1998 GMC Safari Consumer Discussions

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Junk it or fix it
Written by: pistandbroke on Mar 1, 2008 4:14:45 PM
I have a 1998 GMC Safari that lost oil pressure on the burlington skyway bridge in ontario (probably the worst place in Ontario to break down!) I knew it was bad news, but getting rear ended is worse. I tried to make it to the top so I could coast down to safety, all the while watching the temperature gauge which stayed around 60C. Before I reached the peak I could ... Read More

Re: 2000 Astro Hard Shift [w5han]
Written by: guest5 on Jan 1, 2008 6:41:51 PM
Same problem on my 1998 GMC Safari in 2003. Engine 1870 code. I had the valve body in the transmission updated at a transmission shop. $368.88 and the problem has been fixed for the last 4 years.

My 1998 Safari is setting Code 175
Written by: fortee9er on Sep 9, 2007 6:12:11 PM
Hi, I have a 1998 GMC Safari that started setting off code 175 (right bank is running rich) a while back. My mechanic thought that I needed to replace the O2 sensor. I replaced all 3 ($128 x 3 + sales tax) and it did not set codes for a few weeks. The code is back again and I don't trust my mechanic to do further diagnostic work. I also don't ... Read More
Re: 1998 GMC Safari making whine noise sounds like coming from rear end [jmick75]
Written by: dang3 on Jun 28, 2007 12:04:57 PM
My 2003 had a sheared retaining bolt and metal debris ruined one of the bearings inside the differential. cost was $700 to fix. I thought it was a wheel bearing, but was wrong. If you are going 45 MPH and swing the wheel left to right and back again, and hear no pitch change, it is more than likely a differential problem

Re: 1998 GMC SAFARI [aouellette]
Written by: criver on May 29, 2007 5:52:26 PM
I had the same problem this rainy winter. Changing an ugly rotor and cap did not help but changing the coil cured it. They seem to absorb moisture after time and weaken the spark. About 40 to 50$ if you change it yourself. Getting the engine cover off is a chore the first time.
Re: 1998 GMC SAFARI [aouellette]
Written by: scol01 on Apr 14, 2007 12:53:06 PM
I've had a 98 Astro for 4 years and first had starting problems 6 months after I got it. After changing numerous things, the problem was fixed with a new cap and rotor. Apparently the vent holes in the distributor base get plugged up so there is no air flow inside the cap. This allows moisture to build up and it is hard to start. Before you install the new cap ... Read More
1998 GMC SAFARI
Written by: aouellette on Apr 5, 2007 8:19:17 AM
I have the same problems. Whenever it's damp outside, the van will not start. I have brought it to the mechanics several times and still have not figured out the problem. As I can see, this is a problem with the safaris and the astro vans. Has anyone been able to diagnose the problem? If so, please respond because I have 4 kids and I need my van!

1998 GMC Safari ownership
Written by: fortee9er on Feb 25, 2007 10:21:09 AM
I bought a 1998 GMC Safari with 49k miles on January 2001 for #12K. It is a 2wd model and it is fully loaded. It now has 109k miles and during this time I've had the following major problems: 1- paint peeled off in sheets from the roof and hood. 2- a/c system had to be replaced twice (leaky compressor). 3- a/c still leaks but a lower rate. There have other ... Read More

GMC Safari fuel pump
Written by: gilassilver on Nov 25, 2006 8:02:21 PM
Ok, people. I am new @ this. I am in dire need and I need help. I need a fuel pump for my 1998 GMC SAFARI. Problem is...they are prohibitively expensive and I am a poor parent of 3 children with 1 in college. Anyone has any idea on how to fix/replace the fuel pump in a fashion affordable to me? Thanx so much. Bye.
GMC Safari & Chevy Astro - Fuel Issues
Written by: cargob00m on Nov 2, 2006 2:48:53 PM
I have a 1998 Chevy Astro, 156,000m this is a recent issue where if it rains heavily during the night my van will not start at all the next morning, I dont seem to be able to hear the fuel pump engaging @ Key on position, I have checked and replaced the fuel pump relay, but still the same problem persists. I am not sure what the culprit could be as ... Read More

Re: 1998 GMC Safari making whine noise sounds like coming from rear end [jmick75]
Written by: spike99 on Oct 19, 2006 5:52:46 PM
. Sounds like the gears in your van's rear end are going (or starting to go). Might want to get an automotive shop to investigate it further. If wondering, Safaris/Astros do have under built rear ends. The "most often" hold up during normal driving conditions but tend to blow when towing many hours above 4,000 lbs. Here's a small cut / paste from one consumer report: -------------- It is possible to ... Read More
1998 GMC Safari making whine noise sounds like coming from rear end
Written by: jmick75 on Oct 19, 2006 6:56:54 AM
I have a 1998 GMC Safari. There is a whine noise that sounds like it's coming from the rear end. The easiest explanation is it sounds like a plane taking off on the tarmac. It gets louder as the car picks up speed. It doesn't sound like the engine, cause you can hear it seperate from the noise. I thought at first it was the new tires I had put on, ... Read More
no title
Written by: cbpd on Aug 5, 2005 10:04:26 AM
1998 GMC safari van. The drivers side power window stalls when trying to close. Can not determine if the problem is the motor or switch or switch relay. I took off the door panel to expose the motor and found it seems to be rivited to the inner door pannel. The rivets look strange. They dont appear to be a fastener that can be unbolted. At this point it seems that ... Read More