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GM's triplets Venture, Silhouette, and Montana

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Comments

  • fear_hopefear_hope Member Posts: 90
    I have a '99 Venture Ext. with 56,000 miles on it, power door, traction control, CD/tape etc. and would be happy to get 12,000 for it. I think your guy is way over priced. Seems like he is either upside-down on his loan or out to make enough $ for a downpayment on something else. Keep looking, there are tons of these vans coming off lease and dealers are only asking $14,000. My $.02 worth.
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    I know he's been advertising that premier for at least 3 weeks...probably the only reason he went down to 15! I got the feeling that he's not too pressed, financially, to get rid of it. He'll probably just sit on it till someone gives him 15 or more... but maybe he'll get a harsh dose of reality, too!

    Comparable vans are priced around 16-ish...but most all of us who sell used vehicles in the classifieds play the game of pricing it 10 or 20 % over what you really want to get. Hard to tell what people are really getting versus what they were asking

    I think I've pretty much decided that unless he goes to 14000, I'll just look for a venture. For $15000 I can get a (00 or maybe even 01) venture with half-or-less that many miles. My wife is attracted to the leather & "gadgets" on premier, but I really couldn't care less--as long as i have ac & cruise I'm good (although honestly power windows are darn handy--and we did see a couple ventures without 'em!)

    In fact the "self-leveling" suspension feature on sil. worries me a bit, I've heard more than a couple horror stories over the years, of cars with that pneumatic suspension stuff (caddies, subarus, & others) where they start having problems with those compressors, valves, hoses & lines, and nobody can ever get the %@&%$ thing working right again.

    So, the search continues! thanks for the input
  • jpc47jpc47 Member Posts: 62
    Just got my report from Blackstone. Oil has antifreeze in it. Not much, but it's there. They suggest I increase oil changes and try to live with it. Problem is, will it get worse? What is the big fix? Are there any little fixes?
  • mizeumlmizeuml Member Posts: 50
    I traded a '99 Montana back in June that was loaded and extended model. It had leather, traction control auto level, RH side power door and 73k miles. I got the dealer up to $12500 for the trade in and he is trying to sell it for $13900. The van was clean and I still have the GM 100k mile warranty that I could transfer to someone. You can do better if you look around. I live around Raleigh, NC.

    As for the auto level feature, the air compressor in the back is nice especially for blowing up tires. I have never had to use the spare tire, but it always seems to be flat and having the compressor would be nice. I never had any problems with the air shocks on the '99 Montana. I did not pull anything with the van, but I think that the auto level would be nice for that.

    We traded for '02 Montana. It is loaded and has the DVD/Montana Vision. This is awesome if you have young kids. Our 4 and 6 yr old don't fight in the van anymore. This van also has the auto level, so I'll post a message if I have any problems with it. The new van also has dual sliding doors, definitely a nice feature also.

    Enjoy!
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    thanks mizeuml

    I think this guy took really meticulous care & maint of the van, and thinks that transfers to better resale $ (even w 66000 miles), which is true to a point--which is why I offered 14000 vs the 13 that edmunds said it was worth. regardless, I think thats water under the bridge.

    I am definitely looking at getting a vhs or dvd in whatever I end up with, with 3 young kids it may save whats left of my sanity!

    Re. the leveling shocks - I think I'm actually more concerned with that when a van gets up to 5 or 6 + yrs old--that's when those kind of things start wearing out & nobody can figure out how to get it fixed or rebuilt properly...people who only keep vehicles for a couple years probably won't have such worries. Not positive, but I seem to remember the "cartalk" guys saying one time to stay away from vehicles with leveling systems...

    we're gonna look at a couple ventures this weekend. Maybe offer a lady around $13500 for a nice 99, low mile, loaded venture we saw last weekend. She wanted $15500 and said she "wasn't prepared to go below 'bluebook' at this point." I started to tell her "well, bb isn't REALLY what you're probably gonna get..." but it was hopeless-her van was in good shape and by golly it was worth bluebook! lol

