Edmunds Answers questions

4.3L V6 2000 Chevy Astro van, #1 cylinder misfire at idle .

rreinha — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:59:21 GMT

#1 and sometimes #5 cycliners misfire at idle, new plugs, cap rotor and wires 2000 miles ago. replaced #1 plug, wire and Cap again still has misfire.
underload performance is good and has no misfire. driving with the cowl off sounds a little like spark knock, but no Misfire
78,000 miles

Need part number for 1999 Chevy Astro.

croom74 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:34:44 GMT

Hi all,

Need to get the part number for the blower motor resistor for my 1999 Astro van. I called the local Chevy dealer and they refused to provide the part number. Sighting "... people will try to get it cheaper some where else and/or replace it themself...".

well, that's exactly what I 'm doing. I don't see anything wrong with that being the economy is so bad that I need to get all out of my van without giving up an arm or a leg for it. Your help is appreciated

02 Astro hard to start. Everything checks O.K.,fuel pressure, spark, temp. sensor. Runs great once it starts. Acts

jesabrooks — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:25:10 GMT

Hard to start especialy when cold. Acts like it is not getting enough fuel. It tries to start but seems like it is starved of fuel. No check engine light or codes are coming up. Once it starts it is fine for the rest of the day, but it may take five minutes to start or it will run battery down and not start at all. Could it be the idle air control or throttle position sensor? Any ideas?

Where on a 97 Chevy Astro Van is the oilpan located at?

brettm1 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:44:27 GMT

I like to change the oil in all my vehicles to Cut the time it takes for some one else to do it but i have an astro 97 from my parents and i have looked under it and could not find the oilpan, its not near the oil filter which is up against the Transmission Pan With 2 lines Leading back to the Engine now i was told the Oilpan is behind a bracket closer to the engine and that i had to jack up the engine to get to it. im not a no it all about mechanics, but im not a total newb to it, i know the basic stuff like what the oil filterlooks like, the transmission, driveshaft all that good stuff

94 Chevy Astro. Brakes locked up on right side. I changed pads/springs and cylinder. What's left? Please help.

achenbach — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:47:35 GMT

94 chevy astro. i was driving home one day and the brakes on the rear right side locked up. they unlock sometimes and it drives fine. i changed the pads and springs. i also changed the wheel cylinder on the side that locks up. i dont know what is left to do.

I need the routing for the brake lines on a 93 Chevy Astro van. I have a leak next to the gas tank .

disabledvet — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:23:51 GMT

there is a leak over the gas tank on the left drivers side cant see it but the fluid runs down the side of the tank ineed the schematic for the brake line routing

2000 Chevy Astro. ABS and brake lights on and bumpy ride after new front tires put on.

beachwalkin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:01:56 GMT

Sometimes the ABS & brake lights go on (brake light it's been happening to for years). This started after I had new tires put on the front.

What really bothers me is when I'm driving slowly, it feels like I'm going over bumps in the road and there aren't any.

My mechanic said the ABS brakes aren't necessary, don't worry. Cost $500 to replace, and that might not even be the problem. Forgot what the problem could be.

I had my 1996 Chevy Astro back brake shoes replaced 6 months ago. Now they are squeaking very badly.

crazyralph — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:37:38 GMT

they started squeaking very bad and if i turn sometimes theres a slight rubbing noise?? HELP

Looking for the name of the color of my '98 AWD Chevy Astro Van so I can match it. It's like a dark forest/teal color.

calmike — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:28:56 GMT

Stock colors for '98 AWD Astro Van. Dark Green in appearance.

review 1999 Chevrolet Astro

halvorson — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:46:16 GMT

the 1999 Chevrolet Astro can you give me a review

97 Chevy Astro - Battery won't turn over - even after jumping - but trys. What should I try now - fuel pump, line

ekrivers — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:37:32 GMT

97 Chevy Astro - I've never had a problem starting the van before but this morning it wouldn't turn over. It trys but just won't fire. I have had a little bit a jerking feeling but I've used ISO-HEET and that seemed to take care of it. Could it be a problem with the fuel pump or line? I'm not sure where to go from here.

