1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

3 recalls — 50 complaints

07E088000 Oct 24, 2007
EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
121,680 vehicles affected
06E065000 Jul 17, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
3,593 vehicles affected
95V046000 Mar 22, 1995
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED CAUSING THE SHAFT LOWER COUPLING TO LOOSEN AND ROTATE ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FOR THE CORRECT LOWER COUPLING AND REPLACE IT AS REQUIRED.
362 vehicles affected
STEERING Nov 7, 2006
ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ABOUT 1 AM,COMING AROUND SOME CURVES, THAT I HAD COME AROUND A HUNDRED TIMES BEFORE, WENT TO CURVE LEFT AND THE CAR STEERED RIGHT, WENT INTO DITCH, HIT A DRIVEWAY CULVERT AND TORE THE TIRE OFF THE RIM AND DESTROYED THE RIM. DIDNT REALIZE ANYTHING MAJOR WAS WRONG TILL I GOT THE TIRE CHANGED AND WENT TO GO HOME, THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT REALLY HARD, GOT IT UP TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS BENT IN A FEW PLACES. THEY SAID IR WOULD COST ABOUT $1600.00 TO $2000.00 TO FIX IT, WELL I DON'T HAVE THAT KINDA MONEY TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT. SO NOW ITS BEEN SITTING. NOTHING CAN BE DONE AT THIS TIME TO FIX IT AT THIS TIME..I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING IN THE CAR. *NM
Crash
STRUCTURE Jul 21, 2006
THE LEFT SIDE OF THE T-TOP ON THE CONSUMER 1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD CAME OFF. *TS THE T-TOP STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING DAMAGE TO THAT VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD AND ROOF. UPDATED 07/20/06. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Apr 15, 2005
1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING.*MR THE FIRE CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *NM
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jun 24, 2003
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHT APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD, AND PEDAL GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Nov 7, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT AT 65MPH IN THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Aug 12, 2002
THE SAFETY RELATED FAILURE INVOLVES AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE FULE PUMP WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK IMMERSED IN GASOLINE. THE CONNECTER WAS ARCHING, OVERHEATED AND MELTED AND FINALLY LOST CONTINUITY WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL PUMP TO NO LONGER OPERATE. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THIS CONNECTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND THROUGH ARCHING AND OVERHEATING COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN EXPLOSION OF THE GAS TANK. SINCE AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR DOES NOT MOVE OR WEAR UNDER USE, I BELIEVE THE CONNECTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IN QUESTION HAS SIGNIFICANT MILEAGE, I DON'T BELIEVE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ABNORMAL FAILURE. I WOULD NOT COMPLAIN IF THE FUEL PUMP SIMPLY STOPEED OPERATING DUE TO USE AND WEAR. IN THIS CASE THE FULE PUMP STILL RUNS, BUT I CHOSE TO REPLACE THE PART DUE TO THE BURNED CONDITION AT THE ELECTRIAL CONNECTION. I BELIEVE ARCHING AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS MELTING INSIDE A GAS TANK IS UNSAFE. I HAVE RETAINED THE PARTS FOR INSPECTION. WHEN I TOOK THE PARTS FOR INSEPCTION TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP, HE BASICALLY IGNORED MY CONCERN.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jun 7, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, BRAKE WAS APPLIED, BUT SPEED INCREASED IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH. VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. SAME DAY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN, SPUN OUT, AND HIT A TREE. BRAKE WAS APPLIED BOTH TIMES, CRUISE WAS ON BUT NOT SET. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN, NO INJURIES.*AK
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 7, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, BRAKE WAS APPLIED, BUT SPEED INCREASED IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH. VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. SAME DAY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN, SPUN OUT, AND HIT A TREE. BRAKE WAS APPLIED BOTH TIMES, CRUISE WAS ON BUT NOT SET. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN, NO INJURIES.*AK
