8.2
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$593.00
Average Mileage:
103,578 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced lower intake manifold gasket (5 reports)
- not sure (4 reports)
cooling system problem
Helpful Websites About 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix leaking coolant
2009Apr 17
Grand Prix GT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 121,000 miles
No sooner had we replaced the radiator and we noticed a leak coming from the rear cylinder head where it meets the lower intake manifold. Looking online discovered that there was a known problem with defective lower intake manifold gaskets prompting two technical service bulletins by GM. Check it out at www.dsengine.com/gmgasket. A buddy and I (1 driveway mechanic, 1 GM engineer) repaired for just the cost of the parts. You'll need both a lower and upper intake manifold gasket kit (note: upper intake manifold also known as the plenum). We also had to replace the right angle plastic fitting that exits one end of the lower manifold and enters the heater line just below the belt tensioner. Available at most auto parts stores under the name "Help" products, $3.48. All told we paid $92. for the gaskets, $3.48 for the (heater bypass) fitting, $14 for coolant. Done in 3 hours. We found prices for this fix online ranging from $800 to $1,700.
2009Apr 01
Grand Prix SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
We have only had this car for 6 months and it's been running hot the entire time. I read about the problem with the Dex-cool antifreeze so I flushed the car two times and the car still runs hot with the coolant light flickering on and off. I have to drive around with the heater on high just to keep it from over-heating. I can't afford to take it to a mechanic right now.
I've decided I made a huge mistake buying this thing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jan 19
Grand Prix 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
flusged the dex out for 100.00 noe manifold gasket is leaking into oil will cost 690.00
2008Oct 31
Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
It's just that you try to do the proper maintenance at the proper times, don't abuse or drive the car hard, and it seems no matter what, once it gets to a certain mileage on the graph, it's gonna' start costing you money and headaches
2008Oct 03
Grand Prix SE 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 116,200 miles
I paid for a new water pump and I thought that would FIX THE PROBLEM BUT IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN, I'M A DIVORCED MOTHER AND THIS CAR IS PAID FOR I DON'T APPRECIATE HAVING TO GO THROUGH THIS, I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR A DEALER TO REPAIR IT. IT WAS TOLD THIS IS COMMON IN GM CARS HAD I KNOWN I WOULD NEVER BOUGHT 2 OG THESE DAMN CARS. DO NOT BUY GM PONTIACS.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 10
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 153,000 miles
Coolant leak. No heat. Second time replacing lower intake manifold gasket!!!!
2006May 08
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
Coolant leaking. First noticed in early part of 2006. I would not have any heat. Checked coolant tank and it was empty. Poured coolant in and heat started working. Ended up paying approx $600.00 to have lower intake manifold gasket replaced.
2008May 30
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
Actually the problem began at the start of winter when we noticed the heater wasn't blowing hot air, we added coolant and it was fine. I kept a close eye on the gauge, before it barely got over 160 degrees, then I noticed the temperature gauge was running hotter than usual and the temp light never came on! I had the thermostat and water pump replaced costing me $156.00 and the car is even worse now! Driving it home from being repaired the temp gauge immediately went in the red and after 5 minutes of driving in the red the temp light finally came on. My mechanic is saying I need a gasket and after reading a few similar complaints I am inclined to agree. Why would they use a plastic gasket when metal gaskets are commonly used? Why would they recall the 3.8L and not the 3.1L too when it is the same problem?
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your cooling system problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 05
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
Lower intake manifold leaking coolant. Had it repaired at a Pontiac Dealership today. They repaired the lower manifold gasket only (not upper) and the hoses. Had my car for 4 hours and charged me over $1550. They also failed to change the oil, which, as far as I know, is a practice standard in the industry. Also, my car is now running hot and smells like it's burning. I don't trust Pontiac or the dealerships anymore.
lisalynn1975
Aurora, CO, USA
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