jwbouch

In the CTS you just push the button you want to set and hold it for like 3-5 seconds and it beeps to let you know it is now set to your settings. I would think the STS would be the same, but that might be too logical!

I have a question for those of you who own an HHR. I'm thinking about trying to pick up a cheap used one, and I wanted to know how you like it? What kind of fuel mileage you get, an what kind of maintenance issues the car has? I rented one in Colorado a few years ago, and I thought I was getting mid to upper 30's mpg according to the computer. But that seems like it is pretty high, so I wanted to double check my memory. I need a $7-10k car that gets exceptional fuel mileage. I just too a new job, but it is a significant paycut. I really need better then mid 20's that I get with my Grand Prix. If this is posted in the wrong section please feel free to move it. Thanks for your input. Have a nice day everyone!

In some cases. Did your backlight burn out in one shot or did it burn out in stages? In one shot indicates to me you have a radio like the older cars which use this bulb., However, looking at some '04 GP radios, like this one: Have 3 bulbs... and require some soldering to replace. In any case, Corvetteradios.com sells the bulbs and has instructions to replace much types of GM radio lighting. I have the radio that you pictured from an 04 GP. The display is only half burnt out right now, I can not see the hour, but I usually can see the minutes. However, I have to hold my hand up to block sun glare and stare at it for a second to let my eyes adjust to the poor lighting of the clock. This is not really the safest way to drive down the road! I really appreciate the information! I'll keep you updated as to what I end up doing.

Generally, in the later GPs, I believe you can actually pull much of the dash apart without tools... I forget if the under steering panel needs to come out first, but its all generally held in place with clips. As for the radio, there are a few different ones in the GP, and I'm not sure which you have. The ones similar to the older GPs have the smaller backlit LCD readout and uses a fairly hard to find bulb. Its actually pretty easy to fix these, if you can find a bulb. They sell them on eBay and at the dealer. Sometimes its a good idea to run a soldering iron over the bulb contacts if the pads look worn. The newer radio uses soldered in LEDs. They can also be fixed, but its a bit trickier. There are some guides online. The Monsoon radio, I'm not so sure how that one works inside... yet. The radios can be swapped pretty easily, if you go that route. Make sure that the TheftLock has been unlocked. The lighting problem is not super common, but it is common enough... so there is the possibility that your newly installed radio will eventually have the same problem. I just have the base single disc CD/AM/FM radio. You are saying that I can take the radio out and just replace a light bulb? I just have to find the replacement bulb? I guess I'll take it apart tomorrow or next weekend and see what it looks like, because that would be a much cheaper fix, since that is the only thing wrong with the radio. Thanks for the pointer!

The back light on the readout on my radio in my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has burnt out, so I can no longer see the clock, which I find frustrating. Anyone know how involved replacing the radio is on an 04 Grand Prix? I also was planning to get a radio from either ebay (if I can find one) or a local salvage yard, if they have any, but my concern would be putting a new radio in that will burn out soon also. Any ideas if the lighting in the radio is something that burns out regularly, or if this is an isolated issue with my particular car? Any advice on getting a factory radio, new or used? I can't really see how to remove the old radio, just by looking at it. Just wondered if anyone had any advice. Thanks guys!

Thanks for the tips. I'll dig a little deeper.

Well, this might be pointless to post right now, because I don't have much information, as this isn't my car. My boyfriends car just broke down on him, and from what he told me and the 5 minutes of research I just did, it kind of sounds like a fuel pump - which seems to be a common issue on the Cavalier? Anyone familiar with this particular problem, or know what is involved in replacing it, or if there are any tests I could do to make sure that is the actual problem, and not something else? He pulled into the driveway, and the next day he went to start it and nothing happened. He said he turns the key and it doesn't crank at all, let alone turn over. He thought the battery was dead, but that doesn't seem to be the problem. Hooked it up to jumper cables and still nothing happened. If anyone has questions that need answered to come up with a more certain diagnosis, let me know, and I"ll ask him. Thanks!

So, I think this is the spot where I would mention what I saw today. I saw a 2008 or newer CTS4 (I believe the 4 stands for AWD?). However, this CTS4 had the mesh grill of the V series, the V emblem on the trunk and passenger's side door (that's the only side I saw), yet I know for a FACT that it was not a V! I guess the owner figured not too many people would realize it wasn't a V? I know it wasn't a V because it did not have the hood with that dome on it. I couldn't figure out why he/she may have put the V logos all over it.

I test drove a Taurus SHO when they first came out. The center console was sooo intrusive into the space where my right knee usually goes. Does this Lincoln seem to be the same?

I have been driving on 76 through Philly a lot lately for work, and every morning I see this guy who drives a CTS Coupe. It definitely catches my eye every time, but once it passes me, it looks odd from the rear. The rear track is so much wider then the sedan or wagon, it just looks strange to my eyes. Overall though, it is absolutely an eye catching car!

This car is exactly like what I'm looking for. A compact car that still has a quality feel and look to it, with a bigger engine then the Cruze (which I need to test drive before I say that officially). However, 31 mpg?! I don't understand the point of the car. Aren't compact cars supposed to be more economical to drive? My 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix averages 29.5mpg consistently on my drives from NJ to Ohio. That is driving at speeds of 70-75. It seems like all new cars are so incredibly fat that there is little chance of getting exceptional fuel mileage. I would hope for at least 35 out of a compact car - no matter luxurious it should look or feel. Am I wrong for thinking 35 mpg highway should be typical of a compact car?

