View Full Version : Asking For Help From The Vets
Alright ya'll I need some assistance PLEASE!!!!!
my story line......
i just bought my lero from an older woman and this car is as basic as it gets.. 2004 gls or gl im not sure, i have to double check.. but i did notice the 2.2 ecotec on the engine (thought i might point that out)... one of my buddies from work is a ricer and pointed me in this direction to these forums... i'm really new to this site and was looking through a lot of the topics that were on the forums...
ok so i was wondering if anyone has had any problems with like the power steering going out only when i turn left... (weird) i figure its something wrong in the steering column cuz if it were the power steering it wouldnt turn in both directions not just left...
then the other problem is the passenger side headlight... i have to literally punch it a couple times for it to turn on... then while im driving if i hit a pot hole it would turn off again.. if i hit a bump or something back on it goes... on off on off on off the whole ride... smdh... :mad2:
any ideas or suggestions??????????
sleepyalero
02-16-2013, 02:12 AM
Wow. Your buddy is a ricer, so he suggested this site? Low blow man... Though there is some rice floating around here, a lot of us are far from it.
GLS has all options basically if yours is basic as it gets. It's either the GL or GX
zman246
02-16-2013, 03:50 AM
Try unplugging the headlight and plugging it back in. It might just be loose or there might be a little crap in the connectors. Don't touch the bulb though. Oil from your skin on the bulb can shorten the lif of the bulb. Good luck
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 07:10 AM
Yeah, check the connection at the bulb for loosens. Also while its apart check and make sure it's not burned.
For you p/s concern start with some basics... Make sure your tire pressures are set and u have proper fluid and proper fluid level in the pump
Nas Escobar
02-16-2013, 01:36 PM
WOW please tell me this "ricer" drives a Honda and he simply knew about this site?
I mean I'll be honest, everyone does something rice in their lifetime (I kinda consider my projectors rice) but nobody here says "VTEC POWAHHHHH" or "NAWWWWWWWWWWSSSSSSSSSS"
Anyways, you may have a short on your headlight. Check to see that all connections are good, then trace the wires as far as you can. Also touch them to make sure they're not oddly hot.
@ nas... Yeah this guy drives a honda... He said he has a buddy that drives an alero and was on this site. I forget his name tho.. And yeah he sounds just like that... Lmao.. dude told me to buy some kind of grease to put on the connector. I can buy it at any auto part store.. It supposed to keep the connection flowing.. Idk...
@graham & zman... Bulb not burnt.. I know better than to touch it with my bare hands...
Im gonna check the connection...
ok now what about the power steering problem? Has anyone ever experienced this problem? I heard today out can be the rack and pinion? Who knows about this type problem?
03Sleepr
02-16-2013, 09:06 PM
@ nas... Yeah this guy drives a honda... He said he has a buddy that drives an alero and was on this site. I forget his name tho.. And yeah he sounds just like that... Lmao.. dude told me to buy some kind of grease to put on the connector. I can buy it at any auto part store.. It supposed to keep the connection flowing.. Idk...
please tell me he isn't talking about dielectric grease...If he is, then don't listen to your ricer buddy about anything..
the only thing that will do is kill the circuit, electricity doesn't flow well through dielectric grease. it is used as a sealer on rubber gaskets and spark plug boots to keep water out of connections, because it doesn't break down with heat or electricity.
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 09:18 PM
@graham & zman... Bulb not burnt.. I know better than to touch it with my bare hands...
Im gonna check the connection...
ok now what about the power steering problem? Has anyone ever experienced this problem? I heard today out can be the rack and pinion? Who knows about this type problem?
No no. Ment for u to check the connector for burns. U have a loose connection at the bulb/headlight connections.
please tell me he isn't talking about dielectric grease...If he is, then don't listen to your ricer buddy about anything..
the only thing that will do is kill the circuit, electricity doesn't flow well through dielectric grease. it is used as a sealer on rubber gaskets and spark plug boots to keep water out of connections, because it doesn't break down with heat or electricity.
