you. Just right click on the image and send it in a email.

[knrt03]

consider it done, i should have the head back by the end of the week so i can start the reassembly this weekend. i can't wait to get my baby back on the road. my wifes old 94 ford thunderterd is just not............ well not my ga, you understand.

[tenspeed]

Hey Kevin, this might work better. Put your pictures into http://photobucket.com

You can then refer people to the album. I made one for my exhaust. http://photobucket.com/albums/b72/tenspeed/SLP%20exhaust/

[RickHigginsHtbr]

hmmmm.... so I guess it would be recomended to have my timing chain inspected before i break my 60k mile warranty?

[knrt03]

it would not hurt. like i said i'm not trying to cause panic. all i know is that i'm not the only one who has had a premature (catastrophic) failure.

[knrt03]

car is complete runs like brand new. pictures soon to follow.

[ENGGUY]

I don't want to hurt feelings. But if I was to guess where that timing chain was manufactured, I would say in that country just south of the USA boarder. Maybe the whole engine was made there. Sad thing is us owners get stuck with the bill for the goof up of having jobs and work exported to other countrys that just can't handle the job.

[goredsox]

Originally posted by ENGGUY
I don't want to hurt feelings. But if I was to guess where that timing chain was manufactured, I would say in that country just south of the USA boarder.

i concur.

[Prospeeder]

Originally posted by goredsox
i know i dont have an ecotec but i was wonderin if any of u know if my 3300 has a timing chain or belt? what does the 3800 have since the 3300 is the same just less displacement. because i have 142,000 miles on my 93 and we have never had any work done on the timing chain/belt, never even had it replaced. should that be a concern, cuz i dont want it to fail and have a piston/valve collision horror story on my hands! :roll2:

Timing chain, and iv herd older GM cars timing chains, such as 3.1s and what not runinng on the timing chain well past 200k just fine, iv herd one breaking on a Turbo GP at 225k when he reved it up to 5k in nutral and snapped it right off, so i wouldnt worry about it

[knrt03]

i agree a well manufactured and correctly designed chain system should long outlive the rest of the motor. thats why these chains failing so early (40k, 50K, 60K) is so disturbing.

[ga5speed02]

great, what wonderfull news :roll2:
i have 35k on my ecotec. now im all worried cause i think i voided every warenty on my car. not that it matters cause my warenty is up but still. i need to keep an eye out cause like Jim i have an 02 5speed. this sucks.

btw i heard somewhere that honda disgned this engin. is that true?

[Prospeeder]

that was the Satuen Vue 3.5 (DOHC i think) that was honda designed

[ga5speed02]

so not the 2.2 ecotec in our cars??

i really need to know. i told this kind how is a poser honda freak kid that the ecotec was designed by honda. i thought i read that somewhere, so he basicly tells me i have a honda motor in my car. i want to prove him worng more than anything

[TheTrader]

he was right, 3.5 in the Vue is Honda Designed (250hp too!), the Ecotec is 100% General Motors as far as I know

[Prospeeder]

Yes, the Ecotec is 100% GM, no Honduh, tell that ricer youll smoke him, lol

[TheTrader]

Well, I been doin some looking around, and on a saturn board I noticed someone posted that in 2003 or 2004 they made a modification to the oiler for the timing chain in Ecotecs... so I decided to take a look on www.gmpartsdirect.com and see what they say with different model years... I compared a 2002 grand am with a 2004 grand am, and also a 2002 cavalier & a 2004 cavalier.

2002 Grand-Am
Part #
In-Line4 55350940
In-Line4, Chain 90537370
In-Line4 24461834
In-Line4 12577164
In-Line4, Kit 12577164


2004 Grand-Am:
Part #
In-Line4, Kit 12577164


2002 Cavalier
Part #
2.2L Eng, O.H.C.- DOHC, Kit 55350940
2.2L Eng 90537370
2.2L Eng, O.H.C.- DOHC 24461834
2.2L Eng, O.H.C.- DOHC, Kit 12577164
2.4L Eng 24574447


2004 Cavalier
Part #
In-Line4, Kit 12577164


so, it would seem that the only timing chain replacements for 2004's is part# 12577164, but they have that number, along with another kit number for the 2002's.... I am guessing that part# 12577164 is the new 2004 timing chain update and part# 55350940 is the original parts put on a 2002 model??......

I have approx 77,000km on my '02 Ecotec... needless to say I am slightly worried about this...

comments??


