as many of you are aware my father passed away suddenly 3 weeks ago. I have now inherited his 1997 pontiac grand prix se. the car is in showroom condition so i intend to store it for the winter ETC and use it as a summer car. it runs great. Now for the problems. AC doesnt work. Had the compressor tested A1 (its some wierd high tech variable speed compressor) there are leaks in the evaporator and condensor. Should i fix (we get some wicked humidity here in summer) the ABS brakes and Traction Control dont work, i have 4 mechanics giving me contradicting opinions. Wheel sensor and other say computer. I need you guys advice. One thing all the mechanics say is the cast iron 3.8 litre 6 in this car will outlive me if i change the oil. anyways any opinions on the car etc.

If the rest of the car is in such good condition, I'd say it's worth fixing it.

i tell you its showroom shape, we got a lift here at work and i put it up yesterday, wow, and with its big engine it gets better mileage than my sunfire , odd i know

shit sorry to hear about your father didnt know

I didn't know about your dad, either. Very sorry to hear about it. My condolences.

Now, down to brass tacks:

the 3.8L V6 has been in constant production since 1975. Your mechanic wasn't lying.
as for the A/C, most of the time, the system gets leaks in it and that's where all your 134A goes. I doubt the evaporator or the condenser are leaking... It's almost always the service lines leading to them. But since, the evap and condenser cost more to replace, 'we're sorry my exposfan, but these are shot.'

Now, as for the traction control and ABS, they are tied up in the same system. IN other words, they are sharing a common problem. I know down here, salt, dirt and moisture get inside the speed sensors and make them give false readings which, in turn, trips the whole ABS unit down. On top of that, W-bodies are notorious for the rear caliper sliders corroding and seizing up. That will give the ABS unit and a headache as well. The good news is that you can pirate parts from the Lumina, other Grand Prixs, Cutlass Supremes and Buick Regals. Also, I am pretty sure that the last of the A-bodies Buick Century used the same electronics package.

Now, with a GM, the traction control is more or less the engine/ABS computer detecting wheelspin. Once wheelspin is detected, the ABS computer fires off the brakes to slow the wheel down. While that is happening, the engine computer retards timing on the engine to slow the amount of power being fed to the wheels. Personally, I think these features are just a crutch to help drivers who suck. Unfortunately, down here, to pass NYS inspection, a post-1996 vehicle has to have the ABS light out.

If it was your dad's car, i'd keep it.

Samurai

Sorry to hear about your father. Its worth keeping the car if its in good mechanical condition. I hate those 90's American sedans, for some of the reasons Sam says about the computer controlling everything.

i know about the electronics, ive been looking over the schematics and its insane, as for dumping it, no chance, my dad died at the wheel singing sweet caroline so no, no one else will drive this car.

i just got back from a guy who is good with ac, we are going to check the ac out and replace, he has a rolled GTP in his yard and i can have the parts for free!!

Posted by Samurai Unfortunately, down here, to pass NYS inspection, a post-1996 vehicle has to have the ABS light out.

That's what a little snip to a little wire does for you.

Why snip the wire when you can remove the bulb?

Posted by Sinister Crayon That's what a little snip to a little wire does for you.

that doesn't work here... during your yearly safety inspection, post 1996 cars are plugged into a computer that is networked with the New York State DMV. Even if the bulb for the Check Engine Light, ABS Light, or Airbag Light have been removed/snipped, the computer will still read it during the inspection. Pre-1996 you can get away with it as the cars are no OBDII.


Now, Expos, you know that the GTP had the SUPERCHARGED 3.8L V6 in it, right?
It also had the better sway bars, struts and transmission shift calibration. ;)

Samurai

Posted by Samurai Now, Expos, you know that the GTP had the SUPERCHARGED 3.8L V6 in it, right? It also had the better sway bars, struts and transmission shift calibration. ;) Samurai

i know but i also figure the way its wrecked its motor was abused, my fater babied this car so i know what to expect out of the motor

i understand... hell, expos, even if the car your father left you was a wreck, i'd still keep it, you know, for sentimental reasons.

Samurai

well today another thing hit me while driving,its embarassing my pops 10 year old car is in better shape than mine. the end fitting on the right front brake line of my sun chicken popped off!! i drove across the mercier bridge with no brakes lol (samurai i know that bridge scares you imagine it with no brakes).

Posted by nostra-YOUPPI! well today another thing hit me while driving,its embarassing my pops 10 year old car is in better shape than mine. the end fitting on the right front brake line of my sun chicken popped off!! i drove across the mercier bridge with no brakes lol (samurai i know that bridge scares you imagine it with no brakes).

where the flexible 'hose' meets the fitting on the strut is a weak spot for the line.
and yes, i don't like that bridge.

its not on the strut, its attached to the fenderwell, well the brake fluid took all the shit off the inside of my wheelwell