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The front end is starting to shimmy very badly between 60 and 65, wheels have been rebalanced numerous times, alignment checked numerous times also.
Whats next?? I am not sticking around to find out. For a vehicle that cost $27,000 this is ridiculous. This is the second bad GM experience I've had........Guaranty it will be the last!
After one year and 13,000 miles I am still happy with it. One personality quirk of mine is that I like everything to work and so I fix what I can or pay to get fixed small things that other people would just live with. My only real gripe is poor underhood access. It is impossible to see most underhood components let alone work on them. The driver side spark plugs severely tested my patience and mechanical ability.
The AWD is great, no levers, buttons or anything, just good traction all the time. I had 4 BFG All Terrain tires size 215/75R-15 put on and the performance in snow is great. It doesn't have the ground clearance for off roading, but here in the upper peninsula of Michigan sometimes ON road driving can be difficult in the winter.
I've spent a few bucks on repairs, mainly standard wear items such as tires, brakes, shocks, also fuel pump, idler arm. Had to decarbonize the intake manifold, was causing EGR valve to hang up. This was done by using a decarbonizing compund that is sucked into the engine while its running through a vacuum line on the intake manifold. It smokes terribly for a few minutes, then you replace the spark plugs and O2 sensor.
problems were my symptoms. Of course, once they had my vehicle and I wasn't there I had to give up on the dealer fixing my EGR for free so I had to pay About $500. I didn't feel too bad, being a women and having not had to pay for the rest.
Just wanted to let everyone else know this injector system is for Astro vans with a W in their VIN# and that it reoccurs about ever 60K miles. Have fun (pulling your hear out, that is if you can breathe through the gas fumes).....
From : Jan 18, 2000 [ Just bought a 2000 AWD Astro with 18,000 miles from Alamo fleet. Seems to have the transfer case fluid issue. Noticed when fully warmed up and making tight turns as into parking. Just wondering if any one could update me: as to this being resolved with flushing and fluid change. Expected fuel mileage for the AWD 3.43?
There seemed to have been a problem with brake calipers and uneven brake pad wear in some later models, was this resolved by the 2000 model? Thanks for your help. Our first CM, changed
after the Windstar experience. ]
Today post: Since previous, I ran across info on a NJ litigation settlement for "faulty brake caliper guide pins" (Don't know if they are bending or what.) Astro/Safari not named in suit, but possible related to uneven pad wear/braking.
Also, we killed a electric window switch on the Windstar by too frequently confirming it closed by pressing the button. (Vans have more wind noise and this is a subconscious habit to break yourself of.) The switch seems to stop the window motor by sensing build up of resistance when the window comes against the stops. It has a little circuit board inside. Could this be the problem with window motors/switches?
Also ran across something on a Canadian recall for the wiper motors on many GMs. There is a defective solder joint in the "circuit board" where the wiring harness connects to the motor.
gears and 215-75R15 tires. The rating on mine is 5000lbs. I have towed that figure with no problem on 90 degree days for over 500 miles in that day. The temp. gauge barely moves. Some thoughts on rear end differentials burning up would be the following. Try Synthetic gear lube. Make sure the shop setting up the gears is reputable as this is is a precision measurment for pinion spacer crush and ring gear mating. Make sure you are within the tow rating for your specific Astro. Try a finned aluminum differential cover. That type cover is offered by after market companys at about 200 dollars. It will shed some of the heat in the differential and prolong fluid life. Good luck on your Astro rear differentials.
Bought in Bellevue Washington. Had one problem so far - the front winshield leaked - took back to dealer - they imploded window and put new one in. Got all of 1100 miles - no squeaks - no rattles... Going to pull the tent trailer this summer - hope I dont have the same misfortune some of the poor Safari folks have had (reading from this bulletin board). Hey - if your looking to put down $2000 extra bucks on an Astro van - call up the GM card folks - take out a huge line of credit (I did for $18,000) and then get their 2 5% rebate checks - write the checks - deposit them into your bank account and pay them back 2 days before you write the checks... wham you've up to $2000 to pay for the tax/extra goodies on your new 2001 Astro Van (total cost to mawa - $50.00 interest charges).
Looking forward to heading to Disney land this year.. lots of room for the kids!!! Got AWD - yea!!
