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Quick Recommendations Appreciated


Ophir
10-07-2004, 12:46 AM
OK, the quick story is this:

About a month ago, I purchased a 1998 Dodge Caravan from a dealer. From the moment I drove it off the lot, it gave me nothing but trouble. I have to take my hat off to the dealer that took it back 3 times and kept replacing parts to see what the problem was. Nothing worked.

Eventually (today), I went back there, handed them the keys to the Caravan and asked for another car. I was offered a 2002 Chevy Venture with 54K Miles. They gave me the car and told me to see if I like it.

So far, it feels very smooth and comfortable, but I really need to hear from venture owners if this is a good car or not. What's your experience and what are the problems I can expect along the way?

With the Caravan, only when the problems started, did I go to the internet only to find out that the Caravan is a car from hell! So this time I'm hoping not to repeat the same mistake.

Thanks!

spider22
10-07-2004, 01:14 PM
I have not had my venture for long, but we love it. I did a lot of looking around and talked to a lot of mechanics at independent shops and they all said that the venture is a good van. Even the Ford dealer that I buy from recommended the venture.

HIH

Jed

HTC63
10-07-2004, 06:52 PM
We have a 1999 Venture and it's probably one of the best vehicles we've ever owned. You can't beat the room and comfort especially having a big family. We've done alot of traveling and as far as I'm concerned, it's best van on the road today. I've kept up on the general maintenance ie, regular oil changes, 60 and 90 thousand mile tuneups and it's taken me past 100 thousand + miles. We are now in the market for our second Venture. Enjoy. You won't regret it. :smile:

Ophir
10-07-2004, 07:21 PM
We bought the Venture, following many recommendations we got including the two from here.

Here's a photo of our first venture, after the disasterous 1998 Caravan.
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/view/photos.jtmpl?dealer_id=1390281&productWebsite=www.browndeersales.com&car_id=124724258&&ac_afflt=none

broughy84
10-07-2004, 07:29 PM
I have had nothing but trouble with our venture...two sets of intake gaskets, plenum gaskets, head gaskets, vacuum hoses, tps, iac, heater hoses have blown out of the back of the thermostat housing...they squeak and rattle, I personally would not recommend a venture to my worst enemy. but that's my :2cents:

Make sure the recalls have been taken care of before you buy it. They will fix em for free anyway...I know there is a recall for brake lines and steering rack and pinion, but i am not sure exactly what years they are for.

zzoltan
10-07-2004, 07:35 PM
I've owned a 2000 Chevy Venture for about 4 1/2 years now. My only two complaints is the rear brake & turn signal lights and poor inside door panel. I seem to burn out the lights on the rear light fixture more than I should. Now I have a problem with one of the brake lights not working. I'm still trying to resolve that problem. With regards to the door panel, the driver side door panel came loose unexpectly and with no apparent reason. Overall the Chevy Venture serves me well.

Good luck.

mmorales
11-01-2004, 11:01 AM
I have to agree with broughy84. We have a 2000 Venture and I hate it! We have had lots of problems with it, and it always seems to be something that other people are experiencing but no body knows how to fix. Nothing frustrates me more than coming on this board and reading about all the other people experiencing the same problems I am experiencing...just leads me to believe that the Venture is poorly made.

umina
11-03-2004, 04:56 PM
I've got a 99 Montana (same as venture) and love it. Only put 10K miles on it since purchase, but it is a real trooper. Only had to put new rear shocks (replaced load leveling POS thingies with regular shocks) and rear tires (Firestone suck!!). All in all, if the van was properly maintained by previous owner, you should have minimal trouble with yours.

base11
11-03-2004, 05:44 PM
HI
I own a 2001 Venture and dont recomend them. Automatic door has stopped working once or twice, the handle on the rear hatch (inside) broke off and as mentioned in another thread the head gasket is now leaking internally at only 70,000 kms, thats like (40,000 miles).
Not to impressed.

AJT1961
11-04-2004, 08:58 AM
I have a 99 Venture (purchased new) and am close to 140,000 miles. I love mine. Once you debug them (ie. head gasket problem and occasional steel wooling of the side door electrical contacts), they are incredibly durable and reliable vehicles. They have lots of cargo room and lots of power, even though they are kind of ugly even for a minivan. Mine has not once left me stranded, burns not a single drop of oil, and still runs smoothly with the original water pump, alternator, hoses, shocks, struts, drums, rotors, and calipers. I did replace the front axles myself at around 115,000 miles with rebuilt units (total cost $130 US), and had the dealer change the plugs and wires at around the same time. My head gasket failed at around 60,000 miles but it was covered under warranty. I also had to replace one tailamp assembly because of a burned out contact. I used to buy new Caravans and they always felt like loose unreliable junk by 70,000 miles, at which time I'd trade them in. And the caravans always chewed up front brakes, particularly on the right side. Never thought I'd keep a car past 80,000 miles, much less 140,000 and rising.

jamx13
11-04-2004, 05:26 PM
I bought a 2000 Venture a few months ago. It has some of the inherent problems, like occasional hard shifting & troublesome tail lights (which I was able to fix), but other than that, I really like it.

