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GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Transmission Problem

170 messages,  Last post on Sep 16, 2012 at 10:36 PM

You are in the GMC Safari & Chevy Astro Forum.

What is this discussion about? GMC Safari, Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari Cargo, Van

Messages Page 12 of 18

#103 of 170 No Passing Gear under Hard Acceleration by aes870

Oct 11, 2007 (7:47 pm)

I have a 2000 Astro Cargo Van, V6 2wd. Recently Purchased. When going between 40-50mph and I depress the gas pedal fully, such as trying to merge or pass, the engine revs, but there is no shift in the tranny. This only happens at the noted speed range. The tranny seems to work fine in all other ranges. Had a local mechanic drive it and he felt it may be a solenoid, but nothing major. Took it to the Chevrolet Dealer purchased from. They checked it out, said nothing wrong with tranny, solenoids checked OK and problem was a clogged fuel filter (?) Changed the filter, charged me $170 for diagnostics and filter and said problem fixed. Picked it up and no change in problem. By the way, I still have 3 weeks left on a 90 day powertrain warranty. I can't imagine a fuel filter would cause this so I have lost faith in the dealer, but am taking back one more time next week. They wanted to clean my injectors for $150, but I don't think this will fix the problem. So is my dealer a crook and trying to get me out of warranty, or something simple here that they didn't diagnose. Any input before I go back is appreciated.

#104 of 170 2nd Astro van by topsea

Nov 02, 2007 (11:38 pm)

I put 275,000 miles on a 95 Astro then bought my current one in 2001. This "01" currently has 222,000 with no problems with transmission or engine so far. Long ago I established my own lubrication rules for what I drive. I change engine oil every 5,000 miles and all other fluids, except radiator, every 25,000 miles and that includes filters. I just have not had many problems in the last few years. I owe it to maintenance.

#105 of 170 Re: Transmission Problem [scotsman93535] by jreyes41

Nov 19, 2007 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: scotsman93535 (May 31, 2004 3:13 pm)
Hello I was reading your post and it sounds alot like the problem iam having now.
Well I was on my way back from a long fishing day I was pulling my boat when i came up a hill inotice that the check engine light came on its nothe first time it dose this so I know it not the weight of the boat. Well the ? I have for you is when you were driving your van tith the light on did the 1st to 2nd gear jumped or shift kinda of hard? I was on my way to the repair shop but i decided to do some reseach first. Do you think that this is my problem I have a 2000 gmc safari thanks agian for the help.

#106 of 170 93 Astro tranny wont shift to third by keltecbob

Dec 17, 2007 (10:38 am)

I havea 93 astro with 226,000 on it. Just recently it wont shift to third gear. Engine runs fine but when accelerating it only revs high when trying to go into third gear. Could this be a sensor or is it a more ominous problem like tranny gone bad. Haven't been to repair shop yet. Was hoping just a sensor I could replace myself. Anyone had this problem, I havent had any problems with this tranny since I bought it in 95.

#107 of 170 2000 Astro Hard Shift by w5han

Dec 25, 2007 (3:32 pm)

My Astro has 165,000 and auto trans, 2 years ago I noticed that when I drive on interstate at highway speed 65mph for about 25 miles or more only, when I take the exit ramp off the interstate and stop completely then merge onto public street the shift from 1 to 2 is hard and loud.
 
The problem does not exist when driving on city streets at posted speeds from 25-50 mph.
 
I took it to local chevrolet dealer he said "check engine light is caused by death code for transmission & said I need new trans $3500-$4400.
 
I then took it to transmission place AAMCO they could find no problem ?
 
Today it still does it and I have learned to live with it.
 
My trusted mechanic/friend from childhood said do not change trans fluid because it may not pull off rack when finished I have no idea if fluid has ever been changed.
 
I figured drive until transmission fails and then deal with problem any ideas ??
 
Thanks for your time reading & any replies.

#108 of 170 97 safari burnt trans fluid by octoberjack

Dec 30, 2007 (12:07 pm)

In 03 I bought a 97 safari with touring and towing package. It looked new with 75k miles. After driving for 15k-20k miles I noticed the fluid was turning and smelling, so I had the fluid/filter changed. After another 15k miles same thing. The only problem was slow to shift back to overdrive on highway. Thought a rebuild was coming. Talked to a local autoparts guy and he suggested to try Seafoam trans additive before next change. Never heard of it before. Tried it one time and trans works normal for last 100k. Now have 213k on van runs good but only 16mpg. If I could only fix that with a can. I love the van. Hope this helps.

#109 of 170 Re: 2000 Astro Hard Shift [w5han] by guest5

Jan 01, 2008 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: w5han (Dec 25, 2007 3:32 pm)
Same problem on my 1998 GMC Safari in 2003. Engine 1870 code. I had the valve body in the transmission updated at a transmission shop. $368.88 and the problem has been fixed for the last 4 years.

#110 of 170 drivetrain thump by blkdeep

Jan 10, 2008 (6:36 pm)

#111 of 170 drivetrain thump by blkdeep

Jan 10, 2008 (6:36 pm)

hey when i drive my van after about half hour and its all wamed up it starts to thumb hard it feels like its in the rear it thumps from first thru second then it goe's away in third gear it only does it when the van is hot runs great when cold i had the van check out by a tranmission guy and he said the drive train is perfect anybody have an idea of what it could be

#112 of 170 1998 safari van code 1870 by divulsionbob

Feb 08, 2008 (10:06 am)

ok i have been getting code 1870. i had the filter changed in the transmission.and fluid. the next day came back on. i see someone had something done and worked for them. i cant get the light to stay off. i dont notice any change in shifting. drives great if you ask me. code p1870 still pos up

Messages Page 12 of 18

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