Not true at all! Dialectic grease will NOT effect the circuit UNLESS u put soo much grease on the terminals that it physically keeps the circuits apart. It's there to help promote an electrical connection between berween the terminals. However your right that it does not conduct electricity by its self. It's good stuff! Highly recommend it with connections out in the elements. Google it up. U will only have issues if u miss use it. GM even recommends issuing it to stop "fretting corrosion"
please tell me he isn't talking about dielectric grease...If he is, then don't listen to your ricer buddy about anything..
the only thing that will do is kill the circuit, electricity doesn't flow well through dielectric grease. it is used as a sealer on rubber gaskets and spark plug boots to keep water out of connections, because it doesn't break down with heat or electricity.
Soo, u mean to tell me that this grease does nothing but screw my lights up?
xXManwhoreXx
02-16-2013, 10:20 PM
Where you from?
03glgold
02-16-2013, 10:34 PM
Soo, u mean to tell me that this grease does nothing but screw my lights up?
he is off, if you put too much then yes it can cause harm, however if you use a moderate amount which is enough to create a barrier to prevent dirt and other contaminates from getting in the connection it helps...read the post right below his...we drive on a lot of dirt roads and construction sites with our stuff, and we had a trailer and the lights were doing similar to what you describe your headlights doing and after blowing out the connection and putting in dielectric grease (even after just blowing them out it still wasn't wanting to work quite right), the lights actually held a constant connection, where as I was having a hard time getting them to stay on.
No no. Ment for u to check the connector for burns. U have a loose connection at the bulb/headlight connections.
Not true at all! Dialectic grease will NOT effect the circuit UNLESS u put soo much grease on the terminals that it physically keeps the circuits apart. It's there to help promote an electrical connection between berween the terminals. However your right that it does not conduct electricity by its self. It's good stuff! Highly recommend it with connections out in the elements. Google it up. U will only have issues if u miss use it. GM even recommends issuing it to stop "fretting corrosion"
Alright, lets say I wanted to bypass all this crap with my headlight and just go ahead and get me some HID lights would I still need to fix this connection problem?
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 10:50 PM
Most likely. Look: you moving the light effects the bulb. Swap bulb from left to right and make sure ur problem does or does not follow the bulb. If ur proble. Moves with the bulb the. There is ur problem. If it doesn't move, remove the light and leave it plugged in. Next wiggle each wire from the headlight back to find out where ur issue is. Repair as nessasary. Look for ANY damage to the wires and don't over look anything. You are describing a very small problem with a probabable easy repair. Don't jimmy-rig $hit that could be repaired with a little common sence and desire.
Sorry im just having some trouble with this concept of this grease,lol.. Its just the first time I'm hearing about it... I'm still trying to figure if its easier/cheaper to just have some mechanic do it for me. I'd prefer to do it myself so I can learn. Then again I want to spend the least amount of cash.. (i.e. blown bulbs, new wires n shit)
03glgold
02-16-2013, 11:04 PM
what he is suggesting is simple trouble shooting...it will be cheaper if you do it yourself, it is likely it is either a bulb problem or a connection issue within the connector...If not all you have to do is follow the wires back from the light until you find the weak spot in the wire and there will be one...another question do your brights have the same problem
@graham & zman... Bulb not burnt.. I know better than to touch it with my bare hands...
Im gonna check the connection...
ok now what about the power steering problem? Has anyone ever experienced this problem? I heard today out can be the rack and pinion? Who knows about this type problem?
Most likely. Look: you moving the light effects the bulb. Swap bulb from left to right and make sure ur problem does or does not follow the bulb. If ur proble. Moves with the bulb the. There is ur problem. If it doesn't move, remove the light and leave it plugged in. Next wiggle each wire from the headlight back to find out where ur issue is. Repair as nessasary. Look for ANY damage to the wires and don't over look anything. You are describing a very small problem with a probabable easy repair. Don't jimmy-rig $hit that could be repaired with a little common sence and desire.
