Intake manifold gasket was leaking allowing oil and coolant to mix, further causing noisy valves; first noticed soon after 72,000 warranty expiration, also causing engine to intermittently lose power due to sludged/collapsed lifter (s) beginning at 110,000km. New gasket set fixed the problem ever since.
Routine brake service; perhaps less distance than expected on the brake linings.
Currently 2 problems I am dealing with:
1) a minor vibration in the front end which starts at over 100kph (60mph). This is a small- amplitude, but high frequency 'busy' kind of vibration which has eventually resulted in pulsing brakes due to uneven rotor wear, premature wear-out of ball joints tie rod ends and tires. The vibration progressively got worse as parts wore out and rotors & tires wore unevenly. All new parts have restored a decent ride, but now am back to the original minor vibration. Service shop can't find anything else wrong, including drive axles, but I suspect the axles as vibration changes with acceleration/ coasting and slight off-center steering.
2) No-start condition periodically since 200,000km, with the fuel pump relay "chattering" as it is driven with a pulsating DC (switching between 0V and 12VDC rapidly, instead of steady 12VDC) by the power-train control module (PCM). I have jumper-ed the relay contact to put 12V directly to the pump, which runs, but the car still won't start (no spark) while this condition exists. Eventually the problem disappears and normally starts again. The dealer said fuel pump is bad (shorted) causing relay chatter, but this makes no sense as there is no feedback from the contact circuit to the coil drive. A new relay was installed; old one cut open and it's contacts are still perfect.
Pulsating output comes straight from the PCM even with relay removed. I expect PCM is at fault. Is it fixable??
We have enjoyed the versatility of this vehicle, with 5 fold down and removable 2nd and 3rd row seats. Only wish they had head rests, as 1997's do. Good carrying capacity, used to advantage for summer trips back and forth to the cottage, always end up carrying something.
We have had no electrical problems.
The power side door occasionally needs to be reset; easily done.
We selected this minivan specifically to get the latest model available still made with rust & dent-proof plastic body.
I have noticed that newer models of other manufacturers' minivans have become more similar to the Trans Sport's shape and body proportions (e.g., longer sloping windshield and hood and driver further back, closer to middle of vehicle).
Hi there,
The vibration on higher speeds is in one of your wheel bearings unfortunately GM decided to make it a one peice offering called The wheel Hub & Bearing One Piece. this is your problrm all you have to figuire out is which one left or right.
T~
Well, you are lucky. Mine is the biggest lemon on four wheels, and has had problems with virtually every system since I bought it. Some things have been replaced two three and four times. This car is the worst of the worst. I think a YUGO would be better at this point.
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