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Thus far most seems well, with exception of wipers activating when hitting a bump with wheel turned, windshield leak, and rear hatch will not open with key from outside.
Any advice welcome
Jamie
I am already addicted to the room in this puppy...so what if she has a few rattles and quirks
I've just purchased a '95 Astro with a version of the Gladiator conversion package.
The middle (captain's) seats are designed to be removed, and they come out of the van easily.
According to the Gladiator manual, the rear sofa seat was made in two versions: one that's designed to be removed, and one that's not. I have the one that's not.
Trouble is, it'd be really, really useful to be able to take it out. I see that it's held down with four bolts (with 3/4" heads), and I've tried loosening them. But the bolt head just spins, without the bolt seeming to ever come loose. So it seems as though maybe there's a nut or other fastener on the other end of this thing that's also spinning and would need to be held down in order to loosen the bolts. That said, I can't see where such a nut would go. It's certainly not on the undercarriage of the Astro.
So can anyone help me understand how I might be able to remove this seat? Surely there's -some- way to do it, otherwise they would have welded it in rather than using bolts (or so I'd assume).
Thanks for your input!
I was hoping that someone could help me with my small problem. I have a '95 Safari with 87k miles. I just bought it and it has a squeel in engine compartment that developed about 4 days after i bought it. I don't belive it's the belt, it sounds more like dry bearing. it reduces at higher RPM's. the water pump was changed about 2 months ago. I was thinking it might be the belt tentioner. if anyone has seen/heard this problem I'd really apriciate suggestions on fixes
I am looking at purchasing a Chevy Astro in the near future to serve as my "dog show" vehicle :-) I am looking for advice as to if there are any years I should avoid (looking in the 1998-2003 range) and what is the average lifetime mileage on an Astro before you start seeing major issues. I know that this is dependant on care of the car but I am used to Subarus that live forever and do not know if Astros are in the same category. I am looking at a 2001 that was used as a delivery vehicle and is in really good condition but it has 130K on it. I do long distance driving as I live in Montana and travel to several states for dog shows so I don't want to break down in the boonies :-) Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
The fuel gauge in our '98 Safari has begun acting up: It moves around alot as the fuel sloshes around (it used to be more stable) and the needle is vibrating, making it look blurry. Is it the gauge, or the sending unit/pump assembly in the tank?
A related question: My understanding is in '99 the switch was made to the 27 gallon fuel tank. Is the 27 gallon tank a bolt in retro-fit to the '98 van?
Thanks,
Bill
Just an opinion but I think the fuel tank sending unit or rheostat is worn and or corroded and not making good contact. Or possibly the wiring connections are corroded.
TONS of power, huge improvements over earlier models! Question is I am trying to find a ladder rack for my passenger van that is removable and does not require drilling holes. I would like to get a genuine GM luggage rack as a permanent rack also.
As well, I am trying to find a window-shade type of cargo area cover like you see in the back of Jeeps and Subaru wagons. After reading some of these posts, I am crossing my fingers that this van is a cut above the older ones. So far I am impressed!
As far as the cargo cover, I'm assuming you're looking for the kind that pulls out over your cargo and then retracts. There isn't anything factory or aftermarket that I have seen.
cobraman- there used to be a company that made a "helper spring" that attached to the top leaf spring and when loaded, would keep the springs from bottoming out. I don't know of they are still around. Any towing supply house would be able to hook you up. Air bags are super sweet and super expensive. I would think the helper spring would get the job done.
You can turn the key, and you can't here any click, and the starter is not turned over.
I think every time it is jumped it will start.
Sometimes, if you just wait a few minutes, it will start.
Ever since we have had the van (for five years), it always turns over a few times before starting. It is not quick to start (like a weak battery).
Sometimes, I can unhook the battery terminal and scrape the connectors clean and then tighten it back on and it will start. But this only fixes the problem about half the time.
(On that note, I wonder why there would be so much dark gray junk on the connector to scrape off.)
Also before the connection direct from battery to the starter was loose on the starter, I tightened it as much as I could.
