Pontiac Montana

wiggles · November 2005

My friend, there is something GM refers to as a "goodwill warranty" and will only cost you about 100.00 + the oil change to repair/replace your intake gasket. Dont let the dealership fool you on this. Demand it. I just was told by the dealer that I needed my done on my 2001 with 65,000KMS on it and after visiting all these sites I challenged them with this good will warranty and they stepped up to it... go back and see if you can get any of your $$$$ back.... good luck!

mikew3 · November 2005

I recently was told by the GM dealership that my 2001 Montana needs new rear wheel cylinders and control arm bushings. To repair would be about $500.

The van only has 33,500 miles. Has anyone had this problem and have you had any satifaction from GM?

susien · December 2005

New here...

The power sliding door on this van has given us nothing but trouble. It won't stay closed in cold weather. I have to fight with it to stay closed. Sometimes I'll hit the button on the remote or inside the door, walk away, and look back to realize it opened up on its own (even in warm weather). Also, when the van is locked, you can still open the power sliding door when you pull on the handle. Just this morning, we looked out in the driveway, and there was the power slider hanging wide open. It opened up all on its own overnight. =(

What can we do? I especially want to be able to LOCK the van! Help?

sjohns · December 2005

I have a 2000 PM and the air bag light stays on most of the time. Has anyone experienced this and, if so, what is the solution?

Thanks,
SJohnS

1panky · December 2005

I have a 2000 Venture and we do have this problem occasionally. Here is a trick that has reset the system for me. You first move your electric seat all the way forward to the end and then run the seat to the rear all the way. Return the seat to it's normal position and this should do the trick. You may want to look under the seat to see if there are any frayed wires of those that may have been pinched over the year's. For some reason I did find one wire requiring an electrical tape patch. So far all is well since the repair. Good luck!

debf · December 2005

I have a 2002 Pontiac Montana with a repetitive rear circuit board problem that's costing me a problem. Any way of learning how to fix it myself would save me $$$'s, especially before Christmas. I can order the parts at GM employee discounts (Dad's a retiree) - anyone with any know how to help? Thanks.

twgubbins · December 2005

After reading a few of these posts, I have a feeling my problem with the heat is tied to the AC problems as well. While idling or traveling at low speeds the heat in my van doesn't blow hot. I bought the van used in October so I haven't tried the AC yet.

Anyone else have this problem and know how to fix it?

bboeke · December 2005

This is the intake gasket...it leaked so much dexcool out that the heater can't heat properly. I just had the same thing. Your A/C should be OK.

777pilot · December 2005

Pontiac Montana and other GM minvan side brake lights and cruise control tie in...Thanks to Edmunds forum and the well documented replys to this question on GM minivan brake lights, I have saved a dealer service visit. The "circuit boards" in the tail lens assembly on these GM products are problematic. They can short due to close tolerance, vibration, or water. This in turn may cause the 3037 Light bulb base to short out leaving you with no brakes and no CRUISE CONTROL! In my case the filament of both sides of the brake lights was perfectly in tact, but didn't light when the brake was applied. I checked the filaments, the fuse, then the switches on the pedal, then I came here to this forum and found the right answer.

Luckily the line at the dealership parts window where I went to buy two new circuit boards was so long that I got bored and started taking the light bulbs in and out of the panel! There it was, the base of the brake light was melted through even though while plugged into the unit the lamp bulb filament itself looked perfectly good as new.
Just a 2 dollar fix instead of 2 units at $50.

By the way, what are they teaching in the schools at GM engineering these days?!!! Why would you tie the cruise control to the brake light circuit????? What's next? tires that deflate if your oil is a half a quart low, or doors that wont unlock if you need wiper fluid???

december · December 2005

when we bought our 1998 transport we found it had a leak that filled the dome lights with water.we went to the dealer about it and they said it was the first they heard of it,[non-permissible content removed]!I talked to a window replacement center and thay said to bring it in.It cost me $20 Problem fixed .They siliconed something not sure what but they said it was a problem with them that GM doesn't want to recognise.Try that.

december · December 2005

I have a 1998 transport,when it rains we get water on the passanger floor.any ideas? :confuse:

tan1 · December 2005

Hi there,
can you tell me how to get to the connector, I have the same problem on my montana
Thanks

tanjo · December 2005

Hi there,

I am new to the site and figured that I needed to post before spending another $3000 on my 2000 Pontiac Montana Van. I just had the rear wheel cylinders and shoes, and then took it back to replace the master cylinder. The problem is you need to press the brakes down instead of just touching them. (Spongy is the word that my mechanic used) My mechanic was not completely satisfied with the result, so he took it to the dealer and had them check it out. They looked at it and said that what he had done was right, and that if I was their customer they would recommend getting a new ABS motor. My mechanic said that he could get one from the scrap yard and put it on and this would be 1/3 of the cost.

