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GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Starting/Stalling/Idling Problems

170 messages,  Last post on Mar 19, 2010 at 7:33 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Astro, Fuel System, Van


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#161 of 170
Re: 1999 Astro no start when cold or rainy. [wkmyastrooff]- Mine is a snow [bwgmcvan] by wkmyastrooff
Jan 28, 2010 (5:38 pm)
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Replying to: bwgmcvan (Jan 27, 2010 2:01 pm)

Reply for the 1996 Safari with the spuuter and misfire. When I was originally troublshooting my no start problem I suspected the engine control computer... I think it's call the ECM on the wire diagram. Anyway I was referred to an experienced mechanic that did exactly what you did. (We're talking about the module below the brake master cylinder with 4 cannon plugs coming off towards the front of the vehicle...just making sure) The mechanic took a ball peen hammer and hit the ECM while I had the van running. Since the van didn't skip a beat we ruled out the ECM as my problem. He did however tell me that this was a problem for vehicles with your year model and what you did was the test for that defect. I guess what happens is that a crack develops in the circuit board inside the unit and then when it gets hot/cold, hot/cold etc etc it starts to cause issues like what you describe. You should be able to pick up an unprogrammed ECM at your local parts place. You'll have to take the little panel off the side of your old ECM so you can retrieve the knock sensor for your new computer. Of course you'll have to have the new one programmed which should cost around $80. Unless you know someone personally at the dealership to help you I wouldn't even go near there with this problem. Good luck. By the way, I'm told the van won't run without it being programmed.
#162 of 170
Re: 1999 Astro no start when cold or rainy. [wkmyastrooff]- Mine is a snow [bwgmcvan] [wkmyastrooff] by bwgmcvan
Feb 27, 2010 (1:54 pm)
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Replying to: wkmyastrooff (Jan 28, 2010 5:38 pm)

started again today- this only is happening when it snows outside and the the streets become slushy - never when it rains and never when it's just cold outside- without snow--- this is driving me insane, I drove over to my GF's last night and started misfiring again , then I backed it into her driveway and it really got worse and then died- I was able to restart it after it died, let it run for a few minuits and then when I steped on the gas pedal it went to full throttle , but before this I would give it gas and start to misfire and buck off and on- I really need some help on this one - do any of you have or had the same problem- writing while i am trying to start the van,,,I stuch a hair dryer in the cavity near the coil--? guess what it started,could the moisture in the air from wet heavy snow be causing problems with the coil????need some help
thank you
#163 of 170
Re: GMC Safari & Chevy Astro - Fuel Issues [cargob00m] by pinky6
Mar 15, 2010 (2:40 pm)
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Replying to: cargob00m (Nov 02, 2006 3:48 pm)

We have a 1999 Astro Van and it stalls out/then won't start in wet weather. The distributor cap coilwire plug wires fuel pump and relay have all been replaced still stalling out, any ideas?
#164 of 170
1994 Astro stalls by 94astroext
Mar 16, 2010 (7:29 pm)
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Hello, my 94 astro will just shut off as im driving or even stopped at a light. I replaced the ignition mod,coil,cap,rotor, plugs and wires but its still stalling. any help with this issue would help me greatly. thank you
#165 of 170
Re: 1994 Astro stalls [94astroext] by Steve_01
Mar 17, 2010 (9:18 am)
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Replying to: 94astroext (Mar 16, 2010 7:29 pm)

Any codes? OEM or aftermarket cap and wires? This engine uses a very high voltage coil/spark/ignition. Low quality ignition components will allow the spark to 'leak' or short out easily.
 
 You might also want to check the fuel pressure. Don't know about the 94, but on my 97 the fuel connector is just left of the distributor cap. Look up the spec's for 94. 97 fuel pressure is around 58-63 psi. You can probably rent a pressure gauge for little to no cost.
 
