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Pontiac Montana Starts intermittently
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okypinoky
Novice
Jul 19, 2007, 9:26 AM
Post #1 of 4
(2134 views)
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Pontiac Montana Starts intermittently
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Hello:
I am having a starting issue with my 2001 Pontiac Montana. Recently the van has not been starting when you place the key into the "start" position.
In the Aux position all lights and bells come on, and stay on when you further turn the key to start. In the start position, nothing happens. Lights stay on, but no starting. No grinding, no noise, no bells, just silence (at least that I can tell).
If you turn the key to off, wait a sec or two and retry, the van will start. Relay??
I am not sure what and/or where to check first, so I am looking for a little help. Obviously I may need to check the starting system, but I am unsure as to where first and how.
Please be specific!
Thanks!!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 19, 2007, 10:27 AM
Post #2 of 4
(2132 views)
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Re: Pontiac Montana Starts intermittently
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Anything is tougher when intermittent. An old trick is to tap on the body of the starter motor with a hammer. I suggest a plastic hammer and don't go nuts on the thing it can crack it! If that works and it behaves better even for a few times it's a good clue that that the starter has brushes that are worn, dirty, or just not getting good contact. If that doesn't change anything it's not conclusive. You could try tapping a bit harder at your own risk.
Still check wiring and cable connections that they are making good contact. If you want you can dismantle the starter if that is highly suspect and correct this. If so hit back and I'll try to explain that but most would just replace the starter,
T
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okypinoky
Novice
Jul 20, 2007, 5:35 AM
Post #3 of 4
(2129 views)
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Re: Pontiac Montana Starts intermittently
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Tom:
Thanks for the additional info. I have tried to clean as many contacts as I can (it is have to get to may of them in most American cars). I know that there is a bulletin for GM cars for this type of symptom.
I have also pulled and reseeded many of the IGN relays/fuses hoping that one or more was loose.
Not had a problem yet, but have not driven anywhere either - just started it up at home various times of the day.
In case it is a starter, it this a somewhat simple and inexpensive task to perform. The van has just crossed the 100k mile mark. Perhaps it may be useful to just replace the starter due to age and prevent any potential issues in the future.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 20, 2007, 8:23 AM
Post #4 of 4
(2128 views)
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Re: Pontiac Montana Starts intermittently
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I can't say the life expectancy of a starter and wouldn't just replace one as preventative. Some cars I've owned needed a few over many miles and years and some I've never had to touch and behaved for the life of the car. For myself I like to get cars with about 100K at about 10yrs old as they hit a low price at about there and if it had reasonable care I've taken them on the next 10 years if rust doesn't kill them first. I also like chosing cars that old because it becomes well known that they were good cars or not by that age,
T
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