Thread: New member with major Electrical problems. 2001 GT 3800 2 door

Welcome Farmer Bob. Did you check the maxi-fuses under the hood as well? The big ones at the top of the fuse box.

You have BAD "F'n" connections, start at your fuse box that magically starts working when you touch it. It could be bad grounds also, or broken/chaffing wires.
The fuse box is going to have to be inspected closely to make sure everything is safe from short circuits.

Originally Posted by QUICKSILVER462

You have BAD "F'n" connections, start at your fuse box that magically starts working when you touch it. It could be bad grounds also, or broken/chaffing wires.
The fuse box is going to have to be inspected closely to make sure everything is safe from short circuits.

Thanks for the reply. It only worked that one time when I touched the fuse panel. I have tried to move it to gain access behind it but it's a tight fit. Is there a procedure on how to remove it without breaking anything. Not sure what you mean on the "F'n" connections. Is this the rear connections to the fuse box?


BTW; What is the procedure to post pictures? When I click on the manage attachment icon a blank black box appears

Originally Posted by bandook

Do you have any codes?

I just checked this morning and there are no codes.

The (-) terminal was fairly rusty and not very tight when I touched it yesterday. I had been starting & stopping the engine quite a bit. After I cleaned the terminals and started it several times they did not get warm. I would not be surprised if there was some sort of short or open circuit somewhere - now only if I could find it!

The test light came on when I checked it last night. I also checked the amount of current draw there was and it measured 0.045 amps. I may be wrong but does the ECM, BCM, Clock always have a draw to power it's backup memory? I need to Google to find out what is normal drain if any at all.

Our '97 Honda was next to the Pontiac, so as a test I checked to see if there was a drain with everything off and there was. It measured 0.029 amps

It was getting late so I did not make any other tests. Plan on checking what circuits have this draw.

Not having any luck getting fuse panel next to glove box loose enough to check behind it for loose connections or chafed wires. There are what look like two grey relays behind the glove box. Does anyone know what they control. I'll send some pictures of the relays tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

BTY; Can one just rent a SCann II tool to check any on board error messages in the BCM and other components? It sure would save a bunch of time.

Is there a site where one can get a wiring diagram for a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT?

Originally Posted by Farmer Bob

The test light came on when I checked it last night. I also checked the amount of current draw there was and it measured 0.045 amps. I may be wrong but does the ECM, BCM, Clock always have a draw to power it's backup memory? I need to Google to find out what is normal drain if any at all.

Our '97 Honda was next to the Pontiac, so as a test I checked to see if there was a drain with everything off and there was. It measured 0.029 amps

It was getting late so I did not make any other tests. Plan on checking what circuits have this draw.

Not having any luck getting fuse panel next to glove box loose enough to check behind it for loose connections or chafed wires. There are what look like two grey relays behind the glove box. Does anyone know what they control. I'll send some pictures of the relays tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

BTY; Can one just rent a SCann II tool to check any on board error messages in the BCM and other components? It sure would save a bunch of time.

Is there a site where one can get a wiring diagram for a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT?

Update:

While testing the various circuits for shorts and current draw while the key turned "on" I mistakenly jumped across what I think was the gray RAP relay (In the glove box area) causing the security light to start flashing. Now the car would not start. I did the Pass Key reprogram and nothing happened except the security light now stopped blinking. \

I came across this procedure in this site:

03-13-2011

Ignore the install new computer and disconnect battery parts.
1. Disconnect battery
2. Install new computer
3. Reconnect battery
4. Put emergency brake on to disable daytime running lights (this step is required!)
5. Make sure all doors trunk and hood are closed leave driver window down and reach in threw window
6. Try to start. If it doesn't start, leave the key in the on position for 10 min on 97-03 cars and 15 min for 04 and newer cars. The security light should turn off after this amount of time.
7. Turn off ignition for 3 seconds
8. Try and start the car. It probably won't start. Repeat step 5 two more times.
9. If this doesn't work disconnect battery for 5 seconds and then try and start the car.

If that doesnt work, try this one:

That did not work for my car but the procedure below worked!

1. Disconnect battery for 10 sec.
2. Reconnect battery
3. Turn key to ON position
4. Do not try to start vehicle, just quickly click to RUN position to engage security light
5. Let vehicle sit with key ON for 35 min.
6. Attempt to crank vehicle. Once vehicle is running, the security light may still be on
7. If security light is still on, turn key to OFF position for 5 sec.
8. Turn key to ON position and security light should turn off
9. Start vehicle and enjoy new PCM


Note: My security light did not come on during the 35 min test


At least the car now runs again. The radio, windows, locks, interior lights, chime, temp display in rear view mirror still do not work.


I pressed the "On Starr" power button and the welcome too On Star program came on through the radio (was able to change the volume but there was no light display in the radio )..After the introduction that was it!


Any thoughts?

01 gtp-big cam e85 dd 78dodge- guzzling fuel 05 cummins- rollin coal
SMGPFC Two Nipple General

[QUOTE=Farmer Bob;1498504]

Afternoon! New to this site. From what I have read in this forum, it looks like you folks are well informed on the Grand Prix and is among the main reason for joining. Not sure if this is the correct location to start a new post but I an sure someone will let me know.

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Gt 2 door 3800 with 165,000 miles. The other day the radio quit working, I was riding shot gun and the wife was driving. I opened up the fuse panel to check the fuse and pressed on the panel and the radio started working. Well it lasted for one day. The next morning all was fine until I got gas. After filling up the tank, I started up the car but now the radio, power windows, power door locks, key fob, interior lights, temp display on the rear view mirror all stopped working. (The trunk would unlock on the key fob but nothing else) . A flashing "security light" now comes on (never seen this before). I checked the main fuses under the hood and fuses next to the glove box. All were good with 12 volts except for the radio fuse. There was no voltage but the fuse was good.


I do not have a wiring diagram (this is the first major electrical problem this car has had (except for a mouse chewing through the alternator sensor wire, killing the battery about 6 months ago). We live in the county on a farm and mice are a problem.

I am not up to speed on the major components this car uses for the electrical system but have tried the obvious checks. I have access to a brand new BCM but do not have the proper scanner tool to program it

This almost sounds like a poor ground since there is voltage to the fuses. Is there a floating ground system in this car? The key has been sticking and now can be pulled out before it is turned fully off.

Living on a farm, one has to learn how to repair almost anything at a moments notice.

I was not able to "search" the fourm with any results. Is there a proper way to search?

Any suggestions?


Thanks in advance


Farmer Bob


What a way to start a new post with all of these problem\[QUOTE]

Update

I would like to thank everyone who replied. I ended up taking this to a local shop that has the scanners & updated GM software. The new BCM I ordered was found to be defective. It so happened the owner of the shop has a 2001 Grand Prix 2 door GT with Identical options, He took his BCM & plugged it in and evertthing worked except the SRS (This was later found to have a defective control module). A replacement BCM was ordered, put in and the car is back on the road.

The only problem is the radio display does not work. I will try searching this site to see if this can be repaired.

Again, Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Farmer Bob