New member - let's start with wiring question (headlamps)

[SweetAztekMa'am!]

Hello, Aztek community! I made my username SweetAztekMa'am! because that's what I hear a lot when I'm out and about it my sweet ride.
I've had my 2004 Aztek since 2009, and have had lots of experiences similar to other postings here, especially the gremlins in the wiring and such.
It's hard to pick which question to ask first, but here it is:
Does anyone else have experience with the headlights shutting off mid-drive and then turning back on whenever they're good and ready, about 3 to 15 seconds later? Terrifying at night btw.
I'm not a mechanic by any means but I'm a quick study and have access to Chilton and YouTube, and now you guys.
Cheers.

 

[melsg5]

Have you started by looking for a headlight relay and swapping it with another similar relay or just replacing it?

 

[SweetAztekMa'am!]

Have you started by looking for a headlight relay and swapping it with another similar relay or just replacing it?

No, but I will now. Thanks for giving me a place to start.

 

[SweetAztekMa'am!]

No, but I will now. Thanks for giving me a place to start.

Melsg5, another question out of curiosity... Is there a known preferred radiator cap for 2004 Pontiac Aztek? I was looking for an RC 96 or a 7816, Delco and Duralast respectively, and the first I was able to score was the 7816. Just wondering as an afterthought if the community has any pertinent comments in regard to radiator caps. I had a heck of a time getting the RC 27 removed, don't know why although it looks a bit misshapen.

Edit: Also, found out that the RC 27 is not even advertised to fit my 2004 Aztek. I don't know if it has had that cap on it since I purchased it pre-owned or if it got swapped by mistake in a shop at the last flush or what.

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[melsg5]

I'm sure the Duralast is fine. Stant is another well known brand.

 

[SweetAztekMa'am!]

Hey, melsg5, So I noticed the fan under the hood is a Mitsubishi fan. Like WHY? Haha! Is this normal? Why is there a Mitsubishi fan on my GM/Pontiac? Just seems so weird to me but I'm also a beginner home mechanic so what do I know.

 

[melsg5]

Have no idea if GM used them as a supplier or aftermarket part.

 

[SweetAztekMa'am!]

Interesting

I tried to find more info online about the Mitsubishi part being in my Aztek. I couldn't find anything definitive, but I did see that there was a joint manufacturing plant at one time, and I wonder if that's where it came from. If I get bored later I'll look it up again and share. It does say Made in USA on it.

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[SweetAztekMa'am!]

I still haven't addressed my headlamps - been putting out bigger fires first. Resolved a coolant system issue, found and fixed a cabin leak (rainwater and floorboards situation), and now I'm tinkering with the transmission. I'll try not to make it worse than it already is. Ha! Not that anyone's been on the edge of their seat but just sharing for posterity. Prime suspects on the transmission issue is the pan gasket and/or maybe a solenoid issue. HOPEFULLY it is one or both of those things and isn't going to end up being a transmission-ocolyspe. Tryna keep this ol' girl on the road!