19th Aug 2013, 11:38
Normal for a check engine light to flicker in extreme driving. You may be pushing it too hard on steep hills. Why not get a large SUV and fold the seats down instead of using a cargo van? Similar storage space.
30th Jan 2015, 06:57
If your Astro misfires under load and there is no obvious reason, I'd suggest replacing the distributor cap. This cap is designed with internal wires that run very close to each other. Sometimes they will get a void and crossfire between cylinders. This will happen internally and nothing will show up on the outside of the cap. This is a notorious problem on cheap aftermarket caps, but can happen on the stock ones too. I'd bet a million dollars this is the problem you are having. This will only happen on the highway when the engine is under load, like going up a hill. The flashing check engine light indicates a severe misfire. This is one of those things that can drive a mechanic crazy, because nothing will appear wrong, but the problem will persist.
9th Sep 2015, 08:01
Check your EGR valve, I also am having the same problem, and when you put your foot down, the problem gets worse!
23rd Jul 2023, 16:48
That’s not a bad idea actually. An SUV with a 3rd row seat that folds flat is more functional overall than a cargo van. The Astro was over 4000lbs curb weight and didn’t even have 200hp. It really is no surprise that it had trouble going up steep hills. Something is not always “wrong” in those situations. Sometimes it is as simple as the van is underpowered.
6th Aug 2023, 14:51
Makes sense. May also explain why replacing the distributor cap didn’t suddenly give the van more power. Might need to add a supercharger or turbo to solve the lack of power problem.
17th Mar 2024, 05:48
They absolutely do. This Astro owner was looking at 500hp and < 12 second quarter mile. Unclear if it required a single turbo or twin turbo though
https://www.s10forum.com/threads/turbo-astro-van.477254/
The cost is pretty low honestly for a turbo kit for this 4.3L Astro engine. If you know how to do it yourself & can save on the labor, it is actually quite cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/Turbo-Parts-Chevy-Turbocharger-Wastegate/dp/B07JB1V71M
15th Aug 2013, 13:46
92,000 miles is not "high mileage", and if a vehicle has chronic problems with power loss when under load, it won't matter how much gas you give it.
Also, when searching for a smaller cargo van from the mid 2000's, the Astro is unfortunately the only option in the U.S. Auto manufacturers realized that and are finally filling this need with the Ford Transit Van and the Nissan NV200, but as usual, they are behind curve by a few years.