2003 Sunfire

Asked by GuruBS4H3 Dec 31, 2018 at 01:57 AM about the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I wrote last week about the 2003 Sunfire which so I was told new brakes, tires,
starter, battery and only has 73 thousand miles on it.  I broke down on the
way from buying the car.  The brake light was on but it was down, battery not
charging and one other one.  I have the book research everything I know
because the car sat for almost 2 years but still very good shape only if it would
run.  I had someone suggest that if brake fluid is leaking it is probably the
alternator.  I have searched high and low seeking the correct one but it gets
confusing and I have the book and cannot get a positive model for the
alternator.  I cannot find of it in Sunfire's manual.  The Vin number is
1G2JB12FX37218386.  Any ideas.  The brake light was on along with battery
light and I think the fuses need be replaced along with spark plugs.  Someone
mentioned brake line but mechanic hopefully is stopping buy to look at it.  I
would like to buy the parts to save money.  DOES ANYONE KNOW THE
CORRECT ALTERNATOR FOR THE 2003 Ponitac Sunfire

3 Answers

220,785

( I had someone suggest that if brake fluid is leaking it is probably the alternator.) I think I would wait for someone who has some know-how on vehicles to look at this. A alternator is not going to fix the break problems for one, and fuses do not need replacing unless they are blown. You will be spending more money on this unless you find someone who knows how to repair a vehicle.

26,225

You may need an alternator since the dash lamp tells you the system is discharging (running off of the battery) but it is NOT related to the brake light issue. Any parts store or on-line parts supplier can identify the alternator needed. Give them the make, model, and engine size or maybe just the VIN. For the brake light, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If low, fill it. If empty, fill it and bleed your brake system. Fix these and then move on to the tires and brakes you said were also in need of repair. If you are not doing the brakes yourself, have whoever does them to also fill and bleed the system and check for any other brake issues. Fuses are most likely OK and the spark plugs would be good to swap out if they are originals.

1 people found this helpful.

Thank you so much! I think I wrote that I needed brakes, tires, starter, and battery but what I meant to say is they are all newly replaced. That is a good thing. Your information is very helpful and I appreciate your feedback. Thanks again! I will let you know what happens.

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