Here’s my Question,

My 2003 Grand Prix radio reception stopped working, can only get local stations, then my cd sounded unbalanced, would not eject the cd, but one day it just popped out.

I could hear the cd player spinning sometimes with nothing in it, that has ceased, then my ac would hesitate to start, now my AC only works on high and will only come on at start up, any attempt to change settings shuts it down. Sometimes it doesn’t come on when the car is started but will come on much later.

The relay and the switch has been changed, but didn’t help. The radio, CD, & AC are on the same panel, could it all be related?

Sincerely,

Jeannie

Hey there Jeannie

Hummmmmm, this is a hard question….I have a feeling you have two separate issues going on here unfortunately.

The radio/cd player probably has an internal problem, and a car radio shop will need to remove it and repair it…….BUT you can probably buy a used identical radio/cd player from a junk yard in your area cheaper than repairing yours.

We don’t repair radios in my shop…so I am not really sure what else to tell you to do with it, most repair shops would not attempt to repair this radio and even some dealerships send these radios to an outside source for repair.

On the A/C issue I am assuming when you say your A/C only works on high you are talking about the blower fan only blowing on high speed, and that the air coming out of the vents is in fact COLD. If this is what is happening, I would ask your mechanic to see if your vehicle is equipped with a A/C blower fan resister or high speed relay.

When the resister goes bad only the high blower fan speed will work. This resister is located inside the dashboard so ask the parts department guys to give you a print out of the location if you plan to replace this part yourself. I am pretty sure you can only buy this part from a GM dealer as well.

Most Japanese vehicles use a resister, and some GM vehicles do as well…if your mechanic is in doubt, call the parts department of your local dealership and ask them, or tell them your problem and see what they have to offer. The parts department guys know what parts sell/break most and they can be very valuable when you are considering guessing at replacing a certain part.

If your particular vehicle does not have a blower resister, then you probably have a high speed blower relay problem or a problem with the ignition switch or ignition switch connection. Both of those other suggestions are a little more complicated and will require some test equipment and knowledge of mechanics.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

OK, SO…..

Monday I went to start my car and it wouldnt turn over, after it tried it just would do the quick clicking when I would try, and the radio and lights were still working. I jumped it and drove it for 2 hours without a problem.

The next day, went to start it and it wouldnt, same thing, the real fast click click click click, so went to jump it again, and it won’t jump either. The lights and radio and windows will still work but barely. My car is a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, Should I start first with a new battery? If that doesnt work, is it the alternator?

Thank you so much for your time…
Emily in St.Louis

Howdy Emily,

You probably just have a bad battery. I would replace the battery and the two “battery bolts” that screw into the side of the battery and see what happens. You can get the battery and the bolts at any auto parts store…I prefer DELCO batteries, which is what the car came with from the factory…and has lasted almost 5 years, but they are more expensive than a battery you would get at Walmart….which MIGHT not last as long, or …….maybe it will.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Hello,

I have a question about my 1997 Pontiac Grand Am. The climate control system on my 1997 Pontiac Grand Am no longer changes between settings. The climate control knob turns on the car, but I don’t hear that typical (vacuum) sound that it did make when changing from i.e. floor-vent-defrost, etc.

I emailed this to a local junk yard to see if they know what part I would need to get and they told me I could be one of the two parts below. So what I need to know is do you know a way of checking which part it would be myself.

I have also Included a picture on the same display I have in my car with the knob circled and an arrow pointing to the setting it is stuck on.

1. Blend-door-motor under the dash
2. Temperatuer control head with the knobs right in the dash

I also found on site the mentioned it could be the blend door itself.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ryu

Hi there Ryu,

That is going to require some testing to be absolutely sure which part is at fault. You will need to test both the control head for power and ground, and then test the blend door in the dash for power and ground.

We tend to replace more blend door motors than the actual control head in the dash in my shop …BUT the control head is much easier to replace, and you can probably buy a used one from a junk yard for $50 or so.

So if you just want to take a fairly easy and fairly inexpensive GUESS you might replace the control head assembly and see what happens. The blend door motor is much harder to get to and replace.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Dear Austin,

I own a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix with approximately 93,000 miles on it. I have two issues that may be related. The car does not always start, but it will if I tap on the gas. Two, when accelerating it makes a loud high pitch whining sound. Once again, it does not do that all of the time, but it has been more prevalent in recent weeks. The sound also reproduces itself when I make slow moving turns.

