2000 Grand Am GT Issues... Curious?

[InDaZone]

Here's the detailed description of the issues for my 2000 Grand Am GT

- The car would be driving fine. I would shut it off to run into the store... come out and it wouldn't turn over at all. As soon as you hook it up to jumper cables, it starts up right away..... and then it would drive fine for awhile until the same problem occurred.

- Now you have to jump start it everytime... as soon as you shut it off it's dead. I noticed just now after jump starting it ... the windows still rolled down very slow. None of the gauges on the dash worked. Speedometer, Tachometer, Gas, Temp... brake, ABS, air bag lights were also on. I drove it around the block and it sounded like it wasn't shifting at all. I turned it off because I couldn't tell how hot it was running either.... and it seemed like none of the sensors were working.

- So i'm not sure if the battery is just dead... or it's the alternator... or both.... could a dead battery or bad alternator cause all my gauges to not work???

[Chameleon-kat]

I can only speak in general terms, but yes I think a battery with age on it can cause all of this. The electronics can be pretty sensitive to voltage flucuations these days. Is it the original battery (if so it has served a good life)?

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF InDaZone.

I'd try cleaning the connections first.
if that does not work the replace the battery.
As its cheaper then an alternator.

The battery should show about 12.5-13 volts when the car if not running.
With it running it should read much higher, like up too 14 volts.

Hope that helps!

[dgallo_2000]

Timing belt? I have recently encountered a problem, and thought it was a starter problem (now I wish it was), and I had it tested and that was not it. I go to start my 2000 gt, and it will turn over, but then whines like it doesn't want to fire! I am guessing it is the timing belt. I have a 2000 Malibu, and had to get into the timing belt area, to remove some broken motor mount bolts, and that was a pain. Will it be a pain on a 2000 grand am gt?

Thanks, I think!

[xeroinfinity]

Well the GA GT doesnt have a timing belt
It has a chain and isnt likely to be broke on a 2000

[dgallo_2000]

Alrighty then... What could it be then? Could it be the starter still, where the shaft is not coming out to catch/lock teeth, to start the car? This is the only things I can come up with...

Once again, you go to start the car, and It goes to turn over, then there is a high whining sound...

Thanks...

[xeroinfinity]

Coiuld be the starter is bad, you can take it to most parts stores and they can test it for you.
But it does sound like its locked up, since its whinning when you try and start the car.

That is if your battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and tight.

You issues are different then InDaZone's.

[dgallo_2000]

Can I add that there is a puddle of coolant under the car whenever I get it started... It will start after about 1000 turns of the key.

I had the started tested at Autozone, and they said it worked!

[xeroinfinity]

Well a puddle of coolant isnt whats casuing your starting issues. I'd say thats another problem, probly better post a new thread for that one.

Did it take the Zone 100 trys to turn the starter over?
If not then your battery or its connections are faulty.

Or your engine is locking up , and thats not good either!

[dgallo_2000]

I hope it is not frozen up! I can crank it by hand. I can get it running, but it takes a few turns of the key. I had taken the shield off by the starter, and had a buddy lay under the car, when I cranked it over, he said the teeth from the starter end was sticking, and not coming out at times. But it did spin.

[xeroinfinity]

yea the starter is bad!

I never trust the fools at the Zone to test my stuff
Its probly about ready to die, the bendix isnt kicking the armiture out to turn it over.
Sometimes you can pull the soleniod off and file the washer that is inside where it makes contact to turn it.
Sometimes the washer get a build up on it and doesnt allow a full 12V to flow.

Hope that helps!

[dgallo_2000]

Thank you for all the help! I am always on this forum for my 2000 Malibu. Now that thing is a piece of junk... I am trying to get a decent priced, used trans for that car. I still owe money on it, so I need to keep it a little longer.

Thanks again, and I will let you know tonight or tomorrow if it works. I just bought a new starter from Napa.

[dgallo_2000]

It was the starter! I replaced it, and went to start it, and NOTHING happened! It would not even turn ever! So, I smacked my head and said DUH, you need to reconnect the battery! So, I reconnected the battery, and it fired right up!

Thanks again people!

[InDaZone]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Welcome to AF InDaZone.

I'd try cleaning the connections first.
if that does not work the replace the battery.
As its cheaper then an alternator.

The battery should show about 12.5-13 volts when the car if not running.
With it running it should read much higher, like up too 14 volts.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the advice guys.....

Turns out it was the battery....

I replaced it.... and it cranked right up. My friend tested everything out with some $500 dollar hand held computer things... and said everything was charging great.

Runs awesome now.