I've seen posts in this forum indicating that the bulkhead connector (behind the battery) has 'melted' and/or folks have found corroded connections causing the symptom you described.
#166 of 170
Re: 1994 Astro stalls [Steve_01] by 94astroext
Mar 17, 2010 (5:17 pm)
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Replying to: Steve_01 (Mar 17, 2010 9:18 am)

No codes, Im not sure about the cap and wires I've had the van for a month now. it will start right up aprox 2 min after stalling . Im thinking of replaceing the fuel pump assembly as my next step but I will check the fuel pressure before I dive in. thanx
#167 of 170
Problem with hesitation by alberta4
Mar 17, 2010 (7:26 pm)
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I have a 97 Safari RWD with 200K kilometers on it. I am having real problems with hesitation. It has been going on for about 3 years. At first it only happened in the spring but it has been getting consistently worse. The hesitation happens when I step on the accelerator the van seems to die and then lurch forward in a stuttering kind of jerky way. Once I get to higher speeds it is ok. If I do not drive the van for a few days it gets worse. After I drive around for 20 minutes or more the problem seems to resolve itself. If I drive everyday, it is not as bad. It is the at its worst in the spring (I do not have a heated garage and it gets really cold in Edmonton). It is not throwing any codes and I have brought the car in a number of times and my mechanic can't find anything wrong. I specifically asked him to check the distributor, coil and spark plug wires (because moisture seems to make it act up). I am starting to have doubts about my mechanic. I am thinking it may be a dirty throttle body or a bad TPS. I have doubts about an O2 sensor causing this type of problem with no codes (but I am not a mechanic). I would really appreciate any advice that anyone might have regarding this problem.
#168 of 170
Re: 1994 Astro stalls [Steve_01] by bwgmcvan
Mar 19, 2010 (10:07 am)
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Replying to: Steve_01 (Mar 17, 2010 9:18 am)

bulk head connector,, that sounds like that could be the problem- 2 months ago it was snowing out, slushy,, started sputtering and jerking then died- I pulled over , banged that area and it started up, also when I was driving home it started again, pulled over, sat for 5 minutes , pulled off and started on my way home- I had to pull off the road 5 times until it ironed itself out and ran smooth. This only happens when it's snowing?? any thoughts- also my service engine light goes on for a few days then shuts off- constantly- any thoughts
Brian
#169 of 170
Re: 1994 Astro stalls [94astroext] by Steve_01
Mar 19, 2010 (6:58 pm)
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Replying to: 94astroext (Mar 17, 2010 5:17 pm)

Don't forget about the fuel filter, could be clogged.
In case you don't have a repair manual here's some quick specs for you. According to my manual, the CMFI (Central Multiport Fuel Injection) system is used on all 4.3L V6 VIN W engines manufactured from 92 to 95. In 96 they switched over to the CSFI system. The CMFI system uses a single central fuel injector which feeds each cylinder through six separate tubes and poppit nozzles. The fuel pressure regulator is mounted directly on the fuel injection unit.
 
Fuel pressure:
Key ON, engine OFF - 58-64 psi
Engine running at idle - Pressure should DECREASE by 3 to 10 psi
 
Remember that low fuel pressure, does not necessarily indicate a bad fuel pump. It could indicate a bad fuel pressure regulator. In the 96 and up (CSFI) systems, it's not uncommon for the regulator to leak inside the intake manifold. A leaky regulator could lower your fuel pressure and make the engine run crappy, not to mention fuel could leak down the inside of the engine into the oil pan. Not good.
#170 of 170
Re: 1994 Astro stalls [bwgmcvan] by Steve_01
Mar 19, 2010 (7:33 pm)
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Replying to: bwgmcvan (Mar 19, 2010 10:07 am)

The only way to know for sure is to pull the battery out and disassemble the bulkhead connector. I haven't had to do that on mine but I did pop the cover off while I was replacing a dead battery a few months ago. It looks like there's a bolt (maybe 10mm?) in the middle of the connector holding it tightly in place. It's worth a look.
 
If you go to your local large chain auto parts store, they will usually check the codes for you for no charge. The check engine light doesn't necessarily have to be on. The computer will store the code(s) for a while but it would probably be better to have it checked while the light is on just in case.
 
My Astro has had the light come on once or twice and go away on its own. I know for a fact that it has intermittently low compression in cylinder #1. Probably a sticky valve. The only time the light has come on is when it's sat for a week or so without driving.
 
If you have a P0300 code, that's a random misfire. P0301 = cylinder 1 misfire, P0302 = cylinder 2 misfire. And so on, you get the idea.
 
Hope that helps.

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