Thanks

Anthony

Hey there Anthony

Thanks for your email. I would have your mechanic check to see if your throttle body is dirty and needs to be cleaned. A dirty throttle body can produce slow starts, dying at idle and slow speeds and erratic idle speed complaints. This is a quick and easy repair that just about any mechanic, even a fast oil change place can do for you. I would start there anyway if you were at my shop. Here is more about dirty throttle bodies on my blog

Throttle Body

You are past due for tune up related items if you have not taken care of them yet, spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel and air filters. Just being over due for a tune up could also contribute to slow start complaints.

The second problem could be coming from the power steering pump. I would check the p/s fluid level and top off as needed. It does not hold much fluid, so if it is just the slightest bit low it will make a whine noise as you turn the wheels…..worse at slow speeds or when sitting at a stop. With the hood open and the engine running have someone turn the wheel left and right. If the noise is present when the wheel it turned it most likely is a power steering pump problem IF the fluid level is full.

It is not too uncommon on GM cars to have this ps pump whine with your mileage. I have had a few successes with flushing the ps fluid and then reinstalling a synthetic ps fluid….that seems to help, then again some times I have to replace the pump altogether to get the noise to completely go away. The noise won’t hurt anything, it will probably just get worse to the point you will spend the money to repair it or replace it.

BTW I saw your auto insurance quote you forwarded me and your premium amount you are paying, I would recommend you carry a $1,000 deductible the amount of money you will save can be placed in a mutual fund or emergency savings account in case you need it.

You only pay the deductible amount if the accident is your fault and your insurance company paid the claim. You would never want to file a claim that is less than $1,000 anyway because it can cause your future premiums to increase or be canceled. If you have not had a claim in 3-5 years and you carry a $500 deductible….you probably over paid a few thousand bucks!

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Summary
2007 Pontiac Vibe is a passenger wagon with seating capacity of five. It has four doors.

What is New in 2007 Pontiac Vibe?
Additions to 2007 Pontiac Vibe include a new trim level.

Introduction
2007 Pontiac Vibe proves to be an excellent wagon offering good style, practicality, and dependability well within affordable limits.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Pontiac Vibe is available in single trim of Base. Options include in-dash six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, cruise control, upgraded audio system, and air-conditioning.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Pontiac Vibe offers standard 126hp 1.8-liter I4 engine with five-speed manual transmission and overdrive. Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. It delivers 30-mpg in city and 36-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2007 Pontiac Vibe are stylish and functional. Rear seats are spacious and fold completely to offer extensive cargo space. Controls are simple and easy to operate.

Safety Features
Safety features are mostly optional. These include tire-pressure monitor, ABS brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, and seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants, and stability control.

Driving Impressions
Responsive and controlled handling with sufficient body roll offers stable, comfortable, and enjoyable ride on 2007 Pontiac Vibe. It offers unstrained ride at high speeds.

Pros
Spacious interiors, good fuel economy, reliable power train

Cons
Important safety features available as optional

Summary
2007 Pontiac Torrent is a sports utility that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2007 Pontiac Torrent?
Additions include standard features of tire-pressure monitor, four-wheel disc brakes, and stability control. Optional features include navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, driver information system with trip computer, and remote vehicle-starting system.

Introduction
Spacious interiors, numerous features, and high crash test scores make 2007 Pontiac Torrent an ideal choice.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Pontiac Torrent is available in two trims of FWD and AWD. Options include rear-seat DVD entertainment system, navigation system, in-dash CD changer, sunroof, Satellite Radio, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and remote vehicle-starting system.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Pontiac Torrent offers standard 185hp 3.4-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 19-mpg in city and 25 to 26-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are spacious with foldable rear seats offering easy hauling of cargo. Controls are simple. There are many storage cubicles. There is plenty of hard plastic in interiors.

Safety Features
Standard features include stability control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and traction control. Full-length side curtain airbags with rollover sensor is optional.

Driving Impressions
Good handling dynamics, sufficient body roll, and controlled maneuvering of corners provides ideal riding balance. Steering is little slow.

Pros
Spacious interiors, adjustable rear seats

Cons
Slow steering response, lateral support lacking in seats

Summary
2007 Pontiac Solstice is convertible sports car that can seat two passengers. It has two doors.

What is New in 2007 Pontiac Solstice?
Changes include new trim level, powerful engines, stability control, sport-tuned suspension, sport metallic pedals, rear spoiler, and power height adjuster for driver seat.

