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Chevy Vans: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

629 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2009 at 5:52 AM

You are in the Chevy Venture Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Astro, Chevrolet Venture, Van

Messages Page 44 of 64

#428 of 629 1995 Astro Problems by scott808

Mar 22, 2006 (8:35 am)

I own a 1995 Chevy Astro with about 148K miles, 4.3 V-6, "W" engine. Over the past several months, the engine has developed a pronounced misfire. Gas mileage has dropped considerably from 20 to 22MPG to just over 16MPG with no change in my driving habits or distances. It's at the point now where it's almost undriveable.
 
I've had it in to my mechanic who has replaced plugs, checked wires (judged okay), fuel filter, and replaced the oxygen sensor. When my mechanic pulled the plugs, although not abnormally worn, he noted that the 3 left bank plugs were "normal" in color while the 3 right bank plugs were very dark...he thought indicating a rich mixture on that side of the engine. I've seen the old parts and can confirm his observations.
 
Previously, in late 1992, the following items were replaced (mileage was about 112K miles): fuel pump & strainer, fuel filter, throttle position sensor, EGR valve, plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor, distributor ignition control module, ignition coil, plug wires, idle air control valve, fuel injectors and spider, and the engine control PROM.
 
My mechanic now believes there may be a problem with the distributor itself and wants to replace it.
 
I think he's guessing...while I don't necessarily mind that, he's guessing with my checkbook which bothers me in light of the possibile, never ending, perhaps un-necessary replacement of what can be very expensive parts. The mechanic has had the vehicle in his shop for over 2 weeks and there's no end in sight at this point.
 
Is there anyone out there who might be able to give me an idea of what might be wrong here? What could cause the plugs on one side of the engine to look as tho the mixture might be to rich? The service engine light has not come on. My mechanic tells me that the vehicle "computer" has registered no problems.
 
Previous to this, for the most part, the engine has run well inspite of high mileage.
 
Hope someone has a few ideas besides finding a new mechanic!
 
Anything is appreciated.

#429 of 629 smell coming from AC by jhorton

Mar 27, 2006 (7:59 am)

I have a 2005 Chevy Venture that I purchased new last year. After a few months, I noticed a mildew smell coming from the vents when I put on the AC or outside vent. After 20 minutes or so the smell seems to go away. I've had the AC and ducts cleaned out twice and the in cabin filter changed twice, but the smell comes back. It seems to happen only during the summer months (in Texas that's almost year round). Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get this problem corrected? When I take the van in to get the problem fixed, it is only temporary and the smell returns!!

#430 of 629 2003 Venture Van Stalls Intermittantly by ventureowner1

Mar 31, 2006 (7:15 am)

Intermittant problem 2003 Venture/61K miles. Van stalls when attempting to stop. There's not chugging when it stalls. It cranks right back and keeps going. GM mechanics did not find any codes nor could they duplicate. Has anyone experienced this problem/found solution? Past repairs: water pump

#431 of 629 Re: 2000 Venture Stalling [familyof5] by jyoung15

Apr 02, 2006 (6:29 am)

Replying to: familyof5 (Mar 08, 2006 7:56 pm)
i have a 2000 venture and it stalls the same way it turned out to be the fuel pump at #6664.00 hope this helps

#432 of 629 200 chevy fuel pump by jyoung15

Apr 02, 2006 (7:04 am)

post #431 should have said $664.00 and it fixed that problem and made anouther check engine light can on

#433 of 629 Re: 2003 Venture Van Stalls Intermittantly [ventureowner1] by familyof5

Apr 02, 2006 (10:31 pm)

Replying to: ventureowner1 (Mar 31, 2006 7:15 am)
Same thing with mine, except it happened on hills. Turned out it was a fuel pump problem. Cost $777 just for the part. Doesn't stall any more after the mechanic replaced the fuel pump. One thing that does hurt, my wallet is alot lighter now.

#434 of 629 Re: 2003 Venture Van Stalls Intermittantly [familyof5] by jyoung15

Apr 03, 2006 (7:54 am)

Replying to: familyof5 (Apr 02, 2006 10:31 pm)
guess i was lucky then the part cost $425.00 the rest was labor but know my check engine ligfht comes on and i get a code for the vapor recovery canister did not have any codes before they changed the fuel pump any ideas

#435 of 629 Re: 2003 Venture Van Stalls Intermittantly [jyoung15] by ventureowner1

Apr 03, 2006 (11:01 am)

Replying to: jyoung15 (Apr 03, 2006 7:54 am)
Thanks for responding, jyoung15 and familyof5. This info would not be as alarming to me if we were talking about a vehicle that had 150+K miles. However, I only have 61K miles on this van, taking care to do scheduled maintenance as suggested. I'm a repeat Chevy buyer and have been happy with each one; 96 Astro - lived to see 182K miles and a small repair history, 96 Silverado - 242K miles and small repair history, 99 Lumina - currently 175K miles and still going with only a small repair history. Again all have been good vehicles, lasting a very long time, and costing less in repairs than this particular Chevy vehicle. Until recently (>50K miles), I've been very satisfied with it. I've already paid $1300 in repairs in the last 5 months for this van.

#436 of 629 Re: 2003 Venture Van Stalls Intermittantly [ventureowner1] by jyoung15

Apr 04, 2006 (10:57 am)

Replying to: ventureowner1 (Apr 03, 2006 11:01 am)
mine only had 93000 when the problem started and i have heard that it has happened to people with as little as 35000 so hope this makes you feel better you can find the fuel pump on e-bay for about $128.00 instead of 448.00 from the dealer or auto zone has it for $280.00 good luck and keep me informed

#437 of 629 HELP!!!! Front End rattle 1989 Astro by jericny

Apr 11, 2006 (9:57 am)

Ok, I jacked the van tried to move the wheel and didn't see any excessive play. I changed the idler arms they were worn and showed some play, but the noise remains. Seems to be coming from the driver side and happens on bumps or uneven road. The noise sounds like something is loose and going to fall off, any ideas or someone who had a similiar problem?

Messages Page 44 of 64

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