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Chevy Venture

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Comments

  • paulie9paulie9 Member Posts: 32
    Read my post #1822 and see if it matches your symptoms. I have not had any shifting problems since that April post. Good luck.....
  • catoniscatonis Member Posts: 10
    Paulie9--

    Thanks for the tip! I will look into this. I thought it was tied into using the air conditioner.
    If you are right, I'd like to know how hard acceleration from a standing start while turning could cause this!

    Catonis
  • dgrayumdgrayum Member Posts: 5
    I own a 2001 Venture. When I bought it the AC worked great. By the time I got home it was blowing hot air. Took it back and had it checked out. They told me it could either be the main air control unit or it was in the wiring. We put on a used control unit that we know works and still it only blows hot air. So if it is a wiring problem what should I be looking for or replacing? Bought it as is so no help getting this one fixed. I am clueless! Thanks

    #337 More about the AC problems with a 2001 Venture
    The blower does work but it blows hot air. The dealership said the freon was charged and no leaks. If they by-passed the main A/C control unit the compressor would kick in but it would only kick in if they by-passed the main control unit. When I push the A/C button the light come on but it doesn't seem to make things work. We checked all the fuses and they all check out okay. We tried putting in a used A/C control unit from a different van that we knew worked and no change in the problem. Is there other things I should check before paying $$$ that I don't have to spend? Any help Please Thanks, Debra
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    Dgrayum, you might also want to ask the folks in the Climate Control Problems (Air Conditioning, Heat): All Cars discussion about your problem -- they're likely to have suggestions for you.

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  • dpp1dpp1 Member Posts: 1
    Did you ever figure this problem out? Please let me know. I have the same issue
    with my van right now. All fuses are fine and I was thinkning that the relay to lock
    the doors is bad. The unluck works fine. It's the lock that doesn't work.
  • bethanyambethanyam Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 venture which I purchased with 20k miles (it was dealer used).
    It has started "smelling" hot. I can't find any leaks, and the temp does not go past the 3/4 mark (not sure if that's the right way to phrase that) and it has never gotten to the red, but what I find odd is that it starts cooling down if I turn the ac on. Everything I've ever owned if it was like the thermostat or something it got hotter if you turned the ac on.
    My second question is that beside the middle row of seating it looks like there is a place to add a third seat, if so where would I find one?
    Thanks to any answer I may get.
    Beth
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Beth

    When you switch on the A/C it sets off an auxillary fan on the radiator that is cooling the engine. Would suspect you have two problems. One the thermostat is stuck closed and secondly the regular fan is not cutting in. I have a 2000 Venture and temp gauge gets to about 10 oclock under normal, never past the center unless I am stuck in traffic. When it gets to about one oclock the fan cuts in and returns the guage down to normal and so on.

    On the seating on the earlier models - we have them you could get three modular seats for the second row, which all flip and fold or come out. The back seat is a large pair of same flip and fold, but has seat belts for three. This was a factory option or depending on model LT standard. In fact one seat has a built in child restraint.
  • ray19ray19 Member Posts: 1
    I had a 2000 venture . The main wiring harness shorts out on the cooling lines for the auto transmission. Abs light stays on and or the abs system activates. When the short burns through the hose auto transmission looses oil. fire ensues. It will also reignite.
  • catoniscatonis Member Posts: 10
    I've owned a 2000 Venture for 6 years. I have had numerous problems that I posted above, and more ongoing ones.
    Today I am trading it in for a 2005 Toyota Sienna CE. I am only receiving $4900 for my Venture (57K miles), but I did not want to sell it private party due to its problems. I am not going to say that I'll never buy another American brand car, but I am going Japanese until proven otherwise. My other car is a Honda CR-V- 5 years old, and no problems yet.
  • moondancenmoondancen Member Posts: 1
    My seat is stuck in the recline position. I need to know how to fix the reclining unit. I have a 1999 Chevy Venture van.
  • jlo4275jlo4275 Member Posts: 1
    I was in a recent accident just a fender bender, yet for some reason my speedometer stopped working. The odometer still works as well as the cruise and everything else. My husband replaced the speed sensor on the transmission and it had no effect except to help with hard shifting...I have checked all the fuses I can find, to no avail...Anyone have any ideas as to what could be the problem. please let me in on it:) Thanks
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    I have adjusted my driving habits since the recent round of price gouging at the pump began. I just turned 200,000 miles on my 2000 Venture, and it runs great, though I drove it pretty hard for years. I still get an easy 25-27 MPG, but I also keep up on my maintenance and repairs. Things do wear out, like struts and ball joints regardless of the vehicle you drive. I like everything about it, and the under-200 hp engine keeps me semi-honest. I have every intention of keeping the "Daddy Wagon" for a long, long time.

