8th Aug 2008, 16:59

I have a 99 white GA and have a ticking in the engine on the passenger side. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem??? Also I have the same problem with my TRAC OFF lite coming on and staying on until I shut my car off. I purchased this car used for way too much. I like this car but hate the ticking noise and its not lifters.

9th Aug 2008, 13:36

My 2001 Grand Am has had the ticking noise from day one. I think it's the alternator, but it has never caused a problem and I don't worry about. My GM dealer (who is great) told me it was the alternator, and that the noise was typical. Since I've got over 70,000+ miles with never a single problem, he was obviously right about it not being a problem.

9th Aug 2008, 19:24

I cannot believe what I am reading. I have owned my 99 Grand Am for 6 years. In that time, I have replaced the brakes 5 times, rotors 3 times, 2 batteries, 2 alternators, rear struts and springs, my driver side window (which is broke again), the drivers side ABS sensor (which is broke again), and brake calipers.

The passenger side window motor is also broke, my radio light is not working, the AC/heating knob will only work after the third setting, the radio knob does not work right, and the rear defrost does not work.

This car is a money pit. I am poor and cannot afford another car, so I am stuck driving this car.

13th Aug 2008, 10:46

1999 Pontiac Grand Am V6 3.4L First of all my ABS lights and Trac light have been on for awhile, Possibly bad ABS sensor. don't know yet. I was traveling down the road and gradually increasing my speed. Then all of a sudden the car just immediately died on me. Tried to start it, engine turns over but does not start, Alternator is working fine. The belt is still on. Its being towed to the shop now. Maybe they can fix whats wrong with it. It was running perfectly before it died. Also the car operates at the correct temp. and it has plenty of oil in it. Brakes clatter as well. This car is my only car and don't have enough money to get another one so I will have to get it fixed. Please help.

17th Aug 2008, 17:48

I have a red 1999 Grand Am SE with a 3.4L.

About a week ago, I replaced the alternator after experiencing what many of you have: random dash lights, gauges stop working and finally the car died (right before my driveway, luckily).

I've put about 500 miles on it since, and it's been running like a gem, until last night, that is, when the battery light came on for no reason. What really worries me is that it still started right up today; that, along with the battery light going on & off, made me worry it was the alternator again. It is very easy to do myself, but I doubt NAPA will cover it, they'll just blame it on me.

Has anybody had this problem? Is it just the battery? I can handle that, I don't want to have to replace the alternator twice in two weeks. I just passed 100K miles and I'm afraid this is only the tip of the iceberg, as with many GM vehicles.

Another problem I've been having with this car is that FREAKIN' clicking coming from behind the hazard button on the dash, I did, however, find instructions on how to fix that, it's just a little complicated but here it is for the rest of you: http://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Grand-Am-Turn-Signals.

Also, my ABS & Low Trac/Trac Off lights have been coming on for no reason, usually when I put it in drive for the first time after starting, I did just have my brakes replaced, but I don't think that's the problem, nothing has come of this yet, the battery light is what concerns me.

My drivers side window doesn't work great, but it hasn't failed or gone off track; the problem is the button doesn't always work, but I found if I place my finger on the right side of the switch, and push sort of down and right (to the passenger side), it works every time. I don't know if this helps with any of your window problems, I know some are going off-track (like my friend's).

I am also having the same problem of a weird shift between first & second, and I can tell you first hand it's from beating on your car, doing burnouts, shifting & gunning it so it shifts real hard will do it too. It's a cheap fix though: a transmission flush will have it running like new.

What a frustrating car to drive, huh? I still love my Grand Am & it's the best car I've ever driven, and mine used to be a rental - proper maintenance and doing what you can with the bugs & goofy kinks will yield you 200K miles at least - my buddy's got 230K on his '99, and still running strong.

17th Sep 2008, 22:33

I have a 99 Pontiac Grand AM GT Coupe 3.4L V6, faced same problem as the others above. My passenger side window regulator gave way about a month ago and I replaced it myself, with great difficulty since the door mechanism was new to me. The vinyl comes loose due to heat. New problem - alternator went bad. ABS/Brake lights all came on during drive to school, drove for less than a mile and my car stopped dead in the middle of the road. Pulled it over, and am waiting to get the alternator replaced now. Its been a terrible experience so far.

22nd Sep 2008, 19:51

My Girlfriend has a 99 black Grand AM Coupe.

1. Alternator broke

2. Track + ABS light on

3. Blower for heater doesn't work on settings 1 - 3

4. Motor or Regulator (not sure yet) on passenger window is broke

5. Power Steering Makes really funny noises like it is out of fluid, but it's full.

6. Radio would turn up while attempting to turn down the volume.

Pretty much ALL 99 Grand AMs suck. I have spent countless hours on her vehicle and well over 1.6k on parts and or labor. She paid 6.5 grand on it 4 years ago (04), and combined we spent almost half of the amount she originally paid for it for parts/breakdowns.

We are now selling this vehicle for 3 grand and getting it out of our lives. Not only is this car Money PIT, it's a stress / headache on your every day life... WHAT'S NEXT!

The only thing I can say good about this car is that the handling is superb.

Do yourself a favor go buy a Dodge Intrepid ES (2000) like I have, and never worry if you're going to be able to make it to work in the morning. I have 145k miles on it, and the most work I have done to it was brakes, battery, and belts.