If You Own a Chevy Astro, You NEED to be Aware of These ISSUES!

The Chevy Astro and the GMC Safari alike are getting older. With age, issue pop up and there aren't any ifs, ands, or butts.
So, I break down all the typical common issues that you may come across. Hopefully this helps you all out!
Mike Zicopoulus on leaf springs: • Astro Van Knowledge/Ad...
He talks about lifting the van too!
3d.Power on fixing the dash: • Chevy astro van Dash p...
Replace your Fuel Pump: • Fuel Filter & Fuel Pum...
Replace your Trans Oil: • Chevy Astro Transmissi...
Repair all your Leaks: • Camping In The Astro V...
Replace your Distributor: • THE ASTRO VAN BROKE DO...
Fix your Sliding door: • Astro Van - Fixing the...
Replace your Thermostat and a bunch of other parts: • Fixing All The Potenti...
3M Weather Adhesive: amzn.to/3qRPOx9
I have a website:
AutoMotoNation.com
Have questions or just want to chat?
Here is my IG:
Instagram: / automotivate
#BuildsUnited
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Builds United, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Builds United assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Builds United recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Builds United, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Builds United.
Furthermore, the links posted within the description may or may not contain affiliate links. If used, I trully appreciate the support!

[@rustynutz7158]

When you do a trans service you can add a drain plug in your pan. Makes future service easier. Also allows you to put some miles on the van after the service, drain it and top it off again. Since you only get about 5 quarts out on a service. Also some good videos on KZbin about draining the trans pan with a shop vac. I love that technique. One thing we have in common is we both have money pit vans. 😂😂♥️🇺🇸

[@WizzRacing]

That only gets half of it.. I just take the hose off the cooler. Put it in a 5 gallon bucket. Then start it while adding some fluid. You see the color change. Stop and remove the pan. Replace the filter and gasket. And the reason I do it that way. The transmission is cooled through the radiator and cooler...either one of those leak or restrict flow. That transmission will burn up before you know it. And use the Factory fluid. They make updates to it to fix issues years later...GM being the worst..As I fix their issues all the time..

[@donnieshepperson126]

true, but you need to change the filter(could do that ever other time)

[@rustynutz7158]

@@donnieshepperson126 true. But it is easier and cleaner to remove an empty pan. I'll also drain the pan periodically and just add fresh fluid. After all.. a trans service doesn't replace all the fluid.

[@donnieshepperson126]

@@rustynutz7158 Does if you drain the tort converter, blow out the lines(few do that)But that's what's required on jasper transmission for the warranty to be good!

[@MichaelBrown-ll3nh]

1030pm​@@rustynutz7158

[@drewwilson8756]

Thanks for being transparent about Astro ownership!

[@Jaxelxo]

Hey Bro thanks for all your Astro videos.. help me a lot with my project. Recently I bought one and I don’t miss any video on your channel.. ✌🏽

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

It means a lot I can help out folks like you. Thank you for your commitment to this channel 😀

[@sh3755]

One trick on the fuel pump is to replace the cheap plastic hose with a rubber fuel hose and the fuel pump will last just as long or longer than a factory $300 pump

[@mariabee6056]

This video was SO helpful! Thank you!! I have a 97 Astro, and I have a few of the issues you mention. I subscribed to your channel and I will definitely check out your other videos! I have never taken care of my vehicle on my own, but I want to learn all about it and be independent this time around. I am SO OVER mechanics telling me whatever they want because they know I don't know. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and being a bit of a goofball! I learned a lot and was entertained!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I am glad I could help out, thank you! Most of the other videos are placed on my other channel, but all future Astro projects will be on this current channel! Independent is the way to go Maria! Fixing whatever issues you are able too will save you loads of money and you can simply send it off to the mechanic for issues you cannot tackle. Trying my best to be myself 😁

[@metal422life]

I too have a 97 Astro but it's being a b**** right now

[@VTLibtard]

Good luck with the van. I love them and currently have an AWD, RWD, and an 87 Astro class C motor home project. I’m a fan of the hillbilly hole for the fuel pump change as well. I put a set of helper springs on the rear of my AWD and they work great. They were only like $50 but really stiffen it up. Got them at my local auto parts store. GO ASTRO!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

That class C motor home is probably an awesome project! Hillbilly hole is definitely the way to go. There no real downfall to it. Ill look into the helper springs. Did they give the van any lift at all?