-Daniel

[Prospeeder]

comments, replace it if your worried, better safe then sorry, bent valves dont sound like fun to replace, lol

[BledRedGaSe]

Back in the late 90's honda traded their DOHC 4 cylinder technology from their B series motors to GM for GM's 8 cylinder diesel technology. That's why the Ecotec is considered the new international 4 cylinder powerplant. Because it has combined technologies. Sorry to bust Ur domestic bubble! :(

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by BledRedGaSe
Back in the late 90's honda traded their DOHC 4 cylinder technology from their B series motors to GM for GM's 8 cylinder diesel technology. That's why the Ecotec is considered the new international 4 cylinder powerplant. Because it has combined technologies. Sorry to bust Ur domestic bubble! :(


Honda wanted 8cyl Diesel technology??? where did that end up?? I dont know of any hondas with that kinda motor !

[tenspeed]

Honda is a world wide company. They sell stuff in other countries that never make the American shores. If there's a market, they'll make it.

[ga5speed02]

:nervous: :???: so which is it. im lost :sad2:

[GrandAm Annie]

:mad: HI,
I'm new to the site and found it by searching for information on my Ecotec engine. I'm so mad right now I could spit fire but I'm a lady so I won't do that. Anyway, I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am with 54,910 miles on it and the timing belt went out on it! Thank God it didn't happen on the highway but what shock. It happened as I was pulling out of the driveway at work so according to the mechanic, there may not be as much damage but won't know until tomorrow. I too contacted GM and don't think I'm going to get far but I was nice at this point. GM is supposed to call me this Thursday. I can create a big stink when pushed into a corner and I have friends that can testify to that, LOL. I come from a GM family but I'm starting to lose faith in the product. I'll post more info after talking to GM.

[GoTWhisKeY]

I also have a 2002 Grand Am SE 5 spd with the ecotech, it has 65,000 KM on it. I woke up this morning and turned on the car, and I start hearing something from inside the engine, it honestly sounded like the timing belt griding a bit or something i dont know.... It was like clunking or something its hard to explaing... anyway after the car warmed up it seemed to go away... I'm scared though now :(

[knrt03]

no belt, chain driven in the ecotecs. when mine let go it ran/idled slightly rough once or twice about 2-3 weeks before it broke. will feel and sound like you are slightly off timing, and then will go away.

[GoTWhisKeY]

no belt, chain driven in the ecotecs. when mine let go it ran/idled slightly rough once or twice about 2-3 weeks before it broke. will feel and sound like you are slightly off timing, and then will go away.
Opps yeah I meant chain, I could sort of tell by the sound it makes.

Honestly your post is exactly the same as whats happening to me. LUCKILY :D I still have some Lubrico warranty left. I called up, and the Timing Chain is covered! So looks like i'm bringing the car in tomorrow to get a whole new timing chain assembly and all that jazz for $100 deductible! Hopefully the chain doesn't blow before then :O :mad:

[RickHigginsHtbr]

i have just over 2K miles left on my warranty... if it breaks, I hope it's soon. :)

[urweak]

yea this is a common thing for the ecotec as most of you have already relised. Its funny thought that people think so highly of this motor and look down on the quad4s. Both motors have their share of problems for sure.

[Prospeeder]

Originally posted by urweak
yea this is a common thing for the ecotec as most of you have already relised. Its funny thought that people think so highly of this motor and look down on the quad4s. Both motors have their share of problems for sure.
I agree, Quads had head gasket problems, and Ecos have a timing chain breaking in 3 years and completly destroying the valves and pistons, yay....

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by urweak
yea this is a common thing for the ecotec as most of you have already relised. Its funny thought that people think so highly of this motor and look down on the quad4s. Both motors have their share of problems for sure.

I have talked to the dealer, and quite a few other mechanics around town here in Moncton, and no one has ever heard of the timing chain going in an Ecotec..... I am still weary however... the first time I hear anything out of the ordinary, she is going in for a check-up

[RickHigginsHtbr]

yea, the timing chain problem with eco's isnt nearly as common as, say, the LIM problem on the 3400. I asked my dealership about it, they only had to fix it twice between GA's + Sunfires.

[urweak]

Originally posted by TheTrader
I have talked to the dealer, and quite a few other mechanics around town here in Moncton, and no one has ever heard of the timing chain going in an Ecotec..... I am still weary however... the first time I hear anything out of the ordinary, she is going in for a check-up

The motor is about 5 years old or so. The quad is going on like 20 years. give it awhile, only time will tell.

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by GoTWhisKeY
Opps yeah I meant chain, I could sort of tell by the sound it makes.

