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GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Transmission Problem

145 messages,  Last post on Nov 15, 2009 at 9:04 PM

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

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#138 of 145 Re: Would You buy this Safari? (is tranny whine normal?) [scdesign] by spike99 Jun 20, 2009 (9:39 pm)
Replying to: scdesign (Jun 20, 2009 11:15 am) Being a 2WD van and it appears to be clean, I'd take this van to "your" certified auto mechanics and get them to "check it out". Might cost you 1-2 hours of shop time but in the end, vehicle inspection before buying is we'll worth it.   If I bought this 2WD van, I'd immediatly install a tranni cooler (rated to tow 5,000 lbs trailer) and add can of Lucus Transmission fix. For more details, surf: http://www.etrailer.com/pc-TRAN~HH41311.htm http://lucasoil.hodgsoncorp.com/slipping_transmission.htm If wondering, my local auto mechanic recommends tranny coolers in all Astro/Safari vans - even if used for "soccer parent" driving conditions.   I'd also replace its Main RAD cooling fluid, its rear axle fluid (with HD 90 gear oil) and ensure its engine oil cooling pipes don't leak either. If leaking, replace with 3rd party pipes - which can be created at many pipe fitting / steel fabrication shops. GM wants way too much dollars for "their" replacement pipes.   If wondering, the factory 460LE transmission in Safari/Astro vans is known to whine. My 2001 AWD Safari's van always had a whine - even after its transmisison was rebuilt. Rebuilt because it lacked a transmission cooler the day it rolled off its factory assembly line - as per my local transmission specialist. With new transmission cooler installed, its tranny fluid ran much cooler. Which equals much longer transmission life.   If this specific van passes your auto certified mechanic's inspections, I'd buy it (assuming its selling price was good as well). I've always had great luck with 2wd Safari/Astro vans. And being 2WD, its wear/tear replacement parts are less expensive as well. AWD replacement parts (like ABS sensors, steering - idler arms, suspension, etc. etc.) seem to cost twice as much.   . Replies to this message: scdesign (Jun 21, 2009 8:22 pm)
#139 of 145 Re: Would You buy this Safari? tranny and fuel pump whine. by scdesign Jun 21, 2009 (8:22 pm)
Replying to: spike99 (Jun 20, 2009 9:39 pm) Thank You! great to hear back on that! The deal was sealed late sat. eve. I didn't want to wait and lose a chance on this vehicle so I gambled on it. It's inagural 40 mile drive revealed no rough 1st to 2nd shift problem after hwy I've been reading about. "Whew!" "Hey wait... what's that loud whine I'm hearing ?" (at stop now). Yup, the fuel pump is buzzing like a ciccaeda. Seems thatthis is part of the expected routine, so I'm going to cut a nice access panel in the floor tommorow. I'm assuming it must be replaced as it wasnt' making the sound a day before. The engine runs very strong and starts on first crank immediately, so I'm almost wondering if the pump is o.k. and just (very) loud. This has nothing to do with the tranny noise discussed earlier.     I saw a posting somewhere that another pump brand supplies AC Delco and can be bought cheaper but can't find it now. The AC sticker was covering over the (cheaper) manufacturers sticker!   As for the tranny, it seems tight, however at fast take off, there is a small bit of a growl or low rumble, and it seems to be struggling a (tiny) bit perhaps( only maybe here). Not sure if it's the diff or transmission. Mostly it's the sound that catches my attention. A kind of a low rumbly take off, but with plenty of power and all that. There is a very slight rev when going into 3rd under load (foot down).Have the other vehicles out there had similar performance? The engine is very strong and starts.
#140 of 145 Tranny problem- Moisture related? by alberta4 Jul 23, 2009 (7:03 am)
I have a 97 Safari with 190,000 KM on it and for the past 2 years it has problems shifting from 1st to seccond. I have read the other posts but this does not happen when the van is over heated. It first occurred last spring and I took it to a garage and they couldn't see anything wrong with it. They changed the oil and I had no problems until this spring. It started to go away as the summer has heated up and it is not a problem on the highway. It seems to "act up" after driving in the rain or launching my boat. This is why I think it may be moisture related. May be the melt after winter or exposing the van to rain or the lake is introducing moisture into the transmission? I would appreciate any help you can provide.
#141 of 145 2000 Safari cargo 'bucks' after stops after distance driving by idontdotrix Jul 27, 2009 (4:17 pm)
recently replaced the torque converter clutch when it threw that code, and still getting a code for an O2 sensor my mechanic who replaced the TCC checked and said its fine. he replaced tranny fluids n filter n said transmission looks fine. so here's the problem- starts up fine, no fluid leaks, no fluids burning. after driving distance, 45 min + on freeway without problems, and then coming to a stop (say an off ramp), when I accelerate I get this hard buck or jerk from the rear. if i stop again soon afterwards and accelerate (stop lights), same thing. if i drop it to D2 AT the stop and pull off, then shift up to D3 then D, its fine. or if I pull over, kill the engine, wait a minute or two and get back on the road, it stops.   this is driving me nuts. mech says there's nothing wrong with my transmission that he can tell, and having him drive it for awhile didn't produce the problem. he probably didn't go far enough or stay at 65-70 mph for any length of time   around town there is no problem. there's no coolant in the oil or vice versa or any other indication fluids are mixed. regular oil changes. all gauges read normal.   I was told it may be a PCV valve, something about a vapor build up or blockage. ideas, insights? thanks in advance!!!!
#142 of 145 2003 Astro Van will not back up by rob5536 Sep 21, 2009 (6:03 am)
All- I have a 2003 Astro Conversion Van that has given me great service. I had to rescue the wife from the local Walley Word parking lot where she could not get the van to move in revese, but slightly and then it felt like it was binding. I got it home replaced the fluid, filter, and substituted a quart for some lucas Transmission fix thinking that something might be sticking. I still have no reverse unless you REALLY force it, now the van will drive in neutral, but slip. I still get normal shift and can run highway speeds in drive and while doing this I tried to engage/disengage the overdrive/tow button on the shifter, but got no noticeable change in RPM.   Thanks to all for you time to read and relpy!
#143 of 145 Re: 2000 GMC Safari Passenger Van [safarifan] by 1998lincoln Nov 06, 2009 (11:01 am)
Replying to: safarifan (Nov 17, 2008 9:51 am) Sounds like your radiator is leaking water into the trans cooler side of radiator. I can't be sure because I haven't seen your radiator.Just an ideal to look at!
#144 of 145 Re: WTB Astro w manual trans... [gl0650] by 1998lincoln Nov 13, 2009 (3:33 pm)
Replying to: gl0650 (Jun 22, 2005 3:34 pm) Does your transmission come in any other chevy model? If so,which one?
#145 of 145 What type of automatic transmission does a 2001 Astro have! V6,4.3L motor? by 1998lincoln Nov 15, 2009 (9:04 pm)
I just need to know if the all astro's have the 4L60E automatic trans? my astro has no reverse and when it up shifts to high gear,it slips until I let up on the gas petal, then it goes in to high gear, and works great! Anyone have any advice? I want to pull the trans and install rebuild kit,including new bands!

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