1995 Pontiac Trans Sport

Introduction

The 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport is a mid-size minivan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine was the 3.8L V6, which produced 180 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.1L V6 and a 3.4L V6. The Trans Sport could be equipped with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

Owners generally praise the Trans Sport for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and versatile seating options. However, some owners have reported experiencing various issues with the vehicle, including:

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a coolant leak, an oil leak, and a rough idle. The repair involves replacing the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power and stall. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the timing chain and related components. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $3,000.

3.4L V6

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a coolant leak, an oil leak, and a rough idle. The repair involves replacing the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500.
• Ignition coil failure: The ignition coil can fail, causing the engine to misfire and stall. Symptoms include a rough idle, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the ignition coil. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.

3.8L V6

• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include a coolant leak, an overheated engine, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500.
• Power steering pump failure: The power steering pump can fail, causing the steering to become difficult. Symptoms include a whining noise from the steering wheel, a stiff steering wheel, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the power steering pump. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700.

Transmission

Four-speed automatic transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include a slipping transmission, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500.
• Transmission control module failure: The transmission control module (TCM) can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically and lose power. Symptoms include a rough shift, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the TCM. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Five-speed manual transmission

• Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include a slipping clutch, a loss of power, and a burning smell. The repair involves replacing the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700.

Suspension

• Front strut failure: The front struts can fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and unstable. Symptoms include a rough ride, a loss of control, and a clunking noise. The repair involves replacing the front struts. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700.
• Rear shock failure: The rear shocks can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce and sway. Symptoms include a rough ride, a loss of control, and a clunking noise. The repair involves replacing the rear shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500.

Electrical

• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery, a dimming dash, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery, a dimming dash, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500.

Exterior

• Rust: The body of the Trans Sport can rust, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads. Symptoms include rust spots on the body, holes in the body, and a weakened body structure. The repair involves replacing the rusted body panels. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+.

Interior

• Power window failure: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable. Symptoms include a window that does not move, a slow-moving window, and a window that falls off the track. The repair involves replacing the power window motor. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.
• Dashboard lights failure: The dashboard lights can fail, making it difficult to see the instrument panel. Symptoms include dim or flickering lights, lights that do not work, and a check engine light. The repair involves replacing the dashboard lights. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.

Summary

The 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport is a spacious and versatile minivan that has some common issues, particularly with its engine and transmission. The severity of the issues varies, and the cost to fix can be significant. Overall, the Trans Sport is a reliable vehicle when properly maintained, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.