Honestly your post is exactly the same as whats happening to me. LUCKILY :D I still have some Lubrico warranty left. I called up, and the Timing Chain is covered! So looks like i'm bringing the car in tomorrow to get a whole new timing chain assembly and all that jazz for $100 deductible! Hopefully the chain doesn't blow before then :O :mad:

tell me how this works out, as I still have like 2 years left on my lubrico... I have the full on, zero deductibale one... and I have looked it up and noticed it is covered... however I have heard some sketchy things about them since buying the warrnty... just want to know if you make out ok dealing with them

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by urweak
The motor is about 5 years old or so. The quad is going on like 20 years. give it awhile, only time will tell.

thats true... I just hope it gives up before the warrnty does :P

if not, then I will just buy a motor from a wrecked cavy or something and drop it in... with a new chain of course :P cheaper then getting new pistons, valves, basically complete re-build on the motor if the chain breaks!

[GoTWhisKeY]

Originally posted by TheTrader
tell me how this works out, as I still have like 2 years left on my lubrico... I have the full on, zero deductibale one... and I have looked it up and noticed it is covered... however I have heard some sketchy things about them since buying the warrnty... just want to know if you make out ok dealing with them
Bad news... The warranty only covers it if it breaks completely... Mines making some weird ass noises right now, and they can't cover it cause 'they dont cover wear and tear maintenance'.

Question for anyone who knows:

How much does it cost for parts + labour to get the timing chain replaced

How much does it cost for a diagnostic of the timing chain, is it a hard job or easy?

[TheTrader]

so basically, they will pay to rebuild the motor when it does break, but since its only making noise right now, they wont pay to repair it before ti does break... that makes sence...

if only I heard the bad stuff about these guys before I paid for the warrnty... geeze... the warrnty I got was like 2500 bucks !!

****in crazyness...

and I bet once it does break they will only pay for the physical part itself... not the rest of the damage it breaking inflicts on the motor.

[TheTrader]

ok, so I got curious and called pretending I was contimplating buying a car with a lubrico warrnty available and asked about the timing chain coverage... I asked, and I quote "if the timing chain breaks when its under warrnty, does the warrnty cover everything else that would happen to the engine when the chain breaks" and she said "most definately!".. then without me even asking, she said "and, if you hear noise and suspect the timing chain is going bad, take it to an authorized lubrico mechanic, and if ti is diagnosed that it does need a timing chain replaced, then its totally covered as well, it does not have to break to be covered"... she flat out told me that without me asking her... so either I got lied to, or you did.....

I dont know... I dont really like them too much... and I really hope I dont have to deal with them... but if I do, they better ****in cover me... cause if I have to rebuild the motor myself when it is under warrnty... oh man.... they dont want to deal with me!!!!

[GoTWhisKeY]

K what a relief! thanks so much Trader. I called Lubrico right after I read your post, and they told me the same thing... the timing chain is covered if it starts making noise or there is a problem with it.

It was the mechanic from the Lubrico certified shop in my area who told me it wasn't covered... I'm anxious to tell him tomorrow morning how wrong he is (in a nice way ;))
They haven't even checked my timing chain yet because they 'can't here a noise' - even though the last 3 mornings in a row I can hear the chain making some pretty wierd (and very audible) noises. It usually takes about a minute for it to start happening though, so I figure they're not patient enough to listen that long. I'm going in tomorrow morning to straighten it all out, I'll keep ya informed. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a Alternator berring or something :x

[GoTWhisKeY]

Alright I just got back from the mechanic.
They won't diagnose or look at it because they can't hear a noise. The noise I was originally hearing (3 mornings in a row) is gone now, so they can't do anything. I"m driving my car again like there's nothing wrong. If the timing chain breaks in the next couple months its not going to be the only thing that snaps :@

[knrt03]

just as a reference i had to do a complete rebuild back in november.
-replacing the chain before anything brakes will prolly run you $225.00 if you do it yourself. problem is if your hearing noises then damage is already occuring. most likely to the valve guides.
-my rebuild ran about $850.00 when it is all said and done. included new chain kit, 8 valves, 16 guides, 16 seals, and all gaskets which had to be dealer purchased, all individually.
-i have a buddy who is a cert. gm mech. when mine broke he quoted me approx. the same $850.00 just to diagnose that the timing chain had broke. there is alot of labor hours involved in the tear down to get to the problem.
this made my decision very easy considering i was no longer under warranty. hope this helps.

