Chevy Venture

catam · November 2001

All this talk about oil life indicators just brings to home a simple point. They may be a nice source of calculated info from the vans computer, but in the end you should follow a oil change schedule, regardless of how much oil life the computer tells you that you have left. After all, if your engine suffers an oil related failure under your extended warranty, you are going to have a hard time justifying why your oil was changed at such infrequent intervals. Read your warranty info, and change your oil at least that often, regardless of what your indicator tells you.

cptplt · November 2001

I don't think the manufacturer will get very far in a court saying you messed up by going by the oil service indicator they put in your car and told you you can use to decide when to change the oil. It certainly is a line which has not worked for BMW or MB when they started having these some years ago.In Europe no one recommends 3K changes or have done for maybe 2 decades. Its all a con by the oil manufacturers. I don't have a problem bringing my car in every few months so someone will look under it to check out things I may never see but there really is no sound scientific basis for 3K changes.If you want to do it for "insurance", fine but even the manufacturers don't really think its necessary. Many manufacturers using the same or essentially similar engines in non US markets recommend oil changes there at twice or more the mileage they do in the US or say go with the indicator.

sintra · November 2001

You're quite right cptplt, GM recommends an oil change every 15000 km (9300miles)in France, Germany and 10000 miles in Britain (where they use miles). In hard conditions (door to door etc.), they recommend half that mileage. The same with other manufacturers, or even more mileage and we have no particular problems. It has been like this for years already and your posts are quite a surprise for me. We have the same brands of oil over here, and we drive on long trips at a speed of 80 miles an hour or even slightly over and we also have lots of traffic in some areas. I don't understand the difference, maybe it's because our climate is not as harsh ?
I have a 98 Chevy Venture (called Opel Sintra in Europe)
What do you think?

offham · November 2001

I had flipped the three center row seats forward and there is some minor flexibility based on the decals. The center seat can also be put in the outboard position behind the driver. The regular seat in that position can be put in the third row driver side.

These are the only two variances. The two seats on the passenger side both in second and third row cannot be moved elsewhere.

To my mind the net result is not very purposeful.

I did write to Chevy through their web site re 2002 brochure, but no answer...should I be surprised ?

offham · November 2001

The General XP 2000 will need to be changed, and have seen on the other two sites (Pontiac/Olds) people are putting other manufacturers tires on the van.

Any ideas. Yokohama AVID S/T got good ratings all round except for snow.

Thanks for any info.

cptplt · November 2001

if gas/petrol were as cheap as in the US I'm sure someone would be saying change the oil at 3K too for Euro spec cars! Nothing like wasting fossil fuel and keeping wars going on in the Mid East!

Is there a Vauxhall version of the Opel Sintra?? Does it have 8 seats?? I am always trying to find an 8 seat van in the UK when I go over there which is about every year as my wife is a Brit. There were some Previas before with 8 seats but last few years the rental companies have had to give me trucks like the Ford Torneo or MB V class. There was something called a Nissan Serena which had 8 seats I rented once, it was great as long as you were a midget and liked 0-60 times of about half a minute!

cptplt · November 2001

have got Michelin Symmetrys on my 00 Venture - my wife made me replace all the Firestones after one blew out! I actually wanted the more expensive X One (sold also as Radial X at Sams etc) which I have on another car which has been great. The symmetry is OEM on some Siennas and Odysseys and I've even seen them on DeVilles and Sevilles! Caddy drivers are definitely a different breed if GM think a tire used by everyone else on a minivan should go on their most luxurious model!

sintra · November 2001

Yes, there's a Vauxhall Sintra in the UK but GM stopped selling Opel and Vauxhall Sintras a couple of years ago, after selling 45000 of them in Europe. They said they wanted to concentrate on Zafiras.
They sell Ventures instead now, called Chevrolet TransSport with the 3.4l engine. The Sintra has the Cadillac Catera 3.0 V6, 201hp engine.
I don't know how many seats you can have, there are 7 in mine.

offham · November 2001

Our friend from France is absolutely correct that that Vauxhall imported the Sintra from the Doraville plant and it ended with the 99 model year.

When GM imported the old "dust buster" version, they switched the names around as I recall seeing one in France. The Transport name was on another brand here.

The best of the local bunch I have found in the UK is the VW and Ford clones made in Spain. We found with six of us and luggage very tight squeeze, but quite agile and good highway cruising

I can recall it cost me $50 to fill half a tank.

catam · November 2001

I know this has been discussed in some previous posts but I am going to ask anyway. I need to put a hitch on my Venture, and I am wondering which brand seems to have the best fit for being out of the way, in terms of being a low spot that will occasionally scrape the ground, and visibly. I would like to use a class III. Also has anyone with a hitch upgraded their spare to a full size, and are there any issues with clearance and fit? Thanks to all for any input.

letsgetmikey · November 2001

Just got new tires for wife's 97 Silhouette, and went with the Michelin Symmetry (at Wal Mart no less). These tires ride much smoother that the Generals ever did.

