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GMC Safari & Chevy Astro
GMC Safari/Chevy Astro

1889 messages, Last post on Nov 13, 2009 at 9:04 AM
You are in the GMC Safari & Chevy Astro Forum. Your Host is Karens
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Dennis, I am going to check that out about the seat. Have a 2001 awd with limited slip cargo. You are correct snow is no problem. I had a bronco and the Safari is a lot better in snow. Sammy |
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| I am ready to drive this piece of junk into the river! I am not sure where to start, but most of our major problems started about a year ago when the engine head gasket and valve seals were replaced. Soon after, I had EGR problems, in fact so many, the dealership gave up and we didn't want to spend more money to "shotgun" this problem. For some reason there is a continuous build up of carbon deposits that was clogging the EGR Valve. The dealership decided to unplug the electrical connection to the EGR valve and run the van with the engine light on continuously. It ran a little rough, but we were OK with this as long as the van didn't stall on us. Gradually over time, the van ran rougher and there were no signs of blue or black smoke coming from the exhaust. The van would also start hard, where we learned to turn the ignition key "on" and "off" a few times before the engine would turn over. Trying to start the engine and hold it in the "start" mode did not work. It was almost like the engine was "choking" for a lack of a better word. Recently we started to smell a "burning" order from the van when the van ran for a while, but I am not sure what is causing this. We are trading this van in three months, but I don't think its going to last by then. Any help here would be greatly appreciated. | |
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There's a little bit of info on google about the EGR problems. The first hit suggests replacing the O2 sensor as well as the valve. There also appear to be three EGR related TSBs that your dealer may not know about. Steve, Host |
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| My 91 Astro was running very rough and stalling about a year and a half ago. It did not pass emissions and needed an o2 sensor. Still never passed emissions, but since then it has run very well. It is starting to run a little rough again. I have also heard that if the Catalitic (sp?) converter is in need of replacemnt it will give off the bad smell, and cause the o2 sensor to wear out quickly. | |
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>>I have also heard that if the Catalitic (sp?) converter is in need of replacemnt it will give off the bad smell, and cause the o2 sensor to wear out quickly. A bad cat will smell like rotten eggs. A bad cat will also fry your 02 sensor or sensors in short order, particularly a "downstream" 02 sensor like many cars have today. They should have checked your cat when they changed your 02 sensor or sensors. I don't, however, believe that the cat is likely to cause your emissions failure. The pollutants removed by the cat process aren't typically measured at emissions time. |
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"The pollutants removed by the cat process aren't typically measured at emissions time." I bought a well-used '94 Safari SLT AWD in May 2002 and had to go through the "Drive Clean" program for vehicle certification in the Toronto area. For my Safari the inspection included an Emissions Control System test covering EGR, PCV, Catalytic Converter, Fuel Evaporative System and Gas Cap Pressure with a visible smoke inspection - all with a simple "pass" reported. Then there was a two-speed idle/2500 rpm tailpipe emissions inspection to confirm readings under 200 ppm for HC and under 1.00 per cent CO; 135 & 0.13% / 27 & 0.08% were my results. Just wondering how these tests, limits and results compare to other folks' experience. |
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>For my Safari the inspection included an Emissions Control System test covering EGR, PCV, Catalytic Converter, Fuel Evaporative System and Gas Cap Pressure with a visible smoke inspection - Yeah, there are visual and function tests of these components, but the cat itself does not affect the percentages seen by the sniffer. The 02 sensor certainly will. While the original post didn't specify why he didn't pass emissions, I assumed that if they identifiied a specific component, ie cat missing, then he wouldn't need to figure out what to replace. I admittedly ASSumed he meant his percentages were off, but you know what they say about assuming... |
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It is sleeting and snowing again and I just can not believe how well the AWD with limited slip does on slick surfaces. If I take of in a reasonable manner even on a hill the van does not slip at all. But I bet it will be expensive if it breaks. Sammy Castagna |
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Hello out there... I need a good used Cargo van for a new business I'm starting. I'm looking at a 1998 Chevy Astro cargo with AWD and 78000 miles. It was previously a Verizon Fleet Car. Some people have advised me to stay away from the AWD. Any experience/opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Larry |
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