99' grand am strange problem

I am having a strange problem with my 99 grandam se when you turn the key on no gauge lights come on, if you atempt to start it will shut off but then all the gauge lights come on and it starts fine, but sometimes different gauge lights will stay on after it is cranked Egine light, security, battery, or air bag but they will go off when you restart the next time, also the air will not blow in idle if it is set on 1or 2 it will only blow in idle on 3 or more. When we first got the car the alternator had to be replaced, and the check engine is showing it needs an oxygen sensor but I don't know what that would have to do with the guage lights not coming on when the key is in on . I have replaced the ignition cylinder and passcode sensor, it is at the shop right now. the shop said it was the bcm and he has never seen all 3 parts blow out at once. Please help fast, I have already put 500 in on the ignition cylinder and passcode sensor. You can also email me at robandpattiann@aol.com

The BCM does sound about correct for the electrical issue at hand with the dash. For the air control, It's the air control module ( i don't remember if that's the correct name) needs to be replace, apparently a common issue among grand ams of these year. I do know that there are other posts/threads reguarding this issue that could direct you better.

The BCM is correct. The fan pertains to the notorious "Fan blower resistor" - it's the resistor for the fan blower motor, located at the bottom of the firewall, and it happens to be a common leak area, so about 75% of all GA's eventually loose 1 to 3 settings on the fan blower. It's a 25-ish $ part @ Autozone. If you want instructions on how to replace it, let me know.

Ridenour, I would like the instructions to put in the blower resistor, also the shop now says that it is the instrument cluster, has to be relpaced. $550.00, I looked around at some aftermarkert places but couldn't find one so I guess i'm stuck with dealer, I thought maybe it was in the wiring since he already replaced the bcm but he said he checked them. I love the car and I guess it will be worth it, but do you know if dearlers give warranties on this kind of work?

The crooks at the dealerships here will warranty their work for 30 days or 1000 miles, but try proving something they did was wrong. I'm not trying to discourage you from the dealership, but I got burned by a GM dealer last fall, $250 to diagnose and replace a thermostat on my 95 gt, and it overheated on the 12 mile trip home. They had the car for the next 4 days, couldn't find the problem and had the audacity to try to charge me for the gas (my gas!) that they used looking for the problem. 2 weeks later I changed the thermostat again and it corrected the problem and had to threaten to sue them to get my money back. They also missed several other issues directly related to the reason the car was in for service, which has soured me from having the stealership (thanks for the nickname xi) do anymore work on my car. If you need a cluster try the local salvage yards first, you probably can find one for alot less than they are trying to charge you for a new one. Have them install it and they can set the mileage to what shows on yours now. As for the blower, does it blow on 1 or 2 when you are driving? if it does, I doubt its the resistor, sounds like possibly the alternator is not putting out enough at idle, so the ecm shuts off the fan. Just a thought.

Warrenties vary upon each dealer. Ask them what thier policies are on warrenties, its better to be safe the sorry. I know one of the ones i went to gave a 1 year 12,000 mile warrenty on certain parts... but i'm sure thier was a prorate charge, etc.. so you still end up paying but not as much as new. My mechanic does the same thing 1 year 12,000 miles, ( but then he'll find other things wrong so you do pay)

well the car is home from the dearlership, $550 for instrument cluster, no problem with gauges so far, the air still doesn't blow on 1 or 2 only in idle works fine while driving, the alternator has just been replaced, so does that mean I have a problem in the ecm? or would it still be the resistor?

Ridenour, I would like the instructions to put in the blower resistorit

Sorry I overlooked your post. Here ya go:

1) Resistor is located next to firewall on passenger side, in part of the blower motor plastic housing assembly, on the downside part of the assembly that is toward the passenger's feet.

2) To get to it, you will need a 7/32 " socket. You will need a universal socket adapter.

3) You will need to open the passenger door, and lay on your left hip with your upper torso on the passenger floor.

4) Look up toward the fire wall. LOOK UP! You will see wires feeding the resistor via a connector. You will see two bolts holding the resistor in the housing.

5) Bingo! That's it.

Good luck.