Neighbor got a new Windstar, and Michelin Symmetry is original equipment.

Mikey

iolan1 · November 2001

We have a 2000 Venture. The passenger side windows frost over, in and out, when it is really cold, and defrost doesn't clear them. The dealer says there is nothing wrong. Has anybody had this problem? And what is the fix?

offham · December 2001

Thanks for the info on the Michelin tires. Can you give me an idea of what you paid. Two quotes here $108 and $128 on rims plus balance/valve and disposal. The are rated for 80K and one dealer said provided rotated should do close to that.

The Check Engine Soon light has come on again for about fifth time and now getting quite peeved. Ever since the new fuel gauge sender unit was added, this has happened. Eventhough we are just over the 36K, the dealer said he would cover as it seems a continuation of last event to do with the evaporative system.

cptplt · December 2001

I paid 470 (incl mount, balance,road hazard, tax etc etc) for the 4 Symmetrys from NTB. Since Sears owns NTB, I suspect prices there would be similar.I didn't check out Sams/Costco as I was in a hurry. You could get it mail order from places like tirerack.com, I've done this before for my snow tires. Usually works out $20-30 cheaper per tire even after finding a local shop to mount/balance. You don't pay the sales tax but you do pay for the shipping.If you are getting wheels and tires you can't beat the price from tirerack or other mail order/on line places.

offham · December 2001

Thanks info on tires, have found that Wal-Mart have them for $84.Now to find a Wal-Mart in NJ

The dealer has had the van in for two days to determine cause of service engine soon light. He was waiting for a new gasket to come in related to the gas tank. Hopefully it will be the final cure.

jints2282 · December 2001

Offham, your problem sounds like what I experienced 2 days after purchase. Service engine light appeared, and dealer deduced to bad gasket between gas tank and van. I guess they felt I should be treated somewhat nice, after having only driven 90 miles, so they replaced with new entire gas tank. They said it has happened to 4 previous vans. If the plastic molding where the gasket goes over is defective, even the best gasket will wear out eventually.

offham · December 2001

Jints 2282. You got it in one. The service manager told me that the gasket was bad and is where the fuel gauge sender unit connects to the tank.

The dealer in Summit, NJ is Barnes Chevrolet and have found they will get to the bottom of the problem. Have never had the situation where they have said can't duplicate. In fact the manager told me he has "black book" of quirky things that they find in case they get similar incident again

When I had the Lumina APV I got a small vibration whenever I accelerated. It turned out to be the brake servo has a plastic plug on the front that vibrated if not secured properly. The manager had that in his book from a previous van.

redtrain65 · December 2001

You previous 3 posts are scaring me. What year are your Ventures? We have had tons of different problems with our 2000, but not that one yet? The engine oil low light has come on infrequently like 1,000 miles after its been changed, checked and level is OK. Light goes out after a couple of minutes. Haven't had time to take it in on that one yet.... add that to the list.

offham · December 2001

Re your message,it is a 2000 Venture. I understand from the dealer that this Service Engine Soon light is connected to the computer and can be triggered off by +/- 100 items from the van. When it goes on it creates a code in the computer and the dealer plugs into the socket below the drivers side dashboard and takes the reading. That highlights the problem.

If the light stays on, it is OK to drive, if it flashes on and off it is more serious. It can reset it self after three ignition cycles. Only twice has the lamp gone out of its own accord, even the last time but I put into the dealer as it was clearly related to the gas tank.

I had a low coolant warning when it was all OK and the delear replaced the sender unit. I would have same thing done on your van for the low oil.

The pain of all this is the dropping off at the dealer. Overall in 36500 miles we have had very few problems.

clark_academy · December 2001

I bought 97 venture this past summer through a dealer, but was able to talk to previous owner about any problems. The main thing she said was that front turn signal lights popped out frequently, and no one was able to help her. I didn't completely understand at the time.

Well, what happens is that the assembly that the light is snapped into comes loose, and front turn signals cease to work, even though bulb is fine. We've tried jambing something in there to help hold it in, but always fails within days.

Anyone else experience this, or know of recalls?

jints2282 · December 2001

Finally made appointment to get the latch recall corrected in my 2001 Venture power slider. I asked service to look at alignment because steering wheel is pointing to 11 o'clock when driving straight, from day 1 of purchase. They said it was a maintenance issue, so it's not covered. Anyone had problems with dealer to resolve warranty issues??

agt_cooper · December 2001

how many miles on your Venture? If it is more than a couple of hundred, I can see the dealer's logic (i.e., well, the van's been driven, so it could have hit a pothole and thrown the alignment off....) On the other hand, is it not worth the effort on their part to fix it for you to ensure you are a satisfied customer?