Introduction
2007 Pontiac Solstice is a sure bargain offering satisfying features of excellent performance, style, and driving comfort.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Pontiac Solstice is available in two trims of Convertible and GXP Convertible. Options include leather seats, air-conditioning, upgraded sound systems, satellite radio, OnStar telematics, keyless entry, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and fog lamps.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Pontiac Solstice offers standard 260hp 2.0-liter I4 engine or 177hp 2.4-liter I4 engine with five-speed manual transmission and overdrive. Five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

Interior Design and Special Features
Seats are supportive although they are short of legroom and headroom. Controls are easy to use. There is lot of hard plastic in interiors.

Safety Features
Standard safety measure includes four-heel disc brakes. Optional features include stability control and ABS. Side airbags are unavailable.

Driving Impressions
Quick steering, firm suspension, and stable handling offers enjoyable and comfortable ride. Strong brakes and swift acceleration provides riding pleasure on 2007 Pontiac Solstice.

Pros
Powerful engines, superb brakes, excellent style

Cons
No side airbags, engine gears slowly

Summary
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix is a sports sedan or family sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Additions include standard tire pressure monitoring system and many new wheel designs.

Introduction
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix proves to be a big sedan suitable for family outings with various choices of suspension, high torque, and good handling dynamics.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix is available in three trims ranging from Sedan to GXP Sedan. Options include satellite radio, navigation system, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, keyless entry, cruise control, sunroof, and in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix offers standard 303hp 5.3-liter V8 engine or 200hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 18 to 20-mpg in city and 27 to 30-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Front seats are comfortable although tall passengers may feel discomfort. Rear seats are for kids only. Controls are simple and easy to use. Folding rear seats allow easy hauling of cargo although cargo space is insufficient.

Safety Features
Standard safety measure includes tire-pressure monitor. Optional features include traction control, antilock brakes, front and rear side curtain airbags, and stability control.

Driving Impressions
Sporty handling and driving dynamics ensure smooth and enjoyable ride. Fuel economy is good. Engines become noisy at higher speeds.

Pros
Powerful engines, solid handling dynamics, simple controls,

Cons
Insufficient cargo space, noisy engine, average steering

Summary
2007 Pontiac G6 is a sports car, convertible, sports sedan, or family sedan that can seat five passengers. It has two or four doors.

What is New in 2007 Pontiac G6?
Changes include a more powerful engine, better transmission, and more safety features.

Introduction
Offers enticing features, distinct design, style, spacious interiors, and good performance.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Pontiac G6 is available in seven trims ranging from 1SV Sedan to GT Convertible. Options include power-adjustable pedals, remote start system, antilock disc brakes, satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, cruise control, and six-way power driver seat.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Pontiac G6 offers standard 217hp 3.5-liter V6 engine or 169hp 2.4-liter I4 engine with four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 20 to 23-mpg in city and 28 to 33-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors include stylish seating with metallic and chrome accents. Panoramic sunroof opens in four directions looking like a roof. Rear seating is comfortable.

Safety Features
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on 2007 Pontiac G6. Other optional safety features include traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, and ABS.

Driving Impressions
Hydraulic power steering offers good ride. Overall, it offers sporty ride with good suspension and transmissions.

Pros
Spacious interiors, high fuel economy, sporty suspension

Cons
Insufficient headroom due to panoramic sunroof, poor quality of interiors

Summary
2007 Pontiac G5 is a family coupe that can seat five passengers. It has two doors.

What is New in 2007 Pontiac G5?
Changes to 2007 Pontiac G5 are few and include different grille and Pontiac markings.

Introduction
Although 2007 Pontiac G5 offers numerous features, it requires serious improvements in seat comfort, handling, and overall refinement.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Pontiac G5 is available in two trims of Coupe and GT Coupe. Options include leather upholstery, sunroof, heated front seats, satellite radio, six-disc CD changer, and audio system.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Pontiac G5 offers standard 173hp 2.4-liter I4 engine or 148hp 2.2-liter I4 engine with five-speed manual transmission and overdrive. Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. It delivers 25-mpg in city and 34-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2007 Pontiac G5 offer attractive gauges, metallic accents on steering wheel, gear shifter, and doors and total stereo head unit. Seat comfort is low and design is plain.

Safety Features
Standard safety feature includes four-wheel disc brakes. ABS, traction control, and full-length side curtain airbags are optional.

Driving Impressions
2007 Pontiac G5 offers smooth ride with sufficient power from engines. Handling and steering require improvements. Suspension causes excessive body roll.

Pros
Good acceleration, smooth ride

Cons
Quality of interiors poor, handling dynamics lacking, cramped backseat