(Redirected from GMC Safari)
The Chevrolet Astro (Chevy Astro or GMC Safari) is a mid-sized van made from 1985-2005. The Astro/Safari have a cult following due to their mid-size and available AWD.
Specifications
Channel featuring Chevrolet Astro
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Alternator
All wheel drive
Past '96 (I think) they're all e-clutch t-cases, but they all swap easily to the venerable NP/NV241 found in anything from Jeeps to Cummins RAMs to Silverados.[2]
If you get one you should drain the transfer case fluid and replace it with Dextron-III as there was a service notice from Chevy about this. It originally came with something else in it which would cause binding at low speeds and cause shuddering when turning.[3]
Known issues
- steering knuckles that cut ball joint boots[4]
- door handles break off
- 1998-1999 particularly hard hit by transmission valve body failures [5] "Less common problems are the failures of the transmission's fluid pressure (TFP) switch, failure of the transmission's "reaction sun shell" and failure of the transfer case shift motor."
- power locks fail: "grease them once a year with lithium spray in grease. The rear door lock may be fixed by drilling a hole through the piece of zinc to repair the piece that broke off."[6]
- power windows fail - switch failure?
- ABS controller failure
- rough idle or misfires: "problems with the spark plugs, ignition systems and poor vacuum seals have been implicated in some cases"[7] "Get a good [distributor] cap with brass contacts."
- idler/pitman arm failure
- transmission output seal failures
- intake manifold gasket leaking oil or coolant
- 1984-early 1985 models may have oil pressure idiot light incorrectly wired to CHOKE indicator
- fuel pump failure – earlier than normal fuel filter changes may help alleviate
- P1870 This can be caused by wear of the bore for the TCC isolator and regulator valves in the valve body.
- alternator failures
- plastic radiator tank leaks[8]
Resources
Resource | Description | |
---|---|---|
Astro Safari Forum | 23k members, since 2008. A forum dedicated to Chevy Astro and GMC Safari owners and enthusiasts. | |
Chevrolet Astro | Wikipedia article | |
Repair Pal | Reliability and maintenance costs | |
Consumer Reports | Reliability and vehicle tests | |
IIHS safety ratings | Vehicle crash safety information | |
Manual-Directory.com | Owner's manuals | |
Charm.li | Repair manuals through 2013 | |
"living in Chevrolet Astro" "Chevrolet Astro build" "Chevrolet Astro conversion" | YouTube searches | |
Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "chevrolet astro" | |
Search related sites | Search van life sites for "chevrolet astro" | |
Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "chevrolet astro" |
Some or all of the content on this page was originally sourced from this page on RVWiki
- ↑ For image credits, open image and click More Details
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/ek97q6/chevrolet_astro_awd_or_not/fd9m6ss/
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/ek97q6/chevrolet_astro_awd_or_not/fd7mqys/
- ↑ https://itstillruns.com/chevy-astro-van-problems-5612890.html
- ↑ https://itstillruns.com/chevy-astro-van-problems-5612890.html
- ↑ http://www.automotiveforums.com/t303709-should_i_buy_a_used_astro_van_or_avoid_it_.html
- ↑ https://www.reference.com/world-view/typical-problems-used-chevy-astro-vans-240448e7d196ab4b
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/11nlwg9/radiator_head_gasket/jbp5rvy/