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Pontiac Montana Engine Problems

59 messages,  Last post on Feb 17, 2011 at 7:23 PM

You are in the Pontiac Montana Forum.

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

Messages Page 5 of 6

#40 of 59 Re: HELP! 2004 Pontiac Montana. [havnfun2] by tigeroverflow

Jun 11, 2009 (11:37 pm)

Replying to: havnfun2 (Jun 11, 2009 5:42 pm)
Thank you for your posting. This would have been an interesting thing to look into. After mechanics were split as to what was causing the problem, it was recommended by "all" to trade in my much-beloved van. So, after it overheated on the freeway - during a test drive related to the trade in (!!!) I really had to trade it if possible and did. The GM dealership gave me full value and a good price on a Chevrolet Uplander 2006 w/ low miles. It is NOT the van the Montana was - so miss the Montana! An almost loaded Uplander is a bad joke compared to the Montana - so many things missing, lower power, just everything. But for now, will hang on to the van, for timing of other things in life issues. Bigger picture - if the used car economy was a stronger market, I would get rid of it for a Montana - even an older one. Got the Uplander in December. It is going into the dealership for more repair work - for I think this is the 5th (!!!) time. Problems with gear shift getting stuck, horn still doesn't work, had a nearly broken tie rod that dealership didn't fix before selling the van, and the list goes on. Thankfully, other than wasting time, it has a happy ending since I bought the most extensive full five year extended warranty. For anyone listening to this - get the warranty. At $2000 it is a bargain! Less than six months into this - if I had had to pay for all these repairs out of pocket, I would have been out of pocket at least another $500 by now. The warranty covers first dollar - so I have had no additional money paid out. Meanwhile, Pontiac Montana - the model I had - wonderful van. Should have just put the $3-4000 out and fixed it, hindsight.

#42 of 59 electrical issue by chiebut

Oct 18, 2009 (9:16 pm)

hi! i've had 2000 montana the problem is when i'm driving it all the guages shuts off and when i move the steering wheels it goes back! and my fuel gauge is unstable int goes up and down and most of the time is always full even though it's not! need help!

#43 of 59 Re: electrical issue [chiebut] by kennie

Oct 19, 2009 (8:28 am)

Replying to: chiebut (Oct 18, 2009 9:16 pm)
Re the fuel gauge... this is very common in montanas... mine has done it for 3 years and it's a 2000. Just use the odometer to indicate how many Kms you've gone and then fill up... the cost to fix just is not worth it unless you have warranty. I believe the "LOW FUEL" light is indiependant of the gauge problem so when it comes on you are definately low in the tank on fuel... this is the way mine works. You would have to have the fuel sending unit replaced and it is located in your gas tank very likely... they can test that is is failing by testing the wires.. if certain voltages are read they can tell it's gummed up. Cleaner can be poured in the gas tank to attempt to clean it but i'm not sure if it is worth of the risk of plugging something or running such cleaner through your engine if you don't absolutely have to.. the cleaner I think is called sea-foam I think. Cheers.

#44 of 59 Re: electrical issue [kennie] by ray80

Oct 27, 2009 (7:55 am)

Replying to: kennie (Oct 19, 2009 8:28 am)
Also for the fuel gauge (I believe its applicable for a 2000), it may be an issue with the c-305 connector.

#45 of 59 Re: electrical issue [ray80] by kennie

Oct 27, 2009 (8:25 am)

Replying to: ray80 (Oct 27, 2009 7:55 am)
What is the c-305 connector and what does it do??

#46 of 59 Re: electrical issue [kennie] by ray80

Oct 27, 2009 (9:02 am)

Replying to: kennie (Oct 27, 2009 8:25 am)
Its a pass-thru connection for wiring (from inside cabin to outside/underneath). It connects various wires for things in rear of vehicle(including connection to fuel pump/sensor). While its weatherproof on bottom (underneath) it is not inside cabin, spills/ various leaks inside can cause water intrusion and subsequent corrosion of wires. Google ' gm c305 connector' and you will find lots of stuff.
The connector should be under carpet to the rear of drivers seat (you may be able to see exactly where by looking under vehicle for a bundle of wires that come out from cabin)

#47 of 59 Re: Engine light [minivanh8r] by tina2237

Jan 24, 2010 (10:03 pm)

Replying to: minivanh8r (Aug 09, 2007 6:39 pm)
So what does it mean when your "service engine soon" light stays on? I am having a new issue with my van and it is staying on.

#48 of 59 Engine Problem!!! by tina2237

Jan 24, 2010 (10:11 pm)

I was driving home and my van all of a sudden lost power and kinda sputtered. It almost felt like I was running out of gas. I knew that was not true since I just got gas. There was no loud bang or anything. So I pulled into the next driveway and my check engine light came on. So I turned the van off. I got out and checked the water and oil and everything was fine maybe 1/2 quart low on oil. Engine was not overheated and no leaking oil or anything. I turned my van on and there is a clicking noise coming from the engine and it has loss of power for sure. So I am going to have to have it towed. Does anyone have any idea? Has this happened to anyone? It is a 2003 Pontiac Montana with 115000 miles and has been taken care off well. so I am a little confused. I hope someone may have some answer? Thanks

#49 of 59 Re: Engine Problem!!! [tina2237] by spike99

Jan 25, 2010 (5:18 pm)

Replying to: tina2237 (Jan 24, 2010 10:11 pm)
.
 
From your statement of "there is a clicking noise coming from the engine", your high miles van (for a 3.4L engine) could have anything from blown main bearings, to broken cam to blown pistons. It all depends on the exact sound of the "clicking" and its sounds location under its hood. Best is to get a certified mechanic to investigate and confirm what could be broken.
 
Also... "Do trust your gut" as well. If your van has NO rust, its tranny is still good, its steering is still firm and overall, it's still a sound vehicle, then it might be worth fixing. Fix with new engine parts (on existing engine), or perhaps fix with a new re-built engine block. But if your vehicle is near its "end of life" and engine repair/replacement is too expensive, then simply "write her off". One of those "Humpy Dumpty fell off the wall" things....
 
Hope this helps....
 
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Messages Page 5 of 6

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