2001 Montana Electrical & Computer Problems

[sarboz]

I guess I am having many of the same issues as most other people, but my van has almost all of the problems I have read about and I am still left scratching my head.

- Fuel gauge malfunctions, goes from full to empty then back to full
- Cruise control has died
- The two main brake lights (left and right) have died although the top (LED?) lights (above the rear window) become brighter when pressure is applied to the brake pedal (as it should).
- Airbag light stays ON
- Check engine light stays ON
- Shifting is rough (jerky motion when pulling away from a stop)
- Engine idle is rough and sometimes the engine cuts out (stalls) when pressure is applied to the gas pedal
- TCS control sometimes disables itself
- Air conditioner does not work

There are some other minor issues such as the driver side window sometimes does not function, the locks sometimes do not function with the keyless remote, the rear window wiper does not work (sometimes) AND the rear window washer fluid sometimes does not work.

I bought this piece of junk about two years ago from a dealer. I'm a single dad who still has his Mon-Fri job but recently lost a weekend job so money is very tight. I can't really afford the $80/hour for a mechanic to look at it, nor buy a new vehicle. I need some advice so I can get some of these issues resolved, especially the brake lights before I get another ticket.

What is wrong with this thing ...

[merc81]

Look,
I feel your pain, but these things didn't just happen overnight. Almost every issue you raise is covered in detail on these forums. Read all three: the chevy venture, the olds silohoutte, and the pontiac montana.

The brake lights in particular have a connector problem where they short out inside the plug and cause all manner of problems including ABS malfunctions. Open up the tail light assembly and remove the plug. Look inside at the connector and you will see the plastic melted and blackened by water and short circuits.

[rockwood84]

this site has the answer to every problem you listed as these problems are normal on these models of minivans built by g.m. as merc81 stated the chevy venture,oldsmobile sihlouette, and pontiac montana all are the same critters. by going thru each group of posts you should find the answer to all the problems yours is having.