2004 Pontiac Montana

Vehicle Introduction:

The 2004 Pontiac Montana is a versatile minivan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. It is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive towing capacity. However, it has also been known to experience a range of issues, as outlined below:

Engine

3.4L V6 185 hp

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Leaking oil from the valve covers, causing smoke and engine noise. Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gasket, leading to engine overheating or performance issues. Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure: Stalling, rough idle, and reduced engine power. Solution: Replace camshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Exhaust Manifold Cracking: Leaking exhaust gases and causing engine noise. Solution: Replace exhaust manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

3.5L V6 200 hp

• Piston Ring Failure: Excessive oil consumption and blue exhaust smoke. Solution: Rebuild or replace engine. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic 4T65-E

• Torque Converter Clutch Failure: Slipping or shuddering during gear changes. Solution: Replace torque converter clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Input Speed Sensor Failure: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or no engagement. Solution: Replace input speed sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Output Speed Sensor Failure: Similar symptoms to input speed sensor failure. Solution: Replace output speed sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Suspension

• Front Sway Bar Link Failure: Rattling or clunking noises from the suspension. Solution: Replace sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure: Leaking fluid or sagging rear end. Solution: Replace shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
• Tie Rod End Wear: Loose steering or excessive play in the steering wheel. Solution: Replace tie rod ends. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Charging system issues, such as dim headlights or dead battery. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Battery Drain: Parasitic battery drain, leading to a dead battery. Solution: Identify and fix the source of the drain, which may involve replacing components such as a faulty module or accessory. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Headlight Switch Failure: Inoperable headlights or intermittent lighting. Solution: Replace headlight switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure: Broken or loose door handles. Solution: Replace door handle assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+

Interior

• Interior Trim Panel Rattle: Noises coming from loose or vibrating interior panels. Solution: Secure or replace loose panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Center Console Lid Sticking: Difficulty opening or closing the center console lid. Solution: Lubricate or adjust the lid mechanism. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Summary:

The 2004 Pontiac Montana has a variety of issues that can affect its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior. The most severe issues, such as engine failure, transmission failure, and piston ring failure, can be costly to repair. While some issues may be relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can lead to significant downtime and high repair bills.