Alright that makes sense.. I'm gonna check this out tomorrow... We'll see what happens.. Will update onthis issue..
Now on to this other issue with power steering? Idk wtf is going on.. Lmao anyone ever have this problem?
what he is suggesting is simple trouble shooting...it will be cheaper if you do it yourself, it is likely it is either a bulb problem or a connection issue within the connector...If not all you have to do is follow the wires back from the light until you find the weak spot in the wire and there will be one...another question do your brights have the same problem
Naw my brights are fine.
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 11:12 PM
Ill ask what I asked earlier. Are your tires properly inflated? How's ur power steering fluid level? Does this concern happen on loose ground like dirt or snow?
03glgold
02-16-2013, 11:16 PM
Naw my brights are fine.
then it is likely a problem with the bulb...if not then the problem would most likely be the purple wire in the harness.
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 11:19 PM
then it is likely a problem with the bulb...if not then the problem would most likely be the purple wire in the harness.
Saying its the bulb is very misleading. The high beams and the lows are seperate circuits and most likely wont effect one another. Also there is more then "the bulb" that could effect the light circuits.
03Sleepr
02-16-2013, 11:21 PM
Not true at all! Dialectic grease will NOT effect the circuit UNLESS u put soo much grease on the terminals that it physically keeps the circuits apart. It's there to help promote an electrical connection between berween the terminals. However your right that it does not conduct electricity by its self. It's good stuff! Highly recommend it with connections out in the elements. Google it up. U will only have issues if u miss use it. GM even recommends issuing it to stop "fretting corrosion"
Thanks for clearing that up! I've always been told to avoid using it on connections because it won't conduct as well.
Ill ask what I asked earlier. Are your tires properly inflated? How's ur power steering fluid level? Does this concern happen on loose ground like dirt or snow?
yeah tires are on point, power steering is good, this happens any time i make a left turn. sometimes it loosens up mid turn but yeah every left turn. other wise shifting from lane to lane is smooth.. so idk
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 11:30 PM
yeah tires are on point, power steering is good, this happens any time i make a left turn. sometimes it loosens up mid turn but yeah every left turn. other wise shifting from lane to lane is smooth.. so idk
Do you hear any creaking, groaning, spring like noises as u turn from lets say lock to lock? It's plausible u could have bad strut top bearings I so and that could be causing too much resistance that the pump can't overcome. Another symptom of that is "memory steer" where u make a tight turn and even after u straiten out ur car continues to want to turn.
U may also want to consider lifting the front wheels up and physically turn the wheels AT the wheels by hand and see if things bind up. Engine off mind u.
Obviously this is speculation but through process of eleimination ur issue probably isn't the column or the pump because both of those do the same job no matter what way u turn. If none of the linkage is binding then that leaves the rack. Possibly leaking by the piston. However this is just speculatoon and with out seeing and looking myself I can only speculate and nothing more.
Do you hear any creaking, groaning, spring like noises as u turn from lets say lock to lock? It's plausible u could have bad strut top bearings I so and that could be causing too much resistance that the pump can't overcome. Another symptom of that is "memory steer" where u make a tight turn and even after u straiten out ur car continues to want to turn.
U may also want to consider lifting the front wheels up and physically turn the wheels AT the wheels by hand and see if things bind up. Engine off mind u.
Obviously this is speculation but through process of eleimination ur issue probably isn't the column or the pump because both of those do the same job no matter what way u turn. If none of the linkage is binding then that leaves the rack. Possibly leaking by the piston. However this is just speculatoon and with out seeing and looking myself I can only speculate and nothing more.
ok yeah when it tightens up yeah i hear some groaning sound but its very faint.. if u have music playing you can barely hear it..
when the car is in the air i put it in neutral or leave in park with car off?
a.graham52
02-16-2013, 11:45 PM
Park, car off. Ur not "spinning" the wheels, ur turning them left and right by hand. Bet u will hear noisy bearings at the top of the strut. Search for the thread "how-to strut replacement" by me and take a look at my strut tops when I removed them for memory steer.
