2000 Grand Am GT - multiple problems

[ajvasel]

Hello, I just found these forums.

I have a 2000 Grand Am GT a little less than 2 years now - no significant problems until now.

I have had a slight coolant leak for a few months now. I had my car in for inspection today, and I was told that I have a bad water pump that should be replaced soon. I had the serpentine belt replaced today.

Also, I have had the ABS and Brake lights occasionally come on. Usually when I restart, the lights are gone. The front and rear brakes were replaced today as well as the front rotors.

Also, I occasionally experience difficulty starting the car. It will turn over, somewhat sputter and then die. The battery is only a few months old. It ususally takes some pushing on the gas pedal while I'm turning the ignition to get it started. Unfortunately, this resets everything (mileage trip tracker, clock, etc.).

So, a few questions:
1) How much should it cost to replace the water pump? I was quoted $300-$400 today.
2) Will getting the brakes replaced get rid of this occasional ABS flash?
3) Is this occasional difficult starting of the car anything to worry about?
4) Are any of these problems interrelated or a major cause for concern?

Thanks for any help.

[BNaylor]

So, a few questions:
1) How much should it cost to replace the water pump? I was quoted $300-$400 today.
2) Will getting the brakes replaced get rid of this occasional ABS flash?
3) Is this occasional difficult starting of the car anything to worry about?
4) Are any of these problems interrelated or a major cause for concern?

Thanks for any help.

$300 - $400 for a water pump and labor is a RIP off. You can get an aftermarket water pump for around $20.00 and labor should be no more than 2.0 hours @ $50 per hour. If you are going through the GM dealer they are a RIP off on that price quote.

Your ABS problem is the system is failing initialization causing the BRAKE and ABS light to come on. It needs to be scanned with an ABS capable scanner and see what GM CHASSIS/ABS codes are stored. Probably a defective ABS motor/modulator.

On starting check your battery cables both positive and negative. Make sure clean and tight, etc. Get the battery tested although new. Make sure the alternator is putting out proper charging voltage. Sounds like something electrical is causing the clock to reset.

The problems do not sound related but you never know.

[xeroinfinity]

1- that ia way to much! $200 Tops! its like a 15-20 min job.

2- No replacing them wont get rid of the occational light. Like bnaylor3400 said, probley the Hub/ABS unit or possibley the wirings frayed down at the wheel, which does happen from time to time, causing the intermitant display of the ABS light.

3- yes and no, Better to get it fixed now that it does start than to wiat till it wont start.

4- the coolant leak, if its not the water pump leaking, you could hav the notorious Intake manifold leak. Which can be costly on repairs.

Oh Ya, Welcome to Automotive Forums!

[ajvasel]

Thanks for the quick replies. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a mechanic (I would have gone to him in the first place, but I needed to get into a place right away yesterday b/c I am taking a trip this weekend), and he is going to quote me a price to replace the water pump. As both of you mentioned, he is seemed to think that it would definitely be less than 1 hour of labor with the water pump itself no more than $25.

Another friend of mine has one of those ABS capable scanner so I am going to take a look at that tomorrow.

Again, thanks for the replies and welcome. I will post further information and/or questions as I learn more.

[xeroinfinity]

its great to hav friends like that !

[ajvasel]

Yeah, so I haven't any problems with starting now since I got the brakes replaced. When my mechanic friend replaced the water pump today, he told me that there was some corrosion on the battery even though it is fairly new. And an electronic scan showed that everything is fine so I am hoping that this is the end of any major problems.... for now.