[@acewelddive]

Chris, I have a Safari 05 love it. Yes there's a number of things I to have replaced also $$$ . With that said I was thinking about that today as I admired my neighbors KIA 2017 Van. All fine and good then he mentioned he paid about $40 grand on when new. Ok! 5 yrs later it's $25 grand + now. Point is our vans can be worked on and for the difference in spending we still have a great bargain in our vans. Just saying. Keep up the good work buddy.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

On top of those fantastic points, the Astro has an amazing track record for its reliability, his van doesn't. I appreciate you Ace 🙏

[@allenh7835]

Wise advice on replacing thermostats : Always test it first ! Nowadays, it't very common to buy a new auto part that is defective straight out of the box ! btw great video ! very useful info.

[@richardrandall1852]

Exercise the new thermostat first before putting it in!!

[@markblanchard2280]

Chris is spot on the money when he CUT an access panel to replace the fuel pump. Absolutely the way to go as the pumps on all GM 4.3 Vortecs fail constantly. It'll be a $750 repair if you drop the tank. Always pull the carpet and cut a hole. I like the way he did his with a gasket, knowing he'd be right back in their. I did three pumps on one Bravada I owned.

[@travellingmangoes2288]

Good job!! Very informative, especially how you got the bullseye with the darts!😀 I used 40 oil due to high mileage. Also could not get the shorter screw sparks here in Costa Rice, so had to bring em in from the States.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Takes years of skill 😂 I can imagine the cost of finding them in the states, wish yall had the same access we do.

[@jasoncarter4343]

I have a 2002 Astro with 273k miles and it still runs good. The back door handle is a common problem as the bend in the metal rod straightens over time, allowing less leverage until the handle breaks. New door handle is only $13. The main reason I keep this van is that it’s so cheap to fix and that engine is hard to kill. Plus, I have 5 kids. If the engine goes out, I was quoted $4k to replace it.

[@antoniomckay6499]

Thanks for this channel I’ve been watching your Astro van videos for about 5 months now when I bought my 1st Astro. 03 4.3l awd. But needs work

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Happy to have you! How have you been enjoying the van?

[@yonaloam]

Awesome content man! Great information and delivered well. Rock that leather jacket!

[@davidwhocares3293]

Great video and info, Thanx, I needed this !!

[@manuelester7420]

Hope you resolve all of the issues.😞

[@mikem5475]

Loctite PL Black roof flashing urethane is perfect for leaks, it's the best I've ever researched and used. It's exactly like windshield urethane. I even replaced a rear jeep glass with it

[@waywardwhippets2555]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ChaplainMike777]

Great info! Thank you!

[@todaykam950]

My Astro also have the fuel pump issue, I did it your way , is perfect for me, your video is helpful😂😂

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Yes, I am glad!

[@jamescarroll0615]

I considered making a panel for my pump too. I ended up going to a byop shop to do the work but I kind of wish that I would have gone somewhere to have a access panel welded on for me. Easier to fix issues on the road that way.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

It defiantly is easier. I've gotten 50/50 hate and love for doing it that way. It is all down to preference and if I can make future repairs easier, why not do it?

[@timcat1004]

I have a garaged 2000 Safari AWD near mint. I just retired so now it's my daily driver. It has 86,000 miles on it.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Amazing, happy retirement my friend! Keep good care of it

[@3dpowerproduction]

Hey man!!! Thanks for the shout out! I will be doing a 2 inch lift on mine. I have a lot of content coming up regarding the van. Stay tuned!

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Heck yeah man! It will be a task, but you can do it!

[@lancecpldave]

Real quick tip. Did roof racks and aftermarket roof racks can have aerodynamic issues that can cause noise and vibrations. I spend an annoying amount of time chasing what I thought was a drivtrain vibration until someone told me try to take off your ladder rack and see if that's it. And it was

[@spirondimaris925]

well done you explain everything about the astro van one thing to solve you rear door gutter change the rubore and problem solved good job j

[@profsrho]

you’re a great help man thank you

[@leonessity]

You made a statement about 'grabbing the doohickey and attach it...' I have been told that a doohickey is apparently not a technical term, but more people seem to understand what a doohickey is, than if you were to use the proper term. Maybe the word lacks usage in the professional world, but in the real world, doohickey satisfies most people's curiosity, since most people don't want to know the technical end of what we do, about as much as we don't want to know about theirs. I like the floorboard access u made to access the fuel pump... I suspect that will also be my method of attack when my client's van's pump finally packs it in! Thank you for the video.