Will report my misfortunes if I have them - GM car buyer Mike
I also owned a shuttle service putting 10-15k/month on these types of vehicles. We had Win stars, Chryslers, Astros and the usual compliment of 15 passenger vans.
Folks, don't be stupid. What the Astro lacks in appeal, handling, and wiper motor failures (common on both, it WILL happen) it more than makes up for in pure cargo/passenger handling. We used to get 19-20mpg on the road, personal or fleet. The Win star ran second, but the Chryslers are an abysmal failure. Wives buy the Chryslers because they "look nice". They are by far the worst for reliability on AC, Brakes, Transmissions and Electrical.
The Astro actually has served well in fleet operations. They are roomy and deliver excellent power/fuel economy.
Down sides? Wiper motors fail, rear ends only fail when abused (you DO have to change those fluids too! Try every 15k if you tow alot). Ugly? So what, actually the newer ones "pass the vanity test".
No other minivan comes close in cubic feet. Try logging 700 miles in one day with wife, 4 kids and stuff through hilly terrain of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, running the TV/VCR, Air on and cruising at 70-75. Does it with ease.
Price? 21-22k for an LS with front/rear air. pay more and you are a fool. Work the rebates at the end of the year (August) and get one for 20,450.
Good luck
Kelley Blue Book doesn't seem to have an option for this.
I have a 1995 GMC Safari Autoform conversion from Glaval Corporation (No extended roof).
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Bill Rains
We got our Astro and GC NEW as first owners and just had regular recommended maintenance for normal driving conditions as I do not feel the oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months whichever comes sooner. We do not drive primarily in stop and go traffic at over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each minivan has advantages: I prefer the panel doors of Astro, the 4.3L V6, the 27 gal fuel tank, the same space in a vehicle about 30 inches less length. On the other hand the GC has Dual Zone Temp, better heating/air conditioning, Trip Computer. Would buy another Astro if GM would lengthen the front to provide adequate access for maintenance and provide better leg room for front passenger.
Pricing (costing) conversion vans
Steve
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Mike, I just bought a left over new 2000 AWD Safari. I pick it up in 2 days. Please email me at dennis@oando.com how I can take advantage of the $2000 GMC rebate card you posted above.
Thanks
Corey
IMHO, limited slip diff's like the kind offered by GM and other manufacturers as "locking differentials" aren't of much value. Here's a link that explains this stuff Although it's geared to the serious offroad set, the same applies to those of us who just don't want to be stuck in the snow. Note that most of the serious lockers wouldn't be appropriate for highway use.
http://www.pps.net.au/4wdencounter/articles/difflocks.html
I believe that we put new rubber seals on the 1 or 2 rear door leaks that we resolved ourselves.
Two other ideas come to mind. Perhaps check to see if there is an adjustment for the door latch. Can it be set to close the door a little more tightly? (Sorry. I'm too lazy to go outside and look for you. Especially since I don't think this is the answer.)
The other idea is the possibility of a slightly "sprung" door. When the rear doors are closed, do they appear to match each other exactly for the full length of that center line? If not, one may be slightly twisted.
But back to the new door seals. That's the probable solution. You can examine the seals for indications of poor contact, or signs that the seal has compressed or otherwise deteriorated. But I was convinced that the seal was good on the one I examined, but my mechanic changed it anyway. I lost that bet (and most of our other bets, too).
Last idea. Try speaking with the body shop instead of the service manager. That's where this problem belongs. My guess is that they will have your answer in a heart beat. "Fit and finish" is where they live.
As for the difference in mileage between the 3.73 and the 3.42 rear ends: I don't think you'll find it to be any problem at all. I had the 3.73 in a '93, and really liked it. That was back before the extra HP from the "Vortec" and the better fuel injection. Back then, the extra pop I got from the 3.73 made it feel more lively in town, and avoided kicking out of overdrive on hills. The only (very minor) drawback was the additional engine sound at 70 mph or so.
3.73 minus 3.42 = .31
.31 divided by 3.42 = .09
So, the same engine "rpm" will drive the vehicle 9% less distance with the 3.73. But that won't translate into 9% less mileage. Torque yields, horsepower curves, and all the other things auto engineers know about will come into play. My guess is that mileage will be about the same "in-town," and 1 to 2 mpg less for strictly high speed driving.
