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Pontiac Montana Transmission Problems

71 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2012 at 8:42 PM

You are in the Pontiac Montana Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Montana, Pontiac Montana SV6, Van

Messages Page 8 of 8

#62 of 71 Re: piece of crap [jbuscuit4210] by mrar04

Mar 02, 2011 (12:28 pm)

Replying to: jbuscuit4210 (Feb 06, 2011 2:05 am)
OMG I so could not believe this when I stumbled across it. I have a 2002 montana and it has all these problems. I have to pull up the windows, it rough idles, it does some click noise and the lights click on and off all the time and that drives me so crazy that I want to drive it into a tree!!! The hub assembly has been changed 3 times under warranty and then the light came on 1 week after it was up so now I have to pay for it myself this time. That peevs me so bad because it is the same exact thing all over again...which you would think should be a recall or something? And now my tranny is slipping and I don't even have it paid off yet. I have 7 payments left go figure right. I can't change the plugs and wires because everyone wants like $600 to do it because of where they are....omg I hate this van!!! I swear if I could I would take this thing to the dealer and tell them this is the biggest POS in the world!!!! They should have to pay me to drive it instead of me pay them for it. If I could start an anti Pontiac Montana club I swear I would and I would make them pay us all back every dime we paid on these clunkers!!!!!!!!

#63 of 71 2004 Montana by princessjen

Mar 10, 2011 (8:25 pm)

I have a 2004 Montana SE... After reading this thread along with a few others I see that I'm not the only one having a lot of the same issues. I bought it 3 years ago and so far have replaced the wheel barrings and just yesterday had the transmission rebuilt, thankfully it only cost me $1200... My drivers side window does not go up without help, the back wiper does not work anymore, the gas gage always points to the farest right (thankfully I've learned how to monitor my own) and just today the glove box just randomly fell off... The latch had been giving me a hard time shutting lately.. Unfortunately I still have 2 years left to pay on it so guess I'm stuck with all these flaws...

#64 of 71 Re: piece of crap [jbuscuit4210] by armyvetchick33

Mar 28, 2011 (8:11 am)

Replying to: jbuscuit4210 (Feb 06, 2011 2:05 am)
I just wanted to give everyone here some useful information about the Transaxle fluid which could be what is causing transmission hesitation and failure.
 
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!
 
FYI My Haynes Repair Manual States to use DEXRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid 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.
 
DEXRONŽ-VI replaces DEXRONŽ-III and DEXRONŽ-III-H in all applications except power steering and manual transmissions GM Vehicle applications not designed for DEXRONŽ-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). DEXRONŽ-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 DEXRONŽ-VI licensed fluids is below:
 
Advantage DEXRONŽ-VI
Altra DEXRONŽ-VI Transmission Fluid
Amalie DEXRONŽ-VI Synthetic ATF
Wolf's Head DEXRONŽ-VI Synthetic ATF
Xcel DEXRONŽ-VI Synthetic ATF
Agip DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Castrol DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
CAM2 Synthetic ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
CAM2 Synthetic ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Carquest DEXRONŽ-VI Full Synthetic ATF
Chevron ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Havoline ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Chevron ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Havoline ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Chevron ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Havoline ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
CITGO TRANSGARD DEXRONŽ-VI
ConocoPhillips Company DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Kendall Motor Oil Company DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
ExxonMobil IMP 6544
Mobil DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
TITAN ATF 6000 SL
GM Vehicle Care DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
AC/Delco DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Gulf DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Gulf DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Formula 500
Isuzu Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRONŽ-VI
Q8 Auto D VI
Unitran DEXRONŽ-VI
Mainlube 161
Morris Liquimatic DS J-60324
Northland DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
TRANSFLUIDO SINTEICO DVI
Penrite ATF DX-VI
Penrite ATF DX-VI
Petro-Canada DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
National DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Marathon DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Multipurpose DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
RAVENOL DEXRONŽ-VI
Schaeffer DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
A/C Delco DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Quaker State ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Pennzoil DEXRONŽ-VI
A/C Delco DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Quaker State ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Pennzoil DEXRONŽ-VI
XunDong ATF VI
ZIC DEXRONŽ-VI
Super S
Sure Guard
Tuxton DEXRONŽ-VI ATF
Universal DEXRONŽ-VI
Valvoline ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Valvoline ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
Valvoline ATF DEXRONŽ-VI
COASTAL DEXRONŽ-VI
WARREN DEXRONŽ-VI
LUBRIGUARD DEXRONŽ-VI
SERVICE PRO DEXRONŽ-VI

