hey guys! (gals, too)

i'm a noob to this forum, but my daily is a 1999 Cirrus - so, i figured i'd ask a few Noob questions before i read through all forums. if there's and easy answer - just post a link and i'll be happy to follow!

1. Brakes. i've had the recall done on my '99 for the tube failure, but i still have a screech in the front passenger brake about 1000 miles after new rotors and pads - is there an additional issue i need to be aware of? [:@][:@][:@][:@]

2. headlights. mine are crap. are their any aftermarket manufacturers that you would suggest for a new headlamp setup? i don't want projectors or anything chrome, just solid headlights.

3. Dome light - does not turn on except when the keyless entry "unlock" feature has been activated - all switches and "fixes" listed in the handbook are no-worky. any thoughts?

4. belts: i've replaced them all twice in the past 60,000 miles - is this normal wear and tear on a cloud car?

TIA for all the help guys!

 

10 looks and no comments? hmm... should i try other sites?

 

1. the brake squeal may be normal depending on the type of pads you used, semi metallic ones tend to be noisy. how bad is the squeal?

2. with the headlights i am sad to say they just don't have great light output and are a crappy design,i suggest getting ones that aren't fogged and getting soem silverstar bulbs for the best lighting.
3. i have had this issue in the past that was caused by an open door switch, that is a good place top start, check for physical damage or get a dvom and test the switch continuity.
4. this depends on your motor i have a 2.4l which just not have automatic tensioners and therefore requires belt tension adjustments every so often, so that may be what you need to do.

hope i helped a little

 

For some good info, check out www.stratusphere.net They have the best information on the 1st gen stratus. Only think I can really help with is your head lights. More than likely your problem is that they are fogged up (yellow haze). If you feel up to it there is a way to take the head light apart and sand them down to refinish them. I am sure the step by step is on Stratusphere. But you are going to have that problem no matter what headlights you go with. It is damage caused by the sun on the plastic.

 

the squeal only comes from the front passenger side - sounds like there is something grinding/rubbing when the brakes are cold - no serious fading, yet, but it's a daily... not really TOO worried about it. i got some time on a lift on saturday, so i'm going to do a full replacement of the front pads and rotors and see if it helps. i'm thinking mintex pads (red or green) with OEM rotors... not sure...

i used toothpaste (believe it or not) on the outsides and it worked awesome! it cleared up a little of the yellow fog, but it's weird... and i'm not sure how to get into the inside - someone below mentioned Stratusphere - definitely going to check that out! :thumbup:

going to look into this one deeper... thanks for the tip!

i have the 2.5L 24 valve engine - i know i'm replacing the belts a little quicker than i think is normal... i'll look at the tensioners when i've got it ripped apart this week! thanks!!!

 

i have smoked e-codes on my 20th GTI - i love glass headlamps... love them... stupid American "safety standards". i don't know, what's safer? a headlight that projects and illuminates? or one that doesn't break?

anyways, next thing i'm going to figure out is how to get my fog lights to work... they've never worked... ever. i don't even have a fog switch, but i've got two lights on the lower valence. hmm...

 

figured i'd give this a bump - searched around, and didn't really come up with anything

is there a thread somewhere that shows how to link up those fogs?