03glgold
02-16-2013, 11:49 PM
Saying its the bulb is very misleading. The high beams and the lows are seperate circuits and most likely wont effect one another. Also there is more then "the bulb" that could effect the light circuits.
I didn't say it definately was, however I said it enhances the possibility and you are the original one who suggested a bulb problem...also both the low beam and bright bulbs come in on the same plug, and I believe that ground is shared, so if the high beams work then it limits it down...I pointed out the purple wire (rechecked myself should have said blue) which is the wire for the low-beams...I did however forget about all the wiring that is inside of the headlight.
xXManwhoreXx
02-17-2013, 09:23 AM
Where are you from milo?
a.graham52
02-17-2013, 11:04 AM
I didn't say it definately was, however I said it enhances the possibility and you are the original one who suggested a bulb problem...also both the low beam and bright bulbs come in on the same plug, and I believe that ground is shared, so if the high beams work then it limits it down...I pointed out the purple wire (rechecked myself should have said blue) which is the wire for the low-beams...I did however forget about all the wiring that is inside of the headlight.
looking at a scemadic just for the sake of the information. passenger side H/L bulbs share the same fuse but both have different wires from the fuse block. same with the drivers side. drivers side shares a fuse but has separate wires. on the ground side H/L do share a ground HOWEVER they have their own wire that goes back to the fuse block, two wires that go to the high beam switch and then after the switch share the same wire for the ground. good info to know. can produce the scamadic if anyone wnats it.
Where are you from milo?
Well I think where I'm from is totally irrelevant, especially to someone that hasn't even given any input to the question's I'm asking.. Lbvs...:usa:
03glgold
02-17-2013, 03:12 PM
Well I think where I'm from is totally irrelevant, especially to someone that hasn't even given any input to the question's I'm asking.. Lbvs...:usa:
if you knew most on the site, about anyone here would try to personally help you if you were local...that is likely why he asks
if you knew most on the site, about anyone here would try to personally help you if you were local...that is likely why he asks
well it just seemed odd to me, kind of like the hotel scene in scarface when dude gets chopped up by the chainsaw..... it all started cuz dude asked Tony where he was from. lol... idk i guess if he was really interested in helping he would have suggested something and not just came from left field asking where i'm from 2 times... u know what i mean?
03glgold
02-17-2013, 07:15 PM
You don't know the people on this forum and sometimes it is better to leave it with what input is being typed...With your power steering problem, it might be easier for someone who has more experience with the car to see exactly what your problem is so that they know what is being diagnosed...I have personally met eric and several other members on the forum and while we may all come off as assholes from time to time, most of us want to do our best to help other owners, some have different ways of doing it
xXManwhoreXx
02-17-2013, 08:26 PM
I just wanted to know because I hang out woth a mostly import crowd from all over the state. So if you were in my area it would have been cool. Not trying to be creepy lol. Come to the alero show this summer
sleepyalero
02-17-2013, 08:31 PM
Looks like he's from Illinois, ill be there tomorrow. Be ready. .....
Just kidding.
RalphP
02-17-2013, 09:23 PM
Looks like he's from Illinois, ill be there tomorrow. Be ready. .....
Just kidding.
So, he SHOULDN'T be ready for when you come breezing in? :p
RwP
sleepyalero
02-18-2013, 07:17 AM
So, he SHOULDN'T be ready for when you come breezing in? :p
RwP
Hahaha he's probably nervous already!
03glgold
02-18-2013, 09:25 AM
leave the guns at home boys :p
Redog
02-18-2013, 06:10 PM
dielectrical grease has been used for years, it was used on bulb connections at the factory as recently as the early 90's. not neccessary today with the weather proof connections on cars today
I think the bulb is going out. try a new one. Sometimes the bulb isn't all the way blown and the coil wire inside the bulb still makes the connection and hitting it makes or breaks the connection.
