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GMC Safari/Chevy Astro

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Comments

  • eric_ceric_c Member Posts: 2
    I have a 97 Astro AWD. I was amazed at all the common problems I've had with everybody else posting on this site. Drivers power window failed out of warranty. Transmission failed at 32,000 miles, luckily it was still under warranty. Accelerator sticks, making the van surge from idle to half throttle, it makes people at stop lights and parking lights think your driving like a 16 year old kid. Engine stalls in morning at least 3 times a week, I'm getting good at throwing it in neutral and restarting it while it rolls along in traffic.
    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!
  • tbmlctbmlc Member Posts: 1
    I have a couple of issues with my van. The passenger window no longer works at all. 1. I have found the switch on the drivers side for the passenger window is messed up and believe that is the problem. 2. The windshield wipers work occasionally. I had been able to pop the hood and tap on the motor to get them to start working, but this no longer works. Is it the motor or the computer board? I have been checking around the local junk yards for a wiper motor that will work, but nothing that new is available here. Ideas or parts would be greatly appreciated
  • tombayertombayer Member Posts: 23
    I bought my Astro a year ago when it had 124,000 miles on it. At first I was very worried about the high mileage, but the body and interior were in such good shape that I decided to take the plunge.
    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.
  • mo_kellymo_kelly Member Posts: 1
    Like all you other sufferers I also had the CMFI injection system problem..Thanks to you I was able to present the dealer with the fact I knew about the special warranty up to 100K miles. I also was able to let him know I knew about the CPI injector assembly and EGR valve. All of these
    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).....
  • ahelmahelm Member Posts: 14
    I just moved this from Astro AWD post this one seems more active:

    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.
  • woobywooby Member Posts: 2
    Bought my 96 new , no problems till 37k miles when the tranny went. Dealer replaced with brand new tranny. gave me a loner while work was performed. Since then I have done the following repairs myself. Winsheild wiper motor because of fault in "intermitted" function ($80). Complete brake job at 40k new rotors , pads , drums ($300). The vans brakes were surging when stopping and I feel the aftermarket drums/rotors were worth the expense. New water pump at 55k miles ($60). Both windows quit working within 4 months of each other...65k miles. I replaced both motors after extensive trouble shooting ($250). Installed new Monroe Senna Trac shocks and Michelin tires ($600).... nice investment it really perked up the ride. Astro had 77k miles on it and the air quit working late last summer. I expect this to be a few hundred at least to fix and am not happy but the rest of the van is great. She is a great tow vehicle/kid hauler/grocery better. Mine is 2wd , 3.42 gears , 16 to 18mpg. Having had an 92 AWD Ford Aerostar that vibrated at various speeds I felt the 2wd would be adequate with less moving parts. Mine is great... no vibrations. I do put aggressive snows on in the winter and it works fine. This is a mid size van... not mini van. The high driving position and visibility are super.
  • notowastro1notowastro1 Member Posts: 2
    After 5 attempts to get the rear differential fixed by an authorized dealer , my 1999 astro still cannot tow my trailer for more than 2 hrs without burning up the rear end. For anyone who is looking for a van that can tow Astro is clearly not the choice to be.
  • woobywooby Member Posts: 2
    Depending on the year and gears the ratings seem to vary from 4500 to about 6000 lbs. tow weight. I have a 96 Astro with trailer package , 3.42:1
    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.
  • notowastro1notowastro1 Member Posts: 2
    The G.M. dealer is the only one who has touched this vehicle , this problem started long before i had even towed anything . As I write this message with a loaner car in the garage because my van has alass expired another differential. My trailer is 4000 # in weight no problem for any other component on the vehicle so why only the rear end, synthetic fluids are already in it . I have been told by a source that the machining process of the gears has been changed as of lately and this could quite possibly be the cause of this overheating,burning scenerio. I personally had to tow it home with my 81 chevy 4x4 and that was a 4 hour tow ,when I reached home I touched the rear diff cover on my truck and it was hardly even luke warm. No rocket scientist writing this but a person who knows when he has a piece of junk Astro van
  • ahelmahelm Member Posts: 14
    Sorry about the problems with your rear end. I have recently bought a 2000 AWD and was planing to outfit it with a Class III hitch and tow at the max tow rating. Your have giving me some reservations. My brother lost a diff in a similar fashion in a 1/2 ton Chev (unknown late 90's model) when it was fairly new. Any thing to look for as warning signs? Noises, etc? Any other major issues? Brakes, tranny, transfer case? Hang in there and let us know of your resolution.
  • chrisj6chrisj6 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 98' Astro LS with 63K and have had nothing but problems with it. I traded in my 89' Astro with 120K for the 98'. I bought it from a Chevy dealership were I was fooled by the 100+ point inspection on every certified used car. At 28K I noticed a damp spot on the carpet near the back dutch doors. I lifted the carpet up from the molding piece and felt the underside, the padding was soaked and covered in mildew! I took it to the dealership were they took all the carpet out and ran it through their car wash 8 times, but found no leak. They replaced the carpeting (under warranty) but the problem happend again with no solution. If you own a Astro with back Dutch Doors, check the underside of the carpeting. I garentee it will be wet. Then the passenger window jamed itself in the door. The accelerator sticks, and when the transmision shifts it will give you wiplash! I've had the tans. serviced and perform all maintnence regularly. Plus the van rattles and squeeks like a 20 year old car! I baby my cars so they'll last me a long time. But this van is the most problem ridden vehicle I've ever owned! And it will be the last GM vehicle I buy.
  • porchdoggieporchdoggie Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone had any luck pursuing GM with front suspension failure, upper ball joint snapped at 100K miles, always had regular lubing, etc. Any ideas where to look?
  • roadrascalroadrascal Member Posts: 35
    I have a 93 Astro T. The passenger side power window quit working, then 5 months later the drivers side window quit working along with the power mirrors. The fuses are OK. Any suggestions on what to look for next? Thanks!
  • mdunne1mdunne1 Member Posts: 1
    Yup.. Got everything on it - leather - the works...
    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
  • accesstooaccesstoo Member Posts: 3
    Take this for whatever it is worth to you. I owned a 95 for 5 years/60k miles and never had any great problems with it. In the end, it tended to heat up a bit but turned out to be a weak hose.

