Chevy Astro Van Transmission Problems
by Andy Joseph
The Astro minivan is a midsize van that the Chevrolet division of General Motors produced from 1985 to 2005. The vehicle's last decade of production has some transmission problems.
Transmission Problems
The most common problem with later-model Chevy Astro transmissions is failure of the valve body, which is the central component of the automatic transmission. Less common problems are the failures of the transmission's fluid pressure (TFP) switch, failure of the transmission's "reaction sun shell" and failure of the transfer case shift motor.
Model Years Affected
The 1998 and 1999 Chevy Astros are the Astros most severely afflicted by transmission troubles, as the failures of the transmission valve body, the TFP switch and the reaction sun shell are common problems with these vehicles. The 1995, 1996 and 1997 Astros' transmission woes are mostly restricted to valve body malfunctions. The all-wheel drive versions of the 2000 to 2003 Astro have only a faulty transfer case shift motor to worry about.
Cost
As of September 2010, the estimated costs to repair the transmission problems of the Chevy Astro were as follows: $596 to replace the transmission valve body, $155 to replace the TFP switch, $921 to replace the reaction sun shell and $549 to replace the transfer case shift motor.
References
Writer Bio
Based in the D.C. area, Andy Joseph works full-time as a data analyst and technical writer. He has been writing articles about technology, health, politics, music, culture and automobiles since 2007. His work has appeared in The Express, Congressional Report and Road & Track. He has a master's degree in journalism and technology management.