94 astro wont stay running replaced erg, fuel sensers, distributor, cat, and a bunch of other stuff im at a lost

dmichaud — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:30:24 GMT

we have tried everything and nothing is working was hoping maybe i could get some answers on here i have heard this is a problem with alot of people that own the astro van

please tell me which way wire runs from main window switch to right side door switch,chevy astro1995

bkhan — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:22:49 GMT

two of the wire from left window to right side windows color tan and blue/white from where the cross over

2000Chevy astro 4.3 l uses small amt of water.no apparent leaks. no milky oil any ideas? thx. Jack

jegack — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:56:03 GMT

there are no apparent heater leaks, but possibly heat feels a little hunid although it could be my imagination. and after 3000 mi the oil has no milky appearance. It uses about 3 ounces per 100 miles. and has been doing this since I got it 18000 miles ago. I did add about 16 ounces of regular coolant in the beginning but had it flushed and replaced with the proper stuff about 8 months later, when I found out that that was not the best thing, however It did need topping up when I first got it. thanks for any insights. jack

Can't solve high throttle issue on 2000 Chevy Astro. Can you help?

claudet — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:37:45 GMT

My 2000 Chevy Astro (230,000 miles) has been experiencing a high throttle on cold start for the last two months. Mechanic has replaced throttle sensor, mas sensor, thermostat to no avail. Mechanic says it's a temperature issue. Says the engine does not reach sufficient operating temperature so it throttles up. I've found the issue occurs when weather conditions include freezing precipitation. Runs great in the sunshine when it's warm or cold. Dangerous condition when it acts up: it simply drives by itself. I drove it for more than 400 miles on Monday, but then ran into mixed precipitation, including snow and freezing rain. This was after being on the road for 14 hrs (I am a delivery driver). The thing just took off on me. Oil pressure remained constant at 40 lbs, even when stopped.

How to install a radio in a 1998 Chevy Astro Van.

kshirley — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:08:23 GMT

I want to replace the current radio. How does the dash come off? What tools will I need?

94 Chevy Astro won't stay running. Replaced erg, fuel sensors, distributor, cat, and a bunch of others. At a loss.

earnhartnut3 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:34:31 GMT

94 astro won't stay running replaced erg, fuel sensors, distributor, cat, and a bunch of other stuff. vehicle is all wheel drive not resolved yet

Chevy Astro 2004. No power to the cig. lighter or auxiliary power ports.

safety2 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:37:58 GMT

I just purchased this van from an at risk childrens home and thought maybe they had all the ports diabled so kids couldn't cause shorts/shock. I checked the fuse under the steering columm and it appears good. I really need these power ports for cell phone and DVD player for grandchildren. Got any idea's? Thanks

Will a 2000 GMC transmission fit a 1999 Chevy Astro van with the same size engine?

bkb6060 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:36:39 GMT

Just need to know if trans will fit

93 Chevy Astro stalling

dwfield — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:14:42 GMT

93 chevy astro started stalling at stop lights randomly.
Would run for days then start again. would sometimes restart after couple of minutes. replaced plugs,wires rotor cap,distributor cap new bosch fuel pump,fuel filter,idle air control, fuel pump relay, oil pressure sensor. ran for a day, starting and restarting no problem.

brought it home a hour later it will not start someone please help before i reduce it to a pile of scrap metal

Which pin(s) do I run a jumper wire to to test the rear AC blower fan on a 95 Astro van?

hiltoab — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:59:41 GMT

My 95 Astro rear air does not come on. The condenser is cold just waiting for the blower to kick on and cool the van.

There are 2 switches on the dash for rear AC but nothing happens when I move them. There are 2 relays under the hood (3 but one is for the front). I just want to make sure the rear blower is good before messing with the relays. I ran a jumper wire from the batter back to it, but no matter which pin I applied it to nothing happened.

I have a 98 Chevy Astro van with a 4.3. When it gets hot it won't start until it cools down. Any ideas what the problem is?

thstewy — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:08:10 GMT

i have a 98 astro van with a 4.3 and 160,000 miles. when it gets hot it wont start until it cools down. fuel pump was changed 2 monthes ago, any ideas what the problem is?

My 1995 Chevy Astro won't start.

nmskougard — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:54:39 GMT

It won't start because the a.c. compressor seized and the serpentine belt cannot turn. Can I bypass??

