Problems with the anti-theft systems using the raised-chip key can prevent the car from starting. The wires in the steering column to the ignition lock cylinder tend to break. The the key and ignition lock cylinder must be replaced to correct this condition.
A door window may move slowly or stop in mid travel due to a failing power window motor . The affected window may start working again after the motor cools off. Replacing the faulty window motor will commonly correct this concern.
The head light door actuators may fail causing the head lights to become stuck in the raised or lowered position.
The roller on the window guide attached to the bottom of the window glass may break off and cause the window to come off track.
The fuel pump may fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.
Failure of the rear transmission mounts is common.
A coolant leak may develop from the water pump . The engine may overheat as a result of the coolant loss. A leaking water pump should be replaced.
The t-top models are prone to water leaks from the t-tops weather strip seals. Our technicians tell us that replacing the all of the t-top related weather strips will commonly correct most leaks. Care should be taken when removing and installing the t-tops in order to avoid damage to the weather strips.
The tail or brake lights may be dim due to a poor ground connection inside the light socket. Failed light sockets will require replacement.
The hood and rear hatch supports may fail causing the hood or hatch fall back down after being raised to the open position. Replacement of failed supports is recommended.
The intake manifold gasket may develop and external engine oil or coolant leak. In some cases, an internal coolant leak may occur causing coolant to mix with the engine oil. Our technicians tell us that operating the engine with a coolant/oil mix can result in internal engine damage. Replacing the intake manifold gasket should correct these leaks.
The windows on the 1984-2002 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am commonly lean in towards the cabin when they are rolled down, and a metal-on-glass rattle is heard with any vibration. As the problem advances, popping may be heard from the door as the window rolls up or down.
This issue is caused by failing window regulator rivets which no longer hold the window upright. This places undue strain on pads that prevent the window from contacting the metal door frame. After a short time, the pads inside the door wear out, allowing the window to rattle and become scratched in a vertical pattern.
To correct the rattling and popping noises, the window regulator rivets and pads must be replaced.
Brake fluid can become dirty and may cause problems in the brake system ; it should be flushed every 60,000 miles.
You may be able to prevent transmission problems by servicing the transmission and inspecting the fluid every 30,000 miles. If the fluid is dark or burned, the transmission system should be completely flushed.
The extension housing seals commonly leak.
The spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles and the spark plug wires checked for hot spots and cracks.
related to ignition, timing
related to fuel-system, fuel-filter
related to engine-cooling, cooling-fan, stays-on
related to exterior-light, headlight, switch, replace-remove