[@jaythrash8804]

Looks just like my van with that color scheme!

[@objuan6]

Good video, perfect touch for paid for vehicle, I bought my ‘97 Safari for $500, on C/L, no R, fix was another KZbin channel. That was almost 10 yrs, 160k ago. Next layer deep for irritating weak spots that GM kept in production for decades, 1/ composite intake gaskets, deteriorate, send out all sorts of puzzling symptoms. 2/ weak trans, internal part, Fix involves $35 Chinese replacement, consisting of duplicate part that started with .020 thicker plate steel stock. Again GM allowed continued production, including genuine parts, of flawed design. Fix on that one, a bit more complex, but, watch a couple KZbinS, you can tell if it’s within your personal scope. Prevent on this one, Would seem to me to not shift into D while still rolling in R. Good video, helpful. Keep doing so. RockOn!

[@Jesus-ol8zp]

For your year water leak on your gutter, try removing the rivets that hold it, remove the gutter, clean it, and then apply the sealant between the gutter and the body. Finally install new rivets. It worked for my 2002 Astro van.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I'll look into that, thanks for the input!

[@campesinoplastic6169]

There is probably a section of the rail rusted out

[@stevenbaker5099]

I also have heard to drill some small holes at the lower bumper of the corners as drains to ground instead of inside.

[@zone4garlicfarm]

A 2003 Astro was the worst vehicle I've owned since the late 1980's. I had that van from 2013-2016 and it was a money pit. Among its problems were rear brakes, ABS sensor, transmission linkage and cold starting. The rear brake disks and calipers needed replacing every 6-8 months. The antilock brakes were too anti and not enough lock. After replacing the system twice I disconnected it and went back to the days before ABS. At least I knew the brakes would work when I stepped on the pedal. I had to replace the whole steering column to fix the transmission linkage. Last of all if the temperature was below 10° F I couldn'r predict if it would start in the morning. I should have stopped spending money to repair that thing after the first year of problems but I knew too many people who loved their Astro vans. It had me believing there must have been a point when I would have fixed its problems but the same problems kept resurfacing after fixing them.

[@cesarmolina2328]

Sorry to hear that. Most are not lemons. I got about 261 K on mine. i spend about 1k / year fixing it. I think its worth it.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

If you want to see more, I do post a bit on my Instagram: instagram.com/buildsunited_/ I also started a patreon and would love your support: www.patreon.com/BuildsUnited Few issues I failed to mention: The Rear roof light does tent to leak, and you can use the same green silicone to stop that from leaking The ABS module tends to have an issue where a wire gets disconnected resulting it abnormal braking issues and locking of the brakes. You can simply pull the ABS fuse, but you'll have to re-solder that broken wire to have a functioning ABS system, or simply by a replacement.

[@chriscal8201]

The two gram type looking bars that bolt on the front from under the front bumper and go back about a foot and a half and bolt up just under the front of the motor… I was told they are called carrier arms or front drain rails. I want to change them . My buddy says it’s a big deal and they’re expensive and it’s a large job and it looked to me like it was just a couple of metal bars about a foot and a half each that would bolt on and it wouldn’t be a big deal, even if it does hold up the truck, I could put a jack under the bumper and change the bars one at a time. This is new to me, so I’m not sure if I am describing the right part name but if you know what I mean, any help would be much appreciated.

[@phillipmota5945]

Beware because every part related to the power steering-hydroboost system will leak. Swapping out an old part will make an older part in the system begin to leak. If you have to replace the hydroboost I strongly suggest you get a new one, not remanufactured. And replace the all of the powersteering lines.

[@richardrandall1852]

Cardone remanufactored!!

[@cornellglenn238]

Oil cap came off my astro van 98...and now it leaks antifreeze and the whole dash shakes when started but leaves when driven sir...whats my problem???