    I am getting psyched to get a van, though! I've had various subaru wagons, a couple SUV's, sport sedans, sports coupes, a couple motorcycles, etc., but never a van. despite the cliches about soccer moms & driving an emasculated vehicle, the darn things are big & tall & wide & roomy and you can get all the kids, dogs, junk & belongings in it, and that's what they're all about! and unlike say a suburban or exhibition - which i briefly considered - they don't get 10 mpg, which, even if i was a zillionaire, would just kill me!
  • pathy58pathy58 Member Posts: 15
    If the Silo is still there go back and give him one last offer. We just purchased the 02 Premier and have grandkids that only say " the movie is over Papa put another one in". My Son-in-Law cannot believe how quiet they are. Anyway any one of the three Chev, Pont or Olds will make you a great van. I prefer the Olds because in my opinion I think the ride is a little better. I have been a GM fan for a long time. I also run a OO Pathfinder and I love the 240 horses. Good Luck with whatever you purchase.
  • mmayermmayer Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have a copy of TSB 01-01-38-010a? I have a one-year old 2001 Montana with about 8,000 miles on it. Ever since new I have had a problem with an intermittent noise like jackhammering or a really heavy rattle/rumble when the A/C is on, the rear a/c is on and the engine is idling and in gear. It will only do it if the engine is turning about 800 rpm or so, if I juice it up to 1000 or beyond it goes away. Of course, even with all the descriptions I give them the dealer "can't duplicate customer complaint" Even after I DEMONSTRATED it for them. I was looking at All Data and saw this TSB and figured it might be it. If anyone has any info, please let me know. Other than that, my wife loves the Montana.

    Thanks!
  • mesazonemesazone Member Posts: 51
    With all these problems people seem to be having with the engines in the GM triplets, is there any hope GM will be smart and replace the 3400 engine with something new? It seems like these vans have had this engine with the same problems since their inception. I considered the Montana in 98 and 2000 but have decided to forgo for a couple more years. Maybe even just get the Excursion (or it's replacement) with the new 6.0 Powerstroke. We don't need one right now so I'm in no hurry.

    Later.
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    what problems are being had? I am aware there is the mysterious coolant-loss thing people are having, but are these engines known for being problematic otherwise? I'm truly curious as I will be driving a gm van powered by said engine in the next week or two! In my fairly extensive research, I've not really found a common problem with the 3.4, certainly not along the lines of ford head problems or chrysler trans problems, but I'm open minded...

    but anyway, let me know - knowledge is power, & all that sort of thing - if I end up with van with a bit of warranty left, I'll be workin' hard to get whatever it is fixed for free!

    thanks,
    jm
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    FYI - I got my '98 GLS olds in Jan 02, 62k miles. It has every option I think except the sunroof, and those are hard to find and not that desireable IMHO. I found the Olds to drive a lot better than the Pontiac I drove, but the tires were some cheap junk on the pontiac and nice michelins on the olds with the aluminum wheels. I guess the chassis is probably the same, except maybe shocks.

    The self-leveling is very nice I think, as with so much cargo capacity you may be empty one minute and full the next. Inflating stuff is also nice like soccer balls and tires. I don't think the system is very complicated. There's a sensor/computer for axle position, a compressor and some lines. It deflates and inflates all the time, even when I'm sitting on the back putting on cleats. Even my motherinlaw can sit in the rear and not sag the suspension! I specifically wanted a van with that option.

    As for complexity, I'd be more concerned about paint, crash damage, engine/transmission shape, leather wear and tear, electrical problems etc. The Body control computer is amazingly complicated and the service book on things like power door operation flowcharts take pages and pages and pages to troubleshoot, so I'd be more careful of electical problems.

    PS. my van was not a-1 condition (would not have made cut for dealer lot) but was very good and neighbors thought it was new, and I got it for $11k "as is". there were a few minor issues like outer tie rods, broken fog lights, a missing cover on the air compressor and some small wear on the seats, but we were going to use the pee out of it anyway, so price was good to me. And the thing drove like dream and was loaded with features.

    As for reliability, read this forum and you'll find a cross section. Occassional lemon and most people by the same van again, except with the DVD player for kids - that seems tobe a constant thumbs up! Mine is only 1 so we have a ways to go before I'll need to worryabout that.

    ps. I'd go EXT length, it drives about the same and you won't regret the extra room and its easy to park. REar passengers have legroom! Also go rear air for sure unless in cold climate.
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    I forgot to say, I'd consider that fellow's trade in from NC for the $1500 diff and you know the history on the van is sound mechanically with remaining warrenty. But don't get 'hooked' one van, its very easy to do but there are lot on the market esp with the 0% rates out now.
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    thanks

    we've definitely decided on extended - after our first look at a ventures several weeks ago, which was an ext and a non ext at a dealer, it was a no-brainer that we need extended

