Ready to run away from this car screaming

[windshield_time]

My 03 has a multitude of issues that have arisen in the last 6 months, here comes the list.

Abs light
Antilock brake light
Security light
blower motor quit

Needs tires, shocks, ELC pump

I know the antilock brake light is one of the wheel bearings, The freekin blower motor has been apart 6 times since I got the car, cleaned and reinstalled and it works for awhile. The elc pump is dead, yup checked the fuses, this forum has been great for chasing the problems.

My problem is I owe I owe so off to work I go, but my job relies on me having reliable transportation, need to go to Jersey next week, Maryland the week after, Mass the week after that. I need a car that runs without problems.

I still owe on this POS, 145k, $2500.00, I think the security and abs light might be electrical as the car was sitting still for about a month and then the problems arose.

I am looking at another car, this one I put 100k on in 2.5 years, been driving my trailblazer till the tranny died on that, dang the luck.

I just don't think this car is worth another penny of my money, if I fix it, about 1000. to fix/maintain at this point I will never see the money back as it isn't worth what i owe on it now.

I am thinking an impala, maybe malibu, but after this Gm and my trailblazer and the monte carlo before the bonnie I, for the first time am considering a FORD possibly a fusion.

I am just not finding the GM line reliable enough anymore, I wish to go back to the days of cheaper gas so i could go buy a good ole 350 and watch the body rot before the engine.

Is there anybody that can seriously talk me out of the FORD

I am a "big" car person I won't do a g6 or a cobalt, the only small car I even consider is the Mini cooper, but it requires premium and I'm cheap too. Not even sure if the Fusion will fit the bill for what i want but come on, you have all seen the problem we have with these cars, I am just plain sick of it. I am also looking at an Impala but i find it boring as heck, just looks like everything else out there. I figure if i gotta drive so much I need to have some fun, and be able to recognize my own car in a parking lot.

Sorry for the Ranting, for all the oil changes, trans fluid changes, brakes and tires i have done to this car i really expected it to last longer.

[00Beast]

Honestly, these are small issues. Replace the blower motor, shocks, tires and hub, ignore the ELC and drive it. You'll never make back what you have in it/owe, so fix it and drive it till the wheels fall off. At 145k, this car is in need of some TLC.

[windshield_time]

typo on my part... the abs light and the anitlock lights are the same thing.... I meant to say Air bag light. That makes me think the car isn't safe to crash.

[sm in Georgia]

my abs light and brake light stay on ( and trac is perpetually off) but the shop near me told me it was a sensor ( I was told $800 to change but on here I have been told I can get it much cheaper than that!!) my shop told me that it does not make it unsafe but it means I do not have abs so it is just like driving an older car that did not have abs

[00Beast]

I'd take it to the dealer and get the airbag light scanned, along with everything else. Our GXP just had that problem, it was the impact sensor, $200 and an hour at the dealer (New sensor has to be programmed with a Tech II, dealer only). Honestly, as long as your engine and transmission are in good shape, and the interior is nice and something you like, I'd keep it and drive it. You'll just end up in the same scenario with the next car. Get out of debt with this one before you get your next. Just my $.02.

[imidazol97]

The wheel bearings do set off the stability system warning. I had one that was slowly loosening over a year and a half. I could feel a slight movement more than the others when I had it jacked up rotating tires. Occasionally I'd get a stability system warning, usually at low speeds turning the wheel in parking lot at slow speeds. When the tire store did the last rebalance and rotation they mentioned the wheel bearing was loose enough to watch. He said it would set off lights due to movement or give noise (didn't) or do something else as warning. I jacked it up and there was a small amount of totally free movement now. I changed it myself the next day. No more stability light problems. It had been that bearing with a minor amount of movement all along over tens of thousands of miles.

I'd change wheel bearings if they are getting loose. Timken, $145 at Autozone.

[00Beast]

Timken, $100 from Rock Auto + shipping - 5% Pontiac Bonneville Club Discount.

Also, it won't set of a Stability System light on his SE, as only SSEi's and GXP's got Stabilitrak.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

If this is feasible, here's what I'd do:

Take the money that a repair would cost at a shop, then buy yourself the part and the tools needed to fix it (basic tool set, hammer, jack, jackstands, cheater bar) with that money. Plan a day to fix it, and maybe bribe a more mechanically-inclined friend to help you. Do it yourself, and count the money you just saved by not taking it to a shop. Plus, you have all the tools for the next fix.

That's basically what I did, and continue to do. The money I've saved by doing most of my own repairs has repaid the cost of the tools many times over.

Again, if that's feasible for you and your situation.

[windshield_time]

I have the tools and the ability, just not the time. If my stinkin truck hadn't died I would take the time to fix this thing, but I can't keep taking my wife's car, then she is stuck home with the teenager and his appointments with no car. I do appreciate everyone's input. I am extremely frustrated at this point, it's cold out, no place to work on it without bothering friends of friends and that makes me uncomfortable as I need to do this on my schedule not theirs, too much work at work. Right now I just need to feel good about buying something else GM and/or buying something else period.

How on earth do I tell which wheel bearing is bad without a tech II ?

Why would the Air bag light come on when it sat for awhile without getting hit ?

Could the other problems be related to the main bus connector ?

Is there anything that would make me think a new blower won't just have the same problem in a year or less ? (dang it can be cold with no blower)

I hate to put money into this for all that i know is wrong only to have something else crap out. I am a bad boy and I haven't changed the dexcool, no signs that I have a problem at this point, it was one of those things I kept meaning to get to but never did.

[windshield_time]

Well for all of those that tried to help I thank you. But it's a goner as soon as I can, Brought it to my mechanic, some of the work I can do myself but the Air bag and Antilock light needed some diagnostics. He found 2 bad wheel bearings, a melted wiring harness under the hood and at the rear of the car. That with all of the parts put me above the total value of the car. I shall be off and hunting for a suitable replacement.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Good luck in your hunt for a replacement!

[brownbrentm]

I dont know what you $$$ situation is but the new Taurus is BAD!!!! Especially the Sho. But serious I am done with Government Motors and chrysler. I have to say that I will be a Ford man now. I love my bonneville, but I refuse to support a company that takes that much money, and still goes bankrupt. (steps down from soap box, and trips in the process)