Chevrolet Astro won't start problems

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 126,000 miles · NC · fire

When my wife returned to our 2004 chevrolet astro van, the vehicle seemed to have a dead battery. The car would not turn over or fire the ignition. After having the battery and starter checked, we were told the battery was drained and they were able to charge the battery. The starter checked good. The car seemed to have a "dead short" when trying to start and/or boost. After replacing all components, the van started, however, when I put my foot on the brakes, there was no brake pressure on the pedal. It appeared that we were losing brake fluid under the vehicle from a ruptured line. We towed the car home to inspect and replace the brake line. Upon inspection, we found electrical arcing where the brake line had grounded on the vehicle frame causing a hole to rupture in the brake line just rear of the electrical unit. What we determined caused the problem was a hot wire that ran between the battery and starter was rubbing on the suspension links on the passenger side of the vehicle. It rubbed through the electrical sheath and caused contact between the frame and the electrical charging system if the vehicle. After contacting gm/chevrolet support, they were "sorry" about the issue and felt the issue was due to a wire clamp that "must be missing." we have temporarily repaired the issue, however, there were no factory wire clamps that were missing. This is a design flaw from chevrolet on this vehicle that has been documented on the internet in various places. Had my wife been driving 55mph, she would have had no brakes due to the issue. Chevrolet simply said the vehicle was a 2004 and they would not take action on a vehicle "that old". Several of the vehicles electrical systems have been disrupted that are associated with the braking system such as door locks, daytime running lights, etc... We want the public warned about this issue so no lives are lost. We have temporarily repaired the issue, however, the original cable and ties are still in place.

Filed Dec 28, 2009 · Electrical · 00

Will not start when weather is damp. Will take 3 or 4 days to dry out before starting again. No mechanic has been able to pin point the problem. Towed to shop van sits inside the bay dries out and starts within 2-3 hours. Happens every time it gets damp. 10 years been doing the samething.

Filed Feb 24, 2008 · Electrical · 97,000 miles · AZ

Anti theft security system failure. Locks owner out from starting vehicle in wet weather. Bad placement of computer system placed under battery. Corrosion of security systems communications wiring caused lock out and car will not start.

Filed Feb 12, 2008 · Fuel system · 125,281 miles · OR

A year and a half ago there as a loss of power and an engine miss. A fuel system cleaning in a shop cleared this up. Then at the end of december the van would no start. We had it towed to our local meineke. It was determined the sequential central port injector had failed. This is a documented problem for a defective part. I wrote a letter to gm to ask for reimbursement. They refused because I did not go to a dealership. And meinke used an after market part.

Filed Nov 13, 2007 · Electrical, Fuel system · 171,000 miles · OH

Chevy 2000 astro, cuts out while driving. We even pushed the van into a chevy dealer and they could not tell us what it was after hooking it up to diagnostics. We figured it was the coil wire. Recently the van has been bogging down when it is under load. Also, when it rains it runs rough. We took it to a shop and they replaced our fuel filter. It ran fine but still cuts out sometimes running up hill. So we changed the spark plugs. If you let the van sit over the weekend with out driving it, the van was really hard to start. Until finally it just wouldn't start at all. In addition the door locks sometimes work and sometimes don't . The driver side window is very sluggish going up you actually have to help it by pulling up on it. We keep blowing fuses when we use our cigarette lighter to charge our cell phone. It really needs help.

Filed Apr 1, 2007 · Engine · TX

Van will not start for about 15 min. After being driven for a short distance and shut off.

Filed Feb 11, 2005 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · WI

The vehicle was on the road at night when all a sudden all the lights turned off and the vehicle shut off for about 3 seconds. Taken in for checkup, but the cause is undetermined at this time.jb.....no start at times and theft light is on. Replaced ignition switch and repaired wires to switch.

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Electrical · 28,200 miles · TN

I only drive this 2002 chevrolet astro van in our small town because I am terrified to drive it on expressways or in heavy traffic because the distributor cap collected moisture and the engine stopped in heavy traffic almost causing terrible accidents three times in the past 8 months. Last week I drove the van into town. I keep a close watch on all the gauges because of the previous problems. When I left the house all the gauges on the dash were working and the battery was between 12-14 volts. I noticed within 5 miles the battery volts were decreasing so I headed for home. By the time I reached home (10 miles all total), the volt meter was in the red zone, all the gauges (except for oil pressure) and speedometer were not working and, I believe, the headlights were out. I pulled the van into the drive and shut it off. I had difficulty opening the door (power locks) to get out. The van would not start again. The van is under warranty so I called courtesy chevrolet who had the van towed in for service. They called me the following monday to tell me they replaced the alternator, computer and battery and the van was ready but they had broken the radio and would replace it on tuesday. I said fine and I would pick it up on wednesday (february 9, 2005). Courtesy chevrolet called me on tuesday and told me not to come on wednesday because the voltage problem was not corrected and they would call me when the van was ready. They called on february 10, 2005 to say the alternator was bad and had been replaced a second time.

Filed Dec 14, 2003 · Acceleration · 26,647 miles · CA

2002 chevrolet astro van, approximatley 27,000 miles on odometer. Vehicle will not start for fourth time over a period of about 6 months.

Filed Aug 18, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · NY

While driving at low speeds hydraulic antilock braking system does not operate properly which causes extended stopping distance. Also, vehicle won't start at various times.