graden
05-05-2006, 03:48 AM
I wasint sure where to post this so if you need to move it then its ok. I have come across some good info on history of G-a's
and common problems.
1992-98 Pontiac Grand Am: Highlights
This front-drive 2- or 4-door compact got new styling, and shared its platform with the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Chevrolet Corsica/Beretta. Grand Ams rode the same 103.4-inch wheelbase, but were stretched over six inches in length, to 186.9 inches. Interior dimensions and trunk capacity were nearly identical to the previous year. Pontiac once again provided two trim levels--SE and GT--both with 4-cylinder engines. Optional for both the SE and GT was GM's 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. Four-cylinders came with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. All V6s got a 3-speed automatic.
Year-to-Year Changes
1993 Pontiac Grand Am: Grand Am's three 4-cylinder engines all lose five horsepower in '93 as GM tries to refine its harsh and noisy Quad 4 series of engines. Inside, Grand Am's climate controls are revised, while the SE gets new instrument-panel graphics.
1994 Pontiac Grand Am: For '94, a driver-side airbag, new V6 engine, and a new automatic transmission are the key changes to Pontiac's best-selling model. Despite the new airbag, the Grand Am retains its door-mounted front seatbelts that can be left buckled for automatic deployment as "passive" restraints. Replacing last year's 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 as an option on both models is a 3.1-liter V6 rated at 155 horsepower. It comes only with a 4-speed automatic.
1995 Pontiac Grand Am: Standard on both SE and GT is a revised version of the 16-valve Quad 4 engine. It finally receives two internal balance shafts, designed to make it run smoother. Horsepower is rated at 150 with a standard 5-speed manual. Engineering changes include the addition of variable-effort power steering as an option and rear suspension revisions designed to improve handling.
1996 Pontiac Grand Am: New front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlamps, taillamps, and exterior trim treatments give the Grand Am a bolder, more aggressive look. Along with dual airbags, Grand Am buyers will be pleased to find an entirely new instrument panel. Another new base engine, dubbed the Twin Cam, is a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The 3.1-liter V6 remains an optional choice. Both engines come with new 100,000-mile spark plugs and long-life, 5-year/standard 100,000-mile engine coolant. Traction control is a new feature for 1996, and comes when the automatic transmission is selected.
1997 Pontiac Grand Am: The only change for '97 is the addition of air conditioning to the standard equipment list of all models.
1998 Pontiac Grand Am: In anticipation of an all-new model, only standard antilock brakes are new for '98.
Trouble Spots
Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising; shift erratically; or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)
Automatic transmission: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992-94)
Engine noise: A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-98)
Engine noise: Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the No. 1 main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise: A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)
Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1998)
Ignition switch: The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories such as the radio, wipers, cruise control, power windows, rear defroster, or heater may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)
Radiator: Some cars mysteriously lose coolant. The common problem is a bad seal on the pressure cap on the surge tank that is connected to the radiator. (1992-94)
Traction control indicator light: The ETC warning light "ETC OFF" may glow and the cruise control stops working. If the computer failure memory is cleared, everything returns to normal. No current fix. (1996)
Transaxle leak: The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Valve cover leaks: The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)
NHTSA Recall History
1992 coupe: Passenger-side easy-entry seat adjuster on some cars may fail to fully lock into position after seatback has been tilted and seat slid forward.
1992: Bolts and nuts that attach bearing-hub assembly to rear axle are insufficiently tightened on some cars.
1992: Small number of cars have incorrect upper spring seat at right rear.
1994: Welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions, increasing risk of fire.
1996: Front and/or rear hazard warning lamps might not work.
1996: If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.
1996: Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
1996: Steering-column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened. This could cause loss of steering control.
1997: Omitted fuse cover could result in short circuit and possible fire.
and common problems.
1992-98 Pontiac Grand Am: Highlights
This front-drive 2- or 4-door compact got new styling, and shared its platform with the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Chevrolet Corsica/Beretta. Grand Ams rode the same 103.4-inch wheelbase, but were stretched over six inches in length, to 186.9 inches. Interior dimensions and trunk capacity were nearly identical to the previous year. Pontiac once again provided two trim levels--SE and GT--both with 4-cylinder engines. Optional for both the SE and GT was GM's 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. Four-cylinders came with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. All V6s got a 3-speed automatic.
Year-to-Year Changes
1993 Pontiac Grand Am: Grand Am's three 4-cylinder engines all lose five horsepower in '93 as GM tries to refine its harsh and noisy Quad 4 series of engines. Inside, Grand Am's climate controls are revised, while the SE gets new instrument-panel graphics.
1994 Pontiac Grand Am: For '94, a driver-side airbag, new V6 engine, and a new automatic transmission are the key changes to Pontiac's best-selling model. Despite the new airbag, the Grand Am retains its door-mounted front seatbelts that can be left buckled for automatic deployment as "passive" restraints. Replacing last year's 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 as an option on both models is a 3.1-liter V6 rated at 155 horsepower. It comes only with a 4-speed automatic.
1995 Pontiac Grand Am: Standard on both SE and GT is a revised version of the 16-valve Quad 4 engine. It finally receives two internal balance shafts, designed to make it run smoother. Horsepower is rated at 150 with a standard 5-speed manual. Engineering changes include the addition of variable-effort power steering as an option and rear suspension revisions designed to improve handling.
1996 Pontiac Grand Am: New front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlamps, taillamps, and exterior trim treatments give the Grand Am a bolder, more aggressive look. Along with dual airbags, Grand Am buyers will be pleased to find an entirely new instrument panel. Another new base engine, dubbed the Twin Cam, is a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The 3.1-liter V6 remains an optional choice. Both engines come with new 100,000-mile spark plugs and long-life, 5-year/standard 100,000-mile engine coolant. Traction control is a new feature for 1996, and comes when the automatic transmission is selected.
1997 Pontiac Grand Am: The only change for '97 is the addition of air conditioning to the standard equipment list of all models.
1998 Pontiac Grand Am: In anticipation of an all-new model, only standard antilock brakes are new for '98.
Trouble Spots
Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising; shift erratically; or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)
Automatic transmission: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992-94)
Engine noise: A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-98)
Engine noise: Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the No. 1 main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise: A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)
Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1998)
Ignition switch: The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories such as the radio, wipers, cruise control, power windows, rear defroster, or heater may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)
Radiator: Some cars mysteriously lose coolant. The common problem is a bad seal on the pressure cap on the surge tank that is connected to the radiator. (1992-94)
Traction control indicator light: The ETC warning light "ETC OFF" may glow and the cruise control stops working. If the computer failure memory is cleared, everything returns to normal. No current fix. (1996)
Transaxle leak: The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Valve cover leaks: The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)
NHTSA Recall History
1992 coupe: Passenger-side easy-entry seat adjuster on some cars may fail to fully lock into position after seatback has been tilted and seat slid forward.
1992: Bolts and nuts that attach bearing-hub assembly to rear axle are insufficiently tightened on some cars.
1992: Small number of cars have incorrect upper spring seat at right rear.
1994: Welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions, increasing risk of fire.
1996: Front and/or rear hazard warning lamps might not work.
1996: If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.
1996: Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
1996: Steering-column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened. This could cause loss of steering control.
1997: Omitted fuse cover could result in short circuit and possible fire.