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Pontiac Montana Transmission Problems

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

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

Messages Page 8 of 8

#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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