New member, new owner

[oshoguno]

Hello, I just joined your forum after buying a 2002 Pontiac Montana with 113k on it. Thought I would say hello and ask if there are any common problems I should be aware of. Any helpful tips or warnings would be appreciated. I look forward to participating in the forum on a regular basis.

[shogunl]

Welcome !!
Just make sure that you don't have leaky lower intake manifold gasket. I had to change mine and is known problem on all of 3.4L engine between 1997-2002 models. Keep an eye on coolant level oil for any milkyness and check oil filler cap for peanut butter like substance. if you find any of those you are in s**t. GM will not cover any extended warrenty past 100k and will cost you between 950 to 1500 bucks.

[cdru]

Or if you are mechanically inclined and have 12 hours or so, it's not hard just time intensive. It will cost you around probably around $150 for the gaskets and all the other little things you will want to replace while you have the top torn off. Independent shops will also usually do it for under $500.

There are a variety of other little things that add "character" to our vehicles but the intake is probably the biggest. Some say the transmission isn't a great one and is prone to problems but there isn't anything you can really do as preventitive maitenance for that...just something to keep your eye on.

Preventative maintenance, changing fluids, etc are all recommended as they would be with any vehicle.

In case you do have a problem and look it up here, be sure to also check the in Pontiac Trans Sport ('97-'98), Chevy Venture, and Oldsmibile Silhouette forms as well. They are all sibling vehicles to the Montana sharing most parts with one another. It's mainly the trim that is different between vehicles.

[oshoguno]

Thanks guys. I did hear about the intake gasket and there isn't a problem that I could see right now. I was warned about it so I am prepared if I have to do it (I also have a mechanic friend who owns a shop and a family friend who has done really cheap work for me before).