Pontiac Aztek ; issues/things to look out for ?

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Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
Don't let anyone kid you about the Aztec. There's something to be said for driving a theft proof vehicle.

Leave the key plus $100 bill plus a note "Please take this car and $100 for gas money".

Next day, the $100 bill is gone but the key is in the car and "No Thanks" note.
 
There's a lady at work that purchased one brand new after a divorce, still has it and has had zero problems, ever. She takes her dogs to shows frequently and the car suits her just fine for that. It's really a mini-van and she's modified the interior to hold the dogs. I think she has no idea that some people think it's ugly and problematic.

There was a repair done on the engine. The intake manifold was replaced and her father rewired the fuse block and added some extra ground connections. He also replaced the fan for the radiator with a custom dual electric setup. The father is really good with electrical stuff. He's a retired electrical engineer and claims that the main problem with the Aztec electrical system was poor and open grounds, some bad crimps and a few wires that should have been of a thicker gauge, especially the head and tail lights and the starter.

One more modification was done. Her father added a large transmission cooler and large inline filter when the Aztec was new at the same time they changed the fluid to Red Line. There's also now a sender that will turn on the fans if the fluid gets too hot and an indicator light added on the dash. There have been no transmission problems.

The car is maintained by her father and her son and like me they uses Red Line products. The car lives in S. Cal, is always garaged except when traveling to dog shows and I'm told, often parked out of the sun in parking structures. The car still looks brand new and you can't tell anyone in that family that this car is a piece of junk. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that's for sure.
 
Originally Posted By: earlyre
Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: KzMitch
Not to pile on here, but the Aztek has been referred to as one of GM's worst.

A real chick magnet.
crazy2.gif



not much of an issue in this case.
he's been with his Boyfriend/Fiancee for about a decade.(same sex marriage not legal in OH yet)


Its perfect for them. LOL
 
Originally Posted By: earlyre

I know they were notorious oil leakers...


Never heard that rumor about Azteks/3400s; I'm sure they leak no more frequently than similar vehicles.

Perhaps you're thinking of coolant leaks? The 3400 is sensitive to having all the air bled out of the cooling system and there are two tiny bleeders as well as a t-shaped fitting and hose just above the water pump which can be fussy about sealing properly.
 
Originally Posted By: earlyre
Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: KzMitch
Not to pile on here, but the Aztek has been referred to as one of GM's worst.

A real chick magnet.
crazy2.gif



not much of an issue in this case.
he's been with his Boyfriend/Fiancee for about a decade.(same sex marriage not legal in OH yet)


Hopefully they'll be able to get married in a few weeks when the SCOTUS decision comes down.

Other than the usual minor GM issues that can be easily fixed with readily available parts, it sounds like this should be a good vehicle, especially since it was just thoroughly gone through - it would be nice to know what was done to it. An Aztek is certainly going to be more entertaining to drive than a poorly reconstructed Vibe.
 
Unclear what the sexual orientation of the would-be driver has to do with it, but the Aztec is ugly, undesirable, and generally maligned in the transmission department. That said, they aren't close to the worst thing out there if well maintained, and actually have quite the cult following.

A previous co-worker had one and absolutely loved it. That said, she was a 60+ DoD civilian employee who knew nothing about vehicles at all.
 
Any way to get a list of what was done to the car or look at the repair invoices? It would be nice to know if it was really gone through and if they did things that are common for FWD GM V6s, or if it was just an engine flush, oil change, air filter, and magic fuel system cleaner.

If it has been maintained reasonably well, it's probably not a bad choice for someone who doesn't care about how it looks or likes the way it looks. Under the crazy body, it's just a U body van...much like a Venture or Montana. I have seen a Venture with over half a million miles on the odo before. If maintained, and if problems are dealt with before they mechanically total the vehicle, these can last and be decently reliable. The mechanical problems (intake gaskets, 4T65E valve body/solenoids, etc) have known fixes and easy repair parts availability. It is every bit as much of a pain to work on as the minivans though.

Getting some Aztek-specific parts may be a challenge. With things like side mirrors you have to go OEM or used...there just isn't enough demand for the aftermarket to make parts that aren't shared with other GMs.

I wouldn't mess with the recline on the front seats too much. My aunt has one of these and both front seat backs are stuck in the full upright position. Doesn't bother her a bit, but it would drive me crazy.

Oh, and if there is only one key, get a spare now. It's a PK3 transponder key like the minivans used. From GM they run about $30, and there are aftermarket options too. You can program it off the existing key in a few seconds, but you have to have an existing key (not original, but already learned by the car). It's a lot more expensive and time consuming to make a key for one of these if they all go missing since you will have to call a locksmith ($100-$150), or have it towed to a dealer (also about $100, not including towing).
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
I don't see what the point of bring that garbage into the thread.


Says the guy using the term "chick magnet"?
 
That was not a serious comment, its commonly used for ***** cars. There is a big difference between that and pushing the gay marriage agenda.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
That was not a serious comment, its commonly used for ***** cars. There is a big difference between that and pushing the gay marriage agenda.



