1985 Pontiac Grand prix problems
The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 as coupes and from 1989 through 2008 model years as four-door sedans.
First introduced as a full-size performance coupe for the 1962 model year, the model varied repeatedly in size, luxury, and performance during its production. The Grand Prix was the most expensive coupe Pontiac offered until the 1970s, when the Bonneville Brougham and the Firebird Trans Am became more exclusive. Among the changes were positioning in the personal luxury car market segment and mid-size car offering from the second generation to the fifth generation for the sedan and from the second generation to the sixth generation from the coupe.
All Grand Prixs from 1962 through 1972 were pillarless hardtops (except for the 1967 convertible),
Social links
Common 1985 Pontiac Grand prix problems
The 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:
- Engine Oil Leaks and Fires: Certain 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix models equipped with a 5.0L engine may experience inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, potentially resulting in a fire. This issue is related to the use of certain Honeywell Fram Racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured between May 25, 2006, and September 14, 2007. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures, leading to potential engine oil leaks and fires.
- Power Door Lock Switch Issues: The driver power door lock switch base may separate from the escutcheon during actuation, exposing the b(plus) terminal. If the b(plus) terminal contacts the steel remote mirror cable, a high resistance short can occur without blowing the fuse. This short may cause the cable to overheat and could result in a fire. This issue affects the Grand Prix LE and Brougham models equipped with power door locks.
- Jammed Steering Mechanism: The oil fill tube may become loose, causing it to fall and possibly become lodged near the steering gear. This may cause the steering mechanism to become jammed, resulting in steering difficulties.
- Faulty Engine Parts: The most common Pontiac problems are related to faulty engine parts, including intake manifold issues and transmission problems. These issues can lead to engine misfires, fluid leaks, and other performance problems.
- Malfunctioning Power Windows: Malfunctioning power windows are another common problem seen in Pontiacs, including the Grand Prix. This issue can lead to difficulty operating the windows and potential safety hazards.
It is important to note that these issues may not affect all 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix models, and some may have been addressed through recalls or other manufacturer actions. If you own a 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix or are considering purchasing one, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues.
Are Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
Pontiacs generally have a good track record for longevity with many Grand Prix owners reporting an average mileage of 225,000 miles before the engine and transmission repairs start to pile up. Expect to reach a maximum of 250,000 miles if you're lucky, 200,000 if the car wasn't in great shape when you found it.
Why does my Pontiac Grand Prix stall?
The most common reasons a Pontiac Grand Prix engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
What is the last year they made the Pontiac Grand Prix?
| Pontiac Grand Prix | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pontiac (General Motors) |
| Model years | 1962–2008 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Personal luxury car (1962–1987) Mid-size car (1988–2008) |
Is a Pontiac Grand Prix FWD or RWD?
"We wanted a car to run with BMWs," says program engineering manager Phil Minch. "But we were limited by the W-car architecture, in other words, by front-wheel drive. "The rear end never lets go when you have the same size tires all around.
Are Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
Pontiacs generally have a good track record for longevity with many Grand Prix owners reporting an average mileage of 225,000 miles before the engine and transmission repairs start to pile up. Expect to reach a maximum of 250,000 miles if you're lucky, 200,000 if the car wasn't in great shape when you found it.
Was the Pontiac Grand Prix a luxury car?
Among the changes were positioning in the personal luxury car market segment and mid-size car offering from the second generation to the fifth generation for the sedan and from the second generation to the sixth generation from the coupe.
How many gears does a Pontiac Grand Prix have?
four-speed
The Grand Prix is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 and comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 develops 200 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 230 pound-feet of torque at 4000. The V6 gets an EPA-rated City/Highway 18/28 mpg, while meeting SULEV (Super Low Emissions Vehicle) standards in California and the Northeast.
Why does my Pontiac Grand Prix stall?
The most common reasons a Pontiac Grand Prix engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
1985 Pontiac Grand prix car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Grand prix problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seats problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Pontiac Grand prix vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Pontiac Grand prix complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Pontiac Grand prix.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-19
- VIN: 2G2GP37A7F2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY OUT ON THE HIGHWAY . *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2WJ12M2F5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT FLIES UP,PUSHING YOU INTO THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2WJ12M2F5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT FLIES UP,PUSHING YOU INTO THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *AK
1985 Pontiac Grand prix recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Pontiac Grand prix.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH MAY SEPARATE DURING ACTUATION, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL.
- Consequence: THE TERMINAL MAY CONTACT THE STEEL REMOTE MIRROR CABLE,A SHORT CAN OCCUR WITHOUT BLOWING A FUSE. THIS MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO OVERHEATAND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND MODIFY POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH AS REQUIRED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Pontiac Grand prix problems:
Pontiac Grand Prix Problems: Troubleshooting Dashes Acting Up ...
Mar 18, 2015 ... Common problem i see with grand prix dashes acting up no gages its not a fuse or loose connection its got to be a - Answered by a verified ...
Curbside Classic/Driving Impressions: 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix ...
Jan 21, 2021 ... “By the way, I'm a bit surprised by your comment about the steering. American power steering of yore is known to be one of the lightest one. One ...
Q&A: 1985 Pontiac Parisienne Interior - Expert Answers | JustAnswer
Jan 18, 2011 ... ... 1985 Pontiac Parisenne? - Answered by a verified Pontiac Mechanic. ... Pontiac Grand Prix: I have 2 problems with my 2000 Pontiac ... ... engine. I ...
79 Corvette Door Lock Mechanism Very Stiff - CorvetteForum ...
Mar 7, 2009 ... Is this a common problem? Thanks ... 1977 to 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix ( All Four Doors ) ... problems, repair · Subscribe · C3 Tech/Performance ...
Pontiac Grand Prix Questions - Engine power loss and sputtering ...
Mar 6, 2007 ... Is it possible that I am sucking in air through the fuel filter connections? Or could changing the filter have caused any other problems with my ...
Other years of Pontiac Grand prix
Are you having problems with your 1985 Pontiac Grand prix?
Leave your review of 1985 Pontiac Grand prix