[GrandAmSS]

About 2 weeks ago my timing chain broke, and pretty much wrecked the whole upper part of the engine. The car has 75K on it. The local dealerships wanted 5000 to fix it! I asked why this wasn't a recall since it has happened alot, they told me my car was the first to ever have this problem BS! Anyway I wanted to take advantage of this and put in a 3400, or somthing else, or maybe even a brand new ecotec. However since I am college, the car is in my dad's name, so insurance is cheaper, and he also takes care of the bills for maintance on the car (What a dad! lol) He just talked to one of his buddies who owns a Garage, and he is rebuilding it, buying all the parts brand new, and it is going to cost 2100. GM is a rip off! This whole experience has turned me off to Pontiac, and GM as a whole. Looks like when I'm done with college, and make real money, I might have to buy a foriegn car! The sad fact is though, that more "foriegn" cars today are manufactured in the US then "American" cars.

So just as a warning, don't buy a car that has one of the first ecotec engines, buy it the year after they redesiegned and fixed the problem. Don't know exactly what year that is though :(

[RickHigginsHtbr]

Originally posted by GrandAmSS
About 2 weeks ago my timing chain broke, and pretty much wrecked the whole upper part of the engine. The car has 75K on it. The local dealerships wanted 5000 to fix it! I asked why this wasn't a recall since it has happened alot, they told me my car was the first to ever have this problem BS! Anyway I wanted to take advantage of this and put in a 3400, or somthing else, or maybe even a brand new ecotec. However since I am college, the car is in my dad's name, so insurance is cheaper, and he also takes care of the bills for maintance on the car (What a dad! lol) He just talked to one of his buddies who owns a Garage, and he is rebuilding it, buying all the parts brand new, and it is going to cost 2100. GM is a rip off! This whole experience has turned me off to Pontiac, and GM as a whole. Looks like when I'm done with college, and make real money, I might have to buy a foriegn car! The sad fact is though, that more "foriegn" cars today are manufactured in the US then "American" cars.

So just as a warning, don't buy a car that has one of the first ecotec engines, buy it the year after they redesiegned and fixed the problem. Don't know exactly what year that is though :(

Sorry to hear about that man, if he's rebuildin it, make sure he uses the new oiler assembley for the chain. It would be quite interesting if you threw a 2.4vvt ecotec into it :)

[tenspeed]

Originally posted by GrandAmSS
He just talked to one of his buddies who owns a Garage, and he is rebuilding it, buying all the parts brand new, and it is going to cost 2100. GM is a rip off!

I see complete engines on ebay for a fraction of that cost.

I checked my chain when I switched valve covers earlier this year. It looked like new with no slack at 65,000 miles.

[echoicse]

Hey,Knrt03,I had my chain fail,or should I say break,on my 2002 GrandAmSE Ecotec at 25,000! I was lucky because I had extended warranty! The chain link tore apart causing cyl. head valves to slap against pistons. Under extended warranty,head bolts are not covered,as you would know old head bolts are "stretched" when they come to torque/angle. So I was always told and knew not to reuse "old" head bolts,so this cost me over $80.00. Extended Warranty? I feel sorry for you and anyone else who had to pay for this type of problem that GM knows about! If I'm correct,anybody (V-6's) w/overhead cams has (bicycle) chains,also.

[GrandAmSS]

Originally posted by tenspeed
I see complete engines on ebay for a fraction of that cost.

I checked my chain when I switched valve covers earlier this year. It looked like new with no slack at 65,000 miles.

My dad is a great guy and everything he pays for 90 percent of the repair costs on my car, and over the past year have been alot! He only wanted to rebuild the engine, not put a different one in there, don't know why, but like most parents when he makes up his mind it can't be change. Plus I wasn't really going to argue because he is paying for it.

Any way here is the update on the car, got it back about a week ago, runs fine, so nice to have back!!!!!!! Guess what though? The timing chain was not being properly lubricated! What do you know? Same problem! This is ridiculas GM needs to put out a recal on this! Plus reimburst all of us who had to pay for this!

[RickHigginsHtbr]

Originally posted by GrandAmSS
My dad is a great guy and everything he pays for 90 percent of the repair costs on my car, and over the past year have been alot! He only wanted to rebuild the engine, not put a different one in there, don't know why, but like most parents when he makes up his mind it can't be change. Plus I wasn't really going to argue because he is paying for it.

Any way here is the update on the car, got it back about a week ago, runs fine, so nice to have back!!!!!!! Guess what though? The timing chain was not being properly lubricated! What do you know? Same problem! This is ridiculas GM needs to put out a recal on this! Plus reimburst all of us who had to pay for this!

i think that's the issue, AFAIK, it only happens in 02 1/2 GA's with the 5 speed. Although they should do a recall, there may have been too few of those cars made to justify one. There was, however, a TSB sent to all dealerships about it, so when the dealership tells you they never heard of it, tell them to look up their TSB's for it.