    I guess if self-level system is pretty simple it would be alright--I think some of the ones that had bad problems in years past (subaru & cadillac come to mind) were needlessly strange and complex--computer controlled, multiple rubber air bladders and such

    The van in NC is a little too far from southern colorado! lol
  • sintrasintra Member Posts: 15
    I just read your post about the Transport you saw in England. Well, I have a 1998 Opel Sintra (Vauxhall Sintra in the UK). It is one of the "triplets", built in Doraville, like the others, but with a Cadillac Catera engine (3.0 V6 but 201 hp).It is SWB. GM don't make them any more. Instead, in Europe they sell a Chevrolet Transport with the 3.4 V6. How about that, triplets ? no, quintuplets!
  • hhua1hhua1 Member Posts: 41
    Anyone ever notice this problem? This is the second time we notice that Our 00' Silo, 18K miles, has bad raw fuel fume coming from the area of the fuel line connector between the gas tank and the fuel filter. This only happens in hot weather, and the air conditioner was used. When I opened the gas cap there was also lot of pressure with raw fuel fume forced out. This odor more noticeable due to the van was parking in the garage. There are no signs of anything wrong, no check engine light, coolant level is normal, although engine compartment seems very hot.

    Any thought? Thanks in advance!
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Thanks Sintra for your note. Is this Chevy made in Europe or at Doraville.

    Rgds
  • sintrasintra Member Posts: 15
    This Chevy is also made in Doraville GA,it is a long wheel base only; they stopped making Sintras after selling 45000 of them only, in Europe.
    Rgds
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Thanks Sintra;

    I did go to the Chevy site and put in a European Country and lists all the Chevy models available.

    The Transport is available everywhere, except the UK..due to left hand drive. Only the Corvette and Trailblazer are available in the UK.

    I wondered if the Chevrolet name in Europe as more "cache" than here..!

    Rgds
  • sintrasintra Member Posts: 15
    In France anyway, the name Chevrolet has no particular connotation. I think they chose it to name the minivan because it is better known over here than the other GM names. The previous Transport was called Pontiac though.
    I like my Chevy/Oldsmobile/Pontiac/Sintra very much. I have had it for four years now and I have had no problems apart from an early coolant leak on the water pump, fixed under warranty. It has done almost 50k miles. I particularly like the ride, the roadholding and the acceleration (201hp).It has an automatic gearbox and an auto levelling rear suspension as standard. I don't really know why they stopped making the Sintra, the official reason I read on the GM/Opel site is that the market in Europe was more in favor of smaller vans like the Opel/Vauxhall Zafira.(which they sell a lot, it is true) The German press said it was because of the rather poor crash tests results...They also made a Sintra with a 2.2l engine and a manual gearshift (my daughter has one, she lives in Luxembourg) and a diesel one. That's more than quintuplets now!
    Rgds
  • mesazonemesazone Member Posts: 51
    I have only heard of the coolant problems. I guess it just seems like there are a lot because so many complain about it. There are other problems with the Montana people have posted, but haven't heard about any of them for a while. Maybe those problems were corrected? Or people are getting them fixed? Like water in the back where the tire jack is, the compass/thermometer, power doors breaking and whatever else people were complaining about. Just my observations. I know that no matter what you buy, you will have problems and that is what the warranty is for.

    Paul
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    That would seem like a nice road trip, fro NC to CO! NC is very nice and a good way to see the country and get acquiainted with the new van! LOL. These things can go like 600 miles on a tankful, and are pretty comfortable, so it might not be as bad as you think!

    Good luck, agree on the EXT. There isn't much disadvantage to the longer van, except maybe if you have tight parking and don't need the room.

    ps. GM has used the rear self-leveling for years. My dad had a '88 pontiac 4 door with this feature, and it appears to be exactly the same underneath the car, and he's never had a lick of trouble with it. The same system has been used for many years by GM. I think it is not going to give you problems. The one thing I don't really care for is how bouncy the air shocks are, but the standard rear springs / shocks are really flabby and a worse option IMHO.

    pss. Thanks for the transmission information. I have the cold 'hard' 1-2 upshift but don't think its really worth fixing such a small problem that clears up when it heats up.

