2003 Pontiac Bonneville Consumer Discussions

Pontiac Bonneville General Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2003 pontiac bonneville se lights not working. [smith26]

  Written by: johnturn on Oct 28, 2011 7:40:20 AM

  Do you have the lighted mirror option in the sunvisors? What happens is that the plastic hinge breaks on the sunvisor door, and the light switch shorts out, and blows the fuse for the interior lights. Either buy a whole new sun visor for about $100, or remove the sunvisor and disconnect the wiring harness for the light, and re-install the sunvisor with the wire disconnected. You need to pull the ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville Brakes

• Please Help I'm So Frustrated Bonneville Brakes

  Written by: bluejay7 on Mar 27, 2010 10:17:21 PM

  I am working on my wife's 2003 Pontiac Bonneville brakes. The car was hardly stopping, the rear brakes looked like they never worked, the pads still looked new but they obviously were not engaging and it seemed like only one of the calipers in the front were working, so I replaced all 4 calipers and brake pads and all 4 rubber brake lines. I tried bleeding the brakes for hours and ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville Water Leaks

• Re: Water on the Driver's side 2003 Bonneville [shanemc2]

  Written by: kts0347 on Apr 14, 2009 3:55:31 PM

  Shane, You have a common problem that has been described by Imidazol97 above. Pull the door panel off and under it you will find a polyethelene molded sheet that is designed to keep water that runs into the window channel out of the car. Unfortunately, it is adhered to the sheetmetal with mastic, that over the years ends up releasing, and water runs right past it, and into the car, soaking ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville Starting/Stallling/Ignition Problems

• Re: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling [imidazol97]

  Written by: becar3 on Jan 11, 2010 2:51:01 PM

  Just to let you all know, after the car being in the dealership for 3 days and there inability to have the car stall on them. They kept saying that it was the MAF and I wasn't buying that. For the last week on a fresh tank of gas, no stalls. Hoping that is it for this issue. Thank you all.

• Re: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling [johnjewkes]

  Written by: imidazol97 on Jan 4, 2010 7:50:46 AM

  Sounds like you had a bad gas fill. In my opinion, ethanol in higher (10%) can help pick up water and other oils settled happily in the bottom of the fuel tank and then try to move them through the fine fuel filter which catches them and clogs from the globules. The MAF sensor gets coated from the back burst of oils fumes in the crankcase when the engine is shut ... Read More

• Re: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling [becar3]

  Written by: johnjewkes on Jan 4, 2010 12:20:53 AM

  On mine, it was a combination of events: Cheap Gas with high sulfur and 10% Ethanol mix (Partially clogs fuel filter); Back pressure pushes weak fuel pump to being even weaker; MAF Sensor wires were coated with Fume Effluences, caused by clogged PCV and EGR systems. Tuning up, cleaning and running both fuel and oil cleanings got it back to running fine. Total replacement of a MAF is rarely needed under ... Read More

• Re: yRe: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling [becar3]

  Written by: imidazol97 on Jan 3, 2010 7:49:20 PM

  It might be worth looking at the MAF. They are easily removed with a security torx bit, available in sets at Harbor Freight, etc. Use MAF spray cleaner on the fragile, fragile wires inside the plastic housing that have the airstream moving over them. It might need cleaning. Some cars get the throttle plate area gunked up with crankcase fumes that condense in the entrance to the upper intake manifold when ... Read More

• yRe: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling [imidazol97]

  Written by: becar3 on Jan 3, 2010 5:07:38 PM

  Not electrial..lights, radio, heat etc work even when totally stopped. Liking your fuel pressure gauge thing when it stalls out no reaction to apply gas petal. Just not buying dealers MAF theroy Thanks

• Re: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling [becar3]

  Written by: imidazol97 on Jan 3, 2010 4:49:45 PM

  Is the type of stall instant like it's electrical? If not, then the fuel pressure must be tested while it's running and hopefully when it stalls. Since it needs a short rest to "cool"? that might indicate a pump. Get a fuel pressure gauge from a store that loans them and tape it to the windshield while you drive (need longer hose?) and watch for the stall and see what the ... Read More

• 2003 Pontiac Bonneville stalling

  Written by: becar3 on Jan 3, 2010 1:03:21 PM

  Have read a number of posts as to why Bonnevilles stall while going down the road. Dealer wants to replace the Mass Air Flow Filter for about $400.00. From what I can read this is not the problem. But I also don't read that there is an answer to this problem. Can anyone help be out here, can't see spending the money if it won't solve the problem. Car always restarts ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville: Steering Problems

• Pontiac Garbage! 4 Intermediate Steering Shafts and another new one!!

