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View Full Version : 1992-1998 Common Problems in Grand ams.


DSMMAN
01-05-2007, 01:47 PM
I found this info on another site and posted it up in case it would be usefull.

1992-1998 Pontiac Grand Am: Reliability

Trouble SpotsConsumer Guide'sŪ 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)

MantaGreen97
01-05-2007, 02:13 PM
Ahh good ol' Consumer Reports :roll2: I mean I guess a bunch of those things may be true but I think we probably have a better rundown of most common problems here on the forums. I don't know that we have them all in one thread though?

This little bit made me laugh a bit though:
Originally posted by DSMMAN
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)


Uh that's ETS there Consumer Reports. ETC, LOL. Also I've never even heard of that particular problem, let alone it being "common". True, you may get a problem with ETS that causes the light to come on but I've never heard of it coming on for no reason at all.

DSMMAN
01-05-2007, 02:16 PM
Yeah, I dont have Trac control on my POS I dont think. Ive never seen the light or a button

I guess your right about us having all these problems listed. I just put them up as an as if

Big Joe
01-05-2007, 02:31 PM
and no where does it say anything about LIM problems. :roll2:

urweak
01-05-2007, 02:54 PM
or all the problems one might have with the ingnition components on the quad 4 motors. and that the SOHC quad 4 is a pile of trash and should be avoided at all costs.

Matt95GT
01-05-2007, 03:03 PM
As others have pointed out... it's not exactly the most accurate collection of info. I recall reading it was back before I even owned a Grand Am... cause some of the entries had me wondering which engines they applied to.

pokesmot
01-06-2007, 08:33 PM
Originally posted by DSMMAN
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)


:omg:

hope thats not true!

GrandAmMN
01-07-2007, 11:07 PM
Pokesmot!!! Don't tell me you haven't adjusted the Number 1 Bearing Gap to tighten her up a tad to reduce that irritating 'Bearing Knock'. You seemed like such a competent mechanic....:D