1999 Grand AM Power Problem

[fsu3noles28]

I've been looking over things and this seems to be a big broblem with this make and model. Here's my problem.

I've gone out to start my car several times in the last year and it seems like I have had trouble getting gas to start the car. After about 10-20 minutes, the car will start and run fine. I talked to the repair guy who does my repairs and he said thats a huge issue because the problem can be in a bunch of different places. That the only way to find the issue is to start plugging in new parts.

Now last night, I went out to start my car and nothing. I had no power whatsoever. I have no idea if this is a problem that is involved with my previous problem in the above paragraph or not but I thought I'd include it anyways. There is a strange clicking noise coming from under the glove box whenever I open up the door even if the key is not in the ignition. I have power locks and trunk opener and neither of them work from the keychain i have. When I try to start the car, I get no power, I see the gages pop on and move up and then move down again, but I just get no power whatsoever. I tried to jump it, and had no luck. It seems to be something that could potentially cost alot of money, but I'm not 100% positive. I did have a few similar problems as this previous car owner had with my radio resetting and my speakers crackling.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t297953-1999_grand_am_power_issue.html

Any ideas? If you have any questions, my aol screen name is fsu3noles28... any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF.

Sounds like either your battery is dead or you have connection issues.
Both of which are relativly inexpensive.
Also check the wires going to the starter and the under hood fuse box.

Good Luck

[fsu3noles28]

Any idea what the clicking noise is under the passanger side glove box when I open my door?

Thanks!

[xeroinfinity]

their are relays in the pass side fuse box.
When you have low or no power,
they can click trying to energize.

Thats normal.

[fsu3noles28]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

their are relays in the pass side fuse box.
When you have low or no power,
they can click trying to energize.

Thats normal.

I got home and shook the cables and that fixed the problem.

Now one last thing, do you think there is there an issue with the cables where I should change them? I checked with Advance Auto and they said 15 bucks would get me new ones, so I will probably do that. I was just wondering if this could be a long term issue though, or if it was just a one time deal.

Thanks for the help! I have already referred many people to this site in the last 18 hours and will continue to do so!!

Thanks again!

[xeroinfinity]

I would try loosening the battery terminals and cleaning them both.
Thiers probly corrosion on them causing a bad connection.

You shouldnt need to replace the cables unless thier is a short in the cable(melted spots, bare wires).

Hope that helps.

[fsu3noles28]

Awesome. I'll try that.

Thanks!