Advice on Astrovan

TransAmDan

TransAmDan

Forum Admin
Staff member
After some advice on an AstroVan, received an email from Jon. I've requested first info from the MOT sheet. I wonder what is wrong that is £1400 to make it right again. What's anyone's thoughts so far?

My 1995 2 wheel drve astrovan has failed it's mot needing 1400 quid spent onit. The garage has offered to buy it for 1000 quid but I'm reluctant tosell as it's good interior with only 57 k....but it's apparently too dangerousto drive back to my place according to the garage (elite motors...Sam hard)
He naturally sees an opportunity and he's a nice guy...and an independentmechanic who has seen it suggests I sell as i am not a mechanic.
I know it's my decision but i just wondered if in the club there would beanyone who may have a view on this in terms of value and other garages orshould I try to get more on the club site and it would have a good home?
I have to make a decision tomorrow so any immediate thoughts appreciated!Feel free to pass this on together with my phone number
Regards

Jon Davies
Click to expand...
 
More Info:-
the ball joints and bushes are badly worn and that the wishbone is badlycorroded
the ABS light shows continuously and this may be failure of the ABS unit
Also needs the offside track rod and ends replaced
Not sure this helps much but I think the ABS unit problems and the corrosion ofthe brake pipes and wishbone means it could be a continuing issue even if itwas repaired?

I suspect this may be a little bit of scare mongering to get a cheap pricebut also recognise my limitations...... However I do know that in good nickAstrovans still sell 4 between 2 and a half and 3 and a half grand
Click to expand...
 
You could try sourcing the parts to bring the cost down , Did garage get price for parts when you were there? has Mot run out? as you can book it in a month early and still drive and get pass ticket to run out date of prescent mot so you can take it to another garage / mate to do work and just pay for retest retest should be haf the price of full mot dpending on garage some like to redo complete test not just the parts failed,
 
Difficult without seeing the issues but I would hazard a guess that £1400 is to much money.
Ball joints and bushes are not expensive or labour intensive to do.
ABS - could be module but its very unlikely. More likely a wheel sensor, broken or missing reluctor ring or a wiring fault. More difficult to diagnose I admit but some investigative time from an auto electrician would probably find it.
Wishbone - scrap yard item for sure. Join the Astro/Safari forum and I'm sure someone will have one.
Brake lines - definately the worrying item but its not that hard to bend copper pipe and replace the corroded sections. Even an amateur like me can make a passable job of it!
 
take it away and get another price get the code read for the abs so you have some idea as to why the light is on
 
Code reading could well be hit and miss. It would probably just say sensor failure and would not indicate which corner, and that could still be a wiring issue. ABS is a feature of the BCM and many generic code readers won't give much info from it. Now, if he knew someone with a Tech II and the right module he could have more success.
It's a good idea, but might not help.
 
Just to say thanks to everyone who came up with their ideas so far....I've tried several garages in the past and none of their diagnostics read the ABS unit...... have been told that Dolphin Motors in the New Forest could be the answer as they specialise in American cars?.....David the problem is that I am absolutely useless with doing repairs and I need to find someone who can we do the brake pipes the abs etc in Fareham Portsmouth....alternatively get in touch with astro safari Club... anyone would know who I can contact? I would appreciate any more ideas and I have to say that the club members here seem to be a great bunch of guys
 
I have a code reader that seems to do a pretty darn good job (It reads the green beastie, the ex-Mondeo and the Volvo). If you're up for it, I dont mind swinging around today and throwing it on to see what is thrown along with the write-up (I assume you are in the Fareham/Portsmouth area?). Other than that, everyone has given great advice.
 
Thanks for the offer Neo unfortunately the van is in the garage in Fareham at the moment and I know it isn't open until next week......is it possible to have your e-mail or mobile or you can call me on 07957255796 so that maybe we can arrange for itto be read once I get the van back?
 
Last edited:
GM used ODB (on North American vehicles) as follows:

1991 ODB1 with 15pin connector
1994/5 ODB 1.5 (ODB1 in 16 pin ODB2 connector)
96+ ODB2
Can't remember when canbus came in, anyone?

What year is the van, don't recall reading that. Regardless there should be a sticker under the hood stating ODB version.
 
Ahh 95 year van, typical it's the swap over year. ODB 1 most likely, so the chances of getting much in useable codes with regard to ABS is low.
 
After talking with Jon, I am voting it is a sensor on the wheels considering that the light came on just before brakes were acting up AND there seems a corrosion issue with the undercarriage.

I'm definitely learning something new today in regards to OBD year usages.
 
thanks for all your ideas so far does anyone have a phone number for the Astro Safari Club as I have tried to log in but I'm having some difficultyI understand it based in Hayling Island?if any of you out there own an Astro I would welcome a phone contact or e-mail address share ideas and experience.... my number is 079 5725 5796
 
I am registered on there Jon. I will post your post and see if someone can call you.
 
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