1996 Chevrolet Venture problems
The Chevrolet Venture is a minivan produced by General Motors for the 1997 to 2005 model years. The Chevrolet Venture, along with most of its General Motors minivan siblings, was built at GM's Doraville, Georgia, assembly plant.
Use of name
The Venture name was first used on a 1988 Chevrolet concept car, in this case a full-sized four-door sedan more aerodynamic than the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice.
History
The Venture was introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year as a replacement for the radically styled Lumina APV. In the United States, it was also sold as the Oldsmobile Silhouette and the Pontiac Trans Sport, which was later renamed as the Pontiac Montana for 1999 (2000 in Canada). The Venture came in three trim levels, the base, LS, and LT. The base models of the Venture were short wheelbase models which came equipped with cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with fixed head restraints, a 2nd-row 2-passenger bench seat, and steel wheels. The LS came in both short and long wheelbases, and offered aluminum wheels, a varied seating configuration, adjustable head restraints, side airbags, power windows (optional on the base models), and a remote keyless entry system. The LT model was an upscale of the LS and was exclusively a long wheelbase model and offered a power driver seat (optional on the base and LS models), optional leather seats, a roof rack (optional on the base and LS models), and a driver side sliding door (optional on the base and LS models from 1997 to 1999). The anti-lock brakes were standard on all Ventures from 1996 to 2002, but became optional on the base models later on.
The Venture and its siblings were powered by GM's 3.4 L LA1 V6, rated at 180 hp (134 kW). After 1999, the engine was slightly redesigned to produce an extra 5 hp (4 kW), for a total of 185 hp (138 kW), and the alarm system for seatbelts, door ajar, low fuel, etc. have been changed. All Ventures used a four-speed automatic transmission. The Venture was one of the few minivans to have an 8-passenger seating configuration as an option when most minivans seated up to 7 passengers. In 2000, the driver side sliding door became standard on all trim levels, when the passenger side only sliding door models of minivans have rapidly fallen out of favor since the 1996 models of Chrysler minivans. The exterior was refreshed in 2001, a back-up alarm was added to indicate possible obstacles behind the vehicle, and all-wheel drive was introduced in 2002. Also for 2002 was a new steering wheel equivalent to the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala, replacing the steering wheel equivalent to the 1995-2001 Chevrolet Lumina. New for this generation, cabin air filters were installed, and the filters can be accessed from behind an access panel easily accessed from inside the glove compartment.
The optional 2-3-2 seating configuration was dropped in favor of the more conventional 2-2-3 and 2-3-3 seating configurations. The 2-3-3 was the standard for the Chinese-made Buick GL8, and a 10-seats arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration was used in a Chinese-made version of the Chevrolet Venture for export to the Philippines and Latin America (where it sold alongside the U.S. Venture) where 10-seaters are favored with lower taxes. Reviews and sales were generally lukewarm, especially about the relatively narrow cabin due to being designed for European roads. Models came in both short and long wheelbases, and with optional all-wheel drive. The third row bench seat was designed to fold flat (introduced for 2001 and available on LS and Warner Bros. models), but forming a higher floor unlike the Honda, Mazda and Nissan minivans that folded into a well behind the third row.
The Venture was replaced after 2005 by the Chevrolet Uplander, which was essentially a facelift with one long wheelbase configuration, and a longer nose which served chiefly to improve crush distance and styling more like an SUV. Only the long-wheelbase Venture was sold for 2005 in the US but the short-wheelbase was still offered in Canada. Production of the Chevy Venture ended on June 24, 2005.
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Common 1996 Chevrolet Venture problems
Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Chevrolet Venture 1996 based on complaints from owners:
- Air Buildup in Cooling System: Some owners experienced air buildup in the cooling system, leading to issues with rear heat, front heat, and steam pressure, affecting the proper functioning of the vehicle.
- Window Motor Failures: Complaints included problems with window motors failing on both sides of the vehicle, requiring replacements that could impact the convenience and functionality of the windows.
- Foggy Headlight Covers: Foggy headlight covers were reported, which could affect visibility and the aesthetics of the vehicle. Replacing these covers was a solution mentioned by an owner.
