Multiple problems

Hi everyone! Im new to this, so I hope someone out there can help me.
I got a 99 Grand Am 2.4, and I got several problems and dont know if it would be something I can fix, or the dealer would have to fix.

1. The key can be pulled out once the car is started, but once it is turn off, you need the key again. I thought it was just the key, so I had the dealer cut a new key, and it still does it. What next?

2. For some reason, even though the turn signal isnt on, you can hear it clicking really fast, but there are no lights. Signal works fine when in use. I really don't have a clue on where to even start looking on this issue.

3. 1, and 2 will not work on my blower motor. 3,4,5 will.

4. The horn doesnt work. It will sound if I use the remote to lock the doors, or if I hit the panic button. I tried to pull off the cover on the steering wheel to see if something has came apart or something, but it aint coming off for nuttin. Bad connection maybe?

5. When the car is first started, the gauges jump from their resting position all the way to the right, then back to their resting position, then they seem to work fine. Is this normal?

6. The car has about 140,000 miles on it. Is their any kind of maintance work that should be done at this point?

Hopefully someone out there will be able to help me. This is my first car, and i've had it for a few years now, and I really hate to get rid of it if the problems are really sime to fix.
THANKS!

Here's some info on the questions you have about your grand am...

1. The key problem sounds like the locking mechanism in your ignition isn't working causing the key to be pulled out.

2. The turn signal clicking maybe your multifunction switch, this was recalled on the grand am for 2000 - 2001 G/a BUT i would contact your local dealer and find out if you are covered for this.

3. The air not coming out on 1 &2 is your Blower motor resistor

4. I'm not really sure probably a loose connection just as you said...

5. The gauges moving is normal, it's a self check when starting the car...

6. There is no set scheduled maintanence that i know of, Make sure that you ahve changed or the fluids have been changed by now...

1. Replace ignition or live with it. (probably not a job you want to tackle unless you have a haynes manual)

2. If I understand you correctly the turn signals on the outside are working but the lights in the dash aren't showing when the signal is on? if thats the case replace the dash light bulb.
If the dash lights are flashing fast and you have no outside turn signals - replace the outside bulbs or fix bad ground.

3. blower resistor as stated by grfnkl

4. check your fuses for the horn, maybe the lock/panic runs the power to the horn thru another power wire. The reason your horn will not come off is becasue you have an airbag in there, they bolt them on from the back side, you need to pull the fuse for the airbag, disconnect the battery, and even then they can still go off. (the bolts take a torque bit to get them off)

5. normal as stated by grfnkl

6. Tune ups (plugs & wires) with good parts are never a bad idea, but if its running normal you should be good to go. Not sure when they recomend changing the timing chain, when I rebuilt my motor at 100k I did mine.

The serpatine belt is supposed to last 150K, if you have not repalced it I would

1. Replace ignition or live with it. (probably not a job you want to tackle unless you have a haynes manual)

2. If I understand you correctly the turn signals on the outside are working but the lights in the dash aren't showing when the signal is on? if thats the case replace the dash light bulb.
If the dash lights are flashing fast and you have no outside turn signals - replace the outside bulbs or fix bad ground.

3. blower resistor as stated by grfnkl

4. check your fuses for the horn, maybe the lock/panic runs the power to the horn thru another power wire. The reason your horn will not come off is becasue you have an airbag in there, they bolt them on from the back side, you need to pull the fuse for the airbag, disconnect the battery, and even then they can still go off. (the bolts take a torque bit to get them off)

5. normal as stated by grfnkl

6. Tune ups (plugs & wires) with good parts are never a bad idea, but if its running normal you should be good to go. Not sure when they recomend changing the timing chain, when I rebuilt my motor at 100k I did mine.