  Written by: nomoregms1 on Jul 12, 2008 4:46:03 PM

  We have a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville w/87K miles. I had hoped that spending my money on American built cars was good for US jobs but I AM GOING TO BUY a Honda or Toyota next time. I now always telling everyone NOT TO BUY GM -THEY ARE GARBAGE CARS. (I had a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue that had multiple transmission problems- the dealer laughingly called the car a 'Friday Built Special' - ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville General Maintenance and Repair

• 2003 pontiac bonneville se lights not working.

  Written by: smith26 on May 3, 2006 11:20:45 AM

  I have a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville se and the interior lights have quit working. The vanity lights nor the dome lights will work. I've replaced the fuse and it blew and I replaced the relay switch. After replacing the relay switch they worked for about 15 minutes and then quit working again. I have also taken the vanity lights out which caused the other lights to work for a very short ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville

• Another Full Bonneville GXP Review

  Written by: bryanttarvin on Aug 7, 2004 3:09:41 PM

  Hey everyone, I have been a lurker in the Bonneville forums for a long time now because I have always liked the Bonneville and do like the new GXP. I even test-drove one at a Pontiac dealer and liked the way it rode and sounded from the quad exhaust tips. I, however, was won over by the Olds Aurora back in 2003 and bought a Final 500 Aurora over the 2003 ... Read More

• Re: GXP Vibration [ravenfive #4063]

  Written by: desertrat5 on Jul 2, 2004 3:22:07 PM

  There is a TSB out. Don't know whether it applies to your car or not. I have an '04 SLE and it has the same problem with 17" RSAs and my wife's '00 Ultra has the same problem with Pirellis. Seems to be an inherent feature of the GM full sized 4 door. Here is the TSB. Bob in Glendale Document ID# 1455223 2000 Buick LeSabre Shake/Vibration in Steering Wheel, Floor, ... Read More

• The '05 GP with a 5.3L?

  Written by: theiceman on Mar 23, 2004 1:10:23 AM

  It's only talk right now - I've not seen any official announcement on it. Originally called the "Grand Prix Autocross", some are dubbing it the "Grand Prix GXP" and are talking about it coming to market for March '05. This fits with the strategy to make '05 as the final MY for the Bonneville by presenting the Grand Prix as a good alternative for Bonnie buyers (which aren't exactly legion). The ... Read More

• CR doesn't like the Bonneville any more!

  Written by: theiceman on Mar 13, 2004 1:50:50 PM

  No more recommended check for the Bonneville. Perhaps this isn't news - the last time I bought their annual car issue was '02 and they recommended the Bonnie back then. Further, the '00-'03 Bonnevilles are now listed as "used cars to avoid"! Yikes! I note, btw, that CR hasn't actually tested a Bonnie for four years (Feb. 2000) - it was an SE - and they still use that summary in ... Read More

• Availability time for the GXP

  Written by: fantascp on Mar 10, 2004 8:40:35 AM

  Hi everyone, just left my Pontiac Dealership( Northwestern New Jersey) with my wifes 2003 Grand-Prix GT- (Routine Service ETC)- stopped by the showroom for a 2004 Bonneville Brochure- asked when could I do a test drive with the GXP- the GXP was not available yet, was told not to expect the car in until the end of April! I'm on the "PLEASE CALL ME WHEN THE CAR ARRIVES LIST!!!!"

Pontiac Bonneville General Maintenance and Repair

• no title

  Written by: alcan on Feb 19, 2004 1:56:57 PM

  This might apply: Clunk Noise from Front of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver/Steering Wheel Rotation (Lubricate Intermediate Shaft) #01-02-32-001C - (09/12/2003) 2001-2004 Buick Regal 2000-2004 Cadillac Seville STS 1997-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo 2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue 1997-2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2000-2004 Pontiac Bonneville 2003-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix This bulletin is being revised to add and remove models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001B (Section 02 [shy ] ... Read More

Best Vehicles for Taller/Larger Drivers

• Jfiz:

  Written by: jasmith52 on Feb 18, 2004 4:20:51 PM

  I am also 6' 5" so I know exactly what you are talking about. The best car that I have ever owned for room is a 95 Buick Riviera. With the seat all the way back I was absolutely swimming in space (both headroom and legroom). I have looked at and sat in and driven almost everything that there is - so here is my advice. Stay away from any japanese/Korean ... Read More

Pontiac Bonneville

• Leak

  Written by: fantascp on Feb 3, 2004 12:02:58 PM

  theiceman: It may or may not be the same problem with leaking gaskets but Gm I think separated it into 2 separate issues.- First : by only allowing for vehicles from 2000 on out and by fixing/changing fastners,adding sealant etc- not actually changing the upper/lower manifold gaskets, etc for vehicles prior to 2000- GM is still in denial that there is anything wrong. I did not buy the car new and ... Read More

• TSB Models

  Written by: mlm4 on Sep 10, 2003 6:37:19 PM

  TSB 00-03-10-007E covers the following models: 1998-2003 Buick Park Avenue, Park Avenue Ultra 2000-2003 Buick LeSabre 1998-2003 Cadillac Seville (SLS, STS) 2000-2003 Cadillac DeVille (DTS only) 2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora 2000-2003 Pontiac Bonneville (17" Tires only) Curiously, LeSabre is not among the vehicles listed for the lower control arm replacement. This replacement is the last step in the TSB, if all else fails (balancing, wheel runout, radial force variation and then screened ... Read More

• pontiac advice, please!