I want to buy an extended warranty. Can anybody tell me what to buy - Should I buy only from a dealer or try one advertised on the internet. (is there any differance?) I's a little nervous about holes that can appear in a warranty.
I found this out due to a friend bought a 98 Blazer it was the same design & he immediately purchased a extended warranty to keep from something dire happening. Any insight on this new design would be appreciated.
I have always heard good things about the astro van. Two years ago I purchase a 95 two wheel drive for pulling my small tent trailer. This van has been nothing but trouble. The wiper motor starts and stops when ever it wants,and now The main fuel inject or needs to be replaced for the third time.I only have 65000 miles on the van.I was looking to replace this van with another astro, but after reading the messages on this board I ask my self why. I love the space of the astro van, but am having second thoughts.
are things better in the 2001 vans?
Can anyone help me find a good report to compare a few vans.
Here's another message board you may want to peruse:
Full Sized Vans.
I don't know of any reviews for the Astro or it's full size competition off-hand. If you go to New Cars from the main page and select the Chevy and then the Astro, there is a comparison tab, and a link to order brochures. Anyone got any reviews?
Steve
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This road is .3 miles long, and mostly rutted dirt.
We also have a mostly dirt (with some gravel) hill to go down, and then back up leading to the cabin. Has anybody done any off-road driving with this WAD Van?? I now use a 1987 Suburban 4X4 with no problems, but the Suburban is getting a little old, and the wife likes the new van idea over the new Extended Cab pickup. I like the price of the Safari, but don't want to cause damage by driving off-road.
Thanks in advance for your comments
...main fuel injector needs to be replaced for the third time. Another common problem. Can be caused by high additive concentrations in blended fuels. In Texas this is a problem when using premium fuels. I had four injectors go out in a '94 Safari, and one in a '95 Safari before finding out about this. Since going with regular grade only I have put 55K miles on the van with no further injector problems.
I just bought a 2001 Chevy Astro AWD cargo van. The problem is the fuel mileage, with the first two tanks of gas I'm getting about 9 mpg, any suggestions?
That is terrible gas mileage. I also bought a 2001 awd but Passenger & my gas mileage first tank was 13 & the second is 13.8, I to hope that the gas mileage will get better but 9 is absolutely terrible. Mine has all been city driving with no excessive acceleration.
I will try re soldering the joints on the wiper motor.
As for the injectors I am burning regular gas from superamerica in minnesota.Is there a better type of fuel that I should be using?
Thank you for all of your help
Dave (G. M. Technician)
Steve
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Drew
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Steve
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The good:
Very roomy, affordable (compared to other mini vans), good towing capacity, nice straight-line behavior on the freeway.
The bad & ugly:
Atrocious quality control - new squeaks, rattles, clunks and buzzes every day. Some go away spontaneously, some get fixed, some remain forever. Lots of wind noise, clunky transmission shifts, especially second to third ("normal" according to my dealer) and so-so mileage (about 16.5 city, 20 highway). Based on these issues, I'm concerned about long term reliability.
I would look at the Astro for what is is: an inexpensive hauler with typical GM QC. I purchased an extended warranty through my credit union based on recommendations from other Astro owners.
If you're looking for quality and tossability, I'd look elsewhere; if you're looking for a decent hauler with lots of people and cargo room, and are willing to take some risk, the Astro should be OK.
Hope this helps.
Jim
I have recently purchased a 1990 GMC safari. Unfortunately the heater fan does not work. Can anyone please suggest what i should consider checking into. Also does anyone know if the heater blower is under the hood, or in the dash.
thanks
Bill
After driving 1.3 million miles on business for the last 22 years, I just purchased my second new Astro AWD tonight. My old '98 has 128,000 and is still running strong. The 2001 has GM's 100,000 mile, 3 yr warranty. I'll be over 100,000 in less than the 3 years but for $2,300, it's worth it. In my winter travels these AWD Astros really grip the road. Of course the new Uniroyal Tiger Paws come off the new Astro and my new Toyo Z800 Ultras that are on 98 will go on the 2001 to make the gripping even better. I believe in taking great care of my "offices" and they seem to treat me right. Guess one of my biggest complaints about the Astro is it's abysmal safety record. They are sadly in need of an update by GM and they will probably change them now that I just bought one. Hey, I even got the optional Turn Signals on my Astro. (heh heh)
Terry