I knew there is a air bag in there, but I just thought I could pull the cover off to see the wires to the horn before I get to the air bag. I did check the horn fuses, those did look fine, but just to be safe, I did replace the fuse, and had no luck. As far as the turn signal goes, it works fine, but the problem is when i am not using it, all I hear is a fast ticking sound, as if I was using it. I checked all bulbs, and the only bulb was out was one of the tail light bulbs. Replaced it, still got the annoying ticking sound.

think these guys got u straight. These are all small problems, so you wont need to get rid of your GA :)

BTW my 99's key does the same thing(but my wifes dont), pulls right out with it running. I find it nice at the station when its cold, leave it running, lock the doors, and take the key. If you get to far away, it may die due to the anti thieft crap o la.
Good Hunting!

The ticking signal should be the multifunction switch.... I had the same thing on my 02, it would tick and tick and drive you insane, but the signal was not on. I would get this fixed soon though, because the signal can fail all together, causing you to have no signals, and possibly lights. As i stated earlier there is a recall out for this item on the 2000 and 2001's, but you maybe able to qualify for the recall.... you can also look it up on http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ or http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm for further information.... good luck with your repairs.

The ticking signal should be the multifunction switch.... I had the same thing on my 02, it would tick and tick and drive you insane, but the signal was not on. I would get this fixed soon though, because the signal can fail all together, causing you to have no signals, and possibly lights. As i stated earlier there is a recall out for this item on the 2000 and 2001's, but you maybe able to qualify for the recall.... you can also look it up on http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ or http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm for further information.... good luck with your repairs.

Well, I checked the website, and my year isn't part of the recall. So just for the hell of it, I called the dealer. He checked (using my vin), and said that my car isn't part of the recall, but he did say I am showing signs, and it would run about $400-450 to fix. I really can't see myself spending that much on something like that. Anyone here near or in Columbus, OH? If so, I will pay you to fix this problem for me =) If not, i'm screwed...

Check with the independent garages in your area, work on your car doesn't have to be done by the crooks at the dealership (or stealership xero....) unless its warranty work or a recall. The multifunction switch shouldn't take more than an hour or so, took me about 10 minutes to change mine but I have done a bunch of them and I have the right bits for my drill to crank the screws out. As for the key coming out of the ignition, my 95 does it, once the key is turned past the first position I can take it out, start the car, do whatever, but once its locked you need the key again. Like xero said, its nice if you are running into the store or dunkin donuts, if anyone takes the car its theft 'cause you didn't leave the keys in it. Good luck.

Well, I checked the website, and my year isn't part of the recall. So just for the hell of it, I called the dealer. He checked (using my vin), and said that my car isn't part of the recall, but he did say I am showing signs, and it would run about $400-450 to fix. I really can't see myself spending that much on something like that. Anyone here near or in Columbus, OH? If so, I will pay you to fix this problem for me =) If not, i'm screwed...

I live about 3 hrs north of you, but something tells me you will not drive this far. Its really not that hard on the new style steering wheels, but you do have to pull the airbag & steering wheel (i know some guys will tell you no, but its easier if you pull the steering wheel), go to an autozone and see if a haynes manual tells you how to change it, price the part, do the turn signal switch & ignition at the same time yourself for about the cost of having the turn signal switch changed at a mechanic.:2cents:

I live about 3 hrs north of you, but something tells me you will not drive this far. Its really not that hard on the new style steering wheels, but you do have to pull the airbag & steering wheel (i know some guys will tell you no, but its easier if you pull the steering wheel), go to an autozone and see if a haynes manual tells you how to change it, price the part, do the turn signal switch & ignition at the same time yourself for about the cost of having the turn signal switch changed at a mechanic.:2cents:

Yeah, I can't see myself driving that far (at least not in the GA.) Sounds like you're either really close to Michigan, or you are in Michigan. Were you referring to the ignition located on the steering column, or the dash? (f.y.i., Mys is dash.)

my bad, I thought yours was on the column like my 95 is. Yeah im close to the Michigan Line. Well good luck getting a good price or trying it yourself.