#65 of 71 Re: 2004 Montana [princessjen] by spike99

Mar 31, 2011 (2:11 pm)

Replying to: princessjen (Mar 10, 2011 8:25 pm)
In addition to much better ATF DEXRONŽ-VI (in the transmission), I'd recommend an aux AFT Cooler at well. LDP (Low Pressure Drop) design rated for attached 5,000 lbs trailer. Unknown to some, factory GM 4T65E transmission runs hot. Even if NOT towing a trailer, install an aux ATF LPD (Low Pressure Drop) cooler as well. For example, Hayden 678 for NO towing and Hayden 679 for Towing (even light weight utility trailers).
 
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...
 
.

#66 of 71 ECM or Computer Issues 1999 Montana Van by john3065

Nov 28, 2011 (11:23 am)

We have a 1999 Pontiac Montana Van. Put in a new transmission and now the vehicle is shifting from second (not first) and has no shift to 4th I believe he said. We were told it was the ECM or computer, however, we have tried 3 different computers and when each computer was put in, the van will not start. we took the vehicle to the dealership and paid them to "program" the computer and it still would not start for them. They even got a different computer, still would not start. Any ideas?? We looked to see if the wiring harness was kinked, couldn't find anything......codes show transmission but we are sure that it is fine......

#67 of 71 Re: 1998 Montana, no forward or reverse [brm5114] by stenger3775

Jan 12, 2012 (11:51 am)

Replying to: brm5114 (Sep 13, 2008 1:46 pm)
I had the same thing happen to my 2000 Montana. Ever figure out what it was?

#68 of 71 Re: piece of crap [mrar04] by meechellla

Jul 29, 2012 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: mrar04 (Mar 02, 2011 12:28 pm)
Hi,
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.

#69 of 71 Re: piece of crap [meechellla] by fclay

Jul 30, 2012 (6:27 am)

Replying to: meechellla (Jul 29, 2012 1:13 pm)
I have read a lot of problems since I posted my problem a couple of years ago.
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.

#70 of 71 Transmission problems? by airthumper

Nov 18, 2012 (9:00 pm)

I just bought a used 2003 Pontiac Montana. It has around 135,000. Everything runs great however I have noticed a little problem with the transmission. It's kinda mysterious. I changed the fluid and filter when I first got it. It was pretty black. Presumably had not been changed ever. Not copius amounts of 'gray sludge' on the magnet. Not more than one woudl expect after 135,000 miles. Now here is the problem. When the car is first started up. Doesn't matter car temperature, outdoor temperature, or any other condition that I can think of. But when you back up for the first time after starting it and then put it into drive, it seems to slip. Or almost have that peeling out on gravel feeling to it. But then drives fine the rest of the trip. If you put it in park then reverse then drive to try it again it does not do it. However, if you shut the car off and do those steps again, it will happen. Only on the first reverse then drive sequence after startup. Any ideas? Kinda of a wierd problem. Or maybe not and someone knows what is causing this. I feel that it is electrical or something where it only happens once after startup. I would appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.

#71 of 71 Re: Transmission problems? [airthumper] by crysta95

Nov 24, 2012 (8:42 pm)

Replying to: airthumper (Nov 18, 2012 9:00 pm)
I have a 03 Montana also. Transmission has some major slips. Had the entire thing extensively cleaned this past spring. I am looking at having it re-built this spring. According to my mechanic, there are several original parts, that now have 'replacements'. In his words...Pontiac found a problem, and fixed the repair parts. But left we owners in the cold on having them installed. I had a problem with the transmission not wanting to 'adjust', after slow downs to turn a corner, way back in 04. The dealer then applied a software update to the computer. Seemed to help for about 6 months. The only other real problems I've had were having to replace the master switch for the front windows (did that myself), and I now need to replace the master switch for the power locks and also the headlight housings. But when I compare my Montana, to my ex's Blazer and all the repair costs he's had...I'll take my Montana any day!
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.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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