'97 Firebird Problems :(

[Kelly Armes]

I have a 1997 Firebird 3.8l v6 coupe. It's only five years old with 44K miles. I am the only driver and it's been well-maintenanced. However, it seems to be giving me some trouble lately (especially since the ext. warranty ran out!). In July, the alternator went out. I got that replaced. Then, a week ago, the fuel pump went out. Luckily I was able to get a mechanic's discount on the pump and my husband installed it for me, saving $400 labor costs.

I am just disappointed that with my low mileage and perfectly maintained car, that these two things have happened so close together and so soon.

Has anyone here had their fuel pump go out? I mean after 44K miles, I was really wondering WHY it went out!

Also, my radio display is garbage. It does not display the correct time/radio station. It just shows junk on the display. I'm told this is due to static build-up and actually had it replaced twice already.

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks so much!
This is my first post! ;)

[Magnus]

My fuel pump went out.

I had a fuel psi gauge.. over time I watched the PSI drop as low as 22 psi at WOT.

I swapped in a walbro 255 and am all good now.

[John D.]

Alternator failure is common with these cars, so don't be discouraged about that.

My wife had a Camaro that had the fuel pump go out with low mileage as well.

Unfortunately these cars have some things that are prone to failure. You are definately not alone.

Oh and Welcome!! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[ravenp]

Haven't had a problem with the fuel pump.

My alternator did go just recently.

Don't get discouraged, you have a great car. Fix up these few things and you'll have many years of enjoyment.

Good luck and welcome!

[Jack]

I have a 97 also, mine has about 91k miles on it now. I have only had to replace the water pump. I wouldn't worry too much about having to replace things, they do wear out, even though 44k miles is not a lot, you have to factor the time in there as well. Seals get hard with age and are prone to failure. As for the radio display, mine went out after 52k miles, and now I know it is quite normal for them to go out. Replace the head unit with an aftermarket one and all will be better. Alternators do go out, mine hasn't yet, but I do expect it soon.

Jack

[ravenp]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Jack:
I have a 97 also, mine has about 91k miles on it now. I have only had to replace the water pump. <hr></blockquote>

Did it just go? Or were there slow building warning signs? I'm just waiting for this to happen on mine :(

[Kelly Armes]

Thanks guys for the responses. I don't feel so bad about my car as I did! I do love my car. It's my baby and I'm driving it till the wheels fall off!

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: Kelly Armes ]</p>

[silent9121]

My '97 bird (only owner) has 90,000 miles.She is a driven daily, and when there's a ricer or 'stang
around, she gives them something to think about.

She goes through a set of plug wires every year, an alternator about ever 1.5 years, and electric window motors every 2 years. All of the aforementioned are almost like clockwork. I just look at it as a slight downside to owning my favorite car! Don't be discouraged, they are *very good* cars.Add a mod or two and you will feel better.

[hockeyman]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kelly Armes:
[QB] It's my baby and I'm driving it till the wheels fall off!


You don't have to worry about that problem, It's not a FORD! hee hee
Welcome!

Marc

[TechCam97]

On my old Camaro (97 V6) my Alternator went out at 60k miles and then two months later at 61k miles, my fuel pump went out! After they were replaced, I did't have anymore problems with it. I sold it to my sister and she's now got 85k miles and nothing else has gone out yet. My Fiance's 96 Firebird has 50k miles and the fuel pump is starting to act up (Chooses to not activate sometimes) Could be worse, my Z28 needs to have the intake gasket replaced (Leaking a quart of oil every three days!), Plugs/Wires/Distributor replaced, and the drivers side head has an exhaust manifold bolt broken off and needs to be tapped and replaced. Sometimes I miss the reliability of my old V6.........But then I hit the gas :D ;) [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: TechCam97 ]</p>

[lord_gufi]

i had to replace my alt also so its no biggie they just go out ~shrug~

[Jack]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by ravenp:


Did it just go? Or were there slow building warning signs? I'm just waiting for this to happen on mine :( <hr></blockquote>


It happened slowly...water started missing, leaking out the weap hole, as soon as I discovered this I had it replaced.

[MikeB33]

Thew whole auto industry places a heavy value on mileage. I believe it to be misleading. I would rather have a 4 year old car with 100K, than a 8 year old car with 50K. Time is just as damaging to a car as mileage.
I recently bought my 97 Camaro with 105K on it. It looks perfect and after some basic work(tires, brakes, battery) it is very reliable. After I got done detailing it, my neihgbor asked if it was new [img]smile.gif[/img]

MIKE

[TechCam97]

Ahmen MikeB33! I bought my 93 Z28 w/ 43k miles on it and it's so dry-rotted it's not funny. Once I get the problems fixed though, it'll be a great car. It's just kinda discouraging when I go out of my way to find a slightly used Z28 and it breaks on me :( But from now on, I'm going to look at whether or not the car was actually driven. My friend just bought a 94 Z28 from the original owner. It's got 117k miles but it looks new! :eek: and it drives like a damn dream! :mad: But I'm not jealous, once mine gets fixed and w/ some mods I'm gonna take him [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[FBodyFreakinIT]

I bought my '95 bird back in 1999 with 69k miles on it. Within the span of 4 months, the water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and fuel pump all needed replacement. They were all OE. So, your mileage may vary.

You've got a great car there. Don't be discouraged.