Reduce risk of electrical problems...

[spike88]

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Was surfing and came across some "known problems" with GM mini-Vans. Bottom of this page contains cut / paste info.

To help eliminate, "A chronically wet driver-side carpet that can lead to a variety of electrical problems – keep the floor as dry and salt free as possible in winter", may I suggest the following (that was applied to my '09 Montana EWB van):

1 - Remove the driver's door plastic sill molding, remove the driver's side left foot plastic kick plate and roll-back the driver's carpet - to expose its Emergency Brake cable area. Notice that large bundle of wires in this area. re:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-9.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-7.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-8.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-2.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-6.jpg


2 - Use lots of automotive tar and apply around the emergency brake cable exit hole. For my van, I used PL Premium glue around its rubber grommet instead. Thus, sealing up this area from the top. re:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-5.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ble-Area-4.jpg

3 - From the E-Cable's exit hole underside, I bought a can of spray foam insulation (with its long straw) and sprayed the under side of the emergency brake cable EXIT area. Thus, sealing the E-cable chassis's hole from both top and bottom of floor.

If you feel your van is getting water under its driver's side rug (where its large electrical cable bundle is), then proactively "sealing up" this area might help your van as well. Help eliminate future electrical problems.

Hope this helps other GM mini-van folks as well...

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re: http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID...neral%20Motors

GENERAL MOTORS Oldsmobile Silhouette, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Trans Sport

The front seatbacks could tip rearward because of broken reclining mechanisms. If the seatback has worrisome play, have it checked and contact Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0510.

A chronically wet driver-side carpet can lead to a variety of electrical problems – keep the floor as dry and saltfree as possible in winter.

3.4L engine: check for oil and coolant leaks at the intake manifold gasket after 80,000 km. Please visit the Investigations section of our site if you experienced this problem.

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[grt]

Looks like a good tip to me, also I would use good winter floor mats so the snow and water don't leak through the carpet.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by grt

Looks like a good tip to me, also I would use good winter floor mats so the snow and water don't leak through the carpet.

And a thorough vacuuming and or shampooing after winter can also help remove any traces of salt and road debris that may find it's way into the rug.
I recently purchased a Bissell Little Green Machine portable cleaner for the house and also use it in my vehicles to clean the seats and carpeting. It's amazing the amount of stuff it pulls out of the fabrics.