We have replaced the battery a couple times since over past couple years.
A couple weeks ago, the battery and alternator were checked by a shop. They said the alternator was fine and the battery was bad. We bought a new battery. The charging meter on the dash was now slightly higher.
... But within a few days, the car would not start again.
Any ideas on what can be checked?
By the way, we like our Astro van and plan to buy another astro van soon (like 1999, 2000 or 2001 model). It is the only small van, we have found that allows us to have six car seats/booster seats in use at a time. Do you know of any other minivans that accomodate 6 car seats?
need help, we have a 1999 GMC Safari w/vortec v-6, it was not set up for towing, but I have my eye on a Bigfoot 17' trailer. The owner said it weight about 1875lbs and I should install a class 3 receiver.. Think My Safari can handle it?
Thanks,
The new guy....
For example, I understand at some point the AWD system went from permanent to 'real time' or similar where it's normally RWD. I don't want that.
Also how about the best engine power? Brakes?
I've got my eye on a 98 AWD LT for 7500, or possibly an 01 LS AWD at about 9900. Is mileage a real concern on these?
On our return trip home 3 days ago, we were on an interstate going about 70 mph and instantly the left front tire freezes. State trooper advised as she helped us 'force' the van to the side of the interstate that she saw our left front tire being dragged as we got to the side.
We were towed to a THIRD dealer of the same chain and were told we needed a new hub assembly - $840.
So...my questions are, Does the hub nut need at all to be loosened on a astro van when dealer #1 did the break job?
If so, who would be to blame - dealer #1 for not re-tightening it or dealer #2 for not checking the origin of the problem instead of just tightening it and telling us all was ok?
Also, when our van was dropped, what should they have checked to confirm we were safe to continue our trip?
We have had no problems with this van until this trip and then all problems began when the brake job was done. We are safe - but I'll never forget the sound of our 3 daughters crying in the van when we locked up on the interstate in the middle lane with cars going around us at 75 mph. We had no way to get out of the van because of the fast moving traffic on both sides of us and more than once in waiting for the trooper were almost hit from behind. Some people tell me one dealer is negligent - others say 1 and 2 are....PLEASE ADVISE!!!
However, you really need expert legal advise, and we can't provide that for you. If you choose to pursue action in this matter, you will need to contact an attorney who will be able to get the full details of your situation, and help with expert advice.
If you want to ask a question about the braking process in general, the best place is in our topic titled Stop here! Let's talk about brakes.
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Coonhound -- Your Astro will tow that trailer fine, just make sure it has brakes as already stated. Also, the factory receiver hitch is worth the price and very easy to install yourself. Mine took me less than 2 hours and 2 beers Remove the bumper, mount the hitch, and re-attach the bumper. All in factory holes.
Somebody help!!
Thanks!
Many thanks
Bungy
I would like to buy a maintenance/repair book, to take care of the non working things myself (mostly doors sticking, lights not turning on, etc). I saw manuals from Chilton and Haynes.
What manual would you suggest? Is there anything online that I can use (resources, forums, etc)? I tried searching around, but didn't find much on the Astro beyond this forum...
Many thanks in advance, Rob
As far as problems with the years you're looking at, as long as there are some service records, you should be safe. The are the few common threads with power window motors, tie rods, but those are not too expensive even at the dealer.
With your repair books, I always used Chiltons. They are also the group that writes the repair and time logs for mechanics. Unfortunately, being the SafAstros are not overly popular, ther are not too many references to use. Good luck
Friend of mine had the SAME exact issue, even down to an argument at Wal-Mart cause he swore the battery was bad...We looked at the starter connection as I stated and whala, problem solved.
Little spendy, $200-$300 depending on brand/features you get, but much better than leaf type helpers.
My rear door handle broke and the dealer wanted $45.00 or so for a new one. I rebuilt the broken one for about a dollar and made it so that it wouldn't break again like the original piece of junk. GM makes that junk out of pot metal so as to help with the dealer and GM income.