2003 GMC Safari Consumer Discussions

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Electrical Issues

Re: Brake and ABS lights. [egillett]

Written by: spike99 on Jun 22, 2008 08:22 PM

Thanks for your concern.... For your records, there's a known problem with the ABS system on the Astro/Safari vans. There's an official TSB but NO recall. Still amazes me why no formal recall. For details.... Bottom line is... Defector sensor (which needs to be replaced) or the existing sensor is too "rusted up" to work properly... ----------------- .... Basically, ... Read More...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Real World MPG

Re: Fuel mileage [spike99]

Written by: redfisher on Jan 20, 2008 04:11 PM

I looked at the sticker inside the door and found that i have the gov-lock rearend with 3.42 gears and my tires are 215/70/16 and that i should run them at 38 psi.So i pumped them up and running easy i get 630 km on about 85 liters of gas.(my old 97 dodge caravan would get 850 km on 85 liters.But i had to retire her and i could not afford a new one so my dad sold me his 2003 gmc ... Read More...

2003 GMC Oil filter

Re: 2003 GMC Oil filter [flintlockdave]

Written by: slushpup on Jan 13, 2008 07:03 AM

Well now, I am glad to hear this. I have a 2003 Safari Van and also a 1997 Van. The 97 uses a fram 3980 and the 2003 uses the 3387. My main concern for using the longer filter is that it is easier to take off. My filter wrench has very little room to get the short filter off and then the filter tends to collapse making it that much more difficult to get off. I know that I must me ... Read More...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Transmission Problem

Re: 2000 Astro Hard Shift [w5han]

Written by: guest5 on Jan 01, 2008 06:41 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. Read More...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro

2003 gmc safari van

Written by: mauialii on Jan 01, 2008 04:50 PM

looking at a van with the towing package.what all does this package consist of?does it have a trans. cooler?is it worth the extra cash?thanks Read More...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Real World MPG

Fuel mileage

Written by: redfisher on Dec 31, 2007 06:50 AM

Hello, I just bought a 2003 gmc safari and i like the van but the gas mileage is really bad.I am looking for any mods to help increase the mileage? First tank i got 17.5 mpg (thats imp. as i live in canada,) thats about 14.5 mpg in us terms. So far i have put in a k&n filter cleaned the mas sensor and infalted the tires to 35 psi i drive easy about 90 kph on cruise so i will see ... Read More...

2003 GMC Oil filter

2003 GMC Oil filter

Written by: slushpup on Dec 27, 2007 05:34 PM

I have a 2003 GMC Safari, I use a Fram 3387A oil filter which seems short and hard to reach with a filter wrench. I am wondering if I can use the Fram 3980 filter. The only difference I can see is that it is a couple inches longer. The gasket and diameter is the same. This would really help to get the filter on and off. Read More...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Transmission Problem

Re: 98 Astro, Jerking and Hesitating [fardelean]

Written by: connitta on Nov 21, 2006 09:30 AM

Same problem on my 2003 Safari. We also replaced all of the above. We were sure it was the transmission, too. Not so. After driving it from Michigan to Tennessee for a funeral, and having it jerk the entire time, we took it to another dealer. He immediately knew what the problem was. They said the problem was in the screen of the transfer case. The dealer had a "bulletin(?)" ... Read More...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro

Re: 1998 GMC Safari making whine noise sounds like coming from rear end [jmick75]

Written by: dang3 on Jun 28, 2007 00:04 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 Read More...

Mirror Wobble

Written by: woolfort on Jul 08, 2003 07:17 AM

Hello Everyone,   2 months ago we purchased a 2003 GMC Safari. At about 15oo miles the driver's side mirror started to wobble. At times it has gotten so bad that the image has been blurred. The wind, road surface, and speed impact this. We have had the mirror replaced once. We have brought the van to the dealer 4 times for this problem. The tire balance ... Read More...