More troubleshooting and fixing
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2002Bonnie
- SLE Member

- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:29 pm
- Year and Trim: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE
More troubleshooting and fixing
Ok so I purchased my '02 for $1200 knowing that it needed some work and I am making tons of progress and actually drove it for the first time today and discovered some more issues that I would like to get some clarification on.
So far I have:
Replaced all the fluids and filters (Cept fuel filter, cause I havent found it yet)
Replaced busted headlight
Replaced two turn signal bulbs
Replaced Wipers
Replaced Battery
Purchased a new Fog Light (But dont know how to get the old one out)
Replaced 2 of the 4 tires
Had it registered and got a sticker and plates
Ordered a new Timken Wheel bearing as it howls like crazy when I turn to the left (and the Brake light, ABS light and Traction Control lights are all on
)
So first question is...How do I get the passenger fog light assembly out of the bumper?
Second Question is...where is the fuel filter located.
Third question...Where is the oil pressure sensor located as my gauge is pegged at 120
fourth question...I noticed, while driving it today that the rear end was bouncing like crazy, but the auto parts store only shows air shocks for the rear end?
Fifth question...what is that groaning noise I hear coming from the back of the car after I turn it off?
Sixth Question...there is a slight catch and go hitch in the steering wheel like something is loose.
Seventh Question...Will replacing the wheel bearing on passenger front eliminate the brake, ABS, and traction control lights?
Eigth Question...anything in particular I should look at for a 2002 bonneville with 173,200 miles before going to get it inspected?
Ninth question....where is the best place to purchase a window regulator for the front passenger door?
Tenth and final question...The A/C stopped working, is this car one where I can just buy a o-ring kit and replace the o-rings and have recharged or should I bring it to a professional AC shop to have fixed?
Thanks alot ahead of time and I apologize for so many questions!!
So far I have:
Replaced all the fluids and filters (Cept fuel filter, cause I havent found it yet)
Replaced busted headlight
Replaced two turn signal bulbs
Replaced Wipers
Replaced Battery
Purchased a new Fog Light (But dont know how to get the old one out)
Replaced 2 of the 4 tires
Had it registered and got a sticker and plates
Ordered a new Timken Wheel bearing as it howls like crazy when I turn to the left (and the Brake light, ABS light and Traction Control lights are all on
)
So first question is...How do I get the passenger fog light assembly out of the bumper?
Second Question is...where is the fuel filter located.
Third question...Where is the oil pressure sensor located as my gauge is pegged at 120
fourth question...I noticed, while driving it today that the rear end was bouncing like crazy, but the auto parts store only shows air shocks for the rear end?
Fifth question...what is that groaning noise I hear coming from the back of the car after I turn it off?
Sixth Question...there is a slight catch and go hitch in the steering wheel like something is loose.
Seventh Question...Will replacing the wheel bearing on passenger front eliminate the brake, ABS, and traction control lights?
Eigth Question...anything in particular I should look at for a 2002 bonneville with 173,200 miles before going to get it inspected?
Ninth question....where is the best place to purchase a window regulator for the front passenger door?
Tenth and final question...The A/C stopped working, is this car one where I can just buy a o-ring kit and replace the o-rings and have recharged or should I bring it to a professional AC shop to have fixed?
Thanks alot ahead of time and I apologize for so many questions!!
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2002Bonnie
- SLE Member

- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:29 pm
- Year and Trim: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE
Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
Ok so did some reading in that sticky and found these to start off
Rear shocks bounce/rattleProblem: Your car handles poorly, the rear of the car feels unstable. You have a clunking/rattle noise coming from the trunk area.
Solution: You either have bad rear shocks, or bad rear shock mounts. If the ride is unstable or bouncy, you need new shocks. If the car is clunking/rattling over bumps, you need new shock mounts. It is suggested to replace both the shocks and mounts while you are in there. Replacement is pretty simple. Jack car up, remove 2 – 10mm nuts from bottom of shock, disconnect airline, open trunk, remove side carpets and shock mount covers, remove 2 – 13mm nuts to release shock mount. Insert new shocks/mounts and install in reverse.
Monroe MA822 Max-Air Air Shocks are recommended.
Estimated Cost: $60-75 for a pair of shocks, $50-60 for a pair of mounts, 1-2 hours labor.
Clunk in steering at low speedsProblem: Noticeable clunk in the steering wheel when turning either way at low speeds.
Solution: This is because of a poor design in the intermediate steering shaft between the steering column and the steering rack. You can either lube the existing shaft, or replace it with an updated design. (GM PART # 26068295)
All info here: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=217
Estimated Cost: Minimal cost of grease, mostly labor. $100-$160 for new replacement.
Oil pressure sensor is peggedProblem: Your oil pressure gauge is reading 120 psi at all times.
Solution: You have a bad sensor. Replacement necessary. Read all about it: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=17496
Estimated Cost: $40-45 for new sensor, adds just a few more minutes to your oil change.
Rear shocks bounce/rattleProblem: Your car handles poorly, the rear of the car feels unstable. You have a clunking/rattle noise coming from the trunk area.
Solution: You either have bad rear shocks, or bad rear shock mounts. If the ride is unstable or bouncy, you need new shocks. If the car is clunking/rattling over bumps, you need new shock mounts. It is suggested to replace both the shocks and mounts while you are in there. Replacement is pretty simple. Jack car up, remove 2 – 10mm nuts from bottom of shock, disconnect airline, open trunk, remove side carpets and shock mount covers, remove 2 – 13mm nuts to release shock mount. Insert new shocks/mounts and install in reverse.
Monroe MA822 Max-Air Air Shocks are recommended.
Estimated Cost: $60-75 for a pair of shocks, $50-60 for a pair of mounts, 1-2 hours labor.
Clunk in steering at low speedsProblem: Noticeable clunk in the steering wheel when turning either way at low speeds.
Solution: This is because of a poor design in the intermediate steering shaft between the steering column and the steering rack. You can either lube the existing shaft, or replace it with an updated design. (GM PART # 26068295)
All info here: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=217
Estimated Cost: Minimal cost of grease, mostly labor. $100-$160 for new replacement.
Oil pressure sensor is peggedProblem: Your oil pressure gauge is reading 120 psi at all times.
Solution: You have a bad sensor. Replacement necessary. Read all about it: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=17496
Estimated Cost: $40-45 for new sensor, adds just a few more minutes to your oil change.
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00Beast
- Retired Site Developer

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Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
1: It's bolted in, not sure how.
2: Under the driver's side rear door, more info here: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 45&t=23215
3: Over the oil filter on that bracket, the adapter.
4: The proper replacement is the Monroe MA822 shock, which is a gas shock with air assist.
7: If you've scanned it and it's confirmed bad, then that should fix it.
8: Brakes, tires, etc. Typical used/older car stuff.
10: I'd have a shop look at it and figure out what's wrong.
Hope this helps!
2: Under the driver's side rear door, more info here: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 45&t=23215
3: Over the oil filter on that bracket, the adapter.
4: The proper replacement is the Monroe MA822 shock, which is a gas shock with air assist.
7: If you've scanned it and it's confirmed bad, then that should fix it.
8: Brakes, tires, etc. Typical used/older car stuff.
10: I'd have a shop look at it and figure out what's wrong.
Hope this helps!
Last edited by 00Beast on Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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2002Bonnie
- SLE Member

- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:29 pm
- Year and Trim: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE
Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
Thanks 00Beast...that does help...more work this weekend!
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Ken_W
- Posts like an L27

