Segment:
Mid-size minivan segment.
Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, versatile seating arrangements, V6 engine power, affordable pricing.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to safely operate, maintain, and derive maximum utility from their 2004 Pontiac Montana, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges, warning lights, driver information center operations.
Entertainment Systems:
Radio operation, CD player, optional rear-seat entertainment systems.
Climate Controls:
Manual and automatic climate control operation, HVAC system features.
Lighting:
Exterior and interior lighting controls, headlight aim, fog lights.
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, parking brake, pedals.
Locks And Security:
Door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, anti-theft system.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belt operation, child seat LATCH system, airbag system.
Driving Operations:
Starting and operating the vehicle, transmission operation (P, R, N, D, L), towing information.
Customer Assistance:
Emergency procedures, roadside assistance, vehicle identification number (VIN) location.
Reporting Safety Defects:
U.S. specific information regarding reporting safety defects to NHTSA.
Cleaning And Care:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, stain removal.
Maintenance And Specifications:
Recommended maintenance schedule, fluid capacities, lubricant specifications, tire pressure.
Engine Compartment:
Location of key components, fluid fill points, basic checks.
Engine Oil:
Oil type, viscosity, capacity, checking oil level, oil filter part numbers.
Battery:
Battery type, capacity, jump starting procedure, battery maintenance.
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel type, octane rating, fuel tank capacity.
Air Filter:
Air filter replacement interval, filter part numbers.
Part Numbers:
Key maintenance part numbers (e.g., oil filters, air filters).
Refill Capacities:
Capacities for engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid.
Lubricant Specifications:
Detailed specifications for all required lubricants and fluids (e.g., engine oil API service, Dexron for transmission).
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed or dealer-installed accessories.
Service Information:
General service recommendations, break-in procedures.
Maintenance Information:
Detailed explanation of maintenance items and their importance.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, visual inspections.
Routine Service:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lights, basic diagnostics for common issues.
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of seat belts, child restraints, airbag system explanations.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a tire, what to do in case of an accident.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level knowledge for operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not contain detailed repair procedures or diagnostic flowcharts typically found in a service manual.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Likely rated 4 stars (based on similar GM vehicles of the era, verify in manual or NHTSA archives)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Likely rated 4 stars (based on similar GM vehicles of the era, verify in manual or NHTSA archives)
IIHS Ratings:
Ratings vary by year and specific test; owner's manual will not contain IIHS ratings directly.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for second-row seating.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on front wheels, potentially rear drum brakes with ABS.
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system available on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions. Check manual.
Cabin Air Filter:
Recommended replacement every 15,000-24,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Type:
GM Recommended Orange Coolant (DEX-COOL or equivalent compatible long-life coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III (verify in manual)
Common Complaints:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional transmission issues (torque converter shudder), power window regulator failures, HVAC blend door actuator problems, ABS sensor failures.