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Just found your chanel, totally like your chill vibe! _ Might want think about getting a spare ' Ignition' module' if you haven't done so already? From experience- If the stock part gets a lot of prolonged 'air moisture' or hard rain conditions _ they forget how do thier job' ie 'no start' till the connections, or the internals dry out' ' they dont seal so good after many years. So maybe having a spare' _ Stock'$30 ish' _ Accell 35462#(super hero power)$60 _ might be easier then sitting under the hood with a blow dryer ?_ just trying to be being helpful, stay safe' 🇺🇸👍✌

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Welcome! I appreciate it Spirit. I checked out the reviews on the part number you sent me and it seems like it is a hit or miss with that particular module working correctly. How long have you had yours installed? Thank you for looking out and you as well 🙏

[@marcuschandler5159]

Try to use flex seal for the leaks

[@lvanasse2]

I saw a video where the girl uses a strip of magnet, maybe 2-3 inches wide, placed over the upper edge of the back doors and that stopped the rain water from leaking in. She just sets it on the roof when not raining.

[@samr.1073]

very helpful, thanks !

[@dugeep]

Great Video :O) The Access Door Over The Tank Is Brilliant Because The Engine Lasts So Long You Will Change It A Few Times During Its Life And Not Dropping The Tank Each Time Is EZ As Hell! I Only Have 60K miles On a 1995 AWD So I Will Do That While My Tank Is Out For Its First Fuel Pump Change And Paint/Undercoat The Tank While I'm At It! Plus Undercoat Or Change The Rear Break Line To Stainless Because That Is Where The Line Rots Out On all 8 Of Our Astro/Fari Vans! Would Be Nice If Someone Had A Template Exactly Where You Need To Cut The Floor For The Access Hatch!! As Bad as These Vans Are And All The Countless Problems They Have Think About New Cars And All The Junk They Put Into Them Yet ZERO Effort Or Engineering To Prevent Them For Rotting Out, 60-80 Thousand Dollar Vehicles and All Raw Steel Like Astro Fuel And Break lines! Stopping Is A Nice Feature But I Guess An Extra Camera That Records You Smashing Into A Semi-Truck That You Can See On Your Cell Phone Is Better? Cars: The Worst Investment On Planet Earth! One Guy Is Selling a Red Dodge Sprinter Like Van (Craigslist) With 60K Miles That Dodge Charged Him $12,000 To Fix But Didn't Says It Needs An Engine $8,000.00 More Dollars, Common Problem That The Engine Warps He Says! 5 Astros And 400-500K Miles Each I never Had That Problem and Not One Used A Drop Of Oil! Some Never Needed Really Anything But Regular Maintenance, Your Issues Other Than Fuel Pumps And Window Motors I Never Had. Just Keep It From Rusting Out Because That's What Killed All My Vans Living In New England! 2 Got A Wherr in The Rear Diff But Super Thick Industrial Gear Oil Helped Fix That If You Do It Fast Enough Before It Gets Warn Much More! One AWD Needed A lower Ball Joint And Oh Man That Is A Huge Job Took Me A Few Weeks Because The A Frame Needed To Be Removed And Drilled Out On A Bench So Never Let Dirt/Sand Get In Those Boots While Greasing Them, Never Had That Happen Again! GM Said It's EZ You Just Cut The Ball Joint And It Comes Right Out So I Said: So Cut The New One In Half To Put The New One In? Morons

[@michaelgautier3556]

97 astro van transmission quit pulling clean fluid no burn smell had driven van 100 miles w no problems?

[@rogeriorodriguez1212]

ATS suspension, 4 you to replace your leaf springs contact Bob or ask for his son Bobby let them know you have whatever year Astro van or GMC Safari they will give you options, for example you can do a OEM replacement or, upgrade to HD leaf springs, or step it up for xhd leaf springs just depends what you're trying to do with your rig

[@herbertllangston2851]

Thanks for the tips with Astro issues. I have one and have had some of those same issues. You mentioned that your AC didn't work which could be a number of things. But you should say what it is as I have one $10 tip that could solve your problem if it's that. Message back and I'll let you know which one I'm referring to.

[@MikePelham]

I have low oil pressure at tickler for the last 50k miles. The engine is still going strong so I've no idea whats wrong . I had the pressure measured and the gauge is correct

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

What’s your Oil pressure at?