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Apr 8, 2002
CRACKED HEAD AT 65000 MILES? I HAVE SEEN NOW 20 DIFFENT OWNERS POSTED ON WEB SITES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AT EVEN LOWER MILES....AND GM DOES NOT RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 19, 2002
VEHICLE SHUTDOWN WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Jan 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES THE SINGLE DRIVE BELT CONSISTENTLY SLIPS LOSING POWERSTEERING, AC AND ALTERNATOR FUNCTION. THE BELT DOES COME BACK ON LINE, BUT THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING HAS RESULTED IN THE SAFETY PROBLEM OF SEVERAL NEAR CRASHES. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN WITH ASSURANCE AND SAFETY DURING RAIN STORMS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Jan 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES THE SINGLE DRIVE BELT CONSISTENTLY SLIPS LOSING POWERSTEERING, AC AND ALTERNATOR FUNCTION. THE BELT DOES COME BACK ON LINE, BUT THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING HAS RESULTED IN THE SAFETY PROBLEM OF SEVERAL NEAR CRASHES. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN WITH ASSURANCE AND SAFETY DURING RAIN STORMS.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Aug 30, 2001
PARKED CAR IN ATTACHED GARAGE. WENT INTO HOME. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES HEARD NOISE IN GARAGE AND OPENED DOOR FROM HOME TO GARAGE TO INVESTIGATE. ENTIRE FRONT HALF OF CAR WAS ON FIRE. ENSUING FIRE CONSUMED ENTIRE CAR, GARAGE, AND HOUSE. FIRE MARSHAL STATED FAILURE WAS WITH ENGINE FUEL LINE.*AK
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jul 11, 2001
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERELY LONGER BRAKING DISTANCES DURING RAINY WEATHER (I.E. WITH WET DISC BRAKES). THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. ONCE THE DISCS ARE DRY (E.G. AFTER BRAKING SEVERAL TIMES) BRAKING RETURNS TO NORMAL. THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASES BY A FACTOR OF 2-3 X AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO REAR-END OTHER VEHICLES SEVERAL TIMES. IT IS PARTICULARLY A PROBLEM IF THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN A RAIN STORM AND IS THEN DRIVEN. THE ONLY SOLUTION I HAVE FOUND IS TO PERIODICALLY SNUB THE BRAKES DURING WET WEATHER IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM DRY. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET GM TO EVEN RESPOND--THEY SIMPLY CREAT A FILE AND THAT IS THE LAST I EVER HEAR (I HAVE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES). I AM CONCERNED THAT ONE DAY I WILL BE UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WET PAVEMENT OR WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY SKIDING, ETC. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HEAVY RAINS AND IS ELIMINATED AFTER SEVERAL HARD STOPS WHICH DRIES OFF THE BRAKES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM May 10, 2001
TOOK VEHICLE TO MIDAS FOR MAINTENANCE DUE TO BRAKES SQUEALING WHEN APPLIED. HAD BRAKES CHECKED. MECHANIC NOTICED THAT REAR BRAKE DRUMS WERE CRACKED. NO EXPLANATION OF HOW THEY BECAME CRACKED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 5, 2001
THROTTEL RELAXER MOTOR FAILED WHICH STOPPED CAR IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Feb 6, 2001
IGNITION SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO CAUSE ALL ELECTRONICAL COMPONENTS TO BE INOPERATIVE, DEALER FOUND A SHORT IN THE IGNITION. *SLC
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. Nov 7, 2000
POWER ANTENNA SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING.*ET
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. Jul 25, 2000
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED ONCE AND BEEN REBUILT, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT. ENGINE HAS HAS MULTIPLE LEAKS INCLUDING THE REAR MAIN SEAL, THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANIFOLD. ANTENA NO LONGER RETRACTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Jul 25, 2000
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED ONCE AND BEEN REBUILT, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT. ENGINE HAS HAS MULTIPLE LEAKS INCLUDING THE REAR MAIN SEAL, THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANIFOLD. ANTENA NO LONGER RETRACTS.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jul 25, 2000
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED ONCE AND BEEN REBUILT, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT. ENGINE HAS HAS MULTIPLE LEAKS INCLUDING THE REAR MAIN SEAL, THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANIFOLD. ANTENA NO LONGER RETRACTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 25, 2000
