1997 Chevrolet Astro electrical problems

Filed Oct 28, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 137,560 miles · VA

1997 chevrolet astrovan with electrical door locks. Pulled into sheetz gas and go and went to open the drivers door and it did not open. Tried to push the manual inside door lock but it was totally frozen and would not actuate. Next tried electrical door lock switch. No response on drivers door but there was weak sound from passenger door lock solenoid. It was as if on the passenger side it was suffering from insufficient voltage. Crawled out of passenger seat and got out of car. ' took ignition key and inserted it into drivers door lock. Key would turn to lock (felt the detent of the ) and back to neutral... Key would not turn to unlock position ...would move a little and then freeze. I did not try harder to turn as I felt there was a very good chance the key would break and leave me stranded 40 miles from home... No backup ignition key. Ignition key works the door locks in this model. Went to ntstb web site and searched for other people with same type problem. No luck. Went to google and did same search chevrolet astrovan door won't open and got a number of complaints that had not reached ntstb.. Chevrolet has to know about this problem. If this model has flip up steering wheel, this would not be the problem it is. It is very difficult for older and larger problem to climb out of the bucket seat as the steering wheel traps your legs whereas a bench seat you simply slide sideways. This is an entrapment issue!!!!!! Will see dealer in hour.

Filed Jun 29, 2010 · Electrical · AR

1997 chevrolet astro. Consumer states several issues with vehicle *tgw the consumer stated the odometer light went out while driving and the air condtioner compressor failed. The vehicle would cut off in the midst of driving, which made controlling the vehicle difficult.

Filed Jun 8, 2010 · Electrical · AR

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet astro van. While driving at speeds of 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The contact stated the odometer and other unknown lights on the dashboard failed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and advised the contact there was a computer failure in the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by two additional mechanics which advised the contact of the same failure. The contact had not informed the dealer or the manufacturer. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileages were not available. Updated 07/26/10. *lj updated 08/06/10

Filed May 12, 2007 · Electrical · 213,000 miles · CA

Auxiliary air conditionr (A/C) rear switch failed/ melted/ smoked. This was the second time in 4 years. Went to the junk yard, and found thet 5 of 5 astro vans with this type switch also were melted/burned. No appearent defect with rear blower motor that would pull excessive amps.

Filed Mar 18, 2005 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · TX · fire

While parking for 15 minutes vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. Owner put out the fire with an fire extinguisher.

Filed Jan 14, 2005 · Electrical · NC

Within months of purchase, on april, 2003, the power windows failed to open. Then the cd player would not eject the cd's. The intermediate levels of the windshield wipers no longer worked by that winter. The battery has been replaced twice due to it discharging, I have jumped the van and placed the batteries on chargers, only to be dead again after a test drive. I have replaced the connectors as well in hopes that was the problem but to no avail. Now the rear heater does not work.

Filed Jun 17, 2004 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · WI

Power window on passenger side has failed. Vehicle has been through 2 new batteries since we purchased it 6 months ago. Seems to be draining batteries and we are not sure why. We put battery on recharger overnight, but within hours of taking itoff the charger, the battery is drained while the car is not running.

Filed Mar 13, 2003 · Acceleration, Body · 53,000 miles · MI

I have a 1997 astro, in the past 8 months the driver side window motor, windshield wiper motor and transmission have all been replaced. The transmission was replaced with 54,202 miles on it, which started giving us problems at about 53,000 miles. The dealership replaced both idler arms at 25,680 miles. Had seat belt chime fixed (recall), driver seat feels loose when stopping dealership claims to have tightened it, still feels loose. The van has always idled rough took it in 3 times for that and can't seem to fix that. Sliding door rattle they tried to fix that also still rattles. The gas pedal sticks when I take off or when I go in reverse which makes it impossible to take off smoothly. I had an astro and a safari in the past and never had as many problems as I had with this one.

Filed Sep 11, 2002 · Electrical · TN

Electrical system is failing. Module is burning out, and causing electrical system to stop functioning. This auto has been in repair shop several times, and each time no one could figure out where the shorthappened so it could be repaired. Consumer is afraid vehicle will catch on fire and burn, just like a vehicle owned by a friend.

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

I have had a number of problems with this vehicle: both the left and right power windor motors; replace the key remote, both idler arms,front brake pad at 37,000 miles, serpentime belt, power steering pump - replaced twice, had to fix oil cooler lines twice, replaced distributor/rotor; replaced lower gasket due to intake manifold leak, and fuel pump modual. All of this was done before my car had 57,000 miles. The dealer has been very fair and repaired at low or now cost. I have had two trips shortened due to breakdowns and have spent over $1,500 on repairs not covered under warrenty or by the dealer. This is in addition to normal maintenance (oil and filter,four new tires,and transmission fluid and filter). I am concerned as to "what is next" and when the dealer when no longer be able to fix these problems at low cost to me.