2001 Montana Fuel consumpion/starting problem

Hi,

I just purchased a 2001 Montana, and about all that I can get out of it is 20mpg at 80 MPH, typical highway speed here in Florida; it is better at 60mph, but who wants to be passed by everyone else on the road?

It seems that it is lacking power, it struggles going much faster that 65 or 70. Maybe I was spoiled, I used to have a 98 Suburban, and got 18 MPG on the highway all day long.

It also seems to have a problem starting; a lot of times it will start and as soon as the key is released it dies, have to put the foot on the gas for it to stay running, NO check engine light, maybe there is a relation between these two things.

I still have warranty on this vehicle for about 1800 more miles.

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated, so when I take it in, I can be as informed as possible.

Checke alldata, and couldn't find anything there that would help.

Thanks and sorry for the lenghty post.

Walter

20 MPG is about right, at that speed. Personally, I think the 3.4L is a great engine - but the Montana is a lot of van to pull! This little V-6 was originally designed for the Chevy Citation and other small cars, and started at 2.8L.

The shop may very well find a code set in the computer, as you are having starting problems. As complex as these beasts are, I won't offer any advice other than to take it to someone you trust!

Does your van have OnStar? If so, call OnStar and have them give you a Remote Diagnostics check. This is just like the mechanic plugging in his handheld device to talk to the computer; the OnStar rep is doing the same thing. From about 2500 miles away.......

The rep should be able to tell you the codes that come up.

Dan,

I was afraid that I was going to hear what you said. I wish they would have kept the 3.8 that they put in them for a few years.
As for Northstar, I am not currently subscribed to the service, but I do have warranty on the vehicle yet, (GM certifie used vehicle) so I will take it in with my wish list of thing that need to be repaired.

Thanks

Walter
20 MPG is about right, at that speed. Personally, I think the 3.4L is a great engine - but the Montana is a lot of van to pull! This little V-6 was originally designed for the Chevy Citation and other small cars, and started at 2.8L.

The shop may very well find a code set in the computer, as you are having starting problems. As complex as these beasts are, I won't offer any advice other than to take it to someone you trust!

Does your van have OnStar? If so, call OnStar and have them give you a Remote Diagnostics check. This is just like the mechanic plugging in his handheld device to talk to the computer; the OnStar rep is doing the same thing. From about 2500 miles away.......

The rep should be able to tell you the codes that come up.

Walter,

You're pretty much stuck on the mileage issue.

For the hard start/power issue, you might want to try a new battery. The "green dot" isn't a very good indicator of how well your battery is performing. When these batteries get to the latter end of their use, you experience harder starts and power trouble. Any time after 50K miles would be an appropriate time to wonder.

If you think your battery should still be good for some time yet, do a search on the hard start. I can't remember off the top of my head, but there is a part that goes that contributes to hard start.

B

I'm sorry, my post must not be clear enough;
The engine turns over fine, in just stalls, or quits running when the key is allowed to return to the run possition.

My thought is that base idle is too low, or maybe there's a problem with one of the sensors, and it does not speed up the idle to keep it running, since it will stay running if I step on the gas as I crank it, and then it will stay running just fine.

As for the power issue, I believe that the engine may not be making enough power for the size of the vehicle, resulting in poor gas mileage.

As for the battery, it is in good shape, I have not noticed any king of cranking or low voltage issues.

Thanks for the reply

Walter

Do you know the factors that effect fuel economy? And what do you think that a Montana is a race car or something?

Now this was a really usefull reply by an ASE Master Technician.

I was expecting something with a little more substance and usefull, like some of the previous posts, not an insult!!

Thanks for the reply!!!!


Walter

Have you replaced the fuel filter? I have had problems with SMFI vehicles getting poor gas mileage and starting problems(relative) that were cleared up by changing the fuel filter and resetting the computer.

when i went to Florida last summer i was getting 25mph. But i plan on changing the plugs, fuel filter and air filter this time.

I have gotten 26.5 mpg on a long trip at 60mph (no interstate). If on the interstate I get about 24.5 - 25 mpg if I keep it under 70mph, but the mileage goes down fast if I go above 75mph, but I usually get 21 - 22mpg. This is using the Average miles per gallon from the Montana's built in trip computer.

The mileage sounds about right, maybe a little low from my experience. I agree the Montana isn't exactly a racecar, but there should be plenty of power left at 80mph. I just had the fuel injectors cleaned and it made a huge difference in throttle response. I guess these injectors get fouled up pretty easy. I am thinking of having this done once a year. It only cost $55-60.