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by RickHigginsHtbr
i think that's the issue, AFAIK, it only happens in 02 1/2 GA's with the 5 speed.

ewwwwww.... I dont like to hear that.... is tearing down the motor to replace the oiler unit for the chain a huge job? if the chain has not blown when my warrnty comes up, then I will be paying to do it, or do it myself!!

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by RickHigginsHtbr
Although they should do a recall, there may have been too few of those cars made to justify one. There was, however, a TSB sent to all dealerships about it, so when the dealership tells you they never heard of it, tell them to look up their TSB's for it.

Recalls are only done for safety reasons, so don't ever expect one for this issue.

[RickHigginsHtbr]

Originally posted by Matt95GT
Recalls are only done for safety reasons, so don't ever expect one for this issue.

oh yea... forgot about that. Does anyone know where that TSB is posted? I know I read it before.

[knrt03]

fyi, my 2002 is an auto. so to state that this is exclusively a 5 speed problem would be incorrect. what i would like to know is how many of you out that this has happen to you, had it happen at highway speed. ex. mine broke and completely shut down @ 70 mph on I-270 here in columbus, ohio. that sounds like a safety issue to me.
ALMOST FORGOT.


GO BUCKS!!!!!

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by knrt03
ex. mine broke and completely shut down @ 70 mph on I-270 here in columbus, ohio. that sounds like a safety issue to me.


Indirectly though. It wouldn't be considered a safety issue from a legal standpoint unless the chain flew out a vent at you, or the car caught fire as a result, etc.

As much as I'd like to see GM stand behind their mistakes better, I know it won't happen.

[RickHigginsHtbr]

Originally posted by knrt03
fyi, my 2002 is an auto. so to state that this is exclusively a 5 speed problem would be incorrect. what i would like to know is how many of you out that this has happen to you, had it happen at highway speed. ex. mine broke and completely shut down @ 70 mph on I-270 here in columbus, ohio. that sounds like a safety issue to me.
ALMOST FORGOT.


GO BUCKS!!!!!

I stand corrected then, first I heard of it happening with an auto.

[BattousaiX23]

I have a 02 ecotech automatic grand am se. how can you tell if the the timing chain is going, i have a vibration that is getting on my nerves.

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by BattousaiX23
I have a 02 ecotech automatic grand am se. how can you tell if the the timing chain is going, i have a vibration that is getting on my nerves.

chances are, you probally wont know... it will just blow... a vibration when your driving is likely a un-balanced tire

[BattousaiX23]

not to long ago i had the wheels matched balanced, the car vibrates when sitting in park, at a red light in gear and in reverse, when driving down the high way at 40+ and the faster you go the worse it gets.

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by BattousaiX23
not to long ago i had the wheels matched balanced, the car vibrates when sitting in park, at a red light in gear and in reverse, when driving down the high way at 40+ and the faster you go the worse it gets.

it vibrates when your in park... and gets worse the faster you drive??? ... :shit:

thats not good.... get that checked out ASAP..... could just be running REALLY bad... but it sounds like something spinning thats not balanced.... if you rev it in park does it stay the same vibration, or get worse??

[BattousaiX23]

thats the weird part, it goes away when you rev it, and the other thing i forgot to mention on the highway when its wet out the vibration is worse than when driving on dry roads. i've have taken it many times to the dealer since it is still under warranty and they can't get to do it, now when i am stoped and go in reverse and hit the gas there is a knock it only does it once when you shift to reverse then hit the gas.

[knrt03]

Originally posted by BattousaiX23
I have a 02 ecotech automatic grand am se. how can you tell if the the timing chain is going, i have a vibration that is getting on my nerves.



i want to say that i may have touched on this subject earlier in this thread.

[knrt03]

Originally posted by knrt03
no belt, chain driven in the ecotecs. when mine let go it ran/idled slightly rough once or twice about 2-3 weeks before it broke. will feel and sound like you are slightly off timing, and then will go away.



here you go, to add to this. it sounds like the motor is under some kind of additional strain. example: @ idle and you kick on the a/c or when your rad. fan kicks on, like that only much more pronounced.

[BattousaiX23]

your right when i turn the a/c on or off you can tell if the vibration is getting worse in idle. but mines been doing this for a year and dealer can't find anything wrong, i had it at the dealer about 5-6 times since it started happening.

[eatmydust]

I agree with knrt03!

[echoicse]

Originally posted by BattousaiX23
your right when i turn the a/c on or off you can tell if the vibration is getting worse in idle. but mines been doing this for a year and dealer can't find anything wrong, i had it at the dealer about 5-6 times since it started happening.

Have them check the motor mounts.