My 2005 Grand Prix is leaking coolant. I thought it was the water pump due to the location of the puddle of antifreeze on the ground. The area is dry around the water pump and I'm thinking its leaking from the coolant elbow going to the intake.Would this leak quicker while driving then it would idling?

SOURCE: 1998 Grand Prix Interior Water Leak

yea on bottom rt of ur windshield is what is called the cowl black plastic piece arond the bottom of ur windshield underthat should be weather stripping that may have come off

SOURCE: leaking coolant

These plastic elbows (3.8L Engine) do fail. To the best of my knowledge this is a dealer only item, which is not a big deal as the cost is low (in terms of car repair). Remove the alternator to gain access to the elbow. Monitor the coolant level following repair.

As you probably know, don't let the engine run low on coolant as engine damage will follow.

SOURCE: '97 Grand Prix 3.1L...Head Gasket? Manifold? Control Module?

Hi Melody- it feels like you could be right. it feels like your car was well worn when you got it. common causes of overheating are coolant too low, which is what i suspect was the case when you first got it. a stuck closed thermostat not allowing coolant to circulate. i assume you have an electric cooling fan- check to see if your fan motor is fried. you could also have large air pockets inside your cooling system which can give false coolant level. when you pour coolant into your radiator rather than your overflow tank, you introduce air into the cooling system that has to be purged by allowing the bubbles to work their way out through your radiator by squeezing your coolant hose you can assist the escape of these air pockets (with engine running) evidence of a cracked head can be presence of coolant in your engine oil-pull your oil dipstick and look. you say no evidence of coolant leakage, however, look underneath your car and check to see if there is coolant splatter surrounding the underside. it maybe that your car is maintaining enough pressure to run but when engine temps reach a point to where the radiator fan should kick on, and/or the thermostat should open to allow coolant flow and these things dont happen-the result is what you describe with no power and overheating that will eventually overstress your head(s) warped heads can cause the symptoms you describe. you can perform a compression test to help pinpoint a blown cyl. an idea for fixing your car for cheap would be to take it to your local high school auto shop. the only way kids learn the trade is by subject cars. ill bet you can even arrange them to pick it up. the will fix your car for cost. you would only need to supply whatever parts are needed to make the repair. its a win-win situation because they get to learn by fixing your car and you get to use your car for doing mommy things without fear of labor fees. which are around $120/hr. I hope i have helped you with your car good luck!

SOURCE: Pontiac Grand Am cooling system

IF THERE IS ENOUGH HOSE, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO CUT THE END OFF THE RUBBER ELBOW AND CLAMP IT BACK IN PLACE. OR PERHAPS THE FITTING ON THE OVERFLOW TANK MAY BE LEAKING. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FILL THE OVERFLOW WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED. GOOD LUCK. THANKS FOR USING FIX-YA. AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR AN HONEST RATING.

SOURCE: the coolant leaked right out onto the ground, the pump is working

there is an overflow tube for the coolant resovoir. if the vehicle is running fine, no busted hoses or radiator, and not overheating then probably you just put too much coolant in. keep driving it and keep an eye on the coolant levels and temperature. if those remain ok then you should have nothing to worry about