🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Montana Year: 1999 Generation Platform: GM U-body (Second Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Minivan Manufacturer Positioning: Pontiac's entry into the popular minivan segment, offering practicality and family-friendly features with a touch of sporty styling. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Windstar, Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna. Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Spacious interior, versatile seating, available all-wheel drive (optional on some trims), distinct Pontiac styling cues. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Operation: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Customer Assistance, Cleaning Technical Systems: Entertainment Systems, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories Maintenance And Service: Maintenance and Specifications, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications Safety And Regulatory: Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only) Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for a 1999 owner's manual) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (general operation, fluids), Fuel System (information), Ignition System (basic operation), Exhaust System (basic operation) Chassis: Brakes (basic operation, fluid checks), Steering (basic operation), Suspension (basic operation) Electrical: Instrument Cluster (indicator lights, gauges), Lighting Systems, Battery (maintenance), Entertainment Systems (radio, cassette/CD player basics), Locks and Security (power locks, keyless entry basics) Comfort And Convenience: Climate Controls (HVAC operation), Seating and Safety Restraints (seat belt usage, airbag system overview), Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Cruise Control Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking engine oil, checking coolant, checking brake fluid, checking windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, refueling Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., starting problems, electrical issues) Safety Information: Proper use of seat belts, child restraint systems, airbag system explanations, safe driving practices Cleaning And Care: Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, paint care basics Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level basic maintenance, operation of vehicle features, safety guidelines. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader), compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files. Print Quality Quality: Digital facsimile of factory original, quality dependent on original printing and scanning. Text is typically searchable. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 3.4L (207 cu in) V6 OHV Bore X Stroke: 3.50 in x 3.54 in (88.9 mm x 89.9 mm) Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 Horsepower: 180 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Fuel Information Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (5W-30 recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (4T65-E) Optional Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron-III (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 199.7 inches Width: Approx. 72.1 inches Height: Approx. 67.8 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 112.0 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 159.4 cu ft Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3,950 - 4,200 lbs (depending on configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver: Not Available for 1999 model year specifically, but U-body minivans of this era generally performed moderately. NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger: Not Available for 1999 model year specifically. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on front wheels, optional on rear. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seat Belts: Front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners. Child Safety: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard in 1999, but manual will cover proper use of child seats with seat belts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo radio with Cassette player and/or CD player, optional premium sound systems. Controls: Dash-mounted controls for audio and climate, steering wheel mounted audio controls available on some trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Connectivity Auxiliary Inputs: Not typically equipped with standard auxiliary or USB inputs. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or based on Oil Life Monitoring System if equipped and properly functioning. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles Air Filter Replacement: Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Transmission Fluid Change: Check fluid level regularly, change every 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions). Fluid Specifications Engine Coolant Type: GM Goodwrench 50/50 Coolant/Water Mixture (or equivalent, typically orange/pink ethylene glycol-based) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid Type: Dexron-III (or equivalent) Known Issues Common Problems: Intake manifold gasket leaks, torque converter shudder (4T65-E transmission), dashboard cracking, power window regulator failures, rear heat core leaks. Part Numbers...
Instrument Cluster (indicator lights, gauges), Lighting Systems, Battery (maintenance), Entertainment Systems (radio, cassette/CD player basics), Locks and Security (power locks, keyless entry basics)
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate Controls (HVAC operation), Seating and Safety Restraints (seat belt usage, airbag system overview), Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Cruise Control
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., starting problems, electrical issues)
Safety Information:
Proper use of seat belts, child restraint systems, airbag system explanations, safe driving practices
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, paint care basics
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level basic maintenance, operation of vehicle features, safety guidelines. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader), compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files.
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital facsimile of factory original, quality dependent on original printing and scanning. Text is typically searchable.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
3.4L (207 cu in) V6 OHV
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.54 in (88.9 mm x 89.9 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Information
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (5W-30 recommended)
AC Delco PF2 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3506, WIX 51042)
Air Filter:
AC Delco A1785C or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA5778, WIX 42500)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its 'Excitement' branding, often offering sportier versions of standard GM vehicles.
Model Evolution
Montana Introduction:
The Pontiac Montana replaced the Trans Sport in the Pontiac minivan lineup for the 1999 model year, offering a more conventional design and updated features.
Platform Basis:
Based on the GM U-body platform, shared with Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette, and Buick GL8 (China).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Doraville, Georgia, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Ratings:
Consumer satisfaction and reliability ratings for this era of GM minivans were often mixed compared to Japanese competitors.