The only ones pushing an agenda here are the folks who can't stay on topic, and divert into maligning the looks of the vehicles(knowing i'm asking about maintenance/mechanical issues), or making their disdain for others lifestyles known.
( i know the board rules, and am not looking to start a political discussion)

now, to get back on topic:

how were the OLM's on these? (it's either an '02, or '03) stick to the OLM? or stick with our existing 6mo/5k OCI?

do these GM engines "like" a certain oil or filter better? or just stick with my "what ever 5w30 is on sale, and wix, or Fram Ultra" ?
Currently have5 qts each, Pennzoil conventional, and Castrol Edge 5w30, and 10 qts of GC 0w30.

just bought an XG3387A, and a new Fram Air Filter for it.
 
Following the OLM is fine, just remember it needs to be reset if the oil is changed before it comes on.

The Pennzoil Conventional 5w30 would be great for this car.
 
You have asked that we stay on topic, earlyre, fine, we will...

You have not answered the question of whether the IM gaskets have been done on this vehicle.

If they haven't, the vehicle is not worth investing a penny in, as you will at best have to re-do them at considerable expense, and at worst, the engine will seize up.

GM minivans from that era were not reliable, good vehicles...I mean, having to re-build the top end of the engine, and re-wire the whole vehicle to get it to run right should not happen in the 2000's...

...and I actually don't mind the looks of the Aztec at all. Think they were unique and innovative at the time, at least Pontiac tried something different.
 
My moms 03' is a PITA with the OLM, I can't get it to reset so I just change every 5k miles. The air filters are a pain to change too, hard to get the tubes back in with the air filter housing. Check the PCV valve, my moms had the rubber hose "U" where it runs through melt and make it useless.

Also the fuel filter is easy to change. Parts stores sell 2 different kinds, I bought the wrong one on accident.

It'll run fine on any 5w30 you throw at it, hers has run dealer bulk, Pennzoil Ultra, Castrol GTX, Chevron Supreme HM, and currently Castrol GTX SynBlend. I usually use Wix filters but I have an AC Delco non-e-core on it now.

Oil filter isn't too difficult to get to either, below front valve cover, get to it from the bottom. The oil drain plug is a 14 or 15mm, can't remember. It also holds 4.5 quarts.

If the A/C isn't blowing hard, check the cabin air filter. It's in the glove box and easy to check/replace.

Batteries are a bit of a pain to replace on these. Keep this in mind- 1 13mm bolt for the top, 2 - 10mm bolts for the bottom of the brace. Also the battery hold down is a 13mm.

The rear 3 spark plugs are a NIGHTMARE to replace.

Well that's all my tips and tricks I can think of currently lol.
 
Originally Posted By: addyguy
You have asked that we stay on topic, earlyre, fine, we will...

You have not answered the question of whether the IM gaskets have been done on this vehicle.

well, as i stated in my original post,
Originally Posted By: earlyre

apparently mom has had it gone through, and had everything they found fixed, but i don't know what all was found/fixed.


and keep in mind, I'm a 3rd party to all this. it's Currently the property of my Friends Mom, Being driven by her youngest, who just turned 20. it will, next month, when mom is home on a visit from her job in Alaska, be transferred into my friend's name, and from that point, i will be doing the minor maintenance on the vehicle.

but as of now, i don't have access to any records, if they even exist., therefore i cannot answer a question about the IM gaskets. maybe next month, maybe not.
 
Originally Posted By: addyguy
...and I actually don't mind the looks of the Aztec at all. Think they were unique and innovative at the time, at least Pontiac tried something different.


Breaking Bad has made it an iconic vehicle!
 
Originally Posted By: earlyre


The only ones pushing an agenda here are the folks who can't stay on topic, and divert into maligning the looks of the vehicles(knowing i'm asking about maintenance/mechanical issues), or making their disdain for others lifestyles known.
( i know the board rules, and am not looking to start a political discussion)


No offense but when you posted this..
Quote:
he's been with his Boyfriend/Fiancee for about a decade.(same sex marriage not legal in OH yet)

You knowingly or not provoke people, with that statement you sent this thread right off topic, some of us don't care for that sort of stuff. Don't blame those you offend for your lack of judgment.
I don't care for the looks of the car but that doesn't matter i do know a lot about its drive train and most of the issues related to it.

I have nothing to contribute to this thread so i'm done.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: earlyre


The only ones pushing an agenda here are the folks who can't stay on topic, and divert into maligning the looks of the vehicles(knowing i'm asking about maintenance/mechanical issues), or making their disdain for others lifestyles known.
( i know the board rules, and am not looking to start a political discussion)


No offense but when you posted this..
Quote:
he's been with his Boyfriend/Fiancee for about a decade.(same sex marriage not legal in OH yet)

You knowingly or not provoke people, with that statement you sent this thread right off topic, some of us don't care for that sort of stuff. Don't blame those you offend for your lack of judgment.
I don't care for the looks of the car but that doesn't matter i do know a lot about its drive train and most of the issues related to it.

I have nothing to contribute to this thread so i'm done.



umm..that was a direct response to your "chick magnet" comment, i was simply explaining how that was not an issue in this case.
I've never heard that used as a "joke about ugly cars", or however you said it.
 
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