1985 Pontiac Grand am problems

General information about Pontiac-Grand am
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that was produced by Pontiac in various years between 1973 and 2005. Produced as a RWD mid-size car on the LeMans GM A platform in its first two generations, the Grand Am name was reused for a FWD compact car for its last three generations.

The platform actually began development intended to be the next generation GTO, but the muscle car era was drawing to a close. So, Pontiac decided to make this model America's answer to European luxury|sports sedans. The Grand Am (GA) name was derived from two other Pontiacs; "Grand" signifying Grand Prix luxury, and "Am" for Trans Am performance.

These first generation GAs had some innovative features, including a deformable urethane nose (an evolution of the Endura bumper pioneered on the 1968 GTO), and was one of only three GM cars (Olds Cutlass Salon, Chevy Monte Carlo S) to debut radial-ply tires (RTS - Radial Tuned Suspension) as standard equipment. The intermediate sized Grand Am was canceled in 1980 when it was replaced by the Pontiac 6000.

A compact-sized Grand Am, based on the GM N-platform, was released in 1985, replacing the Pontiac Phoenix. It became Pontiac's best selling car and was later replaced by the Pontiac G6, so named as it was intended to be the 6th generation of the Grand Am.

All 1973–1975 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac's main assembly plant. The 1978-1980 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac's main assembly plant and in Atlanta, Georgia at GMAD Lakewood. All Grand Ams between 1985 and 2005 were built in Lansing, Michigan at the Lansing Car Assembly.

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Common 1985 Pontiac Grand am problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Pontiac Grand Am 1985 based on complaints from owners:

Engine Stalling:
- Description: Engine stalling was a prevalent issue in the 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. It was often caused by issues with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump. Other contributing factors included problems with the distributor, spark plugs, and ignition timing.
- Impact: Engine stalling could lead to sudden loss of power while driving, posing safety risks and inconvenience to the driver.
- Solution: Regular maintenance, including checking and replacing the fuel filter, fuel pump, distributor, spark plugs, and ignition timing, can help prevent engine stalling.
Transmission Problems:
- Description: Transmission issues, such as slipping or hesitation during acceleration, were common in the 1985 Grand Am. Causes included low fluid levels, worn clutches or bands, and mechanical failures within the transmission.
- Impact: Transmission problems could result in poor acceleration, rough shifting, and potential safety hazards on the road.
- Solution: Regularly checking and maintaining proper transmission fluid levels, as well as addressing any signs of slipping or hesitation, is crucial to prevent transmission issues.
Electrical Issues:
- Description: Electrical malfunctions were frequent in the 1985 Grand Am, with faulty alternators, starters, and ignition switches being common culprits. These issues could lead to engine stalling, no-start conditions, or other electrical problems.
- Impact: Electrical issues could cause various operational failures in the vehicle, affecting its overall performance and reliability.
- Solution: Timely inspection and replacement of faulty electrical components, along with proper wiring checks, are essential to maintain the electrical system's integrity.
Power Steering Problems:
- Description: The power steering system in the 1985 Grand Am had issues, particularly with power steering pumps prone to failure. This could result in stiff or unresponsive steering.
- Impact: Power steering problems could compromise the driver's ability to steer the vehicle effectively, leading to safety concerns.
- Solution: Regularly checking the power steering system, including the pump and fluid levels, and addressing any signs of stiffness or unresponsiveness promptly can help prevent power steering failures.

By addressing these common problems proactively through regular maintenance and timely repairs, owners of the 1985 Pontiac Grand Am can ensure a smoother driving experience and prolong the lifespan of their vehicle.

How reliable is a Pontiac Grand Am?

It's reliable, but not as reliable as a Camry. In blending a Grand Prix and a Trans Am, Pontiac have developed a car that's good at everything, and great at nothing. Fun to drive and priced to move, the Grand Am delivers a sporty feel and a comfortable ride.

How many miles will a Grand Am last?

Drivers generally report a minimum mileage of 200,000 before the expensive repairs start to pile up, while some have passed 300,000. Expect to hit anywhere from 225,000 to 250,000 on the original engine and powertrain before your Grand Am is ready for retirement.

What caused Pontiac to fail?

This put Pontiac in a fatal position given that GM was experiencing severe financial problems ahead of its bankruptcy in 2009. Pontiac was selling rebadged Chevrolet vehicles often at a lower price than Chevrolet, thereby not only earning a loss for itself, but also undercutting the Chevrolet brand altogether.