- Check Engine Light Issues: The Check Engine Light could illuminate due to various reasons such as a loose gas cap, failed oxygen sensor, weak car battery, faulty spark plugs, engine misfire, or issues with the mass airflow sensor. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to severe engine problems and costly repairs.
- General Reliability Concerns: While some owners praised the Chevrolet Venture for its reliability and longevity, others expressed concerns about the overall reliability of the vehicle, suggesting a preference for more reliable brands like Honda or Toyota.
These reported problems highlight a range of issues that Chevrolet Venture 1996 owners have faced, from engine-related issues to comfort and convenience features. Addressing these issues promptly and with proper maintenance can help ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
Is the Chevy Venture the same as the Pontiac Montana?
History. The Venture was introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year as a replacement for the radically styled Lumina APV. In the United States, it was also sold as the Oldsmobile Silhouette and the Pontiac Trans Sport, which was later renamed as the Pontiac Montana for 1999 (2000 in Canada).
What is the mpg on a 1997 Chevy Venture?
Used 1997 Chevrolet Venture - Specs & Features
| Fuel & MPG | |
|---|---|
| EPA city/highway MPG | 16/23 MPG |
| EPA combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 320.0/460.0 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20.0 gal. |
How much does a 1997 Chevrolet Venture weigh?
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 3671 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Wheel Base | 112.0 inches |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 5357 lbs. |
| Payload Capacity | 1422 lbs. |
| Width with mirrors | 72.0 inches |
Is Pontiac Montana reliable?
These parts include the intake manifold, condenser, and tail lights. Overall, the Pontiac Montana is pretty reliable, and most owners report only a few minor bugs that they consider normal for a vehicle of its age.
What engine is in the venture?
3.4 L LA1 V6
| Chevrolet Venture | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.4 L LA1 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic |
| Dimensions |
What is the mpg on a 1997 Chevy Venture?
Used 1997 Chevrolet Venture - Specs & Features
| Fuel & MPG | |
|---|---|
| EPA city/highway MPG | 16/23 MPG |
| EPA combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 320.0/460.0 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20.0 gal. |
When did Chevy stop making the venture?
The Chevrolet Venture's final year of production was 2005 consisting of a reduced trim level line and the presence of an extended-length only body style.
How much does a 1997 Chevrolet Venture weigh?
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 3671 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Wheel Base | 112.0 inches |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 5357 lbs. |
| Payload Capacity | 1422 lbs. |
| Width with mirrors | 72.0 inches |
1996 Chevrolet Venture car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Venture problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Chevrolet Venture vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Chevrolet Venture complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Chevrolet Venture.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-01
- VIN: 1GNDX06E2WD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND THE ANTIFREEZE LEVEL WAS DROPPING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW OUT , THE HEAD GASKETS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEAD GASKETS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. THE SECOND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST THE CONTACT SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. *AK
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-19
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE HOOD LATCH SNAPPED CAUSING THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN SHATTERING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Chevrolet Venture problems:
Q&A: 2005 Chevrolet Venture LS - Common Problems & Solutions
Feb 19, 2012 ... 2005 Chevrolet Venture problem: It seems like it is idling high. For example, I was going 20 mph without even giving it - Answered by a ...
Chevy Venture Engine Problems - Page 8 — Car Forums at ...
Dec 10, 2006 ... Output for the 3400 is 180 hp (134 kW) and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m). Applications: 1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV 1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture 1996-2004 ...
What is the most common problem with code P0131 for 2004 Venture?
Sep 12, 2013 ... My wife's 2015 Chevy Cruze is throwing the codes p0131, ... · I have a 2004 Chevy venture van. It will start bucking and ... · I have a 1996 Chevy ...
Chevy Venture Starting/Stalling/Idle Issues - Page 2 — Car Forums ...
Aug 18, 2006 ... If you follow the wires back from the fuel pump, they go to a Pass-thru connector under the drivers seat - this connector has been known to get ...
Q&A: 2004 Chevy Venture - Common Issues & Solutions
Jul 30, 2015 ... I have a 2004 Chevy Venture, 3.4 V6, 78,000 miles. The cooling fans come on too late. I have checked 1 fuse and 3 cooling fan relays, ...
Other years of Chevrolet Venture
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