    It is a shame that so many have gotten lemons - I have several family and friends that have Ventures or clones, and nobody has had any problems. Good luck and safe driving to all!
  • sonyavdzsonyavdz Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a brand new 05 venture last year and have nothing but problems with it. It has been in for service for over 35 days total. With only 3000 miles on it they replaced head gaskets because it was burning oil. I have had several more minor problems with squeeking, wipers, ac, etc. I would advise anyone to think twice about this vehicle. mine is now a lemon and i have to go thru the hassle of dealing with attorneys. i bought new to avoid problems with used and i am worse off. :cry:
  • frogboxerfrogboxer Member Posts: 4
    My 1999 Venture blows out hot air from the rear vents when set to A/C. It does not matter if I am controlling the air flow from the front or rear controls. The front blows out cold, but the side vents blow a minimum amount. I have replace the filters in the glove box but this did not help the air flow. any one have this problem?
  • frogboxerfrogboxer Member Posts: 4
    this may or may not help you ,but I had a problem with my drivers side window in that the front part of it would slipe down when I went to put it up.I had just had the service ( it would go down but not up) so i worked on it myself. The panle is easy to remove. 2 screws ( one under the arm rest and the other until the power window panel) hold it in place along with plastic retainers. First remove the power unitl by pushing it forward and it will pop out. What I had wrong was a loose bolt that let the window fall forward. With the panle off you may be able to see what is wrong
    :)
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    The Ventures have rear AC and heat, complete with its own compressor and fans. If the rear does not work and the front does, at least it isn't a fuid leak. The compressor, switch or fuse is probably the problem - check the fuses first. I am not sure how to check the switch that turns it on and off. I do believe there is a forum for AC problems, though.
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    If you go through all of the trouble to take apart a door, be sure to put some grease on the rollers for the power windows - that fixed up my window problems.
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    I bought my 2000 Venture with about 20,000 miles on it, and it has recently topped 200,000 miles - keep up with your maintenance!

    In front wheel drive cars, the AC kicks on an addittional fan under the hood - looking into the engine compartment from the front it is the one on the left.

    Get your coolant changed if you have any cooling problems, and have them use the universal fluid, not the GM red stuff. The thermostat is REALLY hard to get to, so have it replaced under warranty if necessary.

    The Venture comes with an 8-passenger model (like mine) that has three seats across the middle row. I am not sure where you can find one or if one like mine would even fit with the seats you already have, but my seats are interchangable across the middle row, if that helps (pull the drivers side one out and try to put it on the other side). I highly recommend you DO NOT buy a seat online or sight unseen, there is bound to be a lot of flood damaged parts coming out of the New Orleans disaster popping up on places like eBay.
  • chevyman73chevyman73 Member Posts: 1
    my air conditioning just quit on my fan, now it blows hot air it I turn the air on. The van runs wonderful makes no sounds or anything. I am hoping someone can tell me what to check or what to try. :confuse:
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    Chevyman73, you might also want to ask the folks in the Climate Control Problems (Heat, Air Conditioning): All Cars discussion.

