So I just bought a 2001 Grand Am SE. It's in fairly good shape, but something popped up last night, most likely because of my own idiocy. I was driving around with the A/C button on and didn't realize it. The A/C doesn't work. The guy didn't know if it needed a recharge or if it was the compressor. I didn't think it was an issue because the summer is nearly over and it's not something I'm going to be needing. Well last night the car started making a pretty annoying noise. Almost metal on metal. Everything seemed to be running fine though. I took it to get the oil changed and noise looked at today. They quoted me $1,250+ and said the compressor was dying and the belt was frayed. I don't know a ton about cars, and he seemed to know this, but regardless of that, he told me if I didn't get it fixed I could be on the side of the road without a vehicle in who knows how long. I looked at the belt, and while I don't know exactly what I'm looking at, it didn't look frayed or anything. I took my mechanic friend with me to get the car and he said nothing in regards to the belt either. I know this is long winded, but if I don't get the compressor fixed and just keep driving it as is, possibly with a new belt, is anything going to happen besides an annoying ass noise? And also, now that I turned the A/C off, the light doesn't go back on at all. The guy also told me they don't make a bypass belt for this car.
Another issue I've had is the key doesn't open the doors, so I've had to keep it unlocked. Which isn't a big issue in this neighborhood, but it's still annoying. I tried oiling the lock and nothing. The guy at the dealer said they don't make a remote, and paying $20 for a new key isn't a big deal, but if it's not going to work then it seems like a waste. It doesn't work on either door or the trunk.
Another issue I've had is the key doesn't open the doors, so I've had to keep it unlocked. Which isn't a big issue in this neighborhood, but it's still annoying. I tried oiling the lock and nothing. The guy at the dealer said they don't make a remote, and paying $20 for a new key isn't a big deal, but if it's not going to work then it seems like a waste. It doesn't work on either door or the trunk.
