bunch of questions, please help

[adamlesandrini]

My sister has a 2002 grand prix SE auto 3.1, her power locks stopped working, I can hear the module under the dash click when I push the button, but no locking or unlocking. I can find one fuse box, the one under the hood, but is that really the only one? she needs a new belt, can I replace this without removing the coolant tank? how do you release the tensioner on these engines? she needs new transmission fluid, how many quarts do these transmissions take and what is the procedure to drain and fill them? any tips on removing the filter? she is at the 100K mark, so that's why the servicing is being done, plus the trans fluid is dirty and the belt is missing parts of ribs. I am mechanically inclined, I have just never done any of this on a 3.1 chevy before, any help will be appreciated.

 

[WhiteDevil]

no drain and fill on the trans, just drop the pan and do it the old fashioned way.

Yes you can replace the belt without removing the tank.

Tensioner is on a 3/8" drive, get a 3/8" breaker bar or ratchet and piece of metal pipe( not conduit), swing right or left to release the tension.

to get the trans filter out, just pull down on it with steady pressure.

 

[adamlesandrini]

thanks, also, where is a sure spot to put jack stands under this car, front and back? and does anyone know what the lower exhaust gasket P/N is?

 

[WhiteDevil]

a sure spot in the front is right behind the tires where the K-member bolts to the body also in front of the front tires.


In the rear would be where a suspension point meets its mount or sub-frame( havnt been under a GP in the rear yet.)

 

[adamlesandrini]

also, what is a good way to check the PCV for proper operation and where is it. She is getting poor gas mileage and I'm trying to eliminate all possible causes, I fixed the EGR, she has a slightly leaky exhaust gasket, any other suggestions? also, how do I reset the damn oil change light?

 

[WhiteDevil]

PCV is on the valve cover, not sure front or rear, and to check it, jsut shake it. If it rattles its good, if it doesnt, replace it.

 

[adamlesandrini]

I forgot to add, she doesn't have an owner's manual.

 

[WhiteDevil]

that I cant help with but it means nothing for any sort of repair/maintence help

 

[adamlesandrini]

it would answer two of my questions, I just wanted to add it in, thanks for all your help BTW. any idea on my remaining 6 questions? and to add another question, regarding dexron 6 in a previously dexron 3 car, is this a good or bad idea, GM seems to say yay, but I want some opinions.

 

[Scimmia]

The ones I know:

I can find one fuse box, the one under the hood, but is that really the only one?

There should be another one on the passenger side of the dash.

she needs a new belt, can I replace this without removing the coolant tank?

Possibly, but it's usually pretty simple to just unbolt it and move it out of the way.

how do you release the tensioner on these engines?

Assuming it's like most modern cars, it'll have a spring loaded tensioner. Just put a breaker bar on the nut and rotate

she needs new transmission fluid, how many quarts do these transmissions take?

7.4 for a pan drop, ~13 total

and what is the procedure to drain and fill them?

Best way is to just drop the oil pan, replace the filter, and refill through the dipstick tube

any tips on removing the filter?

you can pry it off, but make sure to protect the case if you do, you don't want to screw up the gasket surface.

where is a sure spot to put jack stands under this car, front and back?

I always put them on the subframe, wherever I can find a good spot.

 

[adamlesandrini]

where on the passenger side of the dash?

 

[WhiteDevil]

D6 replaces Dexron II and III.

The fuel mileage will be a full tune up.

fix all leaks, spark plugs, wires, test the coils and battery, fuel filter, oil change,tranny, ect.

Id further it by running seafoam ( Sea Foam ) thru it, Follow the instructions on the can, but use the vacuum brake booster line to suck the stuff into the intake. It works better for some reason, let it stall and sit, there will be a butt-ton of smoke when you restart it, it will run rough but will smooth out in a few minutes.

This will clean the inside of the intake system and combustion chambers, basically it will clean the whole top end. I swear by the stuff since it taking a neglected abused 4.3 v6 that barely ran, to running used but pampered used.

Do a full tune up, add this stuff, get 2 cans just in case. I gotta cook dinner, ill edit this reply in an hour or so.

 

[Scimmia]

where on the passenger side of the dash?

On my Regal, actually on the side, between the dash and the door. On a GP, I'm pretty sure it's over there, but I can't say exactly where, as the interiors are the major thing that's different from the Regal to the GP.

 

[adamlesandrini]

the car has had plugs and wires put in it recently enough that those aren't an issue, seafoam might be worth a try, how much does it run? the car runs great, just gets crap for mileage. how do I relieve fuel pressure on the 3.1 to change the fuel filter, I already accidentally found it, so that's out of the way. I checked both side access panels and neither have a fuse panel in it. the locks are vital to get working again, she has two kids and an ex and family after her.

 

[adamlesandrini]

anyone have a clue on the locks, please? and can I put dexron VI in the transmission without completely draining it first?