Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile and spacious transportation
Key Competitors:
Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Windstar, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Versatility:
Flexible seating arrangements, ample cargo space
Comfort:
Comfortable ride, quiet interior for its class
Practicality:
Designed for everyday family use and utility
Primary Focus:
Vehicle Operation, Maintenance, and Safety
Digital Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, Linux compatible computers
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this model year and vehicle type)
Purpose:
To inform owners about vehicle operation, features, and basic maintenance
Distribution:
Electronic download, not a physical copy
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators
Driving Controls:
Steering wheel, pedals, gear selector, parking brake
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, fan speeds, temperature settings, air recirculation
Audio System:
Radio operation, CD player, speaker controls, antenna
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power mirrors
Seating And Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH system)
Cargo Management:
Rear liftgate operation, cargo area features, removable seating configurations
Tires And Wheels:
Tire pressure monitoring, wheel changing, spare tire location
Brakes:
Brake system operation, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) indicators
Electrical System:
Fuse box locations, battery maintenance (basic)
Startup Procedure:
Engine starting and stopping
Driving Techniques:
Normal driving, parking, specific driving conditions
Fuel And Refueling:
Fuel type recommendations, refueling procedure
Fluid Checks:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid levels
Tire Maintenance:
Tire inflation, tire rotation (recommended intervals)
Bulb Replacement:
Replacement of common exterior and interior bulbs
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Procedure for replacing windshield wiper blades
Jump Starting:
Procedure for jump starting a dead battery
Troubleshooting Warnings:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meaning
Scope:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance; not a repair manual
Diagnostics:
Limited to interpreting dashboard indicators and basic visual checks
Repair Procedures:
No in-depth repair procedures; refers to qualified service technicians
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for clear printing on standard printers
Text Searchability:
Typically text-searchable, allowing for quick keyword lookup
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF, no physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF, no physical paper)
Engine Code:
LA1 (GM 3400 SFI V6)
Engine Type:
3.4L V6 SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection)
Displacement:
3350 cc (204.4 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 83.7 mm (3.62 in x 3.30 in)
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.0 gallons (68 liters)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Transmission Designation:
GM 4T65-E
Optional Transmission:
None offered for 2004
Driver Modes:
Driver Shift Control (with separate Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low gears)
Length:
192.1 inches (4879 mm)
Width:
72.5 inches (1842 mm)
Height:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Wheelbase:
119.0 inches (3023 mm)
Front Track:
61.8 inches (1570 mm)
Rear Track:
62.0 inches (1575 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 150-160 cubic feet (varies slightly by configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 20-30 cubic feet (with seats in place)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 80-100 cubic feet (with 3rd row folded)
Cargo Volume Maximum:
Approximately 120-150 cubic feet (with 2nd and 3rd rows removed/folded)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4000-4200 lbs (1814-1905 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5500-5700 lbs (2495-2585 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated or not tested by NHTSA for this specific model year/configuration.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated or not tested by NHTSA for this specific model year/configuration.
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Not rated or not tested by NHTSA for this specific model year/configuration.
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Not rated or not tested by NHTSA for this specific model year/configuration.
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Poor to Acceptable (depending on specific tests and reporting for the era; generally not a strong performer in this category)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; available side-impact airbags for front occupants
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants; three-point seat belts for second and third row occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in second-row seating positions
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; optional cassette player and upgraded speaker systems
Display Type:
Basic digital display for radio and clock
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Rear Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
No factory auxiliary audio input (requires aftermarket adapter for modern devices)
Bluetooth:
No factory Bluetooth connectivity
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check manual for specific intervals, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or as indicated by fluid condition.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM specification)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets are a common issue with the 3.4L V6 engine, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating.
Transmission Problems:
Some 4T65-E transmissions can experience issues with torque converter shudder or solenoid failures.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window motors and regulators has been reported.
Rear Shock Mounts:
Wear or failure of rear shock mounts can lead to clunking noises and reduced ride quality.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its performance-oriented image within General Motors, often targeting younger buyers. The Montana aimed to blend this with family utility.
Pontiac Trans Sport:
The Montana was the successor to the Pontiac Trans Sport minivan, which had a more polarizing design. The Montana adopted a more conventional, albeit still distinctive, minivan styling.
Platform:
Based on the GM U-body platform, shared with Chevrolet Venture and Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Production Years:
1999-2005 (as Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana)
Manufacturing Location:
Doraville, Georgia, USA