The hard shifting is common with that particular model transmission, so it's not necessarily just a Venture related problem. The tail light problem I've found (with the help of this forum) is somewhat common & has been mentioned on here several times. If you scroll down a bit, you'll find a couple of posts about these 2 issues & possible fixes.

Other than that, I'm happy with it. It's comfortable, rides nice, looks reasonably good (for a minivan) & is much better than some of the alternatives (i.e. Caravan, Voyager, Windstar, etc). Plus it's roomy enough to bang the ol lady...LOL!!

AJT1961
11-05-2004, 04:59 AM
I've never had a hard shifting problem -- my 99 has always been silky smooth. In fact, it is so smooth you barely notice it. If you are having a hard shifting problem you should read back and research it further. I think I recall someone mentioning a recall for certain years for transmission reprogramming because of hard shifting, and another thread that talked about faulty tranny modulators. The one quirk that my tranny does have is that when you shift from neutral to drive, you must give the tranny at least 2 seconds to fully engage before trying to accelerate or it will slam into gear so hard that you think the tranny just dropped out of the van. That is probably normal though for all GM trannys.

jamx13
11-05-2004, 10:55 AM
From what I've read, the hard shifting in the 4T65E tranny can usually be fixed by replacing the PCS (pressure control solenoid). However, I've read other reports of people having the PCS replaced & the problem remains. The other possibility is the MAF (mass air flow) sensor. This was discussed in the post titled "2000 Venture kicks".

I believe I got the following info from this site, unfortunately I can't give credit to the original poster cuz I don't have his/her name (sorry)...I saved it as I file so I wouldn't have to dig for it. I guess it won't hurt to post it again:

GM has a bulletin on this condition - the repair is to replace the PCS solenoid inside the trans.

00-07-30-002B JUL 02 A/T - 4T65E Harsh Shifts/Shudders/Slips/DTC's Set

Slips, Harsh Upshift or Garage Shifts, Launch Shudders, Flares, Erratic Shifts and Intermittent Concerns, DTC P1811 or P0748 Set (Replace Pressure Control Solenoid Valve Assembly) 00-07-30-002B - (07/19/2002)

Here is what a shift adapt is!!

Adapt Function
The 4T65-E transmission uses a line pressure control system, that has the ability to adapt line pressure to compensate for normal wear of the following parts:

The clutch fiber plates
The springs and seals
The apply bands

The PCM maintains information for the following transmission adaptive systems:

Upshift Adapts (1-2, 2-3 and 3-4)
The PCM monitors the automatic transmission input shaft speed (AT ISS) sensor and the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) in order to determine when an upshift has started and completed. The PCM measures the time for the upshift. If the upshift time is longer than a calibrated value, then the PCM will adjust the current to the pressure control (PC) solenoid valve to increase the line pressure for the next shift in the same torque range. If the upshift time is shorter than the calibrated value, then the PCM will decrease the line pressure for the next shift in the same torque range.

Steady State Adapts
The PCM monitors the AT ISS sensor and the VSS after an upshift in order to determine the amount of clutch slippage. If excessive slippage is detected, then the PCM will adjust the current to the PC solenoid valve in order to increase the line pressure to maintain the proper gear ratio for the commanded gear.

The TAP information is divided into 13 units, called cells. The cells are numbered 4 through 16. Each cell represents a given torque range. TAP cell 4 is the lowest adaptable torque range and TAP cell 16 is the highest adaptable torque range. It is normal for TAP cell values to display zero or negative numbers. This indicates that the PCM has adjusted line pressure at or below the calibrated base pressure.

Clearing Transmission Adaptive Pressure (TAP)
Updating TAP information is a learning function of the PCM designed to maintain acceptable shift times. It is not recommended that TAP information be reset unless one of the following repairs has been made:

Transmission overhaul or replacement
Repair or replacement of an apply or release component (clutch, band, piston, servo)
Repair or replacement of a component or assembly which directly affects line pressure
Resetting the TAP values using a scan tool will erase all learned values in all cells. As a result, the PCM will need to relearn TAP values. Transmission performance may be affected as new TAPs are learned. The PCM must also relearn TAP values when the PCM or the transmission is replaced.

Basicly what this says is the PCM is a learning PCM, it learns the drivers habits and learns the wear of the trans over time and uses this info to change the shift points to be less noticable.