    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
  • thespian55thespian55 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know how to add in pricing for a conversion package when figuring out the price on your conversion van?????

    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
  • carleton1carleton1 Member Posts: 560
    Digital instrumentation was the irritation with our 91 Astro CL. Would get 23 to 24 mpg on 1400 mile round trip to Disneyland. Wiper motor went out at 61,000 miles and 8 years of age a few weeks before we traded it on a new 99 GC SE that has had zero problems in 2 years 24,600 miles. GC SE on same 1400 mile trip to Disneyland with 4 adults and 2 grandchildren gets 27 MPG.
    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Valuing conversion vans is tough, apparently. You may get some help here:

    Pricing (costing) conversion vans

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • obus99obus99 Member Posts: 2
    Mdunne1.

    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
  • bougardbougard Member Posts: 1
    I have a 97 GMC safari van that leaks terribly from the rear doors to the extent that the carpet will seep water all the way to the front of the vehicle. there is no noticable water to be seen when the leaking occurs until you lift a floor mat and detect the water under them. Has anyone else had this problem and has GMC responded to your satisfaction. Have contacted GMC customer service on the matter and they are willing to split the cost but if it leaks again and ruins the carpet again, they are not responsible for the carpet damage? It seems that this is a major problem and that there is not a solution to prevent it from leaking again.
  • creidcreid Member Posts: 54
    I see by reading the above post you have what seems extensive knowledge on the Astro/Safari vehicles. I just purchased a 2001 Safari AWD. I had a 99 that had extensive problems with the redesigned awd system and then it got ugly when I had to depart with it. My wife really like this design vehicle so I purchased another one. The question I have is this vehicle has a limited slip rearend (which I have no idea why they would install this on an awd vehicle) and it 3.73 rear end gears. I don't do any towing but maybe a litte camping. How bad with the gear ratio kill me with gas mileage or will I even see a difference at all? Is there any advantage to a limited slip with the awd system already installed? Puzzles me. Thanks for you time.
    Corey
  • swemswem Member Posts: 1
    i just got my van and i love it but i'm looking for the rear window curtain kits and can't find them please help if you know where i could find these.
  • mrnimmomrnimmo Member Posts: 271
    Nothing weird about a limited slip on a 4wd or Awd application. Subaru is not offering some arrangement like this on some of their cars. Hardcore offroaders generally install true lockers (or airlockers) on their trucks, sometimes both front and rear.


    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

  • creidcreid Member Posts: 54
    Thanks for the informative information on LSD. After reading the article I really won't notice any difference just a waste of money from GM. I have no need for a locker just didn't really understand the LSD effect with the AWD feature. Do you know how much 3.73 versus 3.42 ratio will effect gas mileage the vehicle came with this setup & I may regret it on a long trip w/o towing.
  • cormiercormier Member Posts: 8
    We've had rear door leaks on a few of our Astros. If they were under warranty, we returned them to the dealer for resolution. I really never asked what they did.

    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.
  • cormiercormier Member Posts: 8
    Great link, mrnimmo! I always got the LSD on our vehicles, but never really understood what it was. I figured the "voodoo" value was sufficient to justify the extra $20 or so. Now I understand what I'm buying. Thanks!

