Trans gasket/filter replacement

ANSWER : The intake manifold gasket can be reused if it is not damaged in any way. The cost of the new gasket versus removing the intake again if it leaks is something to think about. Consider if it’s worth the risk to reuse it if you had to do the job twice. The manual for your Pontiac Grand Am says you can reuse it as long as it is not damaged, but I personally would not reuse it.

If you need some assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come help you with the repairs you’re making and service your intake manifold gasket as necessary. Good luck.

ANSWER : Hi there. Typically when the timing cover gasket is replaced, the cover itself should be replaced as well. To receive an estimate for this service, and the valve cover gasket, please click this link and enter your vehicle information and services requested. Once we receive the data, we’ll send you a quote via email. Thanks.

ANSWER : Hi there. It really depends on the location of the motor (meaning if it’s installed in the vehicle or loose and on an engine stand), that would factor into the price and whether this is a project one of our mobile mechanics can complete. We can complete the oil pan gasket replacement, but some of the other jobs like wiring harness, intake and rocker arm installation is outside of our scope of service. In regards to estimates for those services, I would suspect it would cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 based on where it’s completed and what supplies would be needed.

ANSWER : Hello there. You might to read this article about the P0171 OBD-II trouble code; as it will give you ideas on causes and possible solutions.

ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may need to replace the oil cap o-ring. If you haven’t done this before there are two O-rings to replace; a small green one on the base of the filter cap stem and the large black one that seals the filter cap (which seems to be the one you are having issues with). The large O-ring sits in a small square-shaped groove that is at the base of the oil filter cap. It is very easy to not properly seat the large O-ring because the threads for the oil cap are quite large and will accept the O-ring if you are not careful. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.

ANSWER : The cabin air filter should be replaced every time you have an oil change. This keeps the air in the cab clean at all times and keeps the AC and heater working in good condition. The filters are not a warranty item because they are like an oil filter, they get used and replaced on a maintenance schedule. There is no effect on the cabin air filter because the evaporative canister is located in the back of the car and the filter is in the cabin near the engine compartment. If you feel your filters are getting clogged too quickly, seek out a technician, as one from YourMechanic, who can complete a filter inspection to determine if there are any problems.

ANSWER : Using a scan tool to access any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may give you some direction on this. I recommend cleaning the throttle body. TAC (throttle actuator control) or drive-by-wire throttles are very sensitive to dirty throttle bodies. You may want to bring the car back to where you had the repairs done to see if they can find any mistakes that were made. If you would rather have another professional technician check this, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair the stalling issue.

ANSWER : Hello – this is a judgement call. It is common practice, but not a "standard", to replace the thermostat when replacing the water pump. This is mainly due to access to both easily when replacing either one, and the relatively low cost of a thermostat. Thermostats do not have "wearing" items like the bearings in a water pump, and can outlast a water pump. They can, and do, however, fail unpredictably (close down tight) – sometimes. I have experienced this personally. I encourage my friends, relatives, students, and customers to replace both when repairing either – save the labor cost of a 2nd repair, and the somewhat unusual cost you have sadly experienced.