Power Steering? What is the level in the PS tank? check that first
I just wanted to know because I hang out woth a mostly import crowd from all over the state. So if you were in my area it would have been cool. Not trying to be creepy lol. Come to the alero show this summer
i see you must be mr. v.i.p. lol... or should i say p.i.m.p. mr. manwhore.... can i call you "duece bigalow" lol j/k....... it would have been really creepy if you didnt explain yourself with your name there buddy.:eek: .... lol. well i see you're in indy so where is this show supposed to be located???
Hahaha he's probably nervous already!
lmao... you sure you're ready for the big city "niterider" lol??? dont worry im not nervous this is urban bagdad.. believe me not nervous at all... lol:gun: ohh with all your upgrades and aftermarket stuff you really should've named your car KIT... but I like destiny... lol...
all you guys seem like you know what you're talking about... a whole lot better than talking to the neighborhood mechanic.... this dude is a friggin thief..lmao... i wouldnt mind going to one of these shows tho... do all of you guys make special guest appearances??? lol...
dielectrical grease has been used for years, it was used on bulb connections at the factory as recently as the early 90's. not neccessary today with the weather proof connections on cars today
I think the bulb is going out. try a new one. Sometimes the bulb isn't all the way blown and the coil wire inside the bulb still makes the connection and hitting it makes or breaks the connection.
Power Steering? What is the level in the PS tank? check that first
i checked earlier and the coil is still in tact on the bulb but i can see what your saying... it makes sense.. and i just checked/changed my fluids about a month ago so im sure its good but i will double check the power steering tomorrow and i'll let you kno...
xXManwhoreXx
02-19-2013, 02:16 AM
In lansing michigan fathers day weekend
And I didnt pick this name it was edited by the mods
In lansing michigan fathers day weekend
And I didnt pick this name it was edited by the mods
damn, lansing???? wtf.... do you guys have a calendar or something that shows when and where you're gonna be at? lol. when you guys coming to Illinois?:(
03glgold
02-19-2013, 08:48 AM
the only way that it will be in Illinois is if there is either a personal meet, or if it is decided that we are going to oldsmobile nationals in springfield, IL instead of going to homecoming in Lansing...Illinois isn't that far...there will likely be at least 1 who comes from texas and multiple of us that come from kansas...some from new york and farther up that way...you get the point...it is a fun time to get to meet people on the forum and hang out...plus it is scheduled to be the last ASS
the only way that it will be in Illinois is if there is either a personal meet, or if it is decided that we are going to oldsmobile nationals in springfield, IL instead of going to homecoming in Lansing...Illinois isn't that far...there will likely be at least 1 who comes from texas and multiple of us that come from kansas...some from new york and farther up that way...you get the point...it is a fun time to get to meet people on the forum and hang out...plus it is scheduled to be the last ASS
the last? damn that sucks... i guess i joined at a bad time.. who do i get in touch with for the personal meet? or how do i find a calendar with some new info on it because the one on the top bar was in 2006... someone needs to update that calendar.
Nas Escobar
02-20-2013, 03:35 AM
well it just seemed odd to me, kind of like the hotel scene in scarface when dude gets chopped up by the chainsaw..... it all started cuz dude asked Tony where he was from. lol... idk i guess if he was really interested in helping he would have suggested something and not just came from left field asking where i'm from 2 times... u know what i mean?
ROTFL that's different. They were "Hispanic". "Hispanics" don't like being grouped together when they're from different countries. Also "Hispanics" look down on those who are not from their countries. That was what that whole scene was about. If you recall, Tony had issues with Omar when Omar told Tony that the connect were Colombians.
I think Eric wanted to know where you were from to go and help you. He's offered to do it for other people on the forum, just look around other threads he's posted.
lmao... you sure you're ready for the big city "niterider" lol??? dont worry im not nervous this is urban bagdad.. believe me not nervous at all... lol:gun: ohh with all your upgrades and aftermarket stuff you really should've named your car KIT... but I like destiny... lol...