Has anyone had a similar problem? If so, do you have any advice?

Thanks!

portelli · December 2005

Great instructions. I followed them and my radio display is now working. I used T1 3/4, 0.08W, 14V bulb that I purchased from my local electronics supply store.

Thanks

twgubbins · December 2005

Thanks so much for responding. I have a waranty that i hope this is covered on.

ronsmith38 · December 2005

My 2000 Olds Silo just started to have this problem (water leaking from front overhead console). It would be nice to know what was siliconed as I don't have a clue where the water is coming from.

denjones · December 2005

I replaced both of the DRL on my 2000 Montana and now the horns won't work. Today I tooks the light assemblies back off to see if the horns were unplugged (they were not) and I replaced the 15A mini fuse. The horns do work though from the keyless remote but not from the steering wheel! Still the problem persists. Since both horns quit at the same time, I believe the fault lies somewhere besides the horns.

Suggestions?

Denny Jones
Davison, MI

driver2000 · December 2005

I hust bought a 2000 mOntana extended this past summer. I am the second driver. It was working fine until the winter came in. The watning lights for the parking (plus the light undersneath it, an exclamation mark) and traction control remain on. They do shut off at times and that is when the traction control starts working. However, when on the traction control system doesnt work. What may be the problem here. I want some advice before getting a scan on the car.

Tahnks

driver2000 · December 2005

Another issue I have with the Montana 2000 is that when I am accelerating smoothly and reach speds at around 60 km/h, the car starts knocking as if someone is pulling from the rear. It wasnt there when I bought it in the summer. However, I started to notice it this winter. I hope it isnt the transmission.

Suggestions???

lionm · January 2006

try cleaning your copper plates that the sensors touch, they get stuff on them and do not carry the current.

vickim · January 2006

I also am having a problem with the heater on my 2000 Montana. When you turn it on heat, the windows fog up completely and almost immediately. I have to run it on defrost all the time & it doesn't warm up at all. It worked fine last year & the AC worked last summer.

Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

amberkar · January 2006

I am looking for replacement jack for Pontiac Montana, 1999. Where can I get it ?

ronsmith38 · January 2006

Try a nearby junk yard. (Go during the day as those dogs can be bad news.)

willis67 · January 2006

I was having the same trouble on my 2001 montana. Thankfully it was not the window motor but the switch. Cost about $150 w/parts and labor to get it fixed. That was in June and window is starting to stick again so go figure!

minivanh8r · January 2006

I'm new to this board so let me first thank everyone for their invaluable advice on the problems with this junky van. I've been able to fix it for low cost on several occasions because of other people's woes, so thanks. Let me list all the problems I've had with this thing. Power sliding door works intermittently, brake lights don't work, cruise shuts off if you turn on a blinker, ox sensors went bad and burnt out 3 catalytic converters (GM covered them), bad EGR, bad throttle body, warped rotors, heated seats don't work, radio lights burnt out, and other minor things.

The problem I'm having right now is with the brake lights again, I read about the circuit board being bad in the taillight assembly and checked it out, fried. I have a bigger problem with it now though. The little cannon plug assembly that connects to the circuit board is fried also. I was hoping that the top of the assembly popped off so I could just connect a new plug but the grey piece on top of the cannon plug only holds the wiring in straight. I'm no electrician so I'm not clipping wires, did anybody else have this happen also? Did they just bring it to a mechanic? Any advice on this would be appreciated.

vanh8r

mush · January 2006

I had a problem with my driver's window (97 Montana) and it turned out to be the weather stripping was pinched at the exit from the door, right beside the driver's mirror...the binding slowed the window movement and even though I corrected it, I eventually lost the window motor.

fredjoh2 · January 2006

Sorry for the delay, I haven't checked this site in a while. I had a mechanic working on the van, but he had it up on a lift and reached up on top of the gas tank to access the connector. Hope that helps.

tanjo · January 2006

I just wanted to let you know that I did indeed end up replacing the ABS motor (second hand), and the spongy brake feeling is gone, and is working good as new!

momof2gr8boys · January 2006

I am so stressed out about this van! About a week ago my service engine light started flashing, then go off. Took it in, and they could not find anything wrong (nothing on the history either). O.k. two days later service engine light comes on again and my temp gage maxed out and I get the message of coolent temp too hot. Take it back they said I probably need a flush and fill. O.K. I don't even get out of the parking lot when service engine light flashes at me. Turn right around go back in by the time they come out to look at it...it's fine! O.k. next day taking the kids to school and the temp goes up again and the service engine light comes back on and the van loses power (press on the gas to the floor and cant go above 10 mph) come home to pick my husband up to go to the service shop and it drives perfectly for him (of course :mad: ). Well at the end of the day we get a call that we have a craked head gasket!!! We could either pay $1,400 to repair it $1,800 for a used engine (that will more than likely do the same thing) or for $3,000 get a brand new one.