98 Chevy Astro. Only the defrost works. Was told that vaccum line may be off. Please direct me to the connection points.

Keith98 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:55:32 GMT

Without vacuum line connected no heat ports work including the rear heater Please send an illustration of vacuum connection points if possible. Thanks in advance Keith

My 2005 Chevy Astro Van with 48K miles is downshifting when it's not supposed to at speed. Any Ideas?

LuvMy2005Astro — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:27:49 GMT

Hello, and thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me.

My Wife's 2005 Astro Van with 48 K miles on it, has recently started to downshift when it shouldn't. It mostly happens while accelerating at lower speeds....It will either shift down when it should shift up, or it will shift down during slow acceleration with no additional input from the gas pedal. It will also do this at highway speeds...shift into overdrive while cruising for no apparent reason. I'm hoping this may in fact just be an electronic issue. We have extended warranty insurance, and it may be covered, but I'm sure the deductible will be a little high. Would I just be better off having the tranny serviced and getting an estimate at a local transmission shop?

Again, thanks for any help or suggestions.

1998 Chevy Astro van fuel pressure problem.

85Elcimino — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:07:32 GMT

fuel pump runs....sounds sick, but runs.
Fuel filter ....Clear
Pressure at gage is 15 +/-
the unit on top of the manifold....between the throttle body, & the dist..doesn't make any sound.......this unit is, (I am assuming is the fuel pressure regulator).
Does anyone know the procedures to ck, & diagnose this component

1994 Chevy AWD Astro Van 4.3L (Vin W) with CMFI. What would cause gasoline getting into oil and super rich exhaust?

Charlie_UT — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:35:13 GMT

12/02/08

Greetings,

I've an All Wheel Drive 1994 Chevrolet Astro Van with an automatic transmission and a 4.3L Vin-W (L35) engine with Central Multiport Fuel Injection (CMFI).

A few weeks ago I replaced the fuel pump which had failed altogether. Along with the pump I also replaced the full tank strainer screen, the filter and all the seals. Afterwards my mileage nearly doubled to almost 20MPG (Yippee!). Then less than 100 miles later it lost a lot of power, the mileage dropped to less than 5MPG and the exhaust started to smell of raw fuel and exit the tail pipe in a white cloud.

I continued driving the van short distances looking for parts and information but stopped driving it completely after noticing the oil pressure was falling as well. Checking the oil I figured the level would be low, but instead was surprised to find it was more than a quart high. The higher than expected oil level proved to be caused by gasoline that was somehow getting into the crankcase. At I first suspected the new fuel pump was defective and delivering the fuel at too high a pressure, but it checked out okay at 58 to 60 PSI with an ample flow rate.

I picked up copies of Chev's factory repair manuals and have followed them as far as possible without spending a small fortune on specialized tools, gauges, etc. Without the factory tools however it's nearly impossible to say which sensors (and other parts) are bad and which ones are good, leaving only vague leads to follow as to what the underlying problem might actually be. Thus far the only viable option I've been able to come up with that would enable getting our van running again in a reasonable amount of time would be to take a shotgun approach to the repair. This would mean replacing each of the various sensors and electronic modules involved one at a time until something helps. I'd gladly do this just to get it going again soon but the expense of doing it that way could be formidable, especially considering that most of the parts in question can't be returned for refund if they don't help. Fixing it that way may even lead to replacing the entire fuel injection assembly, which costing between $300 and $2500 is simply not possible with limited funds. (In short, I need to get the family buggy running again on a beer budget.)

Normally I can do most diagnostics and repairs just fine on my own, given I've at least a hint or two as to where to begin. The subject of fuel injectors as a whole is new to me (seeing as how I was raised on Chevy short block V8s and Holley carbs). Needless to say as such any help or pointers offered would be truly and greatly appreciated.

Charlie_UT

----- Life Was Better in Analog -----

98 Chevy Astro 4.3 flooding problem.

nenny — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:38:39 GMT

i have an astro that has 60+ fuel psi and new pump filter and regulator plus all tune up parts new also new coolant temp sensor . every couple of months it will start then flood so bad it quits . the only way to get it going again is to pull the plugs and spin it over to dry the cylinders and put in fresh plugs at 40 bucks a pop for plugs its killing me ! i cant figure out why it is flooding . it isnt showing or storing any codes . i have never encountered this problem so any help will be great . thank you

I have a 1994 Chevy Astro van and am having trouble with the cig lighter port because it is not working.

grandmother6 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:30:22 GMT

1994 astro van having trouble. where is the fuse for this . please answer me .

