97 with electical problems

[Quintz71]

I have a 97 Grand Am Se with the 3.1L engine, with 121k+. I bought it in 99 and have had the typical electrical problem that has been described in this forum. Meaning that I have had the dash light up and then car die-replace the alternator (done this twice) and a cell in the battery come up reveresed-replace battery (done this now 4 times). Would like to mention Autozone at this time for thier product warrenty program, it has saved me alot of money on this (2 free batteries and disc on alt). I'm also getting the clicking noise coming from the left (driver's side) wheel for some time. And at 45-55 mph I get hessitation, it goes if I hit the accelerator and it shifts to a lower gear (been told my trans is slipping and needs to be rebuilt/replaced). Now to be honest, I can live with all this, but I cant with what I'm about to describe.
Here in the last month, I have noticed when I start my car, the presets on my radio are gone. I have a aftermarket CD player/tuner that has a security feature that when the power gets cut to it, I have to put in a "CD key" to gain access to it. Out of the 3-4 times the presets are gone, I've only had to use that key once. Then this morning, I went to start my car and at first try, it hit like a dead battery. I let off the key, heard a click, then the car started up, but this was the first time I had to use the security key for the CD player. Also, the other day while driving, I heard the power locks kick, and saw the ABS and a second light, think it was the ETS but not sure, both came on. I stopped the car, restarted it, and the lights went out. Is this a sign of the typical electrical system for a Grand Am? or I'm thinking that it's a loose wire some where, but being a noob at cars, what wire would I need to check. I have had two shops put computers on the car for Diag. and the only thing that came up was a temp sensor, everything else was fine.
I know that this has been a long post, just wanted to give all the info possible to make sure I haven't left anything important out. I thank you all for your time and help.

[99gasc/t]

the clicking u are getting in your drivers side wheel is proably a drive shaft. the bearings is what is cuasing the noise. have a mechanic look at you cv joints.

you said ur car clicked then started make sure your battey connection are tight and free of corrosion.


your car shifting in a lower gear.. depends how hard u hit the accelerator. if u are going over half it will downshift to get going faster. if u think your tranny is sliping make sure your tranny fluid is correct u have 121k on the car make sure u have chaged you tranny filter and fluid. the abs comming on and then when u restarted it went off. i could have been just a abs interferance. nothing to worrie about unless it comes on often.
the hesitation could be spark plugs and or wires make sure they are good contition

[Quintz71]

Thanks for the info, GMMerlin gave me some tips too, will be trying some things this weekend.