Chevy Vans: Problems & Solutions

whizerbang · December 2005

I have the same problem with my gas gauge, only worse. It reads either full or empty, nothing else. I think the tank unit is bad.
On the lights, I bought my 2000 Venture used, and had to read an owners manual to find out how to get the interior lights to work. Seems that you have to "program" the lights, so see your owners manual. There is also a switch on the overhead console that can control the interior lights, at least there is on my Bugs Bunny edition.

whizerbang · December 2005

I purchased my 2000 Venture used, and it has 130,000 miles. It runs well, but leaks oil and a little anti-freeze. I can't see where it leaks either one, the radiator and hoses seem fine, the overflow tank I checked. I suspect the water pump, but can't see it to check. The front main seal looks like it might leak, but not certain. Anyone had these problems fixed? Also when driving the gas gauge moves from near empty to full, usually staying on the full mark. Sometimes it stays on empty, regardless of the amount of gas in the tank. I use the trip computer to tell how much gas I have used. I have the Bugs Bunny edition, and I can't tell whether it has the 20 or 25 gallon tank. Do any of you know what size tank these models have?
Thanks for any help.

1panky · December 2005

I had the same problem recently with my 2000 Venture with 115,000 miles with an antifreeze leak. At first I thought it was the water pump but after my mechanic checked it over he determined it was the head gasket. Well, 2,000 dollars later including a new water pump, oil change, thermostat, plugs, etc; I am now driving a smooth running van. The head-gasket alone was over $300.00. The water pump was replaced because it was making a "high-pitched" squeal that signalled an additional future repair. Oh well, as long as i noticed this problem in my driveway and not on the open road.

crackchecker · December 2005

Your fuel guage has gone bad!

The only fix is to replace the pump and guage as a whole unit. I just did mine about a month ago. Expect around $450+ .

miller16 · December 2005

I recently purchased a 2001 Venture LS with 85,000 km on it. It has the auto leveling shocks in the back. I noticed when going over a large bump, or small pothole ( we live 5 miles on a dirt road) there is an audible clunk from either the front right or left side. It rides and handles normally. I took it to our regular mechanic, who replaced the passenger side tie rod end and installed 4 new snow tires. I then took it to a specialist to align the front end . I asked mechanic #2 his diagnosis of the front end clunk, and after a test drive he told me the struts were leaking and bottoming out. He quoted me $250 CDN each for the parts. I asked if it was advisable to replace only the defective one or should they both be replaced at the same time. He said it didn't matter. I don't know who to believe. The clunk is still there. I am concerned because we plan on buying an ultra-lite trailer next summer and I want the suspension to be in tip top shape. Any suggestions ?

edjet · December 2005

Replace your struts in matched pairs. If one is bad, good chance the other is not to far behind. I also would suggest to get another opinion from a dealer, or another local independent service tech that has been arounf for a long time. These guys don't stay in business if they screw people. Dirt roads are tough on most cars, and will play havoc on the suspension. Good luck, and good day.

123venture · December 2005

Thanks crackchecker,
Please read this below and if you know the answer please repond.
check for corrosion on the pins where a cable is plugged in that goes to the guage readings on the dash. after they cleaned the pins I didnt have any more problems. I learned the hard way because that sensing unit they put in the gas tank cost me about $400 Dollars and I dont think that I needed it.

starchy · December 2005

I have a 2000 Venture LS with 190 KMs, and the airbag light has stayed on for 2 months. Now it is cold and it has gone out. It comes on for a few seconds intermittently, but is mostly off. I have heard that the air bag systems are warrantyed for 7 years, a Cdn federal law. Is this true? If so, I will have GM look into my problem. I hope they can determine the fault if the light is off when I take the van in. Has anyone heard of a federal gov't mandated warrant?
Thanks

starchy · December 2005

I recently had my front widsheild replaced and the shop found that both upper corners of the metal roof had rusted away. Couldn't see any rust until the glass was out and the rubber gasket removed. He said this was common on Ventures and Chryslers. He loaded the space up with his rubber sealer compound and said that this usually seals it quite well. If it leaks, it would have to go to a body shop for a proper fix. Has been Ok since March 05 to now (Dec 05).
Starchy

gcroker · December 2005

I have a 97 astro van.When I go down the road it bucks and misses really bad;it does this at all speeds.But when the outside temperature is below 25 degrees it runs fine.What is the cause of this?The computer codes say misfire on all cylinders[which I knew]but thats all I got to go on.Im pretty sure this is a TBI motor.Any help would help....thanks George

jhun · December 2005

I had this problem with my 2001 Venture, the dealer replaced a certain parts I think the PCM. Recently my van won't start it was towed and brought to the dealer found out the battery positive terminal was busted. How can this be I only had 60K. I asked if I can look at the battery, they let me. Looks like the battery exploded on that terminal.