- Posts: 634
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- Year and Trim: 2000 SSEi
- Location: Lake Orion, MI
Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
So first question is...How do I get the passenger fog light assembly out of the bumper? Dunno... next question
Second Question is...where is the fuel filter located. Go under middle of the car, about two feet in from driver's side.
Third question...Where is the oil pressure sensor located as my gauge is pegged at 120 It is near your oil filter. There is an excellent tutorial here at the club under Techinfo. Replace at next oil change -- I just did mine with an ACDelco sensor that I got new from Amazon for around $40. RockAuto.com also has good prices (use code for 5% club discount!).
fourth question...I noticed, while driving it today that the rear end was bouncing like crazy, but the auto parts store only shows air shocks for the rear end? If you want to replace what you have with the same thing, you want air shocks. Get the Monroe MA822's for around $60-$80 for a set (shop around). Easy to replace at home, search here at the Club for instructions and tips. New upper shock mounts are also recommended when replacing shocks (get Moog brand; about $25 each and you'll need to buy two) and are extremely easy to replace when you have your shocks off.
Fifth question...what is that groaning noise I hear coming from the back of the car after I turn it off? That is probably your air compressor, levelling the rear height of the car (it only comes on for a short time and then stops, right?).
Sixth Question...there is a slight catch and go hitch in the steering wheel like something is loose. Very common problem on these cars; read the Club's 2000-2005 Common Problems post for more info. Is not a safety issue -- just very annoying. Can be fixed affordably, but is a fair amount of work.
Seventh Question...Will replacing the wheel bearing on passenger front eliminate the brake, ABS, and traction control lights? Most likely. If you have not already done so, get your car scanned (with a hand scanner that can read brake codes and not just OBDII codes) to determine which side has the problem. Or, replace both sides (the other side is probably going to go soon anyway).
Eighth Question...anything in particular I should look at for a 2002 bonneville with 173,200 miles before going to get it inspected? That's a hard question to answer in only a few words... I'm gonna pass, other than suggest you read the "2000-2005 Common Problems" post.
Ninth question....where is the best place to purchase a window regulator for the front passenger door? Ebay. Shop around and you can get an aftermarket one for $50 that will be perfectly fine. You could also try fixing the one you already have (see repair info under Techinfo).
Tenth and final question...The A/C stopped working, is this car one where I can just buy a o-ring kit and replace the o-rings and have recharged or should I bring it to a professional AC shop to have fixed? Have you tried simply putting some R-134a into it? You can try this for under $30, and it might do the trick. If it does not, it might be best to let the pros tackle this one, unless you are experienced in working with auto A/C systems. If you do a search here at the Club, you can find several discussions on this topic.
Good luck!
Ken_W
Second Question is...where is the fuel filter located. Go under middle of the car, about two feet in from driver's side.
Third question...Where is the oil pressure sensor located as my gauge is pegged at 120 It is near your oil filter. There is an excellent tutorial here at the club under Techinfo. Replace at next oil change -- I just did mine with an ACDelco sensor that I got new from Amazon for around $40. RockAuto.com also has good prices (use code for 5% club discount!).
fourth question...I noticed, while driving it today that the rear end was bouncing like crazy, but the auto parts store only shows air shocks for the rear end? If you want to replace what you have with the same thing, you want air shocks. Get the Monroe MA822's for around $60-$80 for a set (shop around). Easy to replace at home, search here at the Club for instructions and tips. New upper shock mounts are also recommended when replacing shocks (get Moog brand; about $25 each and you'll need to buy two) and are extremely easy to replace when you have your shocks off.
Fifth question...what is that groaning noise I hear coming from the back of the car after I turn it off? That is probably your air compressor, levelling the rear height of the car (it only comes on for a short time and then stops, right?).
Sixth Question...there is a slight catch and go hitch in the steering wheel like something is loose. Very common problem on these cars; read the Club's 2000-2005 Common Problems post for more info. Is not a safety issue -- just very annoying. Can be fixed affordably, but is a fair amount of work.
Seventh Question...Will replacing the wheel bearing on passenger front eliminate the brake, ABS, and traction control lights? Most likely. If you have not already done so, get your car scanned (with a hand scanner that can read brake codes and not just OBDII codes) to determine which side has the problem. Or, replace both sides (the other side is probably going to go soon anyway).
Eighth Question...anything in particular I should look at for a 2002 bonneville with 173,200 miles before going to get it inspected? That's a hard question to answer in only a few words... I'm gonna pass, other than suggest you read the "2000-2005 Common Problems" post.
Ninth question....where is the best place to purchase a window regulator for the front passenger door? Ebay. Shop around and you can get an aftermarket one for $50 that will be perfectly fine. You could also try fixing the one you already have (see repair info under Techinfo).
Tenth and final question...The A/C stopped working, is this car one where I can just buy a o-ring kit and replace the o-rings and have recharged or should I bring it to a professional AC shop to have fixed? Have you tried simply putting some R-134a into it? You can try this for under $30, and it might do the trick. If it does not, it might be best to let the pros tackle this one, unless you are experienced in working with auto A/C systems. If you do a search here at the Club, you can find several discussions on this topic.
Good luck!
Ken_W
2000 SSEi "Gypssei" - 206k miles - Light Bronzemist Metallic - stock
1999 Grand Am GT - 168k miles - Red - stock DEAD -- transmission died
2004 Pontiac Montana Ext 2WD - 207k miles - Blue Black Metallic - stock
1999 Grand Am GT - 168k miles - Red - stock DEAD -- transmission died
2004 Pontiac Montana Ext 2WD - 207k miles - Blue Black Metallic - stock
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2002Bonnie
- SLE Member

- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:29 pm
- Year and Trim: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE
Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
Ok I replaced the front wheel bearing assembly with a timken bearing and the lights did not go off. The grinding noise is completely gone and the car drives well but I still have the Antilock, brake, and trac off lights on. So I brought it to a shop and had the codes read and it comes up with B1214, B1233, and B1248. He tried to erase the codes, and was successful on B1233. I still have B1214 and B1248....where do I start looking to fix these two codes...these lights are the only thing keeping me from getting the car inspected.
Also, my turn signal flasher stopped working and I have purchased a replacement, but where is it located so I can get it replaced?
Thanks a ton in advance!
Also, my turn signal flasher stopped working and I have purchased a replacement, but where is it located so I can get it replaced?
Thanks a ton in advance!
- DCJREDLINE
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Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
An ABS light is keeping you from inspection? Wow I thought NY was tough
1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350
2004 Saturn Ion 3 Quad Coupe
2004 Saturn Ion 3 Quad Coupe
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2002Bonnie
- SLE Member

- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:29 pm
- Year and Trim: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE
Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
Ok correction..its not the ABS light keeping it from inspection..its the Brake light.
- repinS
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Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
For fog lights: With the GXP, I've had luck removing the headlight and reaching down to the back of the housing. It is bolted to the bumper. SE should be similar!

Jerry /// Past: 95 SSEi (June 2010 COTM) -- 04 GXP (July 2011 COTM)
91 Honda Civic Wagon DX 2WD (fuelly) -- 208,000km -- 92hp -- Autocross Warrior
09 Lexus LS460 AWD -- 94,000km -- Daily Driver
09 White Hot G8 GT -- 155,000km (fuelly) -- LS3 Cam -- GM LS3 CNC Ported Heads -- Kooks 1 3/4" Long Tube Headers -- Solo Catback Midsection -- Hooker Maxflow Mufflers -- Pat G Tune -- Rotofab Intake -- Tein S-Tech Springs -- GXP FE3 Dampers -- BMR Subframe Cradle Inserts -- BMR Subframe Connectors -- Forgestar F14 Gold 18x9 +40 -- Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/45/18 -- Maverick Man Carbon Fiber Spoiler
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Ken_W
- Posts like an L27

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Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
What are those codes? (Yes; I know I could look them up myself, but the board etiquette here at the Club is that the original poster lists their definitions when mentioning them, so as to increase the likelihood of getting help.)
Ken_W
Ken_W
2000 SSEi "Gypssei" - 206k miles - Light Bronzemist Metallic - stock
1999 Grand Am GT - 168k miles - Red - stock DEAD -- transmission died
2004 Pontiac Montana Ext 2WD - 207k miles - Blue Black Metallic - stock
1999 Grand Am GT - 168k miles - Red - stock DEAD -- transmission died
2004 Pontiac Montana Ext 2WD - 207k miles - Blue Black Metallic - stock
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2002Bonnie
- SLE Member

- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:29 pm
- Year and Trim: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE
Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
I apologize Ken, I did not know that. I would have posted their definitions if I had known what they were; which is why I asked the question, I figured someone had experience with those codes and would know what they meant and how to fix it. I will research them and see if I can find what they mean and post them up. I am still a rookie on this site so I guess I will go through some growing pains as I learn all the rules here; so just bear with me.Ken_W wrote:What are those codes? (Yes; I know I could look them up myself, but the board etiquette here at the Club is that the original poster lists their definitions when mentioning them, so as to increase the likelihood of getting help.)![]()
Ken_W
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imidazol97
- Posts like an L67

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Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
Identify the source location and sound of the load-leveling compressor by turning the key to ON and standing by the rear of the car waiting for the pump to run a few seconds about about 30 seconds waiting.2002Bonnie wrote: Fifth question...what is that groaning noise I hear coming from the back of the car after I turn it off?
Then when you shut off the car and you have a noise, determine if it's the same noise. Might have to stand there and have someone shut car off for you.
The compressor should not run on these cars with the key off. Some earlier cars (92 and earlier maybe) had direct power and did allow the cars to do that and they would drain the battery by turning on to pump while car was "Off." Same for the automatic blower control modules.
- Archon
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Re: More troubleshooting and fixing
To save you time, double check those codes. I can find nothing in the b12xx's for the 2002 Bonneville.
The turn signal flasher is part of the hazards flasher, which is behind the button about in the middle of the dash.
The turn signal flasher is part of the hazards flasher, which is behind the button about in the middle of the dash.
*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.

