1996 Pontiac Trans am problems
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.
First generation (1967–1969)
The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the "pony car" market by sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($24,361 in 2023 dollars) and the convertible was $2,903 ($28,519 in 2023 dollars).
The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. Based on the architecture of the standard Chevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm.
The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently enlarged for 1968 to 250 cubic inches (4.1 liters), the base version developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a one-barrel carburetor, and the high-output Sprint version the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 354 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered to start in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). The power output of the other engines was increased marginally.
There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air 400(now often colloquially but incorrectly called the "Ram Air III," a name never used by Pontiac). The Ram Air IV was rated at 345 hp (350 PS; 257 kW) at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm; and 335 hp (340 PS; 250 kW) respectively. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing applications that were not available in production cars.
Modifications for 1968 included the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows was replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front-end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel.
In March 1969, a US$1,083 ($8,998 in 2023 ) optional handling package called the "Trans Am performance and appearance package", UPC "WS4", named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. A total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made.
Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.
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Common 1996 Pontiac Trans am problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the 1996 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 based on complaints from owners:
- Headlight Mechanism Failure: The popup headlights are prone to malfunction, staying either up or down, which can be an issue for visibility and aesthetics. This problem can affect the taillights as well, leading to water seepage and darkening of the lights.
- Interior Wear and Tear: The hard interior plastics and upholstery do not age well under the sun, leading to cracks in the dashboard and other interior components. This can affect the overall aesthetic appeal and comfort of the car.
- Odometer Issues: There are reports of odometers failing, which can lead to discrepancies between the car's condition and its mileage. This can raise concerns about the accuracy of the vehicle's history and maintenance.
- Optispark Ignition Problems: The LT1's Optispark ignition system can experience issues with moisture, potentially leading to performance issues. Checking for leaks around the water pump and other seals close to the system is recommended to prevent ignition problems.
- EGR, Fuel Pump, and Sending Unit Concerns: Components like the EGR valve, fuel pump, and sending units are known to have issues in these cars. Regular maintenance and checks are necessary to ensure proper functioning and prevent potential breakdowns.
- Aftermarket Modifications: Many of these cars have been modified with aftermarket upgrades like superchargers, nitrous, and turbos. While some modifications are common, extensive alterations can impact the car's value and performance.
- Cloning Concerns: Due to the availability of aftermarket parts, there is a risk of clones or replicas being passed off as genuine WS6 models. Verifying the presence of the WS6 option code on the Service Parts Identification (SPID) sticker is crucial to ensure authenticity.
These common problems highlight the importance of thorough inspections, regular maintenance, and being cautious when purchasing a used 1996 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 to avoid potential issues and ensure a satisfactory ownership experience.
What is the best year of Trans Am?
- 7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
- 3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.
What year was the fastest Trans Am?
1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA World Record 267.618 mph
Clocking a 277 mph, mile and a 268 mph two-way record, Banks' 1987 Twin-Turbo, 1800 hp, gasoline-burning big block Pontiac GTA, set a passenger car standard that would stand for ten years.
Is Firebird Trans Am reliable?
It ranks 2nd in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Pontiac score is 11.72 while the Firebird comes in at 2.71.
What is the rarest Trans Am?
1969 Trans Am
The '69 Trans Am is among the rarest of the rare 'Birds with fewer than 700 built—only eight were convertibles and all were Cameo White with Tyrol Blue stripes.
What is the best year of Trans Am?
- 7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
- 3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.
Is a Trans Am a muscle car?
One of the most anticipated muscle car come-backs ever imagined, now on a modern platform… the rebirth of a muscle car legend. Reimagining the most popular American Muscle Cars of the past, Trans Am Worldwide is now taking orders on the most recent in their modern-day muscle car line up, the 70/SS.
Was the Trans Am a fast car?
Since GM's manual transmission couldn't quite handle the power, a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission was used. According to several media reports, the factory turbocharged 1989 Pontiac Trans Am could accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
What is the top speed of the 1996 Trans Am?
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
|---|---|
| height | 1321 mm / 52.0 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~256.0 kph / 159.1 mph |
1996 Pontiac Trans am car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Trans am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Interior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Pontiac Trans am complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Pontiac Trans am.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2G2FV22P5T2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE WITHOUT PUSHING THUMB BUTTON OR STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. ATTEMPTED REPAIR BY DEALER MADE PROBLEM WORSE NOT BETTER.*AK
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FACTORY INSTALLED VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SOUNDS WHEN VEHICLE GETS WET. DOME LIGHTS WON'T SHUT OFF. RESERVE POWER IN VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHEN IGNITION SHUT OFF. OPENED DOOR "DING" SOUNDS WHEN KEY IS PLACED IN IGNITION/VEHICLE NOT RUNNING/KEY NOT TURNED ON. ALL HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE GETS WET. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY FOR UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIMES. INTERRUPTS SLEEP OF OWNER/NEIGHBORS. INTERRUPTS WORK OF OWNER @ WORK. CAN'T LOCK VEHICLE WHEN GOING INTO STORE. ALARM GOES OFF IF VEHICLE WAS WET OR DRIVEN ON DAMP ROADS. HAS TO LEAVE VEHICLE UNLOCKED OVER NIGHT. CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH DOME LIGHTS AND MAP LIGHTS ON...THEY WON'T GO OFF EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. DRAINS BATTERY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN GARAGE 7 TIMES SINCE RECENT PURCHASE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX. SERVICE BULLETIN FOUND ON THIS PROBLEM: BULLETIN # 970801738134 THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH ON EDMUNDS.COM . NHTSA ITEM #SB054345. VISION GREATLY IMPAIRED WHEN NIGHT DRIVING BECAUSE OF LIGHTS NOT GOING OFF. VIN # NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME BECAUSE VEHICLE IS IN GARAGE AGAIN CURRENTLY FOR SAME PROBLEM. VEHICLE AT: MARSHALL PONTIAC, CLINTON IN...(765)832-2421. CALL FOR VIN# IF NEEDED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS NOTICED AN OIL LEAK. ALSO, COOLENT LEAKING, AND CAUSING VERY BAD FUMES/ODOR IN TO ENTER INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. THE OCCUPANT BECAME SICK. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2G2FV22P8T2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: GRINDING AND PINGING NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE ACCELERATING AND BRAKING, DEALERSHIP HAS FAILED TO LOCATE NOISE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *ET
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2G2FV22P8T2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: GRINDING AND PINGING NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE ACCELERATING AND BRAKING, DEALERSHIP HAS FAILED TO LOCATE NOISE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *ET
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Pontiac Trans am problems:
1996 Pontiac Firebird Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Problem with your 1996 Pontiac Firebird? Our list of 20 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
I'm Starting To Find What's Wrong With My 1996 Pontiac Firebird
Jan 10, 2022 ... And boy, have we found some goofy-ass problems in this beautiful machine. Related Content. At $12,995, Does This 2001 Chevy Camaro SS SLP ...
1997 firebird 5.7 problems? | Firebird Nation
Jul 2, 2010 ... Im going to go look at a 1997 firebird 5.7 6 speed and wanted to know if there is any known problems with these cars that i should be looking ...
Common problems with LT1 Camaros? - LS1TECH - Camaro and ...
May 26, 2008 ... LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion ... 96 is good... I have one. However here are a ... I am sure I will find another way but PCM's ...
Engine Problems With A 96 Firebird V6 3.8 L | Firebird Nation
Mar 1, 2009 ... a possibilty could be spark plug wires. if they haven't been replaced they could be cracked and the smallest bit of moisture will cause it to " ...
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