    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.
  • flynnskiflynnski Member Posts: 1
    We live in Minnesota at the bottom of a valley. Bought a 2000 AWD last fall and could not believe the great traction thru a long, snowy winter.
    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.
  • creidcreid Member Posts: 54
    I would like to know the same. We just bought a 2001 Safari AWD & the finance guy wanted some absurd amount for a 6yr 60K warranty $1400, I declined. What kind of gas mileage do you get with your Van? Have you seen some increase with break in period or does it stay about the same.
  • creidcreid Member Posts: 54
    I was lying under our new Safari & noticed that the 4.3L doesn't have a oil pan any longer. It seems it has a aluminum piece that seems attached to the motor. Has anyone seen this? Also what would the implications be if you had to service something internal in the engine like oil pump or even crack the bottom?
    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.
  • skeewb_4287skeewb_4287 Member Posts: 17
    I need an objective answer for the following question: Why should I buy an Astro/Safari instead of a Suburban/Yukon XL?
  • tombayertombayer Member Posts: 23
    Astro's are much cheaper, at least 10-15k dollars worth. Astro's have just as much if not more usable interior space. Astro's get better fuel mileage. Astro's don't fit into the "designer SUV" category that every soccer mom loves to drive (forgive me ladies, just trying to make a point). One last note, my Astro has the two rear bench seats and dutch doors. It is very easy to haul 4x8 building materials by just folding the seat backs flat and have about 2 inches of the 4x8 sticking out the back, then I tie the lift gate shut with a short piece of rope. I could probably shut the lift gate if I moved the front seats all the way forward, but that would be too cramped for me to drive. The bench seats are removable, but I've only had to do that once or twice, usually just folding the seatbacks down gives plenty of room.
  • gtrag1gtrag1 Member Posts: 4
    Need some Help
    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hi gtrag1

    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
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dpayne1dpayne1 Member Posts: 8
    I am considering the purchase of a 2000 MC Safari WAD, but I do drive on a limited use seasonal highway most weekends to get to camp.
    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
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    The wiper motor starts and stops when ever it wants... Common problem in the GM is cracks in the solder joint of the circuit board connector where the wiring harness plugs in. I have fixed quite a few of these. Remove the circuit board and re-solder the joints to the connector.

    ...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.
  • rddrummer1rddrummer1 Member Posts: 1
    by rddrummer1

    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?
  • creidcreid Member Posts: 54
    RE: rddrummer1
    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.
  • gtrag1gtrag1 Member Posts: 4
    Thank you for the great input.
    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
  • kharrisonkharrison Member Posts: 1
    My '97 Astro is almost off lease. I've not had any problems that are significant, but the carpet is soaked to the driver's seats. I've heard its the rear seals but no one has suggested a solution. We had the dealer adjust the "Dutch" doors twice. Has anyone had any success with a dealer or with M on this problem? Its always noted on the work order "unable to duplicate" when I go to the dealership. If so where does the water come from?
  • isis805isis805 Member Posts: 1
    I have repaired many Astro rear door water leaks, the problem is water can creep under the rear carpet retainer at the rear doors. The retainer is held down with screws and some 2-sided tape. I have been removing the carpet retainer, applying a bead of caulking between the pinch weld flanges at each side under the carpet retainer. Let the caulking set to firm up a bit and install the carpet retainer. Also replace the 2-sided tape on the retainer. This forms a dam under the retainer and blocks the water that seeps past the door seals. Also the upper seal at the roof may require a bead of caulking where it meets the roof. Hope this helps.
    Dave (G. M. Technician)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thank you Dave (isis805); nice to see a coveted "century" post with such good info :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Looks like you got the century post, Steve ;-)


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, quit messing with my head, Drew. Dave's excellent wet carpet fix was post 100 until you started deleting stuff :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • m2bm2b Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a 2WD 2000 Astro at the end of 2000, currently have 10,500 miles between lots of city and freeway driving. Big plusses and minuses, in my experience:
    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.
  • danjk2danjk2 Member Posts: 2
    I am out of pocket nearly $5,000 in post warranty repairs on my 1997 Astro AWD. The latest is $2,200 for a new transmission at 78,000 miles, which was preceded last month by $800 to replace the lower intake gasket that was leaking coolant all over the engine. I have also replaced the idler arms, serpentine belt (twice), driver's door power window motor, rear liftglass struts and more ... much, much more.
  • roman40roman40 Member Posts: 1
    My safari has had a bad pull to the right since '98. Several dealers have looked at it but have been unable to fix it. Have had front brakes replaced twice in the last 3 years and it has had no improvement in the pulling. Some other bits and bytes.. am on third set of idler arms! Torsion bar broke on front drivers side. I have the wiper problem and will check the solder joint on cc board as suggested. The rear heater pipe has cracked. The rear brakes seem to wear out quickly. I love the space but the reliability...
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    Check the contacts that come from the circuit board to the commutator (shiny rings). If the contacts on the ends of the spring arms are badly worn, bend the arm a little further away from the board and you will change the contact angle and get more time out of it.

    Jim
  • billp10billp10 Member Posts: 2
    Hello,

    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
  • topseatopsea Member Posts: 47
    I'll just put in my 2 cents

    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
  • creidcreid Member Posts: 54
    I also purchased a 2001 awd van but didn't see anywhere in the owners manual of of 3 yr 100,000mi warranty? Only the std. 3/36 Where did you find this information? Thanks.
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