    DD
  • relntlssrelntlss Member Posts: 1
    I am going through this now with a dealer today. There is a recall on the connector to the fuel line to the fuel filter on 2001 Bravada and some other vehicles. My Silo suffers from this same problem. I showed the service manager the print out of the recall word for word.. Exact problem as the Silo which is a true fire hazard...and he says until he is notified of a recall on the Silo...he will make no changes. Also this fuel filter on mine is directly under the drivers area and there is no cover or protection of this filter which is plastic. A kicked up rock could easily take it out. To add to this the filter is attached backward...flow is in the wrong direction. Maybe if enough of us complain the situation will become noteable....hopefully before someone gets hurt. I found the recall by going to Google search engine and typing in :fuel filter oldsmobile" It showed the recall on Bravada and similar vehicles.
  • hhua1hhua1 Member Posts: 41
    It seems that the strong raw fuel fume coming from the fuel filter connector area whenever driving under hot weather (above 90s) and the air conditioner is on. The pressure in the fuel tank seems to build up rather high, when the gas cap is opened, right after driving, the hissing sound can be heard by the pressure being released, and it has strong fuel odor. Don't see any fuel leak around the connector yet.

    However, we drove our 00' Silo the other day under 80s weather with air conditioner on, there was no fuel fume when we got home, and there wasn't any hissing or much fuel odor when the gas cap was opened. Yes, our fuel filter is about under the driver.
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    we found one a week ago, at a dealer...bought it yesterday, nice, good shape, runs great. Silver/Gray color, cloth seats, rear a/c, pretty much standard GL base model

    probably could have got one from private party 1000 or so cheaper, but after a several week search, and close price comparisons with other dealers with similar with similar miles, also checked price here, msn, cars.com, others, the $17000 U.S. I paid is good. Not great, but I didn't get taken to cleaners. 6000 miles of factory warranty is a comfort definitely worth some $. Not a lot of private parties selling 'em in this area, other than with 50 - 75000 miles

    So, I know there's a whole "thread" on van discussion re this, but anyone have an aftermarket dvd player? one that is elevated or in ceiling? that's the only accessory we are really looking at in near future. Any recommendations or cautions?

    Also, I have no tow pkg., but might (next winter or spring) put receiver/hitch on for pop-up camper. I would want a trans. cooler, but what else does factory tow pkg have that standard doesn't? I'm concerned that mine is only rated for 2000 lbs, while factory pkg is 3500...is transmission identical, other than cooler? Or is it a heavier-duty tranny?

    thanks for any input!

    I hope to be on here someday, saying "100000 miles, trouble free!"
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    The ABWL stayed on after the five flashes at start up, then when out. Now on permanently. Had this one on an older GM car and reset the fuse but no change on van.

    Has anybody had this problem, if so was it a dealer trip to fix

    Thanks.
  • bob550kbob550k Member Posts: 148
    I checked with a few dealers when I purchased our Oldsmobile, the answer given was the only difference between with or with out the tow package was the wiring harness, and that came in a bag with the jack for the dealer to install. Don't quote me on this but I think it was only an $80 option. I don't know that this is the truth, but more than one dealer said this is the case. I did purchase one with the factory tow package the there is a wiring harness in a bag with the jack that has never been installed. Any time you tow with any vehicle you should put in a big after market transmission cooler, the lower temperature translates directly into a longer lasting transmission. Some people even bypass the factory trans cooler in favor of the large after market cooler in an effort to help keep the radiator from getting to hot.

    I nearly bought one of the those '01s for $17,000 but they couldn't get a color the wife wanted, White or Burgundy. I even found the 01's as cheap as $16,000 at Reynolds Buick in Covina California well equipped with 22,000 - 28,000 miles. All rental returns at that price of course.
  • indrgbindrgb Member Posts: 115
    My 2000 has the towing pkg. The window sticker says it includes an oil cooler, HD engine cooler, and wiring harness. No mention of a tranny cooler, although I thought it had one. The option on mine was $100. It still seems weird that it doesn't include the hitch. But if it did it would have been more $.

    Regarding the DVD player, check out the aftermarket and accy area. I think there is a message board about entertainment systems.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    In-vehicle DVD movie systems

    (But the Minivan Entertainment Systems thread is bigger.)


    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • olewagonolewagon Member Posts: 5
    I have an old midsized FoMoCo wagon from the mid eighties with rear wheel drive. It is in reasonably good condition, but my wife is after me to replace my 175k car. To me the only comparable replacement is a minivan that fits a 4x8. Of those, the GM and Chrysler vans are the contenders.

