2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2 from North America
Summary:
Buyers beware!
Faults:
First problem : Lash adjusters loud and need replacing.
Second problem: Car lost power, would not start, wire between starter motor and soleniod started smoking, solenoid blew, now not working.
General Comments:
Hi, my wife and myself are recent Sunfire owners and it sounds like we purchased someone else's problems from all of the reviews I have been reading. We purchased the car used for 1000.00, it had some body damage, which was not difficult for me to fix. Then started the electrical problems.
Every one I have spoken to has advised me to trace the ground wires, that it sounds like a short.
Easy to say considering that there is a mile of wire under the hood!
I have thus far replaced the starter and now will be replacing the soleniod come payday, but unsure if this will fix the problem.
It sound as if Pontiac used some very cheap wiring in this car.
If any one else has had the same problems, please post it as I am sure this will be just the beginning of my adventure with this car.
Oh, by the way, we only got to drive the car for two days.
Frustrated Sunfire owner number?.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 25th June, 2006
1st Aug 2006, 16:16
You said motherboard problems... so was your car not starting, but sounding like it wanted to, but wasn't connecting to something. I'm having this problem and I heard one of the mechanics says something about reprogramming the board. How much can I expect to be out of and should I just trade it now?
15th Oct 2007, 02:16
Taking the original starter to an auto parts store would have been my first move.
Most will bench test for free.
Then go from there.
Most non-starting issues turn out not to be the starter itself.
If you are handy with a multi-meter, it can be traced.
9th Oct 2008, 18:44
2002 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.2 Ecotec - bad fuel pump 4300 miles, fathers car 5 yrs old. Real grocery getter... changed filter NO LUCK!!!
Weak fuel pump, difficult to change, dropped Dual exhaust. drill out heat shield rivet (many more than needed).
Drop tank straps, engineers should have made them easier to change.
I wish gas was cheaper; I would just use my 89 5.0 Mustang LX. No wonder we can no longer compete with foreign auto makers. SH$%@#$...
26th Jul 2006, 15:37
Take your care to a certified Pontiac dealership and have them test the mother board on your car. If it is having the same no start problem my car is having, go trade it in. It's an $$$$ part to replace and a common one on all Pontiac models. I will never buy another pontiac.