[@stevenbaker5099]

The 4.3 does have issues with the oil pressure dropping when idling. Goes down to 40 PSI. One solution is a high pressure oil pump. Rock Auto sells them. Know this due to it occurring on a 2002 Blazer

[@TLimeRecords]

Thanks

[@jimmieleonard8289]

do you know anything about ABS brake lights mine came on and i got a hard brake peddle

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Kinda hard to say exactly. Try to remove the ABS fuse in the fuse box, and see if that works. The ABS module has a bad soldering joint that usually fails; and if removing the fuse works, that could be your issue. If not; then lmk and I’ll try to brain storm with you

[@jimmieleonard8289]

@@ImChrisDeDecker do you know which fuse the abs is i don.t have the fuse box cover

[@stevenbaker5099]

May also either be the master cylinder or the brake booster.

[@shtirlits31]

a very good bus. I want to buy the same one, but I haven't saved up money yet... we have a price of $14,500.... Greetings from Russia!

[@Abraham-xx2fp]

I have 2000 astro van have 450.000 miles same motor and trans,I never change oil I use only transmission oil in the engine I never change oil transmission runs perfect Spark plugs every 100,000 miles

[@abbieabbie6818]

I have alot these problems also

[@WizzRacing]

Replace the door seals.. they shrink over time and don't seal good anymore. And it only takes like an hour,, As they have little plastic push clips to hold it in...

[@adv4good]

Nice van. Checkout my 4x4 winched lifted widened 98. It's amazing off road.

[@jonhutch6591]

I have Airbags on the rear of my Astro... 0 Sag

[@julianelam861]

Engine is know to last how many miles?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

400k if it’s taken care of

[@julianelam861]

@@ImChrisDeDecker wow. thanks!🤞

[@Petelaosound]

I’m getting either 2003 or 2001 Astro

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I am sure youll love it!

[@Petelaosound]

@@ImChrisDeDecker yes can’t wait

[@Petelaosound]

What year is this Astro ?

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Its a 1999🙏

[@Petelaosound]

@@ImChrisDeDecker thanks

[@lancecpldave]

I cut a hole in the floor but I wish I would have dropped the tank.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

It will probably fail again.

[@jonrob4675]

Thanks man, I think I still want one 03-05 awd

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Those are the best years!

[@richardrandall1852]

Fix it right the first time!!

[@TheTheratfarmer]

disney adds? congratulation. the side door rollers, yes go to a junk yard to get a replacement the fuel pump/module, fix it correctly the first time. i had a repair shop drop the tank, clean the tank, replace the pump module and fuel filter. the gas mileage is great. if you only paid $500.00 bucks for it, then ok. thanks for the vid.

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

I don’t pick the ads. You must have, or someone in the family watched some Disney movie. That’s what I did.

[@erikafirst817]

Mine wont take gasoline

[@randyhurtado33]

Bro mines at 270k and it didn’t sound as bad as ur start up 😭😭😭

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Mine was owned by a crackhead... It still has plenty of life though!

[@Petelaosound]

Nice vdo

[@tejassevak]

Flextape

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

For what?

[@deborahabercrombie9461]

even the name brand pumps are junk last one lasted 5 tanks only they could have done better

[@ImChrisDeDecker]

Apparently we aren't supposed to run the tank dry, which would burn up the fuel pump. The second fuel pump that went bad on me, I know I had half a tank. So, I guess the best option is to have a spare pump on hand.

[@cesarmolina2328]

I had mine replaced a few years back. I make sure to add fuel cleaner and water dissolver in my tank at least once a year and new pump still works great. Not issues. I also use 89.

[@briizcustoms9543]

@@ImChrisDeDecker Why did it keep going out?

[@garyschwabel6053]

30 thousand miles are ya talking oil that should be changed every 3000 miles

[@KarateScotty]

I think the biggest issue not mentioned in this video is that astros are a death trap if you crash. The HTSA videos are a wild sight.

[@jonoxthomascito6516]

I’m a Irish American settler and the southern accent combined with the Irish accent it’s pretty cool to me though it’s rare where I live no Irish lots round here say Mostly Florida maybe Charlotte network but not many in South Carolina North Carolina

[@franciswhite419]

Don't ever do a video on how to paint your van.

[@INNO222]

Great clip.