byker220 · December 2005

My wipers stay in the full upright position when the switch is off. Has anyone else had this problem and knows of a fix?

mimage · December 2005

I have a 97 astro awd van that i purchased in june of 2005. I went to start it up today and for some reason it would not start. Engine turns and all systems appear to be functioning except i no longer hear the fuel pump.
Since i purchased the van i have been concerned with noise from fuel pump but was told by my mechanic that it was normal. I did not have any signs of pump going out during this entire time thats why i am really frustrated that i cannot start the engine especially when i use it for work. Been really happy with the van up until now because i was not prepared nor have the funds to cover such an expensive repair.

alleclerc · December 2005

I'm new to this cite but I can identify with many of the grievances people have had... my 2000 Venture Van had the head gasket, manifold gasket, battery, window switch problem, water getting in at the back, catalytic converter needing replacing, brakes leaking . . . and now my transmission has just been replaced!!! My van only has 124 000 km on it!
I did get the area manager to pay for half of the head gasket problem when my van had 84 000 km. Funny that the dealership didn't mention this "goodwill warrantee" when I paid the bill . . . I had to write to the company to get this after reading about it in Lemon Aid.
I am planning to take GM to small claims court for the transmission since they refused to help with any expenses. I just need to get some testimonials from transmission repair people who can attest to the fact that the Venture/Montana transmissions have had problems. What do you think the odds are of winning?

jordreg · December 2005

Has anyone had an issue with their temperature gauge not registering? I have checked the fuses and all seem good.

The gauge does not register...or at least move up at all.

The coolant levels are good as well.

Any suggestions?

lemieux · December 2005

Hi, im currently having the same problem. I have a 2000 chevy venture and all of a sudden in the last couple days my temperature gauge wont move. If i drive for like one hour or more it might move slightly. I have some heat but its very little. I find that having it on recirculate the inside air moves the gauge faster. Have you figured out what happened with your vehicle and if so could you email me, i was under the assumption that it was just a thermostat. Ive had non stop problems with mine since we bought it. thank you.

lemieux · December 2005

chuck17 · December 2005

Interesting, last month, I did the head gasket on my 2001 Venture, last summer it was a boss on the A/C condenser that mysteriously cracked. Now I'm getting a really bad noise and vibration coming from the tranny. I've changed the fluid and filter twice in the last 3 weeks. What ever came about from your issue?

deniseh · December 2005

No, I never did find out what the problem is. Guess I'll wait till warm weather comes again!!

let me know if you find anything out!!

deniseh · December 2005

I have a 2000 Venture Van, and the cd player has quit working. The error message says "Check CD", but there is no cd in the player. This message flashes continually, whether the van is running or not; also makes a grinding noise. Has anyone had this happen??

alleclerc · December 2005

Nothing yet. I've come to know of two GM mechanics (through friends) and I am hoping to access information before going to court. I figure that I need something solid that says that the problem is not uncommon before a judge will say it is not acceptable and make them pay. Hope you got GM to pay for at least half of your head gasket because that problem is definitely documented . . . they paid for half of mine at 84 000 km after I wrote to the District Manager. If I go to court for the transmission I might ask for more for the head gasket because it is such a recognized problem.

jese314 · December 2005

We have a Chevy Venture that is a 2005. Also have had numerous problems including the drivers side window not working properly (rolls down only when it wants to), the cup holder does not stay in, the cig lighter plugs where you plug in a cell phone charger not working, the front drivers side door panel falling off, the front head light filled with water, the windshield making this awful noise and now my cousin got her foot stuck in my sliding side door and could have lost her leg. Chevy is refusing to fix these problems or address the safety issues. I absolutely regret buying this van. Anyone who is considering buying one should run in the other direction now!

screwgm · December 2005

97 99 gm models have major problems with fuel pumps. Its a small switch that runs the gas gage that fails. Cost 700.00 to repair.

screwgm · December 2005

97-2000 GM fuel pumps are junk. expect to pay 700-800.00 to repair.

screwgm · December 2005

2000 astro, Replaced vacuum line to correct AC problem in summer. Now heater will not direct on floor vents. It only goes onto windsheild. I figure its a vacuum line, but were?