    The GM vans are attractive for the current 02 pricing, driving range and equipment. Drivability, design and apparent quality seem to be Chrysler's strong points.

    However, after reading many of the horror stories (especially of the tranies and power loss issues) of these new expensive vans, I am tempted to incur my wife's wrath and stay in my ole wagon.

    I need encouragement. Thanks
  • gm02gm02 Member Posts: 49
    Have a 99 Montana with 20k miles on it. Had it in for the intake manifold leak about a month ago, fixed under warranty. Now it's in for a transmission issue. Hear a clicking sound when shifting between gears. Warranty ended 3weeks ago and GM wants me to pay 1/2, up to a max of $3K, my half $1,500. Called 800 # customer service to state "I will not pay a dime" for the repair. Cust service rep took some information and said she'll contact the GM area rep.
    Should I hold out on not paying or do you folks feel 1/2 is better than all of it?
    The van has been great and we love it.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    When I took the van out last night, the warning light went as normal five flashes then out and has done ever since. Only change I made was to move the driver's seat back for myself, compared with my wife who likes it further foward.

    I was wondering whether any of the connections under the drivers seat have any bearing on the Air bag. I know some are for the power seat and seat belt, so will check all connections.

    The dealer it would be worthwhile to hook it upto the computer as it will store what actually happened, so it can be evaluated.

    Will post after the visit.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Saw your note, and although problems are posted on the site, as a Venture 2000 owner, and close to 50K miles, I would not hesitate to recommend this van. We have LWB LT

    Chrysler have approx 50% market share, and if you combine the GM triplets numbers they are effectively second.

    When Edmunds changed the format from type to manufacturer, you lost the ability to review all minivans under one heading. (Note !!!)

    If I recall the troubles with Chrysler/Ford on engine and transmission problems were far greater than we have ever seen on GM. In fact they had separate file headings becuase there were so many.

    GM transmissions are one of the most tried and tested. This unit is in other GM products as well

    When I see these posts of problems, I often wonder what sort of maintenance has taken place etc.

    No van design meets everyone's requirements, but in terms of versatility etc. Can handle 4 x 8, it is good value for money especially on 2002 on sale.

    The new specs of the 2003 show virtually no distinguishable changes.

    Good luck and keep us posted
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm not sure that I even remember the old review page off-hand, but you can look at 8 vans with the Vehicle Comparision Tool.



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    I had many of the same thoughts when considering vans, I'm not really a brand-loyal person, I think all manufacturers, U.S., Japanese, Euro., all make some good & some not-so-good vehicles. It seemed that there were an awful lot of more serious types of problems w Ford & Chrysler vans...Honda odyssy (sp) is perhaps, imo, the best (mini) van around (sorry gm fanatics!), but geez its $5000 + more, and I don't believe its THAT much better! I think the gm's are the best value...knock on wood

    thanks for info on towing pkg., I think I'll just put on a decent aftermarket trans cooler, take it easy when towing (these vans are not, after all, really built for towing), and I should be alright with my pop-up camper, which is well under 3000 lbs.
  • olewagonolewagon Member Posts: 5
    Greetings,
    I test drove a Montana on Friday and an Odyssey on Monday. Both have strong and weak points.

    Yes, the Odyssey has a weak point or two. The one that stood out was the dash. It looks and feels great, good materials etc., but the organization!
    The gear shift blocks the blower and radio controls and other things looked to take some getting used to. In that respect the GM dash works much better. In respect to handling, with (50?) extra ponies and sharper suspension and steering, there's no comparison.

    When merging onto a highway, the Montana couldn't get out of it's own way. I don't know if having the TC on affected that. On a secondary road the rebound of the rear springs bounded forward, josseling my head fore and aft (FE2 suspension). The other annoyance about the Montana was the ac fan. The loud drone gave me a headache and the front only ac could barely cool it down at mid day. (drove the Honda at night). That is a real negative (the noise and efficiency) to me. I am hopping that with the rear ac, the fan is quieter and more efficient.

    To me the brakes on both are good. Space is about the same with better organization (that rear seat and sliding centers) for the Honda. Both are comfortable.

    The new Odysseys are coming out of a new Alabama plant, so efficiency will take another year or so. J.D.Powers says efficiency=quality.

