2001 Pontiac Grand Am HELP! 2 problems

JOELLA1975

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

I am a female owner of a '01 Pontiac Grand Am GT. I have been noticing an antifreeze leak for a while and am adding coolant about once a month. While having my oil changed I was told that I had a "lower intake gasket" leak.
I am trying to decide if this is something that needs to be fixed ASAP or if it can wait. Also trying to find out if this is something that I might be able to do myself as I don't really have time/ money for mechanic shops and seem to always end up getting "taken for a ride" on car repairs, since I am a female and blonde to boot! (Not that ALL are guilty I am sure, but it is something I've grown accustomed to- paid to replace rotors on my first car EVERY year!)
My second problem is that my low oil pressure light keeps coming on. Only for a few minutes at a time but it is coming on regularly for the last few days. I don't know what could cause this. I've checked the oil, it isn't low. I would like to have some education on this before I take my car into a mechanic. And again, being on my own, I can't afford a huge bill or to be without my car.
Any suggestions or information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Joella

1 Reply

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

This problem with the lower intake gasket is so common. It has to be replace on almost every 6 cylinder gm makes. If the low oil light is coming on but you are full of oil then your problem is the low oil level sensor(not a big deal). If it is the red oil light then it may be more serious. This is something that should be fixed now rather than later due to the fact that if the gasket ruptures internally, it will damage engine. The job will cost anywhere from$500-$850 depending on any additional work that has to be done. ***You should never again have to worry about this problem after it has been repaired. They finally redesigned the gasket so this won t happen. Hope this helps