  Written by: wolfpack2 on Oct 8, 2003 10:38:20 AM

  Hello all! I'm brand new at this and I hope you can help me. I have a 2002 chevrolet sedan with 29k. There's nothing wrong with it. I was attracted recently to a 2003 pontiac bonneville at a local dealer with 22k. It's an SE model and very clean. The dealer is asking 16,900 for it. I have never owned a pontiac and know nothing much about them. You guys seem ... Read More

• Bonneville Sales

  Written by: xavier64 on Sep 29, 2003 10:01:50 AM

  Went to the dealer last week for an oil change and while I was waiting, I went to take a look to see how many Bonnevilles were in stock. There were 22 2003 models available and a few more used models as well. I would like to see Pontiac advertise a bit more on selling the Bonneville but it seems their focus is more on the Grand Prix. Hope everyone can ... Read More

• Just received today from GM Canada

  Written by: theiceman on Jul 16, 2003 3:23:51 PM

  Dear General Motors Customer: This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a voluntary customer satisfaction program that affects certain 2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; Buick Regal, LeSabre and Park Avenue model vehicles equipped with 3800 Series II (L36) V6 engines. We have learned that your vehicle may develop an engine coolant leak at the upper intake manifold to throttle body gasket, or ... Read More

• Do I really want/need a GXP?

  Written by: bunky36 on Jun 6, 2003 11:55:57 AM

  I have been driving this 2003 SSEi for about 3 months now (5,000 miles) after 28 years of driving 6 Trans Ams, and I have to say I really love this car. It is about as fun to drive as any sedan I have driven. It is obviously not as fast as the TA’s and won’t slalom like the TA’s would, but that’s about all it won’t do that the TA’s ... Read More

• GXP vs. SSEi

  Written by: bunky36 on Mar 18, 2003 4:06:06 PM

  Well I decided I couldn’t wait another year for the GXP, so I took advantage of the great incentives Pontiac was offering in February, sold my ’98 TA to a friend who has been chasing me for it for a couple years now, and I bought a black 2003 SSEi – loaded with all available options except the infamous engine block heater and 12 CD changer. I haven’t completely given up ... Read More

• Slow times at Pontiac

  Written by: mfahey1 on Sep 27, 2002 4:51:34 PM

  I just received the latest Pontiac Excitement where the article on the Bonnevilles said that the most exciting news for 2003 was that XM radio was now available on all Bonnevilles. Whoop. That and the decontenting of the SLE and SSEi. There was also an article on the 2004 Grand Prix in our paper yesterday stating that the GTP would be rated at 250hp. and that it would be available with ... Read More

• 2003 Bonneville GX/P

  Written by: streetracer on Feb 20, 2002 4:31:10 PM

  The Pontiac Brand Manager said at the Chicago Auto show, that GX/P might go into production for 2003 as a limited edition!

• FUTURE ?

  Written by: montanafan on Oct 2, 2001 10:55:49 AM

  Jayski.com, a Winston Cup new/rumor page, is saying that he hears that the new Pontiac to be run in the 2003 Winston Cup season will be a Bonneville. Another indication that the "Grand Prix" replacement will also replace the "Bonneville".

• Speculation

  Written by: mlm4 on Sep 28, 2001 9:34:33 AM

  I think it is more likely that the Bonneville will be discontinued (although I hope it is not so) and the Aurora will live on, possibly as a Buick. 2003 appears to be the final model year of the Aurora as an Olds, but rumors are that the car will continue to be produced in some form. GM will be reducing it's full-size sedan line-up to the absolute minimum. The so-called ... Read More

• Bonneville

  Written by: teo on Feb 16, 2001 10:13:48 PM

  I think the Bonneville desperately needs a V8 engine for the upper crust SSEi model. Even Edmund's agrees on this one. Currently the only other G-platform cars that have V8 engines are the Olds Aurora and the Cadillac Seville. The lower G cars (Bonneville/leSabre) only offer the excellent 3800 Series II V6 on both N/A and S/C variants. As I stated on an earlier post, the SSEi is too darn expensive....$33K ... Read More