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED ONCE AND BEEN REBUILT, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT. ENGINE HAS HAS MULTIPLE LEAKS INCLUDING THE REAR MAIN SEAL, THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANIFOLD. ANTENA NO LONGER RETRACTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jul 25, 2000
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED ONCE AND BEEN REBUILT, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT. ENGINE HAS HAS MULTIPLE LEAKS INCLUDING THE REAR MAIN SEAL, THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANIFOLD. ANTENA NO LONGER RETRACTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 30, 2000
REAR OIL SEAL REPLACED, CONTINUED LEAKAGE, SHOP DENIES. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jun 29, 2000
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT ANY IMPACT, CAUSING INJURIES TO DRIVER. DEALER REPLACED DRIVER'S AIRBAG AT MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE, AND SAID THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) Jun 23, 2000
COME TO SLOW STOP, LOW TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON, CAR SLIPS FORWARD SLIGHTLY, ABS SYSTEM CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH SCANNER THOUGH ALL OTHER AREAS DO. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jun 23, 2000
COME TO SLOW STOP, LOW TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON, CAR SLIPS FORWARD SLIGHTLY, ABS SYSTEM CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH SCANNER THOUGH ALL OTHER AREAS DO. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM May 19, 2000
THE SMOG PUMP BLOWS THE FUSE, THE COOLING FANS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED NEARLY $500.00 TO REPLACE THE PUMP, WIRING, AND FUSE. THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM USING BIGGER RATED WIRE AND FUSE, WHICH USUALLY MEANS ORIGINAL PARTS WERE NOT ADDEQUATE. I AM GOING TO CONTACT GM'S CORPORATE OFFICES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IF THE T.S.B. CALLS FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH BIGGER RATED WIRE AND FUSE, THEN GM KNOWS IT IS POSSIBLY A DESIGN DEFECT. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL OR AN EMISSIONS WARRANTY OF SOME KIND. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN May 19, 2000
THE SMOG PUMP BLOWS THE FUSE, THE COOLING FANS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED NEARLY $500.00 TO REPLACE THE PUMP, WIRING, AND FUSE. THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM USING BIGGER RATED WIRE AND FUSE, WHICH USUALLY MEANS ORIGINAL PARTS WERE NOT ADDEQUATE. I AM GOING TO CONTACT GM'S CORPORATE OFFICES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IF THE T.S.B. CALLS FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH BIGGER RATED WIRE AND FUSE, THEN GM KNOWS IT IS POSSIBLY A DESIGN DEFECT. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL OR AN EMISSIONS WARRANTY OF SOME KIND. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 19, 2000
THE SMOG PUMP BLOWS THE FUSE, THE COOLING FANS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED NEARLY $500.00 TO REPLACE THE PUMP, WIRING, AND FUSE. THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM USING BIGGER RATED WIRE AND FUSE, WHICH USUALLY MEANS ORIGINAL PARTS WERE NOT ADDEQUATE. I AM GOING TO CONTACT GM'S CORPORATE OFFICES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IF THE T.S.B. CALLS FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH BIGGER RATED WIRE AND FUSE, THEN GM KNOWS IT IS POSSIBLY A DESIGN DEFECT. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL OR AN EMISSIONS WARRANTY OF SOME KIND. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Feb 11, 2000
THE "AIR PUMP" FUSE FREQUENTLY BURNS OUT, CAUSING THE CAR TO FAIL AT LOW SPEEDS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK Jul 10, 1999
NO SUMMARY
Crash 1 injured
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION May 26, 1999
THE SHIFT LEVER GEAR WOULD JUMP FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL WHEN NOT PHYSICALLY HOLDING IT. ITS A 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION (T-56). BEEN TO DEALER & NOTHING FOUND. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION May 17, 1999
WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE, THE CAR FAILS TO PROCEED, BUT JUST SITS STILL FOR ABOUT 4 SECONDS BEFOR IT STARTS TO MOVE FOREWARD. THIS IS SCARY BECAUSE I HAVE HAD NEAR-ACCIDENTS WITH THIS PROBLEM WHEN AN APPROACHING VEHICLE IS COMING UP ON ME FROM THE REAR ON THE ROADS I HAVE BACKED OUT ONTO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARSHALL PONTIAC IN CLINTON, IN FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXHISTS REGARDLESS. THIS CREATES ANOTHER POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN THE ROADS ARE SLICK. WHEN THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE FOREWARD, IT ACCELERATES AND CAUSES TIRE SLIPPAGE AND LOSS OF TRACTION. ABOUT THE HEADLIGHT PROBLEM NOW....WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SHUT OFF, THEY DROP INTO PLACE, BUT THE MOTOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT MAKES A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE FOR ABOUT 15-20 SECONDS. THE DRIVING LIGHTS CANNOT BE TURNED ON WITHOUT THE HEADLIGHTS POPPING UP (EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT LIT). I FIND MYSELF SHUTTING OFF MY HEADLIGHTS BEFORE I REACH A POPULATED AREA TO AVOID EMBARRASMENT OF THE NOISE. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS, I REALIZE. IT CAN BE HEARD A BLOCK AWAY. I HAVE TALKED TO ABOUT 5 OTHER FIREBIRD AND TRANS AM OWNERS IN JUST MY AREA THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH BOTH THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE SHIFT FROM R TO DRIVE. WHEN THEY HAD THE HEADLIGHT MOTOR REPLACED, THEY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM ONCE AGAIN WITH THE REPLACEMENT MOTOR/MODULE. NOW ABOUT THE IGNITION....THE CAR TAKES THREE, SOMETIMES FOUR TRYS TO START. THIS WAS QUITE A PROBLEM FOR ME WHEN I WAS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION NEEDING TO RUSH MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL AS SHE CUT OFF HER THUMB RECENTLY. WE LOST VALUABLE TIME TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO START WHILE SHE WAS LOSING ALOT OF BLOOD. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY FRUSTRATING. MARSHALL PONTIAC IN CLINTON, IN HAS REPLACED HEADLIGHT MOTORS ON THESE 90 MODEL FIREBIRD AND TRANS AMS IN THE PAST WITHOUT INFORMING THE OWNER THAT OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THIS IS A PROB. LOCALLY, WHAT ARE THE NAT'NL NUMBERS?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS May 17, 1999
WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE, THE CAR FAILS TO PROCEED, BUT JUST SITS STILL FOR ABOUT 4 SECONDS BEFOR IT STARTS TO MOVE FOREWARD. THIS IS SCARY BECAUSE I HAVE HAD NEAR-ACCIDENTS WITH THIS PROBLEM WHEN AN APPROACHING VEHICLE IS COMING UP ON ME FROM THE REAR ON THE ROADS I HAVE BACKED OUT ONTO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARSHALL PONTIAC IN CLINTON, IN FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXHISTS REGARDLESS. THIS CREATES ANOTHER POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN THE ROADS ARE SLICK. WHEN THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE FOREWARD, IT ACCELERATES AND CAUSES TIRE SLIPPAGE AND LOSS OF TRACTION. ABOUT THE HEADLIGHT PROBLEM NOW....WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SHUT OFF, THEY DROP INTO PLACE, BUT THE MOTOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT MAKES A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE FOR ABOUT 15-20 SECONDS. THE DRIVING LIGHTS CANNOT BE TURNED ON WITHOUT THE HEADLIGHTS POPPING UP (EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT LIT). I FIND MYSELF SHUTTING OFF MY HEADLIGHTS BEFORE I REACH A POPULATED AREA TO AVOID EMBARRASMENT OF THE NOISE. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS, I REALIZE. IT CAN BE HEARD A BLOCK AWAY. I HAVE TALKED TO ABOUT 5 OTHER FIREBIRD AND TRANS AM OWNERS IN JUST MY AREA THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH BOTH THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE SHIFT FROM R TO DRIVE. WHEN THEY HAD THE HEADLIGHT MOTOR REPLACED, THEY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM ONCE AGAIN WITH THE REPLACEMENT MOTOR/MODULE. NOW ABOUT THE IGNITION....THE CAR TAKES THREE, SOMETIMES FOUR TRYS TO START. THIS WAS QUITE A PROBLEM FOR ME WHEN I WAS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION NEEDING TO RUSH MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL AS SHE CUT OFF HER THUMB RECENTLY. WE LOST VALUABLE TIME TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO START WHILE SHE WAS LOSING ALOT OF BLOOD. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY FRUSTRATING. MARSHALL PONTIAC IN CLINTON, IN HAS REPLACED HEADLIGHT MOTORS ON THESE 90 MODEL FIREBIRD AND TRANS AMS IN THE PAST WITHOUT INFORMING THE OWNER THAT OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THIS IS A PROB. LOCALLY, WHAT ARE THE NAT'NL NUMBERS?
