2005 Pontiac Wave5

2005 Pontiac Wave5

The 2005 Pontiac Wave5 is a compact hatchback that was offered in two trim levels: base and GT. The base model came with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 103 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, while the GT model got a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that made 125 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic was available with the 1.6-liter engine.

Owners of the Wave5 have reported a number of issues with their vehicles, including:

Engine

• 1.6-liter engine:
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a failing intake manifold gasket can include a rough idle, difficulty starting, and decreased engine power. Solution: The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: Description/Symptoms: A failed timing chain tensioner can cause the timing chain to skip, which can lead to serious engine damage. Symptoms of a failing timing chain tensioner can include a rattling noise from the engine, decreased engine power, and an illuminated check engine light. Solution: The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• 1.8-liter engine:
  • No significant issues found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission:
  • Synchronizer failure: Description/Symptoms: Synchronizers are used to match the speed of the gears when shifting. When a synchronizer fails, it can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears smoothly. Symptoms of a failing synchronizer can include grinding noises when shifting, difficulty shifting into certain gears, and an illuminated check engine light. Solution: The solution is to replace the failed synchronizer. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Four-speed automatic transmission:
  • Torque converter failure: Description/Symptoms: A failed torque converter can cause the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms of a failing torque converter can include a lack of power when accelerating, a slipping transmission, and an illuminated check engine light. Solution: The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Front struts: Description/Symptoms: The front struts can wear out over time, which can lead to a loss of ride quality and handling. Symptoms of worn-out front struts can include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and an inability to keep the vehicle in a straight line. Solution: The solution is to replace the front struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Rear shocks: Description/Symptoms: The rear shocks can also wear out over time, which can lead to a loss of ride quality and handling. Symptoms of worn-out rear shocks can include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and an inability to keep the vehicle in a straight line. Solution: The solution is to replace the rear shocks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Electrical

• Battery: Description/Symptoms: The battery can fail over time, which can prevent the vehicle from starting. Symptoms of a failing battery can include difficulty starting the vehicle, a weak or dim electrical system, and an illuminated check engine light. Solution: The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator: Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail over time, which can prevent the vehicle from charging the battery. Symptoms of a failing alternator can include a flickering or dim electrical system, difficulty starting the vehicle, and an illuminated check engine light. Solution: The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Exterior

• Headlights: Description/Symptoms: The headlights can become cloudy or yellowed over time, which can reduce visibility at night. Solution: The solution is to replace the headlights. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Taillights: Description/Symptoms: The taillights can also become cloudy or yellowed over time, which can reduce visibility at night. Solution: The solution is to replace the taillights. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Door locks: Description/Symptoms: The door locks can fail to work properly, which can make it difficult or impossible to get into or out of the vehicle. Solution: The solution is to replace the door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Window regulators: Description/Symptoms: The window regulators can fail, which can prevent the windows from being rolled up or down. Solution: The solution is to replace the window regulator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary

The 2005 Pontiac Wave5 is a reliable and affordable compact hatchback. It has a few minor issues, but they are relatively inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Wave5 is a good choice for budget-minded shoppers.