    Current retail and future maintenance costs make me still want to look at the GMs more both new and used. But I will consider this Honda mini/S, new only.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Furth my post#281. Dealer advised that two codes came out of the van. One related to passenger airbag and the other to a device that tightens the seatbelt when the airbag goes off.

    Said they had had some Ventures with this symptom, however whether it was just a quirk related to the drivers side seat connections, but the warning light is acting properly.

    We will hold to see if it stays on again after startup and go from there.
  • jpc47jpc47 Member Posts: 62
    Took my case directly to Chevrolet concerning anti-freeze in my oil. E-mailed them. Got a prompt reply and they were very nice. They asked me what I wanted. I told them the minimum cost of the repair was $800. I asked them for $400. I'm waiting for their reply. Since it's out of warrenty 66,000 miles, I thought this was all I could ask.
  • fear_hopefear_hope Member Posts: 90
    I am one of those with a "problem" van, 1999 Venture. My auto is maintained immaculately! If anything extra steps are taken to ensure problem-free driving, but that is not to be. No matter how well I care for this auto it has given me problem after problem. Those of you without problems are the lucky ones.
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    I know some people have a few problems, but GM vans typically have fewer drivetrain problems. You can check consumer reports.

    I also own a "highly rated" 00 Nissan Maxima SE, and while it is pretty good, the motor doesn't start very easily and the engine controller makes it surge on cruise control. We had a O2 sensor fail a few months after buying the car. Even the best rated cars have problems. Heck, a neighbor bought a slightly used low milage Lexus LS400 a few years ago, and right after he got it the front control arms needed to be replaced (???? {how does a car wear out a control arm? Bushings I can see, but not the metal arm}), followed shortly after that by the water pump. Luckily he had a used warrenty, but the point is that nearly all cars have problems and are a hassle. The ones I have heard of all type of cars that are super reliable even cavaliers, you never know. My father swears by his '88 3.8 Bonnevilles (if you can live with the alternator failures). Suggest you take some Prozac my friend.

    The fellow comparing the Honda - others have found the seats, especially the rear seats to be marginally comfortable, the radio to be worthless, lots of road noise, the transmission seems to be trouble prone, many of these vehicles pull to the right and cant' be fixed (see Oddy board if you don't trust me), and the option packages are different, fuel milage is about 17-19 while GM vans can get 23-27 without really even trying very hard. But the Honda is a darn good van in its own right, but you also pay sticker or more typically and used ones are no bargin. Crash results in one type of offset crash test was significantly better in the Honda, but the head on crash in the GM vans was very good. They call the GM vans "death traps" and such but that is a gross exaggeration IMHO. Compared to other vehicles I've owned this the safest one so far, even has side air bags and anti-lock brakes, traction control, etc.

    Cheers,

    DD
  • indrgbindrgb Member Posts: 115
    The ABWL came on while my wife was driving the van last night. I drove it this morning and it was still on. I remember reading Offham's post about moving the driver's seat, so I did the same. Presto, the light went out. Seems like there must be a connection under the seat, or maybe the seat belt retractor is going bad. Does anyone know anything about the "next gen. air bags" that are supposed to be in the newer vans? That might give a clue to the problem.
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    I agree, you can get a highly-rated car that has problems, or vice-versa. Its kinda luck of the draw, new or used. I do think, though, that there are people that instinctively drive efficiently and well (like myself, in my modest opinion!), and people who don't...I always cringe when riding with people (men and women)who are either 100% full-on the gas or full-on the brakes, hitting every pothole possible, no warm-up on really cold mornings, etc etc, I think those cars don't hardly have a chance NOT to have problems! So, I think care, maint, and driving habits are often a factor in those with lots of problems (although I concede there are genuine lemons, too)

    I think my silo is pretty safe...like d.d., I've never really had a vehicle with airbags at all, so its all kinda relative

    Good point about gas mileage, that 20+ mpg was a factor in my getting a g.m., too...I had actually briefly considered a full-size, V-8 van (better for towing), but after looking at the mpg--no way. And gm minivans seem to be better than almost all the other minivans...incl honda

    I drove one honda in my van search, very impressed with power, handling (it didn't pull to right), seat layout, overall quality, but gosh, it was (I think) an '00 with about 25,000 miles and I could've just about got a new venture extended for the ungodly sum they were asking! I mean I just don't see what that much extra $ is getting you...

