1997 Pontiac Trans Sport: engine overheating

Filed Nov 7, 2008 · Engine · MI

In nov. Of 2007 I was having a problem with my van overheating and was losing engine coolant but could not see where it was going. I later found out that I had a faulty intake manifold gasket, which cost me over 800.00 to repair. Not long after the gasket was repaired the van started overheating again and I discovered that the water pump was blown, that was another 174.00 to repair. Now I am still having the same problem with the van overheating and coolant leaking and I was just informed that it is a head gasket which is going to cost me over 1700.00 to fix. This is ridiculous, I know 3 other people who have the same make and model van as I do with the same engine and they are all also having the same problems with their vans. It seems to me that this is too much of a coincidence and that their should have been a recall in place to rectify the problems with these faulty parts. These are extremely expensive repairs and I personally do not have an extra $1700.00 just laying around, so now I am faced with the choice of junking my van and trying to get a new one which I cannot afford or fixing it which I also cannot afford.

Filed Jul 22, 2008 · Engine · 72,000 miles · OK

Our 1997 pontiac transport has had 3 head gasket failures. The first was at 72000, second at 88,000 and is currently dead in front drive with water in the oil again. Had new heads put on at 72000. Vehicle overheats and does not show on gauges. You hear it bubbling when it's shut off. Also had to replace alternator 3 times and van only has 110,000 miles on it. We've had since new.

Filed Apr 24, 2004 · Engine · 92,000 miles · TX

Dexcool in 1997 pontiac transport corroded intake manifold gasket enabling oil and dexcool to mix in oil and gumming up, causing engine to overheat and self destruct. No warning whatsoever. No warning lights. No lost oil or coolant. Maintained at manufacturer intervals. Requires $6,000 engine replacement. Old oil and dexcool samples are available as are all parts (manifold intake gasket). Over 1100 people have this registered complaint -- see www.gm-v6lemons.com for others.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · PA

Our 97 pontiac transport was fine until last year. New transmission (70,000 miles, o.k.) then a few months later it began overheating--new thermostat, which worked for a few weeks, then new radiator, which worked for a few weeks, then, when the mechanic said it probably needed a head gasket ($2000 or more) we decided to get rid of it. But we were not even able to use it as a trade in, because it overheated so badly. The electrical system had always been quirky, but livable (I.e. The gas gauge had never worked, the windows were very slow and the cell phone plugs never worked) I called the dealer (peruzzi, in langhorne, pa) but, of course, it was not their problem. The mechanic told us that gm was using a new coolant in their 97's which became problematic as it aged--he thought that might have been the original source of the problem, but acknowledged that gm has not admitted to any error. We were the original owners and always maintained the car properly, from day one. The mechanic is a personal friend, and has an excellent reputation. The car was sold for junk. It's value, according to edmunds.com, was about $6000/7000 .

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 67,950 miles · ME

Engine failure due to leaking intake maifold gasket on 3.4l engine. Engine was meticulously maintained to that point, with all service receipts to prove that fact. No pervious coolant leakage was noted before the problem. Engine began making severe knocking noises while driving in mountains of wyoming. Service tech at laramie gm auto center said that the enging was losing oil pressure and consuming (losing) coolant. Coolant leaked into the intake mainfold through the faulty intake mainfold gasket. I had the repair done, and now 28,000 into the new engine, I am hearing various engine noises again. Will go to new local dealer for analysis. Gm should repay me for this--they will not admit any responsibility for this problem, only offering a discount on a new gm car. I am still paying on this vehicle, because the money that would have gone into payments went toward the new engine at 67,950 miles. Driver's side power window regulator has also failed. $650 estimate to replace it. Numerous other problems with this car--many have been repaired through recalls. The engine issue should be a recall as well, or a class action should be started.

Filed Mar 30, 2003 · Engine · 75,000 miles · SC

Engine has been overheating for a year now. Took vehicle to pontiac. They tested it and replaced the water pump. Still overheating so they replaced the thermostat and radiator cap. Still overheating. Pontiac stated it needed a new head gasket and wanted $3500.00 to replace it. They further stated they were not sure this was the problem either. I have already paid $500.00 for the previous service. I have read there are many others with this same problem with gm 3.4 liter engines.

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Engine · OH

The vehicle experienced a coolant leak, which caused the vehicle to stall.

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Engine · 65,000 miles · PA

My wife and I are the original owners of a 1997 pontiac transport with 71,000 miles. Since about 65,000 miles, it seemed to very slowly lose coolant, but we could not find out where it was going. At 70,000 miles, a "white milky sludge like jelly material" appeared in the engine, and right away I knew we had a problem. This vehicle has been meticulous maintained, so immediately I took it to our local pontiac dealer and informed them that we had coolant leak. The service department at the dealer confirmed that the lower intake manifold gasket had failed, allowing coolant to mix in with the oil. They had to replace the gasket and flush out the motor all to the tune of $731.00. Calling gm customer service was a waste of time because they "denied" any problems, and they said since the vehicle was out of warranty, we were responsible for any repairs. Come to find out that a lot of others were experiencing the same intake manifold gasket issues with gm. I am hoping that our problems was caught in time as it seems like many folks are worse off. I know that my vehicle is out of warranty, but since the problem seems to be widespread across many gm vehicles, models, and engines, I think that gm should be held responsible for some/all of the costs associated with this gasket defect/service issue. I didn't know if you might be able to help out??

Filed Sep 1, 2000 · Electrical · FL

Took vehicle in for routine service & noticed left rear brake light needed replacing due to overheating & melting the surrounding plastic. It was warped. *ak