Thread: Electrical and suspension problems

Alright guys, recently bought a 2000 Pontiac grand prix gt 2d coupe. Has the 3800 series ll -V6 in it. Ive never owned one before so no clue what to do or how to go bout doing it. When i looked at it before buying it, i saw that both front struts needed replaced due to the springs being broken, along with the brakes would need done. Simple fixes right? oh boy, ive had some interesting things thrown at me since i got it. First night driving got pulled over for the license plate light not working. wasn't a fuse nor the bulb or the socket harness itself. it just randomly starting working the next day. Had my mechanic friend take a look at the engine, told me that the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets needed replaced along with the valve cover gasket and possibly the thermostat housing. How do you tell if all that needs replaced? i know nothing bout passenger vehicles but put a Freightliner, Peterbilt or Kenworth in front of me and i can fix that up no problem.
Any advice or steps in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.






Also the fuel gauge either reads fuel or empty never the accurate level, which ive come to realize if that doesnt work properly neither the display on the center dash. was told sending unit, fuel pump, or the cluster. I dont think this year and type of car is suppose to have automatic lights, is it?

I would do all of the above metioned work to it. If you look REALLY close where the lower intake and the heads meet if you see black plastic there then those are original LIM gaskets and need to be done. Then a coolant flush and refill with conventional green. No need for Dexcool. New thermostat and gasket, housing should be fine.

Inaccurate fuel gauge is likely the sending unit which is part of the pump assembly. Lucky for you GM made an access door in the trunk to get to the fuel pump. If you pull the rear seats out and then pull the trunk carpet back you should find a door with a few bolts holding it down. Under that is your fuel pump.

And yes, some can have the autolamp feature. My 2000 GT doesn't have it but my buddies 01 GT does. Personally I like not having it.

Actually, the fuel pump access panel is accessible by folding the rear center console down, then lift the trunk carpet, the access panel is right there, no need to remove the seats.

Oh yea, forgot about that since I've got GXP seats. It's been a while since I've looked at the stockers.