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Mar 25, 1999
WHILE TRAVELLING AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN CRASH DUE TO THE REAR AXLE BREAKING IN HALF. FRONTAL IMPACT AND REAR IMPACT INTO A CEMENT WALL, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Crash 1 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Mar 25, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT VEHICLE STARTED SPINNING AROUND, THEN LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION/INJURIES. NO PRIOR INDICATION THAT INCIDENT WOULD OCCUR. DEALER CONTACTED, AND STATED THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND NO REPAIIRS DONE. *AK
Crash 1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Mar 25, 1999
IE 97060; THERE IS A FUEL LEAKAGE SOMEWHERE AND A SMELL OF GASOLINE. WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL HARD ONE CAN SMELL THE GAS MORE. DEALER CONTACTED AND WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FUEL SMELL, AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Mar 25, 1999
WHILE TRAVELLING AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN CRASH DUE TO THE REAR AXLE BREAKING IN HALF. FRONTAL IMPACT AND REAR IMPACT INTO A CEMENT WALL, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD Mar 25, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER AND VEHICLE STALLED. PULLED OVER AND RAISED THE HOOD, AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. A NEARBY DRIVER HELPED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Mar 25, 1999
VEHICLE IGNITION SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURED IN A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS (FROM A STOP, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHILE IN CRUISE, WHILE ACCELERATING, ETC.). DASH INDICATIONS ARE A
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 10, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THROTTLE GOT STUCK IN OPEN POSITION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RACE AND ACCLERATE. BRAKING SYSTEM COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#.
STEERING Feb 17, 1999
VEHICLE BEING BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Feb 17, 1999
WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. REPAIR INCLUDED STEERING COLI KIT 14.865.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK Feb 17, 1999
HATCH/TRUNK AREA WHERE THE LOCK PANEL AND HATCH MEET IS GLUED IN A STRATEGIC AND DANGEROUS SPOT. CONSEQUENTLY, THE LOCK IS NOT GRABBING TOGETHER COMPLETELY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 17, 1999
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BECAME SLUGGISH. SMOKE THEN CAME FROM VENTILATION VENTS IN VEHICLE, WHICH THEN RESULTED IN A FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. CAUSE OF FIRE UNKNOWN. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Feb 17, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED INJURIES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. TSB ON A STEERING WIRE CAN SHORT CIRCUIT. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 10, 1999
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE #29, AIR PUMP FUSE AND WIRING ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO PREVENT FUSE FROM BLOWING. FUSE BLOWS AFTER ENGINE GOES INTO CLOSED LOOP OPERATION. AIR PUMP DOES NOT WORK AFTER THIS, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO APPEAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS Feb 10, 1999
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE #29, AIR PUMP FUSE AND WIRING ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO PREVENT FUSE FROM BLOWING. FUSE BLOWS AFTER ENGINE GOES INTO CLOSED LOOP OPERATION. AIR PUMP DOES NOT WORK AFTER THIS, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO APPEAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Feb 10, 1999
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE #29, AIR PUMP FUSE AND WIRING ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO PREVENT FUSE FROM BLOWING. FUSE BLOWS AFTER ENGINE GOES INTO CLOSED LOOP OPERATION. AIR PUMP DOES NOT WORK AFTER THIS, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO APPEAR.