2002 Chevy Astro. Powertrain failure. Bearing failure in rear end at 117,000 miles. Is there a warranty to cover?

tincan3 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:12:36 GMT

The pinion gear bearing(s) howling and diagnosed as needing to be replaced. It is a 4.7 hour labor job plus $350 for a kit to replace all four (4) bearings. I was hoping some sort of warranty existed to help me.

Can you tell me where the resistor for the speed ventilator is located on a Chevy Astro van?

fixer5 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:06:32 GMT

can you tell me where is located resistor need to be replaced chevy astro van

I have a 2000 Chevy Astro van that is showing a p300 code. I have replaced plugs and wires and still no change.

allanbaker — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:38:28 GMT

It seems that the left side of motor is not firing correctly. New plugs and wires and i still get p300 misfire code.It is a 2000 Astro with 80k. It ran fine and then all of a sudden started missing. At first i got a o2 sensor code so i replaced it and now the misfire code. Is there a chance that one of the fuel injectors is bad? It is a throttle body.

I am looking to buy a 95 Chevy Astro Gladiator. Seeing mixed reviews, any feedback would be welcomed. 4.3l, 2wd, very good condition, 68k.

treemandan — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:26:55 GMT

I have seen a lot of mixed reviews. Issues seem to be about stalling, rough idling, and shutting down and not starting in the 4.3

Lots of reports in the 90's Astro's re: these issues. went to reviews of the vehicle and a lot of reviews stated these problems. while the engine seems good for 150k plus, the electrical components seemed to be the biggest problem. If you could respond, I would appreciate it. Thank you, Dan

What would cause a thumping at the left front tire? 1990 Chevy Astro LT.

dehate — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:38:11 GMT

Hello,

I own a 1990 Chevy Astro LT V6 4.3L with 250k+ miles.

Recently I started noticing a thump from the left front wheel after I release the brake. When listening carefully I can hear a slight bump as I start braking.

I thought it might be the brakes so I removed the front wheels to inspect. Everything looks fine (thick even pads, no scratches or cracks in disc). I tried moving the brake parts but nothing was loose. I did not see anything amiss while I was under there. I had also added a little grease to the steering joints. I even looked at the back brakes to be thorough.

After reassembling the sound was still there. My helper noticed that the tire shifted at a slight angle when I released the brake.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance.

Thanks, Bruce

On a 2003 Chevy Astro, will a full size spare tire fit in the crank up storage space used for the donut?

butlerailcar — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:48:02 GMT

A donut spare is not recommended to be used while trailer towing. I want to get a full size spare, but don't know if it will fit under there.

Chevy Astro warm engine starting problem.

arafat — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:55:43 GMT

I have a 2002 Astro with only 23,000 miles. It fires right up when cranked first thing in the day (cold engine) and runs normally. However, when restarting after being off for 15 minutes to 2+ hours (warm engine) it cranks normally but coughs and sputters and can take 2-3 5 second cranking sessions before starting. It will then run rough briefly before resuming running normally.

Someone suggested I have carbon buildup. Anybody have this experience? Thanks

Is a Chevy Astro 03 AWD a buy or not buy?

dogvan1 — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:06:15 GMT

A 2003 Astro LT AWD with only 20,100 miles is available due to tragic death of the owner, another "dog person". I am totally unfamiliar with Astro, but need to replace '97 Ford E-150 and still have room to haul 4 #400 dog crates.

I have 2 questions: Edmunds reliability rating on 03's and 04's is markedly different, yet Chevy tells me the model was basically unchanged between years. Wazzup?

Second, what do you think of Edmunds TMV prices in this wacky current situation with GM?. I am thinking of offering trade-in, but I don't want to be rude, nor do I want to be unable to get parts in another 2 years. Sienna is nice, but more than twice the price.

How do you remove the doghouse/engine cover trim on a 1992 Chevy Astro Van?

pet1966 — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:26:01 GMT

Do you need to remove part of the dash to get it off?

I was just driving my 95 Chevy Astro van V64.3l Vortex engine when it just stopped cold in its tracks.

dlbking — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:57:22 GMT

I was just driving my 95 astro van V64.3l Vortex engine when it just stop cold in it tracks. I tried cranking it again but it will not start. I have test to see if the fuel was coming to the engine?