OUCH it hurt't just to write it out. What do you all think? Has anyone had this problem? I talked with GM and they were no help (surprise :surprise: ). All they said was they had no complaints on the Montana engines (I told her to come and take a look at this site). Any input would be appreciated...my head is just spinning :sick: .......

Thanks all.

ekarasik · January 2006

I tried following the instructions on programming a remote for my 98 silo (i believe it's identical to the montana), it seems I'm doing something wrong, but I can't figure out what.
I remove the plug (yes, the bcm prgrm one), get in the car (all doors including liftgate are shut), I turn to ACC, off and back on again (within a sec.), open a door (chime) close it (chime - seems because there's a key in the ingnition), wait 14 secs, nothing. hold lock/unlock for 30 secs, nothing. Somebody help! what am I doing wrong?

montanathunder · January 2006

Hi All,

Well, after reading all of the problems about this vehicle as indicated by members of this forum, I cannot help but think I ended up with a GEM. I've had virtually no problems once the warranty expired (in warranty, like 6 seat heaters, an intake gasket at 32,000km, tie rod end, new rim, seat cushion, steering rack gear assembly, insulator bars, and a few other things). Now with 100,000km fast approaching... hard to decide whether or not to buy it out at the end of the lease or turn it back and get something new. All in all, this vehicle has been a dream to own. Not to mention all of the frazzled looks I get from people when they see the chrome rims, and how decked out the vehicle is on the interior. Don't know... it is certainly a tough call!!

Thoughts, Opinions?? mind you this was a $40,000.00 vehicle PLUS taxes (Canadian Dollars) when brand new.

vanman1 · January 2006

Tuff call. What's the buy out?

The Thunder is a nice Montana (I think I have only seen one or two of them before) but the new SV6 Montana is also quite nice. The engine (now that it's fixed) and transmission should be fine for another 100K kms ++.

I would compare the cost of a new one vs. the buy out and the corresponding borrowing rates.

montanathunder · January 2006

Buyout is roughly $14,000 plus taxes, and about $1500 ish for a GM extended warranty. Definately a tough call though... thinking about buying it OR returning it and buying a full-load 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The fact that the Thunder is rare and a real looker is the tough call.. also the fact that is has been and proven itself to be a solid & reliable performer day in & day out. But the mileage is also a bit high for an 02... low 90,000s

momof2gr8boys · February 2006

Well I called and complained to GM Service center a few days ago and then I took it into the dealer and low and behold, they are going to put in a brand new engine plus some for free...well not really we have to pay labor, but hey I would rather be out $1,000 rather than the $3,000 plus we were looking at. I guess a lot of bitching does do some good sometimes! Now we are debating about keeping it or trading it in for a different car (we are looking at the pontiac vibes only because they are actually made by Toyota). When I was complaining to GM I referenced this site often and made it known that I am not the only one with this problem. So if anyone runs into this problem again......call and COMPLAIN!

niloccolin · February 2006

:mad: Hi there, I too have the same problem with my climate control dial. It does not blow air unless it is at 3 or above. Do you know if it is just a relay switch that is the problem? My fan did not work on my ford escort and it was a $15.00 part an could put it in myself. I don't want to take it in because it will probably cost an arm and a leg for these guys to look at it. So if you found the problem or the fix could you let me know. :mad:

montanathunder · February 2006

That would be the blower motor resistor. Minor issue and it is common on many kinds of cars (not just Montanas or GMs specifically) The part itself is realtively inexpensive, the majority of the repair will come from labour.

mojo4222 · February 2006

My 2000 Pontiac Montana had an intake gasket changed 3 days ago. The vehicle had 55,000 miles on it. I paid the
dealer $750.00 to change it. Today when I started it there was a very loud tapping sound. I can't get in touch with the dealer until Monday. I was hoping maybe I could get some advice from some of you guys on what that loud tapping sound could be. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank You.

vanman1 · February 2006

Ya, thats a lot of bucks to buy it. Have you put any money into it over the last year (brakes / tires ect)?

