1996 Pontiac Grand Prix - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

if you can't find the petcock for the radiator just loosen the clamp on lower radiator hose with a drain pan under it.

Many do not have drain valve, but if it does, it will on the back side of the radiator. it will be on the left side of the car at the lowest point. Maybe have to take the plastic cover off the bottom to get to. it.

the fuel sending unit is located on the top of the fuel tank, On the grand prix you will have to drop the tank down (remove the tank straps) and the remove the ring that holds the unit in and then you can just pull the unit right out of the tank. You then place the new unit in and the installation is the reverse of removal

collapsed lifter and or worn cam lobe . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21swnCbDCKk

iac(idle air controll valve) is bad or the ma and or maf sensor needs cleaned. Also could be a stuck or carboned up egr valve. Google search them and watch some videos.

JUST MY OPINION (top licenced auto repair technician for 43 years) I strongly suggest you do not work on the brake system if you are not trained/have knowledge of the system.Yes,you may get it apart and back together but if just one thing is not perfect you may find yourself without brakes at just the wrong time.Having it repaired by a professional may end up being the best thing you ever did.

On this website (link below) you find fuse box diagram and description for Pontiac Grand Prix 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix mk5 FifthGeneration 1996 fuse box diagram Auto Genius

Check Maxi fuse #3 60 amp in the under hood electrical center #1 .This is power for the #1 cooling fan . Also check the #1 fan control relay in the same under hood electrical center . These vehicles use 2 360 mm (14.2 in) cooling fans to aid air flow through the radiator. Electric motors drive the cooling fans. These motors are attached to the radiator. Motor size varies with each engine option. A coolant temperature switch activates the fan motors. This switch regulates voltage to the cooling fan relay. This switch operates the fan whenever the engine coolant temperature exceeds 110°C (230°F). For location and diagnosis, refer to Electrical Diagnosis. A transducer can also activate the circuit, depending on the A/C compressor head pressure going to the condenser. The engine cooling fan relays provide the high current required for the cooling fan motors using a low current signal coming from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This signal is a function of various inputs. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis for further information and diagnosis of the cooling fan relay. Electrical Center #1, Underhood (U/H) RH side of the engine compartment, forward of the strut tower

Courtesy of Yahoo answers: The column itself is not that hard to replace in most gm vehicles. take lower valance panel off under the dash to expost the majority of the column. if you look under the hood you will see something that looks like a small universal joint called a rag joint which connects the column to the steering rack, this is normally held in by a pinch bolt, remove the bolt but dont slide anything apart yet. next get in the car and make sure the front wheels are straight ahead and the steering wheel is straight ( this will make things easier to line up when reinstalling) disconnect the battery now so you dont arc anything or set off any air bags during the rest of the repair. under the dash on the column itself should be 4 bolts that go through the brackets that hold the column to the underside of the dash, remove these 4 bolts and the column should drop down. this will allow you to disconnect any electrical connections to the column. once electrics and mount bolts are undone the colum should be able to be slid out ( there will be resistance from the pinch bolt but a bit of force will get it off) set column side by side with the replacement and make sure they are identical. if all looks the same then just reverse the procedure to install ( pinch bolt is the hardset thing to line up and it is a good idea to have an extra set of eyes around to help you line it up) reclip the electrics, bolt up the mounts, put bolt in pinch bolt and reattach the battery

Could be almost anything. If it cranks good but, won't start, make sure battery has a full charge. Don't crank the starter more than a few seconds at a time, let it cool off. Have helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If spark everywhere, use a gage and check proper fuel pressure. Also, check fuel injector pulse, do testing with engine cranking. How long since a tune-up? Any applicable trouble codes?

unclip it and then put the new one on

Hi use a big hammer these are a tight fit in the bracket and get caught by rust.

On that year and make of car you don't replace the headlight unit, just the bulb. Usually you have to open the hood and you can get to the bulb from that back side of the headlight housing. You give the holder/socket about a 1/4 turn and then pull it back and away; once clear of the assembly you'll see the bulb in the part you just took out. The bulb just pulls straight out of the holder. Sometimes getting to the back of the headlight assembly is really hard, sometimes not. Just go to your local auto parts store to purchase the replacement. The one warning is to never touch the bulb with your bare hands (fingers). The oil from your body will cause the bulb to burn out. Either wear rubber gloves when handling the bulb or a clean rag. To be extra sure, once you install the bulb in the socket, wipe it off with an alcohol wipe, then install it back into the headlight assembly.

Most likely the torque converter clutch is engaged. Common problem especially with the 2.8 lt motor. You can unplug the torque converter clutch wire harness from the transmission and see if it works any better. If it does, leave it unplugged. The plug is a square plug you can see looking at the motor from the front of the car with the hood open. It is on the front side of the transmission and I think it is white in color.

NO 1 Wire Positive ! wire Negative

its possible that the engine is burning the coolant which would not show either by causing the oil to turn a milky color or leave a puddle were you parked. it may be just a small problem at the moment not causing the car to overheat. have the head gaskets checked for damage with a head gasket test. it could also be a possible intake gasket leak causing the coolant to be burnt but not leak into the engine oil. just somethings to check out.

Sounds like mine. Probably low on transmission fluid. One quart made a huge difference. You may have a leak. Spots under the car? Keep watching it, Keep a spare quart in the car and funnel for emergency till you get leak fixed.

It may be the IAC ( Idle Air Control Valve ) Try and replace that. But make sure you get it from dealer .Do not by as after market part ( Autozone, advanced auto parts, etc. )

your blend door actuator is at fault .

I would lean more towards the water pump or the power steering pump. Check the fluid in your power steering reservoir and watch the temp gauge for hotter than normal.