There is a dealership by me that puts that protection package on EVERY car on the lot, PLUS pinstriping. It adds up to like 800 or 900 bucks. It is extremely frustrating!

It was pretty peppy. You have to wind it out a bit to get to the power though, that 3.0 Litre doesn't have nearly the torque of the 3.6, obviously. It was a pretty nice car - I drove 650 miles with a 45 minute break for lunch, and a stop half way through for a fuel stop. Right on the oil cap it says "Mobile 1" The oil monitor in the DIC was at 9% at 5900 miles. Next time I'll wait til it gets all the way down to 0 to change it. BUT, my grandma doesn't drive too much. It is a year old in early February and it only has 5900 miles.

Didn't know Goodwrench died. Why require synthetic oil? It is so expensive. I can change the oil in my 2004 Grand Prix for $20, give or take a few bucks depending on sales. And that is running a high mileage oil that is slightly more expensive then non- high mileage oil. I guess it is a wash since there are fewer services needed with oil changes ranged from 5000-7500 miles, rather then 3000?

I borrowed my grandmothers 2010 CTS wagon with the 3.0 litre V6 yesterday for a trip from central NJ to Virginia Beach, VA and back again. Approx. 650 miles in one day. The reason I had it, is because I take care of her cars for her, and its first service was due. I stopped at the auto parts store to pick up oil and a filter, and was instructed that the 3.0 in the CTS requires a full synthetic oil, preferably Mobile 1 - to the tune of $8.00 a quart, it needs 6 quarts. My question is: Is the 3.0 litre V6 that is in the CTS the same 3.0 litre that was in the Buick LaCrosse, and is in the Equinox/Terrain? If so, does the Equinox require a fully synthetic? It would seem to me that GM might try to keep the maintenance costs down on a Chevy as opposed to a Cadillac. But, if it is the same engine, does it require the same oil? I was just a little surprised when the supplies for me to change my grandma's oil came to $56. I can't imagine what Mr. Goodwrench would charge!

I may cry if this happens:(

I was just following a VW ( I think) yesterday that had one of the LEDs burnt out of it's third brake light. Typically, that is where I see them burnt out. Just wondered.

I love what I'm seeing and reading about this new Charger, and can't wait until it hits dealer floors so I can go see one. My question would be about all those LEDs across the back. I think it looks terrible when a series of LEDs like that has 1 or 2 burnt out. Any idea how that works? Can they be replaced one bulb at a time if/when they burnout, or do you have to replace a whole assembly? That would be my only concern, but I really like what Dodge has done with it!

How is it, that whether it is the COTY, SUOTY or TUTY I ALWAYS hear about it weeks before my Motortrend even shows up in my mailbox? That is beyond frustrating to me!!!!!

So, I changed my plugs/wires a few weeks ago. No problems what so ever. I didn't have to tilt the engine or anything. Just reached back in there and took care of it! Thanks for the advice though! I appreciate it!!!

I did my tranny fluid/filter at 50, and will do it again at 100. My brother had an 02 Impala that blew a tranny at 120k - I would like to avoid that at all costs!!!! I had a transmission shop (friend of the family) do it, because I had never done one at that point, and didn't realize how easy it is (since I have access to a lift). The mechanic said it wasn't bad, but he wanted to do it again in 10k miles anyhow. So it actually got done at 50 and 60. I'll do it at 100, then probably never worry about it again. I have a bad habit of trading in my car the same day I send in the last payment. My car actually runs really well still - in fact last weekend I drove from NJ to Ohio for a niece's graduation party - and I got the best fuel mileage I've ever gotten. I was just going to do it because I thought I was supposed to at 100k. So, just to demonstrate that I'm not as fluent as I'd like to be.... what is IIRC? Thanks for all the advice!

I'm quickly approaching 100K miles. I was planning to do spark plugs and wires at 100k. First off, that is when I'm supposed to do them right? Second, any good suggestions for reaching those plugs on the back bank? Any other preventative maintenance things that should be getting done around 100k? Thanks everyone!

My type of car is a large rear wheel drive sedan... preferably with a big V8 (think G8 GT!). The car that has really caught my attention as of late, that I am a little embarrassed that I like is, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. I guess it makes sense because I like the way the VW Passat CC looks, as do I like the Mercedes CLS. The 2011 Sonata looks appealing, and seems to be a pretty nice car, I might have to take a trip to a Hyundai dealership, even though I have a strong unfavorable opinion of the company.

I think the drivers seat in my 04 Grand Prix are the most comfortable car seat I've ever experienced..... They aren't too stiff and they have great bolstering. I also love that I can adjust the lumber, not just in and out, but up and down too! I tend to like my lumbar a lot lower on my back then most people. I can drive from NJ to Ohio (7.5-9 hours depending on how many times I stop), and am comfortable the whole way!! My seats are leather, which I could take or leave, after all, it is a very cheap plasticy leather. The thing I like about the leather, I have never had a build up of static electric in the winter. In a car with cloth seats, I shock myself EVERY time I get out, and have NEVER been shocked by my car in the 3 years I've owned it!

It seems like a lot of people like the cars of the childhood that their parents drove. I know I ALWAYS wanted my first car to be the 1980 Mercury Cougar XR7 that my mom drove.... but then my sister crashed it and that was the end of that dream. I see them VERY rarely, but they still seem to catch my eye when I see them. As far as new cars go.... I have a huge huge thing for the 09 G8 GT (no battery/oil pressure gauge)!!!! I really hope to see a Zeta sedan back in the GM lineup in the next 2 years, since I will buy a car in 2 years, at the earliest.