I have a Mazda 626 and a Pontiac Montana. The Mazda's alignment (including where the steering wheel points) was covered for 36,000 miles!!! The Montana, on the other hand, had the same problem you describe, and the Pontiac dealer gave me the "maintenance item" story. And GM dealers wonder where they get their bad reputations!!!

masonmi · December 2001

Hi, Usually alignments and wheel balancing aren't part of the warranty coverage unless the van is brand new, i've had a few things replaced like a wiper arm and a valve thats in the emission system both weren't even covered under my extended warranty for my 2000 Venture, I believe they're considered wear items.

Does anyone use a locking gas cap on their Chevy Venture? and have any problems with the service engine soon light coming on? or having emission problems from using a locking gas cap?

yzf · December 2001

I have a 2001 Olds Silhouette. Got it last summer. Asked the dealer to fix the steering (cocked at the 1:00 o'clock position) before I picked it up. He didn't do it. Had to come back two weeks later to have them fix it. They finally did and it was covered by the warranty. As this dealer gave me a good price on the sale, I went with him for purchase. Another dealer (closer to me) has given me much better service than the original dealer so I prefer to go there. They have never questioned whether something is a maintenance item or not. Work I've had done there includes adjusting the a/c (stuck flap) and replacing the PRNDL (clicking noise). They also did the door recall. While it was there, they threw in a free oil change (I paid $0.48 to cover the taxes on the oil change). If anyone needs Olds service in Northern Virginia, I recommend this dealer - Stohlman's Oldsmobile. See Larry O'Brien who is the service representative that takes very good care of me and my van.

As for locking gas caps, I use the aftermarket one built by Slant. The Slant book notes that it is designed for the MY2000 Olds Silhouette and there is no notation for 2001, but I took a chance and put it on my minivan shortly after I got it. Seems to work fine. No MIL illumination yet and its been about five months. I did have to cut off the tether than holds the original cap on. Stupid design. It would have been easier just to put a cap holder on the fuel filler door like the one on my Camaro. Oh well...

offham · December 2001

Had same issue in March 2000, but took it to a specialist, as the dealers equipment was broken. They also said this was service item and as I had not bought the van through them, it was better to have it done myself.

offham · December 2001

I read your message with interest, and assume you are talking about the whole assembly that houses the DRL and indicators.

This assembly has to two prongs at the back of the ubit which fit into two holes, one wiht a spring grip.

Once in place I have a thumb screw that locks it in place. Are you missing a part and how does look against the other side?

baveux · December 2001

I will more than likely buy a new Venture saturday.If there is something that I should know go ahead and let me know....This is a lots of money so I do not want to make a mistake.
Please share your experience with me,no hear say please,if you dont own one I dont want to know ;-)

broph · December 2001

I purchased a 2000 model with 26K on it 3 weeks ago. Absolutely love it. I have the regular wheelbase one & it is plenty roomy enough. The kids wanted the Montana because of the tv, but I thought that it did not ride as well. I am learning new things about it everyday, which is making me like it even more. The ride is excellent & handles great. Haven't tried it in snow yet (I live in upstate NY) but hear it handles well. I traded a 99 Silverado extcab for this. Would do it again in a heartbeat. In a couple of years probably shop for a newer one with the extended wheelbase. My $.02.

Tom

masonmi · December 2001

I have a 2000 Chevy Venture and it's been very reliable for me, i've had mine for about 3 months, before getting the Venture I test drove the Windstar and the Caravan and the Venture by far has the most quiet ride, and after reviewing the message boards about Windstar and Caravan they seem to have some major problem issues in which most Chevy/Olds customers seemed to be satisfied, i'm pleased with my Venture.

offham · December 2001

Re your post and purchase this weekend.

Firstly, this board is a very small sampling of owners. If you consider GM sells in excess of 125,000 for the van in all makes, I cannot imagine there more than 100 regular contribuotrs to this board.

The last message #1029 sums it up. On this board all the major competitors have "problem" subjects, except the GM vans. Yes there have been problems posted, but it would appear that the major other vans - Honda, DC, Mazda, Ford and Toyota have more reliability problems that GM.

Consumer Reports seem to have a bias against GM, whereas they are all over DC and Mazda as geat vans. Maybe, but owners on these boards don't make this stuff up.

Personally, I think you will be very happy, irrespective of the model LS, LT etc.

As the newest owner, keep us posted on how it goes.