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  • mom2kacmmom2kacm Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    My husband is out of town and our van is acting funny and I'm not sure what to do. I started it this morning and the orange service engine soon light came on. I was able to take the kids to school, but the van seemed to be running slow. The windows are also slow going up and down. I called a mechanic and he said maybe the alternator. Any ideas?

    Thanks,

    Krista
  • 1panky1panky Member Posts: 34
    Krista, My 2000 Venture van operated in this manner and it was indeed the alternator. It could also be the wire leading to the alternator but with the age of your van I am leaning toward a bad alternator. It is amazing how many strange symptoms can derive from a worn-out alternator. The price for this repair including the several hours labor time is about $600.00. The alternator is quite a tricky part to replace on these vans as are most parts and it's costs vary wildly. The best price that I found for this item ($175.00) was CarQuest; if there is one is in your neighborhood.
  • mom2kacmmom2kacm Member Posts: 2
    Thanks, I guess I'm almost hoping that it what it is. We call this van our "million dollar" van because of all the money we have put in to it. We don't have a Carquest around here, but we do have an Autosource and Autozone. I took it to the mechanic, should I look for the part myself for them to put in? This is a mechanic that we trust, so I'm not worried about being taken.

    Krista
  • 1panky1panky Member Posts: 34
    I too have spent about $1,800 in my van this past year. You could call around just to see what price you can locate this part. Another problem I faced is that the alternator wasn't usually stocked by local stores and had to be ordered for a wait of up to three days. Locating a source who does have the part in stock will save you from being without the van for a long period of time. It is good to know you have a honest mechanic providing the repair. Good luck!
  • skruegerskrueger Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 Chevy Venture with electrical problems. When car brake is applied the left blinker flashes faster, also when car is in reverse brake filament of the bulbs dims and all other bulbs light up. When right blinker is on dashboard flasher indicator (left) lights up with brakes on. Also ABS lights goes on and off, seems to be only in reverse. Any suggestions on how to fix.
  • ronsmith38ronsmith38 Member Posts: 228
    If you have a mechanic you trust, I would let him get the part. It just may not be the alternator. The little bit these independent shops add on to the part price helps keep them in business.
  • nupetcnupetc Member Posts: 2
  • nupetcnupetc Member Posts: 2
    can some one please let me know where the power steering resevior is located i do not have a owner's manual??????
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    Open the hood and look towards the back of the engine, passengers side. The surpentine belt goes over the pulley. It will have a small cap on top(unscrew cap) and that's where you add fluid. Just make sure you don't over fill.
  • autoguy2autoguy2 Member Posts: 5
    remove your rear tail lamp assy. ( both sides ) unplug connector look at terminals
    you will find a damaged or burned groung connector .. replace this or clean and
    repair .. this is a common problem HTH
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    Use an electronics parts cleaner on the connection, and use bulb grease on your bulbs, as well as the connector pins. It seems to help - the aluminum parts inside the brakelight assembly are prone to corrosion. The ground likes to heat up and melt, causing the same problem you are having. Mine got so flakey that my cruise stopped engaging - the cruise disengage is on the same circuit, and had the same effect as tapping the brake pedal.
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    The problem with most front drive cars is the lack of space under the hood. When talking about an alternator, this means tighter, lighter wieght windings, which wear out faster, and also drive up cost. Less space around the alternator also means less air to cool it down, also adding to wear and tear.

    I highly recommend having your mechanic order you the part - that way, if there is a problem with a rebuilt part (which is more likely than with a new part), the mechanic will normally cover your labor, as well as deal with warranty issues. If you order the part, you are liable for any labor involved! Trust me, with something as intricate and labor-intensive as the alternator, don't fool around.
  • frogboxerfrogboxer Member Posts: 4
    good point.. I did that and I should have remembered to mention that :shades:
  • jdixonvjdixonv Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone tell me what i could try? I have no brake lights on my 99 venture. I have tried the bulb, fuse and pedal switch? thanks
  • wubswubs Member Posts: 1
    Is it complicated to remove the door panel? I have a dead speaker and am afraid to try taking off the door panel myself. One guy on another forum said just pull off the panel and remove the bolt holding the switch asembly and another one near the latch, but that isn't very descriptive to a rank amateur like me.

