Felix - New Member

[Felix]

Hello GP Forums, Id just like to introduce myself. First off my name is Felix, I currently drive a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and hope to keep it running for as long as I can. I thought maybe this was the best place to ask questions about what possible parts will start dying off with a car of that age. I have already replaced the oil pan gasket and water pump. My other goals with the car would be to upgrade it throughout the years incrementally. I am 16 years old and have a very little amount of experience with cars, although I am a fast learner. I hope this forum can lead me to learning more about cars. Or at least about Grand Prix's.
EDIT - It also has about 119,100 miles as of now (Bought it around 117,000 and owned it for about 2 and a half months now).
EDIT - Bought it for $3,400 with new plates, etc. (Not sure if thats a good deal but the body was pretty good, no dents and slight non visible scratches on the wing, with the car running pretty good as well).

[SaukRapids]

That's pretty low miles, nice.

Things I can think of if you just got it - Supercharger oil change, check the coolant elbows visually to see if they're leaking but plan to put aluminum ones in anyway, LIM (Lower Intake Manifold) gaskets fail on many GM vehicles. There is much to find via google. It might look like a big job and it kinda is, but when you get done you won't be afraid to dive right in again.

Good to see a kid actually care about a vehicle they own. Heck, most adults don't even know how to properly care for a car, lol.

Welcome.

[Felix]

Yeah the supercharger oil was one of the first things I did as well as the engine oil. I am currently trying to learn how to do a tuneup and have bought some autolite iridiums. But about 2 days ago I noticed a sort of clunk noised when I switch the car from Park to Reverse or Park to Drive. But never from Drive to Park or Reverse to Park. Had a friend look under and told me he noticed a bit of extra movement in the transmission so im guessing its a Transmission mount. Are those difficult to do? I can't seem to find a video or guide, its mostly on Engine mounts.

[ericspecullaas]

tranny mounts are easy to do here is a link for ya

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...nd-trans-mount

[SaukRapids]

No idea on the trans mounts.

The iridiums are kind of expensive. Most guys run Autolite 104's gapped a bit over .50 depending on setup. The rear wires are hard to reach. I'm 6' and could reach back there with a long handled needle nose, grip the old boot, and pop it off with the bar end of a ratchet by prying on the needle nose. I couldn't get a twist on em way back there.

[WarStryker13]

Yeah, iridium plugs last a while but they make a hot spark, and once you start modding, you will want colder to keep it from chipping a piston.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...00-Powered-Car!!

There's all the info you will need for the beginning of your modding, and your engine will stay happy for many years.

If you decide to get colder plugs, most places will take spark plugs back as long as they haven't been opened.

[Felix]

So is it fine for me to put iridiums on a stock car? Or should I go for something else? Not gonna start modding until maybe a year when I finish doing those preventive maintenance.

[SaukRapids]

They'll be fine. I forgot to tell ya to take at look at that u-bend in the exhaust. It's kinda between the seats underneath. You should see an 02 sensor sticking straight up and a stupid smashed section of pipe. A 2002 would still have it. Take it outta there.

[WarStryker13]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ what he said.

Down pipe and a front PLOG will be the cheapest solution to exhaust flow, and if it's going to be a year before you start any modding, consider those "preventative" maintenance as well. They'll help keep the engine safer by increasing the exhaust flow and keeping heat away from the engine, thus reducing the chance for detonation/knock and possibly eliminating what KR you might already have.

Also, definitely save up your pennies and get a tuner, or even just a wideband. Those are the two biggest, most important "mods" that will keep that car on the road, regardless of how much you throw at it. They will save you money in the long run.

Unless the suspension was dealt with by the previous owner, you might want to check it out. If it's all worn out, you can definitely upgrade alot of it for pretty cheap, thank GM for making a police W-Body. Consider the upgrades, an enhancement of safety. lol

Check out the W-Body tech page on Overkill Motorsports, Will has a subsantial amount of info over there, alot of which is very applicable to your car.

[Felix]

Are those something a beginner can install easily? I have no clue about suspension/exhaust. Also one quick question from you guys, I was gonna get a shop to install a original GM remote, to unlock the doors/trunk. But apparently if they install that my radio wont work? My car did not come with the remote or the original radio face so I have no clue. Any cheaper way to get a remote that does that? I asked the shop and said I would probably need to get a aftermarket one that can cost $200-$300.

[SaukRapids]

A remote key fob for an '02? There's numbers on the back I think you need, but those should be like $20 new online. I don't know how to program them, but there's like a million guides.

I put a downpipe on my '99 after having trouble with a similar one on a '97. The hardest part is getting the old crap off. The front studs you can reach from underneath with an impact and extension, iirc. Soak them down a few times overnight with whatever you use (wd-40, pb blaster, etc). I didn't have anything break off, but they recommend replacing the front ones I believe. Just make sure that whatever downpipe you choose locates the O2 sensor so it's not hitting anything. Some dp's require relocating I think.

This isn't owned by me ~

Shortbus

02-03-2003, 05:26 PM

The procedure is basically the same for 97 and up Grand Prix's. Are you getting the conformation chimes? Let me know what is, or is not happening and maybe I can help you.

Just for the record here is the 2002 Grand Prix Procedure taken directly from the service manual.

Document ID # 681936
2002 Pontiac Grand Prix

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Transmitter Programming

Important
All transmitters which are to be recognized by the remote control door lock transmitter (RCDLR) must be programmed in a single programming sequence. If the system is placed in program mode it will erase all previously programmed transmitters upon the receipt of the programming signal from the first transmitter. Up to four transmitters can be programmed. Do not operate or program the transmitters in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This prevents the programming of the transmitters to the incorrect vehicle.


Remove the ignition key from the ignition lock cylinder.
Close all of the doors.
Remove the MALL PGM fuse from the fuse block.
Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder.
Turn the ignition to ACC. The body control module (BCM) will perform the following in order to identify the type of BCM installed in the vehicle:
Flash the seat belt indicator 1, 2, or 3 times.
Chime 1, 2, or 3 times.
Turn the ignition to OFF, and then back to ACC within 1 second. The BCM may begin to chime and flash diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). If the BCM has stored any DTCs, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control System.
Open and then close any vehicle door. The BCM will chime in order to confirm that the programming mode has been entered.
Press and hold the transmitter LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously for approximately 14 seconds.

Important
After approximately 7 seconds the BCM will chime once to confirm that synchronization has been completed. After approximately 14 seconds the BCM will chime a second time to confirm that the programming has been completed.


Repeat the previous step in order to program each additional transmitter.
Remove the ignition key from the ignition lock cylinder.
Install the MALL PGM fuse into the fuse block.
Operate the functions of each transmitter in order to verify correct system operation.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


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Document ID # 681936
2002 Pontiac Grand Prix