After any trans repairs the shift adapts have to be cleared and relearned.

************************************************** ****

Here is a little info about your code of P1811!

Circuit Description
The transmission pressure is modified by an adaptive modifier which controls the shift execution time. This test checks the time required to accomplish the shift. If the shift takes longer than 0.65 seconds and the adaptive modifier cannot shorten this time, then a counter increases by one.

If the PCM detects a counter value of 2 during one trip, then DTC P1811 sets. DTC P1811 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC
The shift is adaptable.
The 1-2, the 2-3 or the 3-4 shift adapt cell has reached its limit.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The 1-2, 2-3 or 3-4 shift is longer than 0.65 seconds, twice in one trip.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The PCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
The PCM commands maximum line pressure.
The PCM freezes shift adapts.
The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.
The PCM stores DTC P1811 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
A scan tool can clear the DTC.
The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids
Ask the customer about possible overloading, exceeding the trailer towing limit, or towing in overdrive.
Ensure that the PCM has the latest calibration update.

umina
11-08-2004, 09:04 AM
Has anyone replaced the pressure control solenoid themselves, or had it replaced by a shop (not a dealer)? Wondering what the replacement procedure is like or cost at a garage? The symptoms described above are what i've been experiencing. Garage shifts i'm assuming is shifting into reverse or drive from park, and it is a hard shift. I ahd this problem with a 97 Lumina for 35K miles before I sold it, so I don't think this is life threatening, just annoying.

eenaef
11-10-2004, 05:27 AM
We bought ours used from an anal kind of guy that did all routine maint. He even replace the battery (at the dealer) just because the old one was 4 years old and he didn't want to have any problems with it. It had 52,000 miles on it when we got it. We have just put on 17,000 miles on ourselves and love it. Having a problem now with it stalling after starting but then it starts and runs fine after that. I give it a thumbs up. Good luck.

base11
10-13-2005, 09:26 PM
I think changing the battery at 4 years was a good idea. Its going to go soon after that anyway. Both my vehicles batteries just quit this summer. A 2000 Elantra with 100,000 km. (66,000 miles) and my 2001 Venture with 90,000 km (55,000 miles). The battery was impossible to check as you cant even see them, so I assume it was intact etc. Had to tow the venture as it was in the middle of no where.

How about shocks? ANy suggestions on brand of shock. I have the stupid air shocks for one and one looks a little oily so is probably gone or going.

thanks

'97ventureowner
10-13-2005, 10:58 PM
The battery in my '97 is original and still going strong after almost 9 years<knocks on wood>. I've always had good luck with OEM batteries in GM Vehicles. I dread the day it dies and I'll have to replace it. I noticed our local Advanced Auto Parts has a sign on their stores touting free installation when you purchase a battery from them. Our local AAA club now offers a service where they come to wherever you are and replace your battery if it should die. I'm going to check into that service and see how much it costs. I thought I read somewhere that the install is free when you buy the battery if you are a club member.

Allbert
10-18-2005, 08:58 AM
Has anyone replaced the pressure control solenoid themselves, or had it replaced by a shop (not a dealer)? Wondering what the replacement procedure is like or cost at a garage? The symptoms described above are what i've been experiencing. Garage shifts i'm assuming is shifting into reverse or drive from park, and it is a hard shift. I ahd this problem with a 97 Lumina for 35K miles before I sold it, so I don't think this is life threatening, just annoying.

I did one in a 2002 Saturn L earlier this year... I can only hope that the procedure for the Venture is a little easier given the narrower engine (3 cylinders wide instead of 4). On my car, I had to remove the LF wheel, fender, battery, coolant reservoir, fuse box, remove lower strut bolts to tilt hub out far enough to remove drive axle from tranny, remove left transmission mount, lower the engine a bit, and then separate the transmission side cover (drain trans oil before this of course). It was about 6 hours of labor to do the replacement, but it cured all my problems (shift shudder and bucking).

denyp
10-23-2005, 11:48 PM
I have a '97 Venture and I love it. But I must comment the Venture most definatelly problematic. Once the gremlims are addressed, it is definatelly most comfortable, good looking etc. etc. If the intake manifold gasket hasn't been addressed, you will have a major expense just waiting to hit you. I have done more repairs on this rig due to poor design then anything I have ever owned in over 40 years of owning cars and trucks. Having said this, I still prefere to drive it - think I am a glutton for punishment ;)

Deny

leah664
11-24-2005, 11:04 AM
Have a used 2000 LS.
Used to own a Caravan. No comparison. We researched for months before settling on the venture. Absolutely no regrets. I love my van.

woscarr
11-26-2005, 11:21 PM
My 98 Trans Sport (same as montana/venture) has a sliky smooth shift. So far I'm really enjoying this van compared to my ol' voyager.