    Thanks in advance for your help.
  • venture98venture98 Member Posts: 2
    My 98 Venture stalls intermittently. It usually happens when you are coming to a stop or rounding a corner. It starts immediatly and you can continue. this has been going on for about 2 years. sometimes it will not stall for months, then it will stall 3 times in one day. I have had it to the dealer twice for this problem and they say nothing is wrong with my van. Does anyone know the fix for this problem?
  • lou77lou77 Member Posts: 1
    The Tranmission on my Chevy Venture won't change after the first gear but after a few blocks when the engine heats up, then it changes normally.What could the problem be?. :confuse:
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    When did you last have the transmission serviced ? Suggest you take to a transmission specialist not a high street type. The filter may be dirty and fluid will only move when it is warm. Get new fluid and filter and cleaned out.

    I change mine every 35000 and I also put a transmission cooler on a coiuple of years ago and has been fine. Compared with the cost of a new one a good investment.
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    Welcome to the Forums, Venture98! You might also want to ask about your problem in the Idle or Stalling Problems: All Vehicles discussion -- the folks there are likely to have some answers for you.

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  • sdb199sdb199 Member Posts: 1
    driving in rain last night ABS light camre on, lost power steering, engine began to over heat & battery began to die (lights dimmed etc.). Any ideas?
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    Check your serpentine belt. The rain may have caused the belt to slip on the pulleys. Also check the belt tensioners if the belt is loose.
  • 93miata93miata Member Posts: 3
    What does your local dealer charge for GM keyless entry remotes?

    My Chevy dealer wants $129 a piece plus $35 for programming for each of my vans (98, 02 Venture).
    I'm curious to see what other dealerships are charging for new remotes and programming.

    I'm done with ebay because the listings show new remotes, and 3 out of 3 times I've won - I end up with junk that doesn't work and won't program. First one was superglued together and cracked. Can't check the battery if you can't even open it. Second one was completely corroded inside from water and didn't work. The 3rd one only 1 button worked and it looked like someone tried to superglue the circuit board pieces back together. Each one was advertised as new, or like new and they obviously weren't anywhere close to that. The Keyles Ride site is run by one of those same lying ebay sellers, so thats off the list too.

    What does your local dealership charge? I bet there's some that want even more than what mine is charging.
  • jackie23jackie23 Member Posts: 1
    I've had to have the gaskets replaced in my venture twice. :sick: The first time it was covered under my extended warranty and the only out of pocket expense to me was $25.00 deductible, but also did not include having to replace the entire engine. The most recent time was July of 2003, this time unfortunately wound up having to pay for a new engine. Total cost $4,400.00... :cry: I was over my extended warranty at the time by 1,000 miles, yet I hadn't surpassed the 6 years. Even so, GM wouldn't do anything for me. I was wondering, I read in several areas on this chat board that Chevy redesigned the gaskets in 2003 for all new models. So if you ask me, they are admitting there that there was a design flaw. Therefore I think that they should be covering the cost for everyone prior to 2003 who had to shell out lots of money for repairs due to their design flaw. Does anyone have the address to Chevy Headquarters so that I can start hounding them every week if need be to get them to at least reimburse me for half of my money. Any information whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    have a 00 venture with 95K miles. had the infamous intake manifold gasket leak at 38K, fortunately had an ext warranty. I have head that the dexcool is like poison to the engine in these cars. I recently had to top up the coolant, no obvious external leaks. Had an oil analysis and no coolant in the oil but I'm worried something will happen to the engine again with another gasket going etc. Should I flush out the dexcool and put "regular" coolant in??? The dealer refuses to do it but I have an independent guy who looks after my other cars who will. He also said there was some tablet you can put into the dexcool which helps protects things, whats that about?? Also whats the general consensus on how often to change tranny fluid??
  • redbeardredbeard Member Posts: 1
    Seen message from someone else with same problem. Driver power lock will not lock the doors, will unlock . Any Ideas !! Redbeard
  • retcgretcg Member Posts: 2
    I have same problem on 2000, only mine will lock but not unlock

