Rear Wiper

[bikehauler]

I just (3 weeks ago) got my 2001 Montana with 143,000. So far I really like this van!! It will haul my old bikes well and I can sit in it without pain (tailbone). I'm also getting 21mpg which is better than the 15mpg I would have gotten with a Suburban.
With all that being said, I have discovered a couple little issues that I will need to address. My rear wiper won't work. The washer will. I checked the fuse and it's good. I can, and will, check all the usual suspects (switch, motor, wiring), but thought I would see what others have come across with this. Thanks, Scott

 

[Steelcity]

try spraying some wd 40 or your favorite lube on the shaft, some times they get frozen from lack of use. I really never use mine but the wife does.

 

[bikehauler]

Thanks, I'll try that. The wiper blade is all deteriorated as if it has not been used in a year or three!! Other than the headlights and missing strap on the rear hatch you would sware this thing is brand new!! I am still using the dealer place mats! lol

 

[Steelcity]

Good find, u treat it right it will be around for a long time, seems as if the tranny is the weak link, keep the fluid fresh. So the rockers are in good shape ?

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[Jack99]

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Agree about GM having weak transmissions. Not too sure if its due to mechanics or because they "run hot". Or, perhaps a combination of both. ????

For my Montana van, I installed an aux ATF cooler (Hayden 5,000 lbs). re: http://www.bulkpart.com/2/product/hayden-transaver/OC-1678.html If wondering, I don't pull 5,000 lbs trailers. I might pull a loaded max 2,000 lbs trailer to local dump a few times a year. My local transmission specialist told me to buy/install "next size up" aux ATF cooler for all GM vehicles. Especially if one lives in hot climate and/or region with hills. re: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana Van/SummerRAD-1.jpg

Hope this helps..

 

[bikehauler]

Absolutely 0 rust! I'll have to watch the tranny. My commute to work is hilly and I already had trouble with a '95 Suburban transmission.

 

[bikehauler]

I haven't read the owner's manual yet, but it sounds like I could get a small fold down camper and pull it fairly safely?

 

[Steelcity]

Well they say they can tow either 3000 or 3500??? But whatever life you have left in ur tranny I'm sure it will suck it out. But you bring up a good point , i would lime to hear from anyone that tows with there Montana.

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[jesse v]

I tow 2 sportbikes on a Yacht Club 3-rail trailer with my 05 Montana. I'd estimate it totals 1000 lbs. I just got the van 9 months ago, and I've towed several times--Usually with just one bike, occasionally with 2, and in the Black Hills no less. No problems so far. Just give yourself extra stopping distance.

 

[Steelcity]

Thanks for sharing, maybe they made improvements in the transmissions. Plus it depends on how you drive them also.

 

[5_more]

towing with Montana

Well they say they can tow either 3000 or 3500??? But whatever life you have left in ur tranny I'm sure it will suck it out. But you bring up a good point , i would lime to hear from anyone that tows with there Montana.

We towed a 2,400 lb tent trailer with our Montana for 4 or 5 summers. Not miles and miles mind you but on the trips we did take, it performed just fine.

 

[5_more]

The rear wiper motor on our 2005 Montana is disastrous. We bought it used, motor lasted about a year. I searched everywhere for a replacement other than the $500 one from GM and no-one had it. Not even wrecking yards..... This right away told me it was a big issue. I finally found an aftermarket new one, replaced it for about $75 and it too only lasted about a year.
I also know 2 other Montana owners who have given up replacing theirs too. Shoddy motors. :-(

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[Steelcity]

Check out rockauto.com they have a ac delco rear motor new for $77 plus you can usually find a 5% off coupon.

 

[Midnightwreck]

It may not necessarily be the fault of the motor. My wiper stopped working on my 2006 a few years ago. I took it all apart from the window, and with the motor still plugged in, I turned it on and found it worked fine. The problem turned out to be years of salt and sand grit got into the tube that the motor shaft fits into. I cleaned out the shaft using a 1/2" copper pipe brush and greased it up. It worked great and is still working today. It may not be your problem, but worth a shot.