dawnie28 · December 2005

3 wks ago the van didnt start up so we left it alone(its a 2001 we bought it at 27 thousand miles, its now at 35 thous , owned it 11 mos now) called up someone to pick it up..found out the battery was dead, alternator and starter are great...we get it back, we do errands, come home eat, then go to walmart, turn it off, go in store, come back and try to start it up, the lights flickered on like it was going to start, and then everything went black..nothing...someone jumped it, got it back home, we let it run, turned it off, now back to black...nothing...anyone know what might be the prob because im starting to get aggravated and we owe 9 grand on it still and we just paid 255 to get the battery, labor, a new tie rod, and the alignment done, we also have to dish out more money on weds to get two new tires put on it thanks to the other problems with it..we are on a tight budget and cant afford any other problems with it

come to find out when we bought the van, we were told we had 3 yrs warranty on it, come to find out we were lied to (by a salary employee), we were told why buy the extended now since you have 3 yrs to think about it..

we have since moved to texas from VA..we were told by the Va dealership if we bring it back up there, they will do a goodwill but down here they wont and they knew we were military and moving when we bought it...ugh!

cob · December 2005

Check the line you replaced last summer again to make sure it did not break or come off. I am not sure if there are any lines under the dash that could have come off.

johnaec · December 2005

I recently purchased a 99 Astro with only 42K mles and the Dutch Door option. I really didn't want the Dutch doors, but it's what it had. Looks like I was right. Less than 2 weeks ownership, and the upper portion won't open. It makes all the sounds, like you can hear what seems to be the mechanism working inside the door, but no go.

I read a bunch of other messages here about similar problems, but none seem to address mine directly.

Any suggestions? I can't even see any way to get into the mechanism from the inside - there doesn't appear to be any way to get the inside panels off while the door is closed. Is a dealer shop going to be able to help me without damaging something? I've got a bunch of stuff that I really need to get out!

Thanks for any info - John

johnaec · December 2005

Well, I managed to get the trim piece off from the inside, though it meant cracking it where the two upper side screws were, since you can't get to those unless the door is open, (bad design!). I was then able to see where the little plastic connector/holders that hold the outside ends of the release rods to the actual latches had broken on both ends. Hopefully I can get just these from Checy parts. (Why'd they make them plastic, anyway??). I really can't figure how both of them broke at once - maybe when I see what the whole part looks like it will make sense.

John

michinct · January 2006

Hello...I had this problem with my Astro earlier today and found out I was low on coolant. Check it out. Hope this helps.

michinct · January 2006

Hey guys, I need some HELP...PLEASE !!! I bought this astro not running figuring that it needed a fuel pump. I replaced that and the fuel filter. I then ended up replacing the computer modelue as well. SO I got it running then ended up bringing it to the garage because it was starting intermittantly. They spent a whole bunch of time troubleshooting it and found that there was a bad wire going to the computer module. They replaced/ repaired that and let me have it. I started it up first second I turned the key ! My next stop was Maaco and got a quote of 1270 to strip her down the metal and paint her up. Bad primer as we all probably know. Well.....after driving the van for approx 45 mi I stopped to get something to eat, when I started her back up I was thinking that it might not have been a bad purchase after all when she just died. I turned the key in attempts to start her several times but nothing. I got some starting fluid and she started and stopped. I can hear the fuel pump run for 3 seconds then turn off like it is suppose to. I put 5 gal of gas in but that still didn't do it. The gauge shows over 1/2 full. For some reason the fuel is not getting to the engine with a new pump and filter and I am stumped ! I am open to suggestions.

dturner1 · January 2006

code P1406 is EGR pintle position circuit.
Remove EGR check for carbon build up.

clozo · January 2006

Had this problem on our 01 Venture too. Was fixed last month. Weak radiator and coolant hoses replaced. Got the van back and one week later had to have the thermostat replaced for the same problem.

doc_blazin · January 2006

I was driving back from vacation the other day and at 10:30 at night all the lights went out. I pulled over and turned on the light switch. The head lights came on (I had the "day" running lights on before). I went to a gas station and found out that my fuse was blown for the day time running lights. The thing is my regular parking lights did not work when I turned on the headlights, until I replaced the fuse for the Day time runners.

Anyway, I did not have any break lights and still do not. I replced the switch this evening and nothing. The bulbs are fine and everything. Is there a fuse somewhere I am missing?? I am going crazy here, lol. :confuse: Help needed <-------

doc_blazin · January 2006

How do I service the Traction system?? That light just came on too. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:

ljackson1 · January 2006

Have a 2000 with over 120,000 and am having the same problems. Hard shifting on occasion and the fuel gauge goes crazy. Have not been able to find an answer on the tranny problem. Fuel gauge is probably the sender..I'll be following the problem....