    Jim :lemon:
  • 93miata93miata Member Posts: 3
    I found another site online that I'm willing to give a shot - www.ThePartsYouNeed.com

    The other KR site I mentioned before wants about $65 a piece with shipping for the 98 Venture remote.

    They're 1/2 that price on ThePartsYouNeed site with the instructions included. I ordered 1 this morning.

    https://www.thepartsyouneed.com/displayProductDocument.hg?productId=524

    I'll keep you guys posted. If it works good, I'm going to order one for my 02 as well.
  • 93miata93miata Member Posts: 3
    I got my remote from ThePartsYouNeed.com in the mail today. 4 days isn't bad especially when one was a Sunday.

    Programming was easy, took about 10 seconds. I can't believe a dealership would charge 1/2 hour of labor for a 10 second job. Thats a good way to lose customers.

    Anyhow, the remote works great and when I went to put in an order for remote for the 02 I noticed I got free shipping, so I bought a 2nd remote for the 98 and a pair for the 02. FINALLY I will have remotes that work and that I can use.

    ThePartsYouNeed.com rocks! :D
  • 4thstooge4thstooge Member Posts: 5
    OUR 97 VENTURE WITH ABOUT 110K MILES IS ONCE AGAIN CHUGGING RUNNING
    ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT IS 1 OR MORE FUEL
    INJECTORS.

    I HAVE HAD OUR VAN IN TWICE AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY DID A PRESSURIZED
    FUEL SYSTEM CLEANING AND A NEW FUEL FILTER, THAT HEALED IT FOR A FEW
    MONTHS. THEY TOLD ME THOSE PARTICULAR INJECTORS ARE PRONE TO HAVE
    PROBLEMS AND CLOG EASILY.

    I HAVE RUN FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER THRU THE TANK 3 TIMES IN THE LAST
    FEW WEEKS AND THAT IS NOT GETTIN ER DONE.

    MY QUESTION IS:

    1. CAN I EASILY TAKE THE INJECTORS OUT AND BENCH CLEAN THEM SOMEHOW
    SO THEY WILL WORK MUCH BETTER.

    2. IF SO, CAN SOMEONE TELL ME THE PROCEDURE FOR RELIEVING THE FUEL
    PRESSURE, AND REMOVING A GIVEN FUEL INJECTOR, AND BENCH CLEANING IT
    (IF POSSIBLE)? IF NOT I NEED THE PRECEDURE TO REMOVE THEM ANYWAY
    BECAUSE I WILL LIKELY SEND THEM IN TO A CLEANING SERVICE OR PUT NEW
    ONES IN.

    THANKS

    4THSTOOGE
  • ts60423ts60423 Member Posts: 52
    My 00 Venture has over 200k miles on it. I have not had any leaks until last summer with the coolant. I never could figure out the location of the leak, but a mechanic spotted it - it was seeping out where the transmission line goes into the lower rear of the radiator. I used a bottle of Prestone radiator sealer and haven't had a drop since. The fluid was seeping out and evaporating on the hot radiator and tranny line. I also got rid of the Dexcool crap at about 60,000 miles and used green. The red was so full of mud it was goo in the bottom of the radiator. When the Universal fluid came out, I have used it ever since, cleaning it out every year or so, no problems.
    As far as the tranny goes, I had mine screwed up by an inept dealer thug. I had to replace it at about 150k miles. I just had it serviced after about 50k miles, and the mech said it was extremely dirty, and that is the nature of that series of tranny. I am looking into higher detergent fluids and additives, but I will not let it go longer than about 40,000 miles btween flush and filter change.
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