I think I might go new unless you really love the van. If I kept it I would probably skip the EXT warranty, they are almost always profit for the seller IMO.

Good luck.

dptiger · February 2006

:sick: Indeed it's been a tough life as a Pontiac Montana.

Purchased new May 2001.
:lemon: November 2001 - The first snowfall I discovered the tires and whole traction ability of the Montana was horrible! It just so happened that I had to travel up a small hill right past my dealer and it took me almost 10 minutes to get up with the tires spinning on the thin film of snow.

I went into the dealer immediately to complain that my UPGRADED equip package that was to have inclued tires for better snow and wet traction must have been missed - but they, and GM several times refused any fault. I continue to have great difficulty in low (or high) snow conditions - even with good Michelins on this Montana EX (Extended model.)

:mad: The front right wheel bearing went at 76000km - expensive replacement.

**The front wipers would colide every so often with the right wiper becoming bent at the top 5 inches, requiring replacement. The Dealers says nothing wrong with the wiper motor. This has continued almost every year, including yesterday - which has finally prompted me to submit some opinions on our fair "home grown" GM product and lack of support and service. Upon today's visit to the dealer they say these vehicles (even current models) are prone to this problem and all they can do is re-adjust the timing of the motor sensor - for a fee of course!

The rear wiper spray has never really worked correctly - poor spray and often clogged.

:lemon: Evidence of the poor, disolving head gasket was evident with the coolant level reducing and the low coolant light displaying. This began around 90,000km and I didn't discover/hear about the gasket issue until neat 110,000km - which of course was beyond basic warranty. Why in the world would I want to keep a vehicle past the basic warranty period - hmmm...had my '91 Jeep Laredo for 9 years! - with no trouble - only the front Ujoints went finally at 240,000km!

The front hood has been bubbling with corrosion since ~100,000km, now to the point where all the paint is off all the way across 2-3 inches deep on the underside and a few spots on the top side, all showing a nice contrasting light grey alloy! Apparently this is not covered by the corrosion warranty to 160,000km as the hood is an aluminium alloy and will not perforate ALL the way through to a hole - therefore it is not covered! - right. But we can pay $700-1,000 to fix it ourselves!

The driver seat heater stopped working after ~120,000km.

~120,000km the Air Bag light would come on and remain on. We were advised the air bags would not deploy in this state and had to pay $100 to have this serviced.

~125,000km the Keyless remotes stopped working - no resolution yet.

The air conditioning went at ~150,000km and will cost over $1,000 but they can't guarantee it will work afterwards!

Did I say the traction is absolutely terrible in thin, slushy snow?

Overall the comfort, usability and design of the Montana is good.

The overall quality and and GM's lack of support to stand behind their product is extremely poor. When will they get the message - before it's too late? After last week's GM news for the quarter - maybe it IS late?

:confuse: Why would I ever consider a GM product again?

montanathunder · February 2006

I did tires (Michelin Harmonys around 50,000km and brakes at 43,000km) and off warranty (so from 60,000-present.. 95,000km) just a driver-side tie rod and alignment which was a whopping $190.00. I'm going to assume that its time for brakes again, in addition to spark plugs/wires, and maybe an induction/fuel injector purge & new fuel filter. However, that is all routine maintenance as with any vehicle. It is a VERY tough call on whether to keep it or give it back and get something brand spankin new. I know that a few things NEED to be fixed though: passenger side seat heater, lights burnt out on bottom left corner of HVAC control panel, and lights burnt out around half of tachometer on gauge cluster. (extended warranty would pay for itself in just those three repairs)

In response to the person with traction problems? are you kidding me?... If the traction like is coming on alot.. well perhaps you should lift your foot off the gas. Also, you have Michelin tires on it? I do too.. NO complaints at all.. AND I'm driving the van in the winter with the 16" chrome rims on it. I can relate about the seat heaters though:S

regine149 · February 2006

dalrd,
I don't know if you still use this website, but I have the exact same problem with my 2001 Pontiac montana. The passenger side quit working some time ago, and since I rarely have passengers in the front, I put off fixing it. Now the unthinkable has happened.... the driver's side has gone as well, and my window is stuck down.
I'm wondering if you replaced the switch yourself, and how much the part cost. Also wondering the best place to pick one up...

