Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Chevrolet Express 3500
Chevrolet Express 3500 Models:
Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems
One or More Rear Lights May Not Work
The tail light wiring harness in the cargo area is not protected very well. As a result it may become damaged due to normal wear a tear. This damage can causing some or all of the rear lights to stop working.
Electrical components under front carpet may be damaged when cleaning van interior
Various electrical components under the front carpet/rubber mat may become damaged if excess water is used to clean the rear cargo area.
Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation
It is common for the fuel level sensor in the fuel tank read the fuel level incorrectly. The sensor must be replaced to correct the condition. Our technicians recommend having the complete fuel pump module replaced on high mileage vehicles.
Check Engine Light Due to Restricted Secondary Air Injection Check Valve
One or both secondary air injection check valves may become restricted causing poor air flow resulting in illumination of the Check Engine Light. It is often recommend to replace both check valves even if a fault code is set for only one bank of cylinders. Replacing only one valve may result in a return trip to the repair shop.
The Fuel Pump May Fail Causing the Engine to Stall or Crank Over But Not Start
The fuel pump may fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.
Chevrolet Express 3500 Recalls (Recent)
The Front Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy as Designed
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The second stage of the dual-stage passenger airbag will not inflate in a severe frontal impact. Accordingly, the airbags do not meet the federal safety standards. In the event of a crash, an improperly deployed airbag will increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag to correct this concern. The General Motors recall number is 11302.
Learn more »Seat Belts May Not Latch Or Unlatch
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front and rear seat belt buckles may not latch or unlatch. In a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect the buckles, and replace them if they are found to be defective. Buckles found to function properly will have the upper buckle cover replaced. The recall began April 30, 2008. The GM recall number is 05113A.
Learn more »Potental Fire Due to Failed Alternator
RepairPal Expert Overview:
A short circuit may develop in the voltage regulator, internal to the alternator. This could cause the alternator to overheat to the point of causing a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace the affected alternators as necessary. This recall is scheduled to begin by April 12, 2010. The General Motors recall number is 10216.
Learn more »Heating and AC Control Knobs May Fracture and Spin on the Shaft
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The heating and AC control knobs may fracture and spin on the control shafts. The driver may not be able to control the heating and ventilation for the vehicle. If this happens when the defrost system is needed, visibility could be reduced, which could lead to a crash. Dealers will replace all of the heating and AC control knobs free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2010. The GM recall number is 10012.
Learn more »Steering Gear Pitman Arm Can Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The steering gear pitman shaft may not have been adequately hardened and could break. If this occurs, a loss of steering ability will result, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the steering gear and replace the steering gear pitman shaft if necessary to correct this concern. The General Motors recall number is 12005.
Learn more »Chevrolet Express 3500 Questions and Answers
My van has a check engine code of p1345 ignition control and also a secondary emission control what is that. I also notice the fuel pump may be going out. today i had to bang on bottom of tank to g...
I recently bought a 1997 Chevy cargo van and although it was fine driving it home it has some sort of electrical issue. I first noticed that the fuel gauge was bouncing back and forth and problem w...
WAS TEACHING YOUNG MAN TO DRIVE (MANY TUNRS) WHEN POWER STEERING AMD BRAKES FAILED.
WHAT MAY BE THE FIX? SEND REPLY TO DAZIELL2@AOL.COM
SEND RESPONCE TO "DAZIELL2@AOL.COM
SEEMS AS IF NO
GAS IS GETTING TO
ENGINE
1997 chevy van with 145000 miles< has 350 5.7 motor> want to know the time it should take to replace water pump? 8 hours 12 hours ect?
Chevrolet Express 3500 Stories
I need to know where I can get a driver door interior panel.
Can anyone help? 9725675036
My 2011 Express van has an incredibly rough ride. Any ideas to fix it?
one of my oil lines came disconected iam trying to find to reconect it back could you help
On my previous post, the Chevy dealer replaced the TPS (Throttle Positioning Sensor) not the PCM. My mistake!
I like the body style of this van. The sheet metal isn't as thick or durable as past body styles. The factory paint is reasonably durable and so far the corrosion protection is adiquate. The interior is comfotable and quiet and I like the seats. However, if you have to remove any interior door or wall panels, be prepared to use epoxy to glue the plastic that the retaining clips hold on to. It's also very easy to break other plasic parts such as electric door and window switches if disassembly is nessesary. I'm very impressed with this vehicle's braking system. It's a hydrolicly boosted anti-lock braking system that stops this vehicle exceptionally well. The model I own has a 5.7 litre V8 gasoline engine that delivers a good strong performance. When towing a trailer the 5.7 V8 is adiquate. My transmition has worked well, but I've been very careful to keep it maintained. I've always followed the manufactuer's recomended maintainance, but if I'm planning on towing a trailer on a long road trip I always drop the transmition pan and change the filter as well as look in the pan for sludge and debris as well as check the condition of the trans fluid. So far I've never found any problems. I've had very few problems with my electrical system. However I had to replace the door switch for the dome lights on my sliding side door. I've also added some aftermarket headlights because I wanted brighter lights. I thought the stock sealed beams where kind of weak. I've never had any problems with the engine. GM has used the 5.7 litre (350 ci.) for years and years and it's a tried and true design. I faithfully change the engine oil every 3,000 miles, as I always have with all the chev 350 motors I've owned. As a result, I've never had any problems with past or my present 350 V8. The stock exaust system is fine and the van has never not passed emissions so far. My van has front and rear air conditioning and heating. I've enjoyed that a lot and I think if you have a 15 passenger van like mine, it's well worth having. I haven't had to recharge the a/c unit yet, but I expect to at some point. This van handles very well for a full size van. Any full size van has handling limitations, this one does well for what it is. It rides very smooth and comfortably at freeway speeds if I'm towing a trailer or not. I've been impressed with the van's handling while towing, but I'm always careful not to over load it or improperly load the trailer. Over all I like my van and would recomend it so long as you understand that full size vans drive and handle a lot different than full size SUVs and trucks.