Good luck

big__daddy · December 2001

We have a 2000 Venture ext. wheelbase. This has been a very reliable and practical vehicle. My next door neighbor bought a 2001 and has no complaints either.

baveux · December 2001

I will go for it, but that wont be a Venture but a Montana...better price and a tach !!!

redtrain65 · December 2001

We bought a new 2000 Venture in 09/1999. We traded in our 94 Voyager that was leaking oil but was a good van. I wanted a Caravan, the wife liked the Venture better. We have had tons and tons of problems with it all along. From the rear tailgate strap breaking 3 times, we no longer use it. Its been towed 4 times for not starting, no one can figure out why, power window problems, some minor quality control issues. It has been the worst vehicle we have ever purchased. Not to scare you but this is my story. Like I said, every manufacture is represented on this board and you will hear horror stories all over here. I still wish we would have bought the Caravan!

jonbgood · December 2001

I'll post this here and on the Silhouette board.
I've got a 99 Silhouette with 77k miles. It has a tow pkg (relevant for larger cooling system). We notice the temp. gauge swinging from about 1/8 up to about 1/2. When idling with the heater on it gets even hotter. The problem is the heater is very eratic. Seems to take forever to warm up. We bought the car used - so this is our first winter. Had the thermostat and water replaced recently. Anybody have any ideas?

baveux · December 2001

Nowhere on the brochure I can find if the Venture or montana is equipped with the low windshield washer indicator, can you tell me if this warning light is included ?

redtrain65 · December 2001

Probably does not. We had a voyager that had a rear bottle for the back window, I would routinely make sure it was full because you could never tell. I do like how the Venture uses the front bottle for the rear window though instead of using two bottles. At least you can see how full or empty it is. I never mess with it except for winter, the quick oil change place keeps it filled, in winter I check it and keep it full though.

dlubin · December 2001

Greetings,

The way it works (at least on mine) is that the REAR washer stops getting fluid when the resevoir is below a certain level (in effect giving preference to the front washer).

offham · December 2001

Re #1034.

With the bigger radiator, I would think it is going to take longer to warm up as there is more antifreeze in circulation compared with standard radiators.

Secondly, it may be worth having the temp gauge sender unit checked as that may be the reason why the gauge readout is erratic. My first reaction was the thermostat, but you said that has been replaced. Was it the correct one for the larger system, if they made a differentiation.

Conclude you are not losing coolant.

kkollwitz · December 2001

Thanks, our rear wiper stopped getting fluid last month....I'll refill the reservoir.

offham · December 2001

It had to happen...Yes trying to get a cup in there too large for the support and showed me the worlds most expensive piece of plastic 0.25" x 0.25" lying on the carpet

It supports the upper retainer, so the unit is useless without it. Have it on order from dealer and about $50.

Chevy finally figured out that cup holders are more important than ash trays and from 2001 moved the cup holders to the center console and KO'd the ashtray. I did consider this as a retro fit but in the end could have been more expensive and complicated.

bcd99 · December 2001

Might want to try replacing the radiator cap...Can make a big difference in water flow.

offham · December 2001

Aaaaaaaah....

Took me about an hour and a half. Need to back car out of garage as found in order to remove two screws that hold the trim on the seat are vertical under the seat. You need to lie on the floor with your legs out the door...

There are two screws visible when you lower the cup holder. The trim that runs along the side of the seat comes off and the actual assembly is mounted on the frame with two torx screws.

Had the torx driver but need to hold with pliers to get it going and coated them with light oil when putting back to ease the thread.

dlubin · December 2001

WOW. Talk about a hassle.. Boy am I glad I somehow avoided breaking them on my 99 Montana!

-Dan L.
'00 BMW 528i
'01 Montana

offham · December 2001

Yes..but I will have it done in 20 minutes for the next time.

offham · December 2001

Had original Generals replaced at 37600 miles with Michelin Symmetry at Walmart. $85 each plus everything, lifetime, valves, balance plus tax $406.

Lot of aggravation as only found three tires and finally found the fourth in the wrong pile

jpc47 · December 2001

I bought a 98 Venture and the rear windshield wiper motor went on it. Replacement cost $250 plus labor. I'm hoping to find a used one. My wife drives the Venture and she likes it.

kkollwitz · December 2001

You can get a delivered price from http://www.gmotors.com/main.html. I've bought stuff from them for my GM cars & have been satisfied. Have not bought anything for my 99 Venture, though; nothing has needed fixing.

masonmi · December 2001

Does it usually take a while for the heat and defrosters to get warmed up when its 15 to 20 degrees outside? I noticed I have to put the setting on 2 or 3 to get the windows cleared of ice and frost, is this normal?

jpc47 · December 2001

There's two of them and they cost a total of about $65

offham · December 2001

Previous message on those indicated that Pep Boys have them for $35. Dealer is about $75-$80

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