Cheers!
Regine

dave95 · March 2006

I'm currently in Germany and have a 2000 Montana, which cut out on my wife one day. The van didn't start and I towed it home to fix. I discovered the wire harness underneath on the left side had a slight corrosion problem so I cleaned it out and added silicone grease to seal out moisture. I've visited this sight after the transmission would shift hard and learned of all sorts of problems ya'll have had and I just want to give some helpful info. to anyone who could use this fix for the fuel pump. I read a woman had paid to have this repaired three times. I feel the honest mechanic in the states is rare and it might have been the same problem. I took two days to think through the electronics of this vehicle and wouldn't except that the pump could go out so soon.

I also baby the trans through the shifting when it gets hot to prevent that hard shift. The codes match up to my Haynes manual and it is internal on the transmission (transaxle). It's cold weather season here so as long as we don't drive very long distances and abuse the trans all is well. We will be going to Texas this summer so I'm thinking this will cause that transmission to go, excess heat won't dissipate quick. But this problem has been around for a year and a half now. I'm getting my money out of it first.

I've had the wiper blade clash, the driver window drag, air bag light, service engine light (with the trans hick-up) and now the PWR STR system is starting to leak.
I've only got just over 40,000 miles and I think that all the electronics that are supposed to help the mechanics troubleshoot and repair our problems quickly are the very things causing the problems.
Just remember, you only need: fuel, air and electricity to keep a vehicle running.
But with all these problems, I check out the van, pull a fuse or disconnect a harness or a fuse, jiggle a cable and the lights go out over time.
Try it and buy a Haynes manual to save some money.

gvanzant1 · March 2006

I have a 2005 Montana that has recently been giving me some trouble in starting. It starts every time (I guess I should count my blessings

), but sometimes we have to keep it in the "start" mode for a few seconds before it actually catches. Even then, it sputters or coughs when first running. Yesterday, the dealer said nothing was wrong. Not accepting that, I took it to a shop for a tune-up, thinking this sputtering/coughing was due to buildup on the spark plugs. The shop said there was definitely something wrong and it shouldn't be driven until fixed. Well, back to the dealer, where (glory be :surprise: !) it acted up for the service rep. He then said it was some type of relay that kicks in to keep the starter from burning out and doesn't hurt the vehicle at all - in fact protects it (starter). Considering the vehicle only has 21,000 miles, this seems strange that a starter relay would already be kicking in. Has anyone out there heard of this problem? Am I looking at early starter burnout because this relay is already kicking in?

slowmo2 · March 2006

I just bought a 2002 Venture WB that has all four of the wireless headphones, but is missing the dvd remote. While dvds can be played and stopped without the remote, none of the other features are available. I believe the remote is the small triangular shaped one, and might have been made by Audiovox. Could any of you fine readers look at the remote in your 01-02 GM minivan and find a GM part number? It may be inside the battery cover. I know they can sometimes be found on Ebay, but I have searched it exhaustively and will have to wait for several days to see if one gets listed. I have also tried to Google it with no luck. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

bergman14 · March 2006

I started to have problems with van shifting hard after becoming warm. Also noticed a very small water leak from lower intake manifold. Once I replaced the intake manifold gaskets the shifting problems stopped. I believe the temperature sensor for engine caused the transmission to be shifted hard.

I hope this information is helpful to others with the same hard shifting problems. I also replaced the thermostat and all the spark plugs and wires. This was done because of them being hard to access. The van runs as good as new.

cal240 · April 2006

I have the same problem with my 2000 Montana. Loss of coolant and cold AM valve tick. Dealer says Head Gasket replace at $1500Cdn. Probably more if gunk found. Van has 69,800 km .

Did the dealer contact GM for participation or did you go direct? Do you have a name? Thanks for any input.

vanman1 · April 2006

We have a 2005 Montana Sport. It's been a great van and I love the white lettering on the wheels but now there is some white coming out on the tires where black should be.

Has anyone been able to fix this or touch them up and if so, what did you use? Thx.

mark1968 · April 2006

I have a 2000 Montana that has had all the same problems that yours had-the bad news is the intake & trans problems ARE NOT related-the usual cause of the shift problem when warm is the shift solenoid, which is easily repaired at your dealer for arount $400-$500-this should correct your problem

vnp · April 2006

I have a 2001 Montana which has had a couple of O2 sensors burn out, which, in turn, has caused me to have to replace my catalytic converters twice. What the actual problem is, is that my transmission is not shifting into overdrive. Too much fuel is being dumped into the motor and not being burned, and it is burning up my catalytic converters. I will have to replace my transmission.

Has anyone else had problems with their transmissions not shifting into overdrive?

lenwick · April 2006

The only thing that i don't like is the speed control looks as they forget to put in in then put a stupid lever under the steer-wheel my knee hits it and turn it off

Pontiac Montana

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