Nice comfy ride, roomy with comfy seats.

My :2cents:

Cheer's

Huney1
01-21-2006, 08:35 AM
I had a high dollar 2005 SUV and needed to unload it for medical reasons and the place I bought it offered me the 2000 Venture Van very clean with 62K miles owned by military officer. Deal they offered very good so I drive it half a day and said OK to swap out. I get home and start doing my research, which I should have done before hand, and I find the Venture has mucho problems of various kinds; intake manifold gasket leaks, transmission woes, electrical woes, door panels fall off, panel warning lights come on often for one reason or the other, etc.

But then, I realize this forum is for people who have problems with their vehicle and there is no way of knowing what percentage have problems and what percentage does not. BTW, I do not like seeing so many repetitive problems like manifold gasket leaks that cost $800. to repair. I'm a senior citizen and I have pulled many a wrench but to old to do that now so I have to take mine to the shop. That being said, if I had it to do over again I would wait until they traded in a decent Honda, Nissan or Toyota and I would feel MUCH better than driving this Venture.

slimnottygirl
01-21-2006, 03:40 PM
I had a high dollar 2005 SUV and needed to unload it for medical reasons and the place I bought it offered me the 2000 Venture Van very clean with 62K miles owned by military officer. Deal they offered very good so I drive it half a day and said OK to swap out. I get home and start doing my research, which I should have done before hand, and I find the Venture has mucho problems of various kinds; intake manifold gasket leaks, transmission woes, electrical woes, door panels fall off, panel warning lights come on often for one reason or the other, etc.

But then, I realize this forum is for people who have problems with their vehicle and there is no way of knowing what percentage have problems and what percentage does not. BTW, I do not like seeing so many repetitive problems like manifold gasket leaks that cost $800. to repair. I'm a senior citizen and I have pulled many a wrench but to old to do that now so I have to take mine to the shop. That being said, if I had it to do over again I would wait until they traded in a decent Honda, Nissan or Toyota and I would feel MUCH better than driving this Venture.

I traded in a 1996 dodge caravan that was nothing but problems since the day I bought it for a 2002 chevy Venture I have had this van for one year and the only problems that I have had with it was the air bag light coming on which I found out was the plugs under the seat and the ABS light coming on when it was very wet other then that no problems I love my van and if i had to trade this one in for some reason or buy a new one I would have to say that I would be buying a new Venture.
Mom of 3

Imac007
06-18-2006, 03:40 PM
After reading alot of the threads on this forum, it seems to me that the Venture is a hit or miss vehicle. We've had ours since '01 and it has over 225000 km on it. Original tranny. I thinks i'm just starting to have the intake gasket problem. Only parts we've replaced are the battery (in '01) and the tierod ends (in '04). Other that that it's been the most reliable car/van we've had. Traded in an '89 Voyager for it. Now that van was nothing but trouble.

Huney1
06-18-2006, 08:04 PM
I did nothing but spend money on the Venture van and soon as I got one thing fixed something else needed fixing so I said someone else can have this GM lemon. I've had high mileage cars and never did I see one with so many problems at only 62K miles. Of course the intake manifold gasket started leaking and had to be fixed and GM contrubuted nothing so I had it done at an indpendent repair shop. Both front windows began sitting sideways and next repair was going to have to take it to the shop and get both windows fixed.

April 20th was a very happy day for me, I traded it off for a 03 Ford Taurus SES loaded with the Vulcan engine with 38K miles on it, former owner a senior citizen and I've put over 2K miles on it and not one minutes problem with anything.

My first and last GM product and never again will this family drive anything but Ford products or Hondas. Hyundia is nothing to sneeze at, made in Alabama and I heard on the radio news they moved ahead of Toyota in quality.

dddellinger
03-31-2010, 08:51 PM
I had a 2000 Venture with the P1811. It had harsh shifts after it warmed up. I was going to replace the pressure control solenoid, but decided to try solution-in-a-bottle first. I used Seafoam TransTune and IT WORKED! Ten miles after pouring in the Seafoam I changed the fluid and the problem went away. Woo hoo!!

jimslaid
05-04-2010, 12:54 PM
Chevy ventures suck.
Caravans up to 2007 suck too.
That's why they are so cheap up front.

The Uplander seems better, and the redesigned Caravan is good too.
Odyssey's and Sienna's are expensive, but they are good vehicles.

lesterl
05-04-2010, 09:38 PM
Listen People, the OP wanted a quick answer in 2004, let the thread be. I wouldnt be caught dead in a Toyota, might end up that way if you were in one IMHO. Jap stuff has issues also.

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