    (ok now i feel like going into honda & toyota boards and givin' them a hard time - lol)
  • kkollwitzkkollwitz Member Posts: 274
    My 99 Venture doesn't have one of these, I understand newer models do. I change my oil every 5k miles; how does this compare to the intervals indicated by the oil change light on your later model Triplets?
  • olewagonolewagon Member Posts: 5
    I commited to an Odyssey a couple weeks ago and have been in shock over my action, but I set out to buy something that weekend.

    As the rebates were coming to a close for 02 GM vans, there were very few of them around. I did found a Silo GLS 25 mi away. However there was a Honda dealer nearby with scads of Odys at msrp and the temptation was overwhelming.

    Why the remorse? Everything is HARD, the seats, the ride, and everything that you touch. It is still noisey. These things may ware on me as I age. The cost of a new vehicle in general also makes me remorseful!

    I understood that fuel economy was in beteen a Dodge and GM, which so far is 20/21 country and short trip driving. The tranny can be annoying in it's striving for efficiency, but so far ok. There seem to be more niceties in our corolla than this van that cost twice as much.

    The GM vans have a lot going for them (see the Edmunds comparo and how the reviewers were surprised at the delightful qualities). The rebates worked and cleaned out the lots.

    Now I'll learn to love this van for it's build quality, get up and go and versitility like I did with my ole wagon, which I expect the next owner will drive another 100k miles. I will also get a GM credit card.
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    Don't worry, the HOnda is a very good van too. Resale is stellar, and like you say power is great. The noise level is very high and radio crappy, and the arm rests were not right, etc. but no van or vehicle is perfect. If you really want to drive the Olds and see how it compares. You might find someone willing to pay near MSRP for the HOnda if you're very lucky.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    This system started on the 2000 and there is a message center. One of the messages is Change Oil Now. It is not determined by the amount of polluntant in the oil but a temperature device.

    This has come on at 3,000 miles, which is when I have always changed my oil, even if the light has not come on. I do it my self using the PF 47 AC Delco filter.

    After each oil change you have to re set the system by turning on the ignition and pressing the pedal three times within 5 seconds. I now manually move the throttle fulcrum under the hood to the stop to ensure it is correctly re set.

    The overall driving conditions in the NE with stop/go traffic etc, really puts it in the hard driving condition section of the hand book.

    Whether this all a marketing ploy by the oil companies as I believe in Europe the same models probably have a longer mileage allowance.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Since my last post this has worked OK and only twice when I started the car the light stayed on. I immediately re-started and acted normally and went out after 7 flashes.
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    As a owner of a GM mini-van I just can't understand why General Motors won't extend the warrenty for the intake manifold leaks . Honda extended the warrenty on their odyssey and others when they are faced with a problem that plagues their vehicles, but GM just won't help.
    EXTENT THE COVERAGE on the vehicles like Honda and Toyota!

    If you are listening GM, please help so we won't be forced to buy vehicles from the Rising Sun!
  • jpc47jpc47 Member Posts: 62
    I went through the hoops with GM with the intake manifold and they refused any help. Well, I told them I'll be buying Japanese. We drive two cars and I usually have one Japanese car anyway. They know they have a problem with this. Heck, they can't sell vehicles without incentives anymore.
  • mizeumlmizeuml Member Posts: 50
    I have a 2002 Montana that tells you how much life is left for the oil. The van has 8000 miles and I just did the second oil change. I changed the oil the first time at 4000 miles and according to the computer the oil still had 47% of its life remaining. I reset the sensor to 100% and at 8000 miles I changed the oil again and it said I had 42% of its life remaining. I think the owners manual says that oil life is calculated by the computer looking at the oil temp and engine revolutions. I always change the oil at 4000 miles, but according to the computer, I might be able to go around 7000 miles before the oil life would show 0% remaining. The system is nice, but it will not change my oil changing habits.

    Hope this helps.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Finally, found the product in Pep Boys (need it for a Jetta).

    It is called Auto Air Condtioner Cleaner and Deodorizer. Claims to eliminate Bacteria, Mold, Mildew and Odors. About $4. made by ID Interdynamics in Brooklyn NY. Have web site www.id-usa.com.

    Come as a pump spray, and may need one of those red pipe extentions that you get with WD-40.etc.
  • dlubindlubin Member Posts: 66
    Is there something I'm missing that makes changing this not a horrific experience? It seems to be one part brute force, two parts dumb luck to get the new one in without wrecking it...

    Dan
    '01 Montanta
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