van cuts out when going fast and long distances
rachaelsgifts
06-14-2005, 11:50 PM
I just found this forum and was wondering if anyone could help me! I have a 99 Montana with 87,000 miles on it and am at my wits end with it! This van has cost me $1,200 in repairs just in the past 6 months. I have an problem with it that 3 dealers now haven't been able to fix. Whenever I travel long distances the vehicle will be fine and all of a sudden it will jerk and cut out. Not around town just long distances. I have had new plugs, some caps for the plugs or something, fuel injectors cleaned but that didn't work. The last dealer checked the fuel pump and said it tested fine but they would replace that as a next step but couldn't guarentee it would work for $600. The THREE dealers I brought it to say they don't have a clue. Also when going over 55 mph the engine whines. I have no light on my clock, the wiper fluid in the rear comes out my back light, and the check engine, abs, and theft lock lights have been on so many times I think they are burned out by now. My drivers side window goes down crooked and I have to pull it up my hand. I am moving 2 hours away from my hometown and will be traveling back frequently,has anyone had a similar problem?
GregA
06-15-2005, 02:42 AM
I just found this forum and was wondering if anyone could help me! I have a 99 Montana with 87,000 miles on it and am at my wits end with it! This van has cost me $1,200 in repairs just in the past 6 months. I have an problem with it that 3 dealers now haven't been able to fix. Whenever I travel long distances the vehicle will be fine and all of a sudden it will jerk and cut out. Not around town just long distances. I have had new plugs, some caps for the plugs or something, fuel injectors cleaned but that didn't work. The last dealer checked the fuel pump and said it tested fine but they would replace that as a next step but couldn't guarentee it would work for $600. The THREE dealers I brought it to say they don't have a clue. Also when going over 55 mph the engine whines. I have no light on my clock, the wiper fluid in the rear comes out my back light, and the check engine, abs, and theft lock lights have been on so many times I think they are burned out by now. My drivers side window goes down crooked and I have to pull it up my hand. I am moving 2 hours away from my hometown and will be traveling back frequently,has anyone had a similar problem?
Rachael,
I have had a similar problem with the driver's side window and may be able to help you with that. See the link below:
Adjusting Power Window (http://www.links-to-golf.com/van/venture-repair-drivers-side-power-window.html)
As for the other stuff, it sounds like an electrical issue to me. I would start by checking the main battery cables for any loose or corroded connections or wires. Check both ends including main power and ground cables.
Next would be to carefully examine ALL of the relays and fuses (having to do with the ignition system) in the under-hood box for any sign of corrosion. Since the box is mounted right near the battery, any leakage from the battery could get into the connectors and wires and cause poor connections. Pull out each of the relays and look down in the connectors and make sure they are clean. If you see ANY white or greenish stuff in there, try to clean it out.
Hope this helps,
Rachael,
I have had a similar problem with the driver's side window and may be able to help you with that. See the link below:
Adjusting Power Window (http://www.links-to-golf.com/van/venture-repair-drivers-side-power-window.html)
As for the other stuff, it sounds like an electrical issue to me. I would start by checking the main battery cables for any loose or corroded connections or wires. Check both ends including main power and ground cables.
Next would be to carefully examine ALL of the relays and fuses (having to do with the ignition system) in the under-hood box for any sign of corrosion. Since the box is mounted right near the battery, any leakage from the battery could get into the connectors and wires and cause poor connections. Pull out each of the relays and look down in the connectors and make sure they are clean. If you see ANY white or greenish stuff in there, try to clean it out.
Hope this helps,
Glen_T
06-15-2005, 10:06 AM
Rachael,
Sorry to hear you are having so many problems.
I think you need to find a good mechanic (may not be a dealer, by the way), and have them diagnose it properly. It sounds like they're guessing almost. They should first check what codes are stored. If the light comes on when it cuts out, a code should be stored, and they can look at that to see where to start.
The mechanic is probably thinking two things. When an engine jerks quickly, it is usually ignition related, so he/she replaced the plugs and wires. The next step would be to look for a possible problem with the coils (provide the spark) that might show up when the engine gets hot or runs for awhile. That might not easily show up in his shop, but would show up on the road. Depending on the engine software, it might not store a code.
When the engine looses power or seems to be straining at highway speeds, they usually suspect a fuel delivery problem such as a plugged fuel filter or a weak fuel pump. Some pumps that are on the edge of failing can have low volume/pressure delivery when they get hot. If the fuel filter has not been replaced, do that first since a plugged filter will restrict fuel volume/pressure.
But, if it is a sharp cutout versus a smooth cutout of power, then the ignition is suspect and not fuel.
I'd ask them if they checked out the ignition coils since on some vehicles they can have problems when they get hot, and they are mounted on the engine.
The engine whine could be many things. If it changes frequency with the engine versus the road speed, it could be either engine, transmission, or tires.
The clock light (on the radio, I suppose?) is not uncommon. I understand the fix is easy, but getting to it by taking the dash and the radio apart is a pain.
Can't help on the window, but many times this can be avoided by some minimal application of some silicone lubricant. In your case, I think the other posters' response is better.
Hope this helps....glen
Sorry to hear you are having so many problems.
I think you need to find a good mechanic (may not be a dealer, by the way), and have them diagnose it properly. It sounds like they're guessing almost. They should first check what codes are stored. If the light comes on when it cuts out, a code should be stored, and they can look at that to see where to start.
The mechanic is probably thinking two things. When an engine jerks quickly, it is usually ignition related, so he/she replaced the plugs and wires. The next step would be to look for a possible problem with the coils (provide the spark) that might show up when the engine gets hot or runs for awhile. That might not easily show up in his shop, but would show up on the road. Depending on the engine software, it might not store a code.
When the engine looses power or seems to be straining at highway speeds, they usually suspect a fuel delivery problem such as a plugged fuel filter or a weak fuel pump. Some pumps that are on the edge of failing can have low volume/pressure delivery when they get hot. If the fuel filter has not been replaced, do that first since a plugged filter will restrict fuel volume/pressure.
But, if it is a sharp cutout versus a smooth cutout of power, then the ignition is suspect and not fuel.
I'd ask them if they checked out the ignition coils since on some vehicles they can have problems when they get hot, and they are mounted on the engine.
The engine whine could be many things. If it changes frequency with the engine versus the road speed, it could be either engine, transmission, or tires.
The clock light (on the radio, I suppose?) is not uncommon. I understand the fix is easy, but getting to it by taking the dash and the radio apart is a pain.
Can't help on the window, but many times this can be avoided by some minimal application of some silicone lubricant. In your case, I think the other posters' response is better.
Hope this helps....glen
shogunl
06-15-2005, 02:30 PM
My guess is you have a faulty Throttle position sensor.GM vehicle was notorious for this issue. Normally you would get a warning light as check engine.It is not gonna be cheap to replace. Good luck.
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