I've heard that the electric pump of a Chevy Astro is too much for my 600 Eldebrock carb.

bluemule1 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:10:31 GMT

I just heard that my electric fuel pump in my '93 Astro will be too much for my 600 Edelbrock carb. If this is true, do I have to eliminate stock pump [in tank] and install a mechanical pump? My 327 is built up to around 400hp. This is the first weekday I've been home since January! Aaahhhhh! I'm planning on working on van soon.
Have week before leaving town again!

Anyway, any help will be great, thanks. Marvin aka bluemule1

How do I replace the air blend door actuator on a 1996 Chevy Astro?

mikenm — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:58:52 GMT

Blend door appears to be in some type of fail safe mode of providing air only to the defroster, no matter what position is desired, vent, floor, belevel either in heat or air conditioning mode. If I take off the doghouse will I be able to locate the blend door actuator and replace it. Or do I have to take out all the duct work on the passenger side to get at it.

2000 Chevy Astro van, high speed miss at 68 mph.

sufr54 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:12:42 GMT

150k, Replaced cat. converters, coil, Distributor cap, plugs and wires, injectors.

Was told by dealer possible sticky valves, put sea-foam in oil, de-sludge, no difference.

Has thrown same code for multiply cylinder. miss fires 3 times and always at 68mph. Cylinder 6 seems to miss fire the most.

Why does the fuel pump on 98 Chevy Astro go out (four times) in less than 2000 miles?

markvan — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:51:11 GMT

I have to replace fuel pump on 98 Astro for fourth time. Fuel filter also replaced each time. Is there something causing this?

2000 Chevy Astro. Have little to no power during acceleration. Engine sputters when accelerator is pressed. Must drive slowly.

poppie1dad — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:25:31 GMT

Haven't changed fuel pump yet. Did switch spider from used 99 Safari. Having same problem, also changed fuel filter.

Check engine light on. Have codes, can hear fuel pump charge system.

map(man. absolute pressure)\baro or maf(mass air flow)\vaf(vane air flow)sensor condition

2000 Chevy Astro 4.3L V6. Coolant in oil. Compression checks good.

chapinrob — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:13:22 GMT

I have a 2000 Chevy Astro with 4.3L V6. Van has 177K miles. It has had some overheating problems in the past. After a fried drove and parked it, it would not start. I checked and found coolant in the oil (approx 12 inches on dipstick. Had it towed home. I have assumed it had a head gasket problem. But today I checked the compression and all cylinders ranged from a low of 175 psi to a high of 225 psi. Could the head or head gasket still be the problem?

I've seen a lot of posts about intake gasket problems on this engine. It makes sense that a bad gasket here would flood the oil pan. But I've also heard of problems with the timing chain rubbing a hole in some housing which lets coolant flow into the oil pan - not sure if this is possible. Please reply with your thoughts.

Service light for evaporator control valve location of valve. Chevy Astro.

thomasstaton44 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:58:58 GMT

Service light for evaporator control valve location of valve on 2003 Astro van.

1995 Chevy Astro. How do I separate the horn button from the air bag?

bwoodsedge — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:19:50 GMT

1995 Astro- The horn starts blowing in the middle of the night. I'm sure the horn button is making contact due to the temperature change. I have pulled the air bag and horn combo. How do I separate the horn button from the air bag?
Thanks

My passenger side "assist handle" located just above the air bag shattered due to hot weather. How do I replace it? Chevy Astro.

2000astrofrank — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:31:09 GMT

I have a 2000 Astro that due to excessive heat the passenger side assist handle shattered. Where can I get a replacement besides a dealer, which will charge me $95+ for the part. Also, how difficult is it to install it?

How do I replace the driver's side window on my 93 Chevy Astro van? Manual crank window.

daw1506 — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:27:44 GMT

How do I replace the driver side window on my 93 Chevy Astro van? It is manual crank window.

How can I unlock the security settings of my 1998 Chevy Astro?

jpn119 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:24:02 GMT

My 1998 Chevy Astro was soaked in floodwater at van floor level, the computer box was 1/3 wet and was pulled out cleaned, dried and insulated. In my instrument panel the security message is not going out after the key is inserted, all the other message disappear after a second of inserting the key. What is the best solution to remove the "security" message on my instrument panel? Thanks in advance!