10anthony10 · January 2006

2003 Venture gauge reads over 1/8 when empty and over 3/4s when full. One of the post mentioned the cable contacts. How do you get to this cable? Under the dash or do you have to take the dash apart? I want to try this before buying any parts.

dtownfb · January 2006

Call GM customer service and repeat exactly what you wrote. maybe they can arrange for the Texas dealer to do what the VA dealership promised.

eeq65 · January 2006

does anyone know if there is a relay in the fog lght wiring? if so where is the relay located?

mcaracoglia · January 2006

My ABS light is constantly on and my rear brake lights are out. The third brake light works along with all the other lights. I have changed the bulbs and it has worked in the past, but the brake lights go out on it shortly after. I changed the brake switch and that didn't work. Sometimes the brake lights will work and the ABS light goes out when that happens so I believe the two are related. Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, how did you fix it? I do not want to take it to a dealer for Electrical T/S because it will be too much money. I have brought it to a garage and they have changed the bulbs out which momentarilly solved the problem.

artie3 · January 2006

The light that illuminates the gear select indicator in the dash does not work. How does the dash come apart to replace the bulb? Must everything come off?

chenw · January 2006

Did you ever find out the problem associated with the warning light? My dealership said it may be a bad bearing.... Sounds fishy to me.

artie3 · January 2006

pull the lower dash cover off and it will be easily accessable

alleclerc · February 2006

Nothing, yet! I'm trying to get in touch with two GM mechanics that friends know. Unless I get a definite memo that GM/Venture transmissions have a problem I will not be able to go to court. From what I've read on this cite it sounds like manufacturers can get away with producing a lot of junk without being accountable . . . how in the world can GM get away with their antifreeze mess and not pay for everyone's head and manifold gasket problems when it is more than clear it is a problem with the manufacturer?

sgandboys · February 2006

Can anyone help? Ever since we bought our van new in 2000, we have had our share of problems, most recently the video monitor for our video player is "blinking" when in the up position and run interferience with the sound system. The only way to stop the "popping" noise is to leave the monitor in the down position. Please advise on how to fix this problem.
P.S. we have taken the van into the chevy dealer and they are confused and can not find the problem
Thanks.

johnstone1 · February 2006

My 99 Astro van has a thermostat problem possibly. The temp gauge will climb into the red and heater just blows cold air.
Warning light comes on but then temp drops. Seems intermittent problem so I thought it was the thermostat. Do you know how to locate it? I'm no mechanic but I can't even find it! Also, is this the problem or is it something else, like a water pump leak?

johnstone1 · February 2006

I assume you've found the solution by now, but if you haven't it is the plastic release locks have cracked due to slamming doors too hard in cold temperature. I've had mine replaced three times! Once the mechanic at the dealership used a coat hanger!

neveragain1 · February 2006

Since buying my venture 2 1/2 yrs ago with 140K on it, I have spent just shy of $8,000.00 in repairs not including the intake manifold gasket which was covered under an extended warranty I bought with the van. Struts, egr, light bulbs like there is no tomorrow, three wheel bearings, problems with the fan system level 1 and 2 not working plus the direction not working. Now I am having another problem - it started chugging seriously on Dec 24 and has done this intermittantly ever since. When making sharp turns, both right or left, it will stall completely. Had it into the dealership last week and asked them to put in a fuel filter (my idea) to see if a cheap fix would do the trick. Of course not! Nothing has been cheap to fix ever and had it back in the next day - of course it behaved and they couldn't find the problem. I am taking it tomorrow to a friends mechanic who thinks that that problem may be electrical. He thinks that something is trying to find a ground and that's what has been doing in my wheel bearings ($680 each). Does anyone out there have any idea's? Oh ya, for the 4th time, my fuel gauge is not working - waiting to hear from GM if they will cover it under a Goodwill policy. I have 190K on it now.

neveragain1 · February 2006

This is a very familiar scenario and expensive fix. I have had the ABS brake light/Traction control light come on three times and each time it was the wheel bearing needing to be replaced at $680 cnd each - even though, when I took it in for the third one and I told them what it needed, they said, "oh it might not be that, it could be...." but of course it was!!I have an 01 Venture that I purchased for $10K in 03 with 140K on it - it was a salesman's vehicle - hwy miles I thought, means nothing. HA!! I have spent nearly $8K in repairs since July of 03!!! I am now on the hunt for a Mazda MPV 02 - I have always been a GM person but never again. If you can afford one, I would take a hard look at the Toyota Rav 4 - the 06 model is HUGE compared to the older models and will fit my dog cage in just as well as the Venture but high $$. My husband has a 97 Rav4 with 160K on it and just had his first big repair which was a series of things like timing belt, brakes etc. Other than that, he has replaced a battery. pretty cheap to operate for sure.

neveragain1 · February 2006

If you had the ABS light and the traction control light on at the same time, it is very likely the wheel bearing. Gulp. I've done three on my 01 venture at $680 cnd each. Never again. Going Japanese!

Chevy Vans: Problems & Solutions

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Chevy Vans: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Chevy Vans: Problems & Solutions