1979 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunbird (also known as the Pontiac J2000 and Pontiac 2000) is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac (the later T1000 was slotted below it in size).
The first generation of the Sunbird used the subcompact GM H platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Monza, the Sunbird was offered as a two-door notchback coupé and three-door hatchback and station wagon. The model was manufactured alongside the Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), South Gate Assembly (South Gate, California) and Sainte-Thérèse Assembly (Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec), Canada.
The second generation of the Sunbird used the compact GM J platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Sunbird was marketed at various times as a two-door notchback coupé or convertible, three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The model line was manufactured alongside the Cavalier at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), Ramos Arizpe Assembly (Ramos Arizpe, Mexico), and alongside the Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Firenza at Leeds Assembly (Kansas City, Missouri) in 1982 only.
While not as long-running as the Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Firebird nameplates, Pontiac would use the Sunbird nameplate for 17 model years. After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
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Common 1979 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The 1979 Pontiac Sunbird was a compact car produced by General Motors and shared a platform with the Chevrolet Monza, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Buick Skyhawk. As a car from the late 1970s, it was subject to various issues that plagued vehicles of this era. Here are some common problems reported by owners of the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird:
- Sagging doors: One of the most common issues with the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird was sagging doors, which could be caused by loose door hinge pins or worn-out door seals. This could lead to water leaks and difficulty in opening or closing the doors.
- Faulty auto shifter: Some Sunbirds were equipped with an automatic transmission, and the shifter was known to come off in the hands of drivers, indicating a problem with the shifter mechanism or linkage.
- Engine problems: The 1979 Pontiac Sunbird was available with several engine options, including a 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 3.8-liter V6. Some owners reported issues with engine performance, such as valve seals, timing gears, and motor mounts failing, leading to engine misfires and difficulty shifting gears.
- Heater core issues: The heater core, responsible for providing heat to the car's cabin, was prone to failure in the 1979 Sunbird. This could lead to a lack of heat or a foul smell inside the car, as well as potential leaks that could damage the car's interior.
- Transmission issues: Transmission problems were also common in the 1979 Sunbird, with issues such as difficulty getting into and out of reverse, and transmission linkage problems caused by engine misalignment due to broken motor mounts.
- Tire delamination: Some Sunbird owners reported that the car's tires could delaminate, leading to a loss of control and potential accidents. This issue was particularly prevalent in hot weather conditions.
- Rust: While not as common as in some other cars of the era, the 1979 Sunbird was still susceptible to rust, particularly in the trunk pan and other areas exposed to moisture and road salt.
- Electrical issues: Electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, radios, and other accessories, were also reported by some Sunbird owners.
In summary, the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird was subject to various issues that affected its drivability, safety, and overall quality. These problems, while common in cars of this era, could lead to significant repair costs and decreased reliability, making the Sunbird a challenging car to own and maintain.
Are Pontiac sunbirds rare?
Today, finding a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird can be somewhat rare due to age and attrition; however, they are out there for enthusiasts who seek them.
Who makes Sunbird cars?
Pontiac says, "We Build Excitement," and the '88 Sunbird GT Turbo holds up its end of the bargain with all the performance and styling you could ask for in a sporty, front-wheel-drive, small car.
How much does a Pontiac Sunbird weigh?
1992 Pontiac Sunbird Specs, Features & Options
| Curb Weight | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2484 pounds | 2682 pounds | 2484 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | ||
| 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room |
What is the lifespan of a sunbird?
While the life span for beautiful sunbirds is unknown, other types of sunbird are quite long-lived, like the amethyst sunbird that survives for at least 16 years. Other sunbirds live two to eight years. After breeding, beautiful sunbird males molt into a duller plumage, more closely resembling females.
Are Pontiac sunbirds rare?
Today, finding a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird can be somewhat rare due to age and attrition; however, they are out there for enthusiasts who seek them.
What happened to the Pontiac Sunbird?
After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
What kind of car is a Sunbird?
An essential player on Pontiac's first team, the Sunbird is available in six different versions: a base sedan and SE Coupe, a sedan and wagon, and a GT Coupe and Convertible. While the Sun-bird is essentially a carry-over car for '88, the lack of major changes high-lights the integrity of the current design.
How much does a Pontiac Sunbird weigh?
1992 Pontiac Sunbird Specs, Features & Options
| Curb Weight | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2484 pounds | 2682 pounds | 2484 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | ||
| 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room |
1979 Pontiac Sunbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Sunbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Pontiac Sunbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Pontiac Sunbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *SKD
1979 Pontiac Sunbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE CARBURETOR FUEL FEED HOSE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY POSITIONED DURING ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT THE HOSE COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH OR BE TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE EMISSION EXHAUST SYSTEM GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO RUPTURE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL FEED HOSE AND REPOSITION IT, IF NECESSARY. ALSO, ANY DAMAGED HOSE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY CAUSE A RANDOM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE STARTING BY ITSELF WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED TO THE "ON" POSITION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCHES ON ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Pontiac Sunbird problems:
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