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http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/4T65E_Transmission_Info.html
On a different forum, a person installed a "shift kit" and his van's transmission shift slippage was eliminated. Using Google, search for "4T65E shift kit" and lots of info appears. Well worth searching this area as well...
Also... My local transmission specialists recommends transmission ATF aux cooler (rated for 5,000+ lbs trailer) be installed on all GM 4T65E transmissions. Even if van is only used for "soccer parent" (and non-Towing) driving conditions. From his experience, the 4T65E does NOT like heat. Especially from city stop/go city driving on a hot day conditions. He told me the LPD (Low Pressure Drop) aux transmssion design (like Tru-Cool and Hayden brands) are the best.
If wondering, I installed the Hayden LPD aux cooler on my '09 Montana van. Cost me under $150 (CDN dollars) in needed materials. And, I installed it myself - to keep the cost even lower. re: http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/OC-1678.html
Hope this helps....
.
Thanks
Dwayne
Hope this helps...
.
Thank you for taking the time to reply!
Based on clunking sounds, it sounds like a professional needs to replace a few individual parts and/or perform a performance re-build to it. To learn more about this specific transmission and its "common" known failures, surf entire contents of: http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/4T65E_Transmission_Info.php
After transmission is fixed (individual part replacements and/or total re-buid with a performance kit), I'd install an ATF aux cooler in your van as well. Install LPD design rated for attached 5,000 lbs trailer. Thus, making it run cooler - even for non-towing and non-hauling driving conditions.
For my wife's Montana van, I installed http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Cod- - - - - - e=1678&Category_Code=hayden-transaver-cooler&Product_Count=2
For my wife's van and its better then factor ATF cooling system, it's been running great since installing this larger then needed ATF aux cooler.
Hope this helps...
.
For its install, I never liked the idea of sucking an ATF cooler against the AC rad using those plastic fasteners. Steel on steel with vibration worries me. Thus, I first installed 2 x vertical "L" braces in front of our van's AC Rad. Simply cut and use slude hammer to flatten out both "L" bracing ends. Used self tapping screws with thread lock juice on their threads.
For pictures of Hayden LPD aux cooler install in my wife's van, surf:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/AuxTransC- - ooler-UpperSupport-1.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/Aux-Coole- - r-Tophose.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/AuxTransC- - ooler-UpperSupport-2.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/AuxTransC- - ooler-LowerSupport-1.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/Main-RadT- - ophose-2.jpg
For its main RAD connection (at its top rad position), I removed its factory "L" pipe, installed a brass fitting and new "L" 90 degree elbow. Obtained these items from my local NAPA store as well. Remember that ATF flow is: from tranny, to main rad, to aux cooler, then back to tranny.
For front grill rubber tube hoses, I tool my steel cutters and made the factory round hole into a large square shape. This round hole is located under battery box (on my wife's van). Enlarging his factory front grill round hole took longer time then mounting the aux rad in the front grill area. For its ATF rated rubber lines and their "touch points", I slide large 1" rubber tube around them. Thus, adding more "wear" protection around the rubber hoses. re: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/Hosesinfr- - ontgrillarea-1.jpg
This worked on my wife's 09 Montana van. Will work on your GM mini-van as well...
Good luck!!!!
.
I also have a 2000 Montana and had quite a few problems with mine as well. Luckily I did not buy this horrific hunk of junk, rather it was pawned off on me as a gift. Thanks A Lot Bleep! Bleep! Bleep! :mad:
FYI My Haynes Repair Manual States to use DEXRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid :confuse: it was printed in 2006.*******DON'T DO IT*******
DEXRON-III is not compatible with the most recently designed transmissions, and the use of these earlier type fluids could result in transmission damage.
All DEXRON-III licenses expired at the end of 2006, and will not be renewed. Beyond that date, General Motors will only support the use of DEXRON-VI fluids for use in Hydra-Matic transmissions. Fluids claiming DEXRON-III type performance continue to be sold under abbreviated names such as Dex/Merc and D/M, however, since the DEXRON-III licensing system no longer exists, these fluids are not regulated by GM in any way.
DEXRON®-VI replaces DEXRON®-III and DEXRON®-III-H in all applications except power steering and manual transmissions GM Vehicle applications not designed for DEXRON®-VI usage: Power Steering and Manual Transmissions; Chevrolet: Aveo, Epica, Equinox, Optra; Pontiac: Torrent, Vibe, Wave; Saturn: Astra, S Series; CVT Auto Trans, and Trans RPO's (M09, M45, MJ7, MJ8). DEXRON®-VI licensed fluids are fully backward compatible and can be used in all applications covered by earlier GM ATF specifications.
