8.2
pretty bad
cooling system problem
Ongoing coolant loss and subsequent check engine light. Checked found problem codePO141 Heater circuit, HO2S-12 (bank 1, Sensor 2, heater circuit malfunction. Replaced O2 sensor on catalytic converter. Still had check engine Lite. Consulted with mechanic to replace front sensor on exhaust pipe. Analysis revealed coolant contaminated and at this time unclear whether I have intake manifold or engine head gasket problem.
- mlstampsoregon, Beavercreek, OR, US
I was on a trip and my engine coolant light came on...stopped and found reservoir empty. Filled to specs and lit went out...however, susequently I was continually replenishing water to keep coolant lite off.
- mlstampsoregon, Beavercreek, OR, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My problem started 10/31/07. My temp gage went way up on the way home from work. I pulled off expressway and into jiffy lube to have coolant checked. They topped in off but said that it wasn't really low. The next couple of weeks the low coolant light keep going on/off. I kept checking coolant level but seemed ok. By end of Nov. I started getting no heat issues. I took it into repair shop who replaced water pump/thermostat/belt. Cost USD 330.00. Afterwards low coolant light still was coming on and I took it back 2 more times to check. Finally I was told it was probably a head gasget but they weren't sure. Now its Jan.08 and my car overheat light went on. I took it to 2nd repair shop who replace an auxiliary water pump. Cost. $300.00. I drove it home only for the low coolant light to go on again. I took it back again and they checked in said probably a head gasket but car passed 2 chemical test for bad head gaskets. So in disgust and frustration and took it to Pontiac dealer for inspection who told me it is lower manifold gasket and they want $1000.00 to fix. At this point I'm not sure what to do. Should I spend the money? Or use the Van as a trade in on a Toyota or Honda. No more GM cars for me.
- Tracy O., Schaumburg, IL, US
This was down right horrible. Part of the problem was my wife was driving it, so wasn't paying attention, but when the gasket went, so did the fluid, and that caused MASSIVE overheating, ruined the engine.
THIS IS A MAJOR REPAIR, don't mess with it if you can help it.
- Brian R., Marana, AZ, US
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This is the 2nd time, in 2 engines, that this has happened. I caught it early this time, so it was only a huge pain in the arse to get it fixed (I ended up doing it myself for only about a hundred bucks, but it took me forever. Everywhere I called gave me about a 800 dollar quote. It is a LOT of labor.
- Brian R., Marana, AZ, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Haven't fixed it yet, now uses 1 gallon antifreeze every 250 miles, lifters click as oil is contaminated, oil must be changed every 2-3 weeks. Needs a new gasket at the least, new engine would probably be best. NOT from GM, might try Jasper...
- Michael R., Bristol, VA, US
This is the second time since we got the van (used) in 2003. the first tie it was covered by extended warranty - this time I'm paying & it hurts.
Will GM ever offer a 1,00,000 miles /10year warranty?
- Muslim C., Mason, OH, US
GM should have recalled this, or at least covered the cost of repairs. It seems they are still using the same coolant and gaskets; Harley Earl is rolling over in his grave! I have 3 GM's now but will never own another one unless its made before 1975.
- Michael R., Bristol, VA, US
Only problem we have had so far, but when I took it to the shop to be repaired he said he has replaced about 20 of these gaskets on Montana's in the last year. Problem should be dealt with by GM.
- smith99, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada
Ok hear we go. Intake manifold gasket went, transmission auto went, 4 fuel pumps, 2 wiring harnesses for fuel pump, blistered hood, fan control only works on high, remote mirrors quit, light in radio went out and can't see what station it's on, shall I go on I can but i'll stop here and add more complaints later.
- Dwayne V., Surrey, B. C, Canada
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
First and last Pontiac I will ever purchase. Only purchased because we were in desperate need of a family vehicle and we were able to purchase the vehicle outright and not have to worry about financing. I've worked on older Pontiacs ( Early 90's ) and have seen what the engineer's faults were in the water pump/cooling system, for friends of the family.
- Joseph H., Pawnee, OK, US