🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Montana

Year:

1999

Body Style:

Minivan

Platform:

GM U-body

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Minivan

Brand Strategy:

Pontiac offered the Montana as a more stylish and performance-oriented alternative within the minivan segment, often associated with a sportier driving experience.

Key Competitors:

Ford Windstar, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey.

Versatility:

Spacious interior with flexible seating configurations for passengers and cargo.

Comfort:

Designed for family transport with emphasis on ride comfort.

Powertrain Options:

Typically offered with V6 engines providing adequate power for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Owner's Operations and Information

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 250-300 pages (typical for this era of owner's manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Operation:

Explanation of engine functions, indicators, and basic care.

Transmission Operation:

Details on automatic transmission modes and usage.

Braking System:

Information on braking controls, ABS operation.

Steering System:

Basic operation of power steering.

Climate Control:

Operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Lighting System:

Headlight controls, interior lighting, and hazard lights.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, and indicator explanations.

Entertainment System:

Radio, CD player (if equipped), and speaker operation.

Power Features:

Power windows, door locks, and seat adjustments.

Safety Features:

Seat belts, airbags, child seat LATCH systems.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Information on Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) if equipped.

Exterior Features:

Door operation, tailgate, mirrors, wipers.

Interior Features:

Seat adjustments, storage compartments, floor mats.

Towing Information:

Guidance on towing capacity and trailer wiring (if applicable).

Starting And Driving:

How to start, stop, and operate the vehicle in various conditions.

Parking:

Proper parking brake usage and vehicle security.

Refueling:

Fuel type recommendations and procedures.

Fluid Checks:

Guidance on checking oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.

Tire Changing:

Instructions for changing a flat tire, including jack points.

Jump Starting:

Correct procedure for jump-starting a dead battery.

Fuse Replacement:

Location and replacement of fuses.

Bulb Replacement:

Guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.

Cleaning And Care:

Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning.

Troubleshooting Warnings:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meanings.

Emergency Procedures:

Guidance for specific emergency situations.

Depth Level:

Consumer-level operational and basic maintenance guidance.

Diagnostic Capability:

Limited to understanding warning lights and basic system indicators.

Repair Instructions:

No detailed repair or overhaul instructions; focuses on operation and basic upkeep.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable text, allowing for keyword searches.

Print Quality:

Printable on standard home/office printers.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.4L (207 ci) V6 OHV

Engine Code:

L32 (GM)

Horsepower:

180 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T65-E (GM)

Optional Transmission:

None typically offered for the '99 model year.

Overdrive Gears:

All 4 gears are overdrive, aiding fuel economy.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.7 inches

Width:

72.5 inches

Height:

69.0 inches

Wheelbase:

120.0 inches

Seating Capacity:

7 Passengers (typically 2-2-3 configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 25.3 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 72.5 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5,700 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Frontal Crash Rating NHTSA Driver:

4 Stars (1999 model year)

Frontal Crash Rating NHTSA Passenger:

4 Stars (1999 model year)

Antilock Brakes ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Optional (often paired with higher trim levels or specific packages)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts for all outboard positions, lap belts for center positions (third row).

Child Safety Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional). Brands could include Delco or aftermarket options.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

No standard auxiliary input (3.5mm jack) or USB ports available on this model.

HVAC Controls:

Manual or optional automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.27 liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Coolant Type:

GM Type II Pink Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Leaking intake manifold gaskets are a common issue on the 3.4L V6 engine.

Transmission Problems:

The 4T65-E transmission can experience issues with torque converter shudder or solenoid failures.

Power Door Locks:

Issues with power door lock actuators failing.

Window Motors:

Failing power window motors are not uncommon.

📚 Vehicle History

Pontiac Legacy:

Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles and a more youthful image within General Motors.

Minivan Introduction:

The Montana was introduced for the 1997 model year as the top trim level of the Pontiac Trans Sport, effectively replacing it as the sole Pontiac minivan offering from 1999 onwards, featuring updated styling and improved features.

U Body Platform:

The Montana is part of GM's U-body platform, shared with the Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette, and Buick GL8.

Manufacturing Location:

Doraville, Georgia, USA; Tarrytown, New York, USA.

Production Years For Model:

1999-2005 (as a standalone model)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for this generation of GM minivans were generally average to below average in terms of reliability.

Safety Awards:

Earned 4-star frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, which was competitive for its time.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 1999 model year.