First I just want to say hey to all. Im new here, but I will get right to the point.

ENGINE TROUBLES

I have the 3.8L engine. Automatic transmission.
I am pretty well versed in mechanics but I would like any help if possible.
My engine has appeared to jump timing at times. I have what appears to be a retard in the timing and then an advance. There is no better way to explain it. This all transpires at accelleration and at various times. For the most part it runs right but for these moments. It has also stalled on my once after I came back from a test drive.

FAN SPEEDS AND HEADLIGHTS

I have a low speed on my fan switch. I have a high speed on my fan switch. These speeds work but none of the others. Also when the fan is switched to hi, the headlights cut out.

WINDOW REGULATORS

This is an annoyance. I have replaced all the window regulator motors just in time for them to start going out again. The cable system is extremely poor engineering on GMs part. Any ideas to remedy this problem would be helpful.

IGNITION CYLINDER STICKS AND WONT FULLY SHUT OFF

I have about a 50% chance of turning the cylinder and it shutting off the car properly. Another engineered part replacement.


I am thinking this is going to be my last Pontiac. I like the looks of the car and the acceleration is nice too. Pontiacs are really getting to be all lemons from my experiences. I sincerely hope everyone who owns one of these don't share in these nightmares. Any responses are appreciated.
Thanks, GotoGod

Welcome to AF!

Most of your electrical gremlins are related to a faulty ignition switch/harness assembly. There is a repair proceedure in our tips and maintenance section.

I will take a look at it tomorrow. Is it the relay that goes bad or corrosion in the wiring?


btw. a certain web site I can message you about sells the window regulator assys for about 40 or 50 bucks. I have replace all of mine once already with the aftermarket ones. I think it was less than $200 for all of them.

Same place landed me the headlight and corner lamp assys for about $50 as well. Considering the price of the dealer. It was a huge difference. I replaced mine because both sides were all fogged over from the sand blasting effect we get off the roads.

GotoGod

If those assemblies are Dorman branded, they should be nice units. I bought one for my wife's minivan (different design, same problem) and it works great.

The problem in the ignition switch/harness is the junction spade connectors. They get loose with age and start to arc. Some forum members have taken it down and used needle nose pliers to squeeze the female spade terminals back down so they fit snugly again, but I don't think I'd go to the trouble to pull it all down and try it only to find out it didn't fix the problem.

Ok, well it is certainly easier said then done. I didn't have a small mirror to my disposal so I just dropped the steering column (I had already unbolted the bottom covers and brackets under the steering wheel) after which it was only 4 bolts 1/2 in deep well socket to loosen, and the column dropped. and I started hunting for the pin hole. It is in a small valley at the top of the cylinder on my make and model. Which means it is not in a easy to get to location. The small allen wrench is a MUST considering the location of the pin. A pick with a 90 degree angle might be used but it would be all the more difficult. There is a small ridge along side of the pin hole. It took some effort to get it to release to do its thing. I need to go to the store and buy a couple extra tools which I don't already have. Which means, I will probably only use them this one time. I was able to cheat on the first star nut by using a 4mm socket. There are a few tiny ones I don't have a small enough socket for. One I got out by using needle nose pliers. The other is so recessed that I can't reach it.
My harness assembly with the bolt has about 10 times the wires that the one in your picture has. It still requires a 7mm socket to release it. Also as I loosened the bolt it took some twisting and turning to get it out of its big connector. There are a bunch of terminals connected together and it takes a bit of extra effort to break their hold.
I had considered hard wiring it all together and or just fixing all the female ends. I'm going to study it a bit more to make certain that any repairs might be justifiable. I'm not big on wasting time and money. I rather waste the former than the later at this moment although. I will post back with each additional steps and tools required. Then of course the final results. GotoGod

In addition, the bolts/screws that hold the steering column covers in place are stars bolts which look like an inverted torx. Which is easier understood as it looks like the end of your torx 30 screw driver. All 4 of them are in the bottom side of the column. Get the bottom cover off and you can easily see the other two. The one for the top cover that is closest to the drivers door requires a pair of pliers or perhaps a 8mm wrench to bust it loose. Its a wierd deal, you will see what I am saying when you get to it.

Ok, the starter is going while the car is shut off. Sooooo any one have a schematic for this lil ign block?