Why did they stop making Pontiac Grand Am?

Another factor leading to the Grand Am's cancellation were plans for all 1976 Pontiac A-body cars receiving the newly approved rectangular headlights, which would necessitate a complete redesign of the Grand Am's Endura nose and Pontiac officials decided that the expense of such a redesign could not be justified based ...

How reliable is a Pontiac Grand Am?

Why did they stop making Pontiac Grand Am?

Since Grand Am was an "in-between", its sales declined and the model was discontinued in 1975.

How long do Pontiac Grand Ams last?

How Long Will the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Last? Drivers generally report a minimum mileage of 200,000 before the expensive repairs start to pile up, while some have passed 300,000. Expect to hit anywhere from 225,000 to 250,000 on the original engine and powertrain before your Grand Am is ready for retirement.

What kind of engine does a Pontiac Grand Am have?

Pontiac's base Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 140 horsepower and mates with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. A 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 engine is standard in the SE2 and optional in the SE1.

1985 Pontiac Grand am car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Grand am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Electrical system problems
Visibility problems
Interior lighting problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Pontiac Grand am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Pontiac Grand am complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Pontiac Grand am.

1999-09-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1985-05-30
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: THE CONSUMER STATE'S WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS AND CUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, THERE IS LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND WHEN TURNING THE KEY, THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO START. *AK

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1999-08-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1987-06-19
VIN: 1G2NE27LXFC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE STALLING SINCE NEW, CONTINUES AND IS MORE FREQUENT, SEVERAL REPAIRS HOWEVER NOT RECTIFIED. MJS

Add Complaint

1999-08-31

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1987-06-19
VIN: 1G2NE27LXFC
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP AND WIPER SWITCH FAILED. MJS

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1999-08-31

INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1987-06-19
VIN: 1G2NE27LXFC
Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: DASH PANEL LIGHTS ON RIGHT SIDE FAILED DUE TO FAILED BULBS. MJS

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1999-03-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-02-24
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. NO PRIOR WARNING. INSURANCE COMPANY SAID IT MAY BE DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. AK

Add Complaint

1995-10-05

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-10-05
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH UPON IMPACT, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *AK

Add Complaint

1985 Pontiac Grand am recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1985 Pontiac Grand am.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

1987-08-10

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.
Consequence: CRACKS WOULD INCREASE LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CLOSINGTHE DOOR AND MIGHT ALLOW DOOR TO COME OPEN DURING A CRASH, INCREASINGLIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.

1986-02-21

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
Summary: THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL PREVENTING THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.

1984-11-20

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
Summary: THE SWITCH USED MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE WIPER MOTOR. THIS SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH FUNCTIONAL, IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEM". THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED MAY REMAIN NEARLY CONSTANT WHETHER IN HIGH OR LOW SPEED MODE. THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW SPEED MUST BE AT LEAST 15 CYCLES PER MINUTE TO ACCOMODATE A VARIETY OF RAIN, SNOW, OR WHEEL SPRAY CONDITIONS.
Remedy: WIPER SWITCHES WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.

1984-10-10

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Summary: THE TIE RODS ARE PART OF THE STEERING LINKAGE AND TRANSMIT TURNING MOVEMENTS TO THE WHEELS. THE BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE TIE RODS TO THEIR ADJUSTERS MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH. THIS COULD ALLOW THE TIE ROD TO LOOSEN AND DETACH ITSELF FROM THE ADJUSTER.
Remedy: THE TIE ROD END BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Pontiac Grand am problems:

Common problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20060206-2-067925.html

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https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/4hakm-pontiac-parisienne-brougham-1985-pontiac-parisenne.html

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Pontiac Grand Am slow acceleration with gas pedal fully pressed ...

https://repairpal.com/pontiac-grand-am-slow-acceleration-with-gas-pedal-fully-pressed-until-4000rpm-then-no-accele-454

Apr 4, 2018 ... When I press the gas pedal all the way, car accelerates slowly until 4000rpm, then remains at that rpm, then no more accel.

Caprice suspension issues question - New Caprice - Discussion ...

https://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=701

... common problems, some just more severe than others. ... 1975 Pontiac Grand Am L77 - 14.82 @ 92.89 ... 1985 Firebird - 310 LS1 C Prepared autocross ...