Please try not to get frustrated if your local Auto-Parts store is out of your favorite brand, there are several manufacturers approved by GM's standards.
(See the list below)
Hope this helps,
ArmyVetChick33
A full list of GM approved DEXRON®-VI licensed fluids is below:
Advantage DEXRON®-VI
Altra DEXRON®-VI Transmission Fluid
Amalie DEXRON®-VI Synthetic ATF
Wolf's Head DEXRON®-VI Synthetic ATF
Xcel DEXRON®-VI Synthetic ATF
Agip DEXRON®-VI ATF
Castrol DEXRON®-VI ATF
CAM2 Synthetic ATF DEXRON®-VI
CAM2 Synthetic ATF DEXRON®-VI
Carquest DEXRON®-VI Full Synthetic ATF
Chevron ATF DEXRON®-VI
Havoline ATF DEXRON®-VI
Chevron ATF DEXRON®-VI
Havoline ATF DEXRON®-VI
Chevron ATF DEXRON®-VI
Havoline ATF DEXRON®-VI
CITGO TRANSGARD DEXRON®-VI
ConocoPhillips Company DEXRON®-VI ATF
Kendall Motor Oil Company DEXRON®-VI ATF
ExxonMobil IMP 6544
Mobil DEXRON®-VI ATF
TITAN ATF 6000 SL
GM Vehicle Care DEXRON®-VI ATF
AC/Delco DEXRON®-VI ATF
Gulf DEXRON®-VI ATF
Gulf DEXRON®-VI ATF
Formula 500
Isuzu Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRON®-VI
Q8 Auto D VI
Unitran DEXRON®-VI
Mainlube 161
Morris Liquimatic DS J-60324
Northland DEXRON®-VI ATF
TRANSFLUIDO SINTEICO DVI
Penrite ATF DX-VI
Penrite ATF DX-VI
Petro-Canada DEXRON®-VI ATF
National DEXRON®-VI ATF
Marathon DEXRON®-VI ATF
Multipurpose DEXRON®-VI ATF
RAVENOL DEXRON®-VI
Schaeffer DEXRON®-VI ATF
A/C Delco DEXRON®-VI ATF
Quaker State ATF DEXRON®-VI
Pennzoil DEXRON®-VI
A/C Delco DEXRON®-VI ATF
Quaker State ATF DEXRON®-VI
Pennzoil DEXRON®-VI
XunDong ATF VI
ZIC DEXRON®-VI
Super S
Sure Guard
Tuxton DEXRON®-VI ATF
Universal DEXRON®-VI
Valvoline ATF DEXRON®-VI
Valvoline ATF DEXRON®-VI
Valvoline ATF DEXRON®-VI
COASTAL DEXRON®-VI
WARREN DEXRON®-VI
LUBRIGUARD DEXRON®-VI
SERVICE PRO DEXRON®-VI
Also... If living in colder climates (that has below freezing temps), install the cooler approx 1-1.5" away from the front AC rad. During the winter months, simply wrap the cooler with a thick plastic bag (to eliminate wind-chill deep freezing). Unknown to some, "too cold" of ATF is as bad as "too hot" of ATF. During spring, summer and fall months, simply remove its winder wind break coat (soft of speaking).
For more details, surf:
Hayden 678 or 679 (for HD towing): http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/hda-679_w.jpg
Clearance Gap: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/AuxTransC- ooler-UpperSupport-2.jpg
Summer: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/SummerRAD- -1.jpg
Winter: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/WinterRAD- -2.jpg
Hope this helps as well...
.
You posted your comment a long time ago, but, I am just reading it now, 2012. I have the same exact vehicle, with the exact issues. I think my hardest thing about that van is, it looks nice, but there are so many things wrong with it. I just don't understand how there are no recalls - being there are so many things wrong with so many of them. I just read sooo many posts of problems, so many people.. sigh. Anywho, if you still have your Anti-Montana club, consider me in! ~ Hopefully you got a new vehicle. I hope to say goodbye forever to my Montana too. Later.
I have a 1999 Montana and the transmission problem of hard shifting sometimes is still there. I have run this Montana with no other major problem for over 260,000 miles and still going. I have had excellent mileage all the while.
But I do feel that Pontiac should do something in regards to the transmission problems and the headlights. They did have a TSB issued on the headlights...but it was never turned into a recall.