I have a feeling you're from the Chi.
In lansing michigan fathers day weekend
And I didnt pick this name it was edited by the mods
ROTFL... WHAT??? Did the mods play a prank on you or something?
the last? damn that sucks... i guess i joined at a bad time.. who do i get in touch with for the personal meet? or how do i find a calendar with some new info on it because the one on the top bar was in 2006... someone needs to update that calendar.
Father's day Weekend. You didn't join at a bad time, you came at the right time. If you came August 2013, there wouldn't be a meet.
Here's 2 threads about it.
This (http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36164) is the official one or you discuss with others about who's going and not going here (http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36647).
03glgold
02-20-2013, 08:52 AM
All of the threads for any of the ASS's is located under the Alero chapter of the OCA tab and then there is a separate link under that for the shows up top
As for holding a get together on your own you don't need to turn it in to anybody...Find the regional discussions and meets tab, find your region, and post what you want to do, when and where and people will respond if they are coming or not...there isn't an official calender anywhere because most of the meets are spontaneous hey lets have a meet here in a month or something...the biggest reason for ASS being worked out so much in advance is because there are more expenses with it because there are different things that you can register for (you don't have to register to show your car you can just come, however in registering you help pay for food from the cookout and drinks throughout, and all the other stuff that they go through to make it what it is)...also if you don't register then you can't receive any awards at the Alero show and you can't take your car into homecoming and park with the group
ROTFL that's different. They were "Hispanic". "Hispanics" don't like being grouped together when they're from different countries. Also "Hispanics" look down on those who are not from their countries. That was what that whole scene was about. If you recall, Tony had issues with Omar when Omar told Tony that the connect were Colombians.
I think Eric wanted to know where you were from to go and help you. He's offered to do it for other people on the forum, just look around other threads he's posted.
I have a feeling you're from the Chi.
ROTFL... WHAT??? Did the mods play a prank on you or something?
Father's day Weekend. You didn't join at a bad time, you came at the right time. If you came August 2013, there wouldn't be a meet.
Here's 2 threads about it.
This (http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36164) is the official one or you discuss with others about who's going and not going here (http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36647).
:lol: hahahaha... at least someone picked up on my whereabouts... i didnt wanna seem like the typical arrogant schmuck and just come out and let everyone know.... "HEY I'M FROM CHI-TOWN" like i just did... lmao.... :Hammer:
and thanx for the movie critique... i know why it happened, but how it started was cuz of the questioning...
Nas Escobar
02-20-2013, 11:54 PM
You'd only come off as arrogant if you acted like Kanye West or Cheif Keef. LOL
I felt you were trynna compare totally different things. I mean He's not gonna take you to the trunk and chop you up.
alright so i need a lil bit more help...... off these other questions i posted earlier.... ok i went to the junk yard and found these Infinity Reference 6002i 6.5" 2way as the rear speakers in a chopped up car. they charged me $5 ea and i still dont kno if they work. if they do, can i get away with them as my rear speakers? or just put them in my front doors?
Oldsman
04-11-2013, 08:50 AM
most of the time I have seen the rack go out on our cars there are some tell, tell symptoms.......
fluid leak on the ground coming from drivers side of engine bay overnight.
The steering is is so hard like manual steering but you filled fluid or it is still full.
If your fluid is good but just makes weird noises and seems weird then start by changing the power steering pump.
then it is likely a problem with the bulb...if not then the problem would most likely be the purple wire in the harness.
i found out it was the power plug that goes to the whole headlight. i pulled the orange rubber sealer off the plug and it works. when it wants to... so i don't know if its the plug or the headlight assembly? I was just gonna replace the whole plug... i know its not any of the bulbs because they all work fine individually.
What does the purple wire do in the harness?
Papa Rad17
04-13-2013, 01:29 PM
check if some prongs have got bent or corroded, loose wire going to the connector as well maybe.
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