Top 10 2001 Pontiac Montana Questions & Answers

sending unit or float in gas tank, check if any broken wires or well plugged in and then check the float for the gas.

If the heater core is good and the blower works, the valve doors may not be opening and closing properly to direct air towards the proper vents. This may be because something has fallen in and is obstructing their movement. The actuating motors may not work properly, or the linkages that connect them to the mode doors may be worn or improperly adjusted. You can get a look at the mechanisms by removing the driver side knee bolster (two screws) and a lower trim panel on the side of the center console.

Be careful fiddling with the linkages. Everything is plastic and easy to break, and replacing the heater box requires removing most of the dash.

1. Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
2. Drain the coolant until the coolant level is below the thermostat.
3. Remove the crossover exhaust pipe.
4. Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
5. Remove the thermostat housing bolts and clean any sealer from the bolt threads.
6. Remove the thermostat housing and gasket.
7. Remove the thermostat.
8. Install the thermostat.
9. Install the thermostat housing bolts and tighten them to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
10. Install the radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
11. Install the crossover exhaust pipe.
12. Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.
13. Good luck...
    
14. Fill the cooling system.
15. Install the thermostat housing and gasket.
16. Clean the mating surfaces.

Might be a weak or failing water pump... Does it leak antifreeze or do you have to add antifreeze very often? When the engine gets to operating temperature squeeze the top radiator hose and see if you can feel pressure from the water pump forcing water through it.

This is a common problem with Chevy Venture, Olds Silhouette, and  Pontiac Montana. The mechanical wiper drive and parking cam assembly, if it's not broken, needs adjustment. The spring loaded stop arm should engage the vertical tab on the assembly mounting plate when the wiper motor reverses. See pic. 
I will upload the instructions to fix this problem, if there is interest.

How do you know the thermostat is ok? If in doubt replace it. Water pumps are a even bigger what if. Did he do a radiator flush? Cooling system flush of the engine? Cooling fans come on at what temp and go off when? Replace the engine temperature sensor? 6 years old is bound to have sensors and such go bad.

Yes That is exaxtly what will happen, If the water pump is not pumping the antifreeze throught the system then not enough hot water will get to the heater core to give you heat inside the cabin and also not enough hot water will get to the radiator to get cooled off thus the overheating. Hope this helps.

It means the sensor that detects your oil pressure has seen a situation where the oil pressure is too low and engine damage will result. Could be just a bad sensor, but better have it checked with a mechanical gauge to see exactly what the pressure is.

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4 way flat molded connectors allow basic hookup for three lighting functions; right turn signal / stop light (green), left turn signal / stop light (yellow), taillight / license / side marker (brown) and a ground (white).

4 way tow vehicle side.
4 way trailer side.
5 Way Systems

Same as 4 way system listed above but adds a extra blue wire for brake signal or auxiliary power. Used on pop up camper trailers or utility / boat trailers.
5 way tow vehicle side.
5 way trailer side.
6 Way System, Rectangle Plug 3/4 inch by 1 inch 6 way rectangle connectors right turn signal (green), left turn signal (yellow), taillight (brown), ground (white). The red and blue wire can be used for brake control or auxiliary. Use on a small motorcycle trailer, snowmobile trailer or utility trailer. Can also be used as custom wiring on trailers with 3 light/wire systems. See "Tow Vehicle Taillight Wiring" below.
6 way tow vehicle side.
6 way trailer side.
6 Way Systems, Round Plug

Round 1 1/4" diameter metal connector allows 1 or 2 additional wiring and lighting functions such as back up lights, auxiliary 12v power or electric brakes. Note: The black (sometimes red) 12v and blue electric brakes wire may need to be reversed to suit the trailer. Check with a test light or VOM. Uses: horse trailer, travel trailers, landscaping trailer, car trailer, etc.

6 way tow vehicle side.
6 way trailer side.
7 Way Systems

Round 2" diameter connector allows additional pin for auxiliary 12 volt power or backup lights. Uses: heavy duty landscaping trailer, car trailer, boat trailers, horse trailer, travel trailer, construction trailer, etc. Check with a test light or VOM.

7 way RV flat blade tow vehicle side.
7 way RV flat blade trailer side.

It's a bit of a pain, but doable with simple tools.

Loosen the front lug nuts. Jack up the van and support it on the rails just behind the front tires (not the sub frame as you need to lower that a few inches). Remove the front tires. Disconnect the sway bar link pins, and the sway bar mounting bolts. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the knuckles. Support the rear ends of the sub frame, and remove the bolts mounting it to the van. Once the sub frame bolts are out, lower the rear end of the frame. I did this by using a jack, and placing the jack stands a couple of inches below the frame. Remove the sway bar from the van. You may need to drop the rack a bit more, but be careful as the steering shaft is still connected. You should be able to get at the bolt that attaches the rack stub to the steering rod by pushing up on the boot. Remove the sub shaft bolt. Disconnect the power steering lines from the rack (at the rack). Un-bolt the rack from the sub frame, there are two bolts. The rack should be able to be removed from the drivers side of the van. I replaced the tie rod ends and the sway bar bushings when I replaced mine (new link pins are easy at this time too). The installation is reverse of removal. I measured the tie rod distances when I put the new ends on. The only change I made was that I tied the steering shaft boot down onto the rack so I could install the bolt. I couldn't push the boot up high enough to get the bolt back in. Be sure to install the new power steering line seals that should come with the rack (buy new ones if it doesn't) - the lines are different sizes so you can't mix them up. Torque everything to spec when reinstalling (the cheap Hanes manuals have what you need along with these directions!). It's easiest to install the sway bar brackets when the sub frame is hanging down. Once it's together and running, check the power steering fluid. Get an alignment immediately (I set mine up before I changed the rack).
One last bit of advice, buy the rack with the longer warranty, you don't want to do this twice.