My Intake story 2003 Pontiac 67k

[mstbone67a]

Short version:
Leaking lower intake manifold gasket per dealer 1,
Called GM Cust service.. got sent to Pontiac customer service for help.
1-800-762-2737
went to dealer 2, After diagnosing (lol) $92,
Pontiac CS contacted dealer 2 and all I am paying is $92 plus tax!!!!
Sooo try contacting customer service and plead with them.. Your a loyal GM vehicle owner and know there is a known problem with the gasket and that there is a solution.




Now the details
Bought this van new.. already knowing that the 3.4v6 had problems.. our 1997 Venture had LIMG replaced at dealer 1 for $1500 back in 2001.
Fast forward to 5/11/2007 at 61,397 miles did the 30k/60k maintenance which included flushing of fluids, dexcool etc. No mention of any low coolant or leaks.
9/5/2007 64,417miles. Got a PO code related to TCC solenoid. got that replace.. ouch expensive. still no mention of coolant leak.

at 67kmiles took van to Jiffy lube for oilchange.. "sir your coolant is low in the overflow tank" topped it off. It started getting colder out and then noticed we didnt have very good heat in the van. took into dealer 1 and they said hmph look at those leaks.. Your gonna need a LIMG replaced. $1500 WHOA I said.. later found out the guy on Sat misquoted labor but still at $1000 to replace it. I pleaded.. there has to be something you or GM can help on this.. nope.. too bad he said.
Then my brother mentioned a buddy of his had same problem on his 99 venture and a dealer locally here did it all for $200 GM goodwill was mentioned hehe.

So I called GM, then got Pontiac cust serv # and started pleading my case and they investigated all my warranty service records online.

Took van to dealer 2 as I am done with dealer 1 and their rude attitude and high prices. Pontiac contacts them and call me back stating all I have to pay is the $92 diagnosis fee.. I Thank them and ask to make sure the thermostat is replaced also and I will pay the $30 for that part also.

Sooo.. hopefully this time tomorrow I will have our van back and wife will stop driving my truck opcorn:

Future... I believe I will probably do a flush every year or every other year from now on with this van.

Also going to gather all my service paperwork on my 1997 Venture and see if GM cust service can help out on those previous charges.. Worth a shot

[mstbone67a]

Well just got back from dealer total was $188.88 and that was for everything intake gasket, and thermostat etc..
Guage is now showing at the mark just under half now..

[MrHaak]

Good to hear you managed to get the work done at minimal expense.

The truth is that the dealers and GM are always at war regarding who pays for work to be done on warranty. Even if a dealer wants to help you, many times GM will tell them they cannot.

What really seems ridiculous is that GM is still having issues on a '03 with the same problem I had on our '99.

They are fully aware of the problem and surely they could have improved the sealing system on the 3.4L. It's in their best interest to do so since they still use this engine in the Equinox.

[mstbone67a]

Update, so after getting limg Replaced found a hose is leaking to into the throttle body. Dealer looked at it replaced it and now redoing the rear brakes.. ughh.. Drive van home then it starts to miss and only go 30mph. And Service Engine light is flashing.
UGHHH Call dealer and they think it is catlytic converter. And it is coverd. Jeesh comeone van stop breaking!!