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1994 astro van head lites quit working


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v10ole
Novice

Mar 5, 2007, 10:23 PM

Post #1 of 13 (2700 views)
post icon 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Hi I have a 94 chevy astro, weird the van just died the motor that is, the motor would crank but not start after several minutes it started, Hmmm I notced the head lites and interrior lites quit at the same time, like I say it started back up and made it home. This morning it did the same thing only it would run for a few minutes then quit and like I said no power to headlites or interrior lites the only thing that has power is starter because it will turn over, the emergency lites work, brake lites work, turn signals work. I checked the battery connections and they are fine, checked the fuseable link on the starter its fine, checked all the fuses in the fuse block and they are also fine. I just got back from trying it again and now it will not start at all, but it does turn over and no lites. Please if anyone could help with ideas that would be great. Thanks v10ole


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Mar 6, 2007, 10:36 AM

Post #2 of 13 (2688 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

 Looking at a wiring diagram the fuse link at the starter is only there for the alternator circuit.
There is a “battery junction block” on the left side of the firewall under the hood that houses the remaining fusible links.
When you say you checked fuses did you use a test light to see if they have power?
If one or more of the fusible links are burnt, portion of the under dash fuse panel will be without power and could answer what is going on with the van.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






v10ole
Novice

Mar 6, 2007, 11:47 AM

Post #3 of 13 (2684 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Hi and thanks for the reply yes I did check the fuse block with a test lite and it looks like all have power but one the [ INST LPS ] which is a 10 amp. You said all the fuseable links are on the left side fire wall which is the same side as the fuse box and I am not having any luck finding them. Also do you know what color the different fuse links are and what they are for? Thanks Ole


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Mar 6, 2007, 2:30 PM

Post #4 of 13 (2681 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

The battery junction box is under the hood not under the dash.
Here are a couple of diagrams of the power distribution I have for this van.
Hope they help and that they are the proper ones for this van.
Dan.
Oh yea you won’t have power at the (Inst lps) until you turn on the headlights.





Canadian "EH"






v10ole
Novice

Mar 6, 2007, 5:52 PM

Post #5 of 13 (2678 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Dan a BIG THANK YOU! I found the problem I sure could not have with out your help What a pain in the BUT if you know what I mean. I like this van must I bought it new back in 94 the wife keeps telling be to get rid of it but I like it to much to just give it away. The last two times we bought new the weren't going to give anything so I just kept it. Thanks again for your help and keep smiling.Smile


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
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Mar 7, 2007, 4:47 AM

Post #6 of 13 (2671 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

What was it?
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






v10ole
Novice

Mar 7, 2007, 11:17 AM

Post #7 of 13 (2666 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Hi Dan it was just the connection the fuse link was just fine. Looks like it just worked loose some how it was burnt a little bit but nothing to worry about. Question are you a mechanic if so I would drive a long ways to have you do my repairs for me I have lived here for the last 30 years and still can't find a garage I trust. With guys like you around us shade tree mechanics can still do some of our own repairs. Thanks again and remember spring isn't far off. OleSmile


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
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Mar 7, 2007, 12:39 PM

Post #8 of 13 (2663 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Yea I’m a mechanic or in today’s terminology an automotive technician. LOL
I’ve have been in the trade since 1976, started my own business back in 82 and have been trying to make a living at it ever since; with mixed success.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






v10ole
Novice

Mar 7, 2007, 4:11 PM

Post #9 of 13 (2656 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Hi Dan I thought so, Remember the old saying " If it was easy anybody could do it " Thanks again. Ole


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
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Mar 7, 2007, 8:33 PM

Post #10 of 13 (2654 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

LOL
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






v10ole
Novice

Mar 8, 2007, 3:16 PM

Post #11 of 13 (2649 views)
post icon Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Hi dan I have another problem I was wondering if you could help with? The blinkers on the left side doesn't cancel by its self any ideas on how terriable that is to repair? Never a dull moment. Ole


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
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Mar 9, 2007, 6:03 AM

Post #12 of 13 (2640 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

There are two small springs attached to the signal switch one for right and one for the left turn; these springs are always breaking and are replaceable. You’ll probably have to go to the dealer to get them; the last one I bought was under a $ buck.
To replace them you’ll have to remove the steering wheel and column locking plate to get to the signal switch, once there it’s a breeze to put the new springs in.
Now you’ll need a steering wheel puller and the tool to hold the locking plate down so you can remove the plates retaining clip. These tools are not expensive but are designed for just this purpose and for the one time you’re going to use them; would it be worth it for you to buy them? I guess some parts suppliers rent equipment, so that might be the way to go if you can find a place the does rent stuff like this out?
Does this van have an air bag?
If so be careful these things can and will light off; if not properly disabled. If the bag does deploy you won’t have any warning what so ever. All you’ll hear is a bang and the next thing you might see is the paramedic loading you on a stretcher.
I’m not kidding these things are dangerous and all it takes is a little static build up in your body, from you sliding you butt across the seat. If this static discharges in the right or I should say the wrong place; 500 pounds worth of punch is coming at you and guess where your face likely is while working on a steering column.
Disarming the bag isn’t a difficult thing to do but still isn’t a guarantee that the bag won’t deploy so every precaution should be taken. One being is too wear a grounding strap on your wrist with a tether connected to a known good vehicle ground; hopefully to disperse any static.
To disarm the system, disconnect the battery and walk away for 15 or 20 minutes. The air bag module has an internal back-up battery; that’s there in case the vehicle’s battery is damaged during an accident. It’ll take that longer or longer for this battery to drain.
At the base of the column you should see a yellow wiring harness or a yellow electrical connector disconnect it; this yellow wire leads directly to the air bag.
Now go over to the passenger side and find the same yellow connector for the passenger air bag. They hide the thing in different places but it must also be disconnected. It would be a shame if you got half way through your job and something lights off the passenger air bag and takes that whole side of the dash with it; can you say oops. LOL
After both air bags a disconnected go and have a pop or coffee, that’s so any static and residual voltage can disperse. Don’t forget to wear your ground strap during all of this.
Once you remove the driver’s side air bag set in down on a flat surface out of the way facing up. You don’t want to set it face down because if something lights off the bag it’ll shoot itself across the yard, again with about 500 pounds of force. To arm the system reverse the disarm procedure.
I’m sorry this post is as long as it is but I wanted people to see what we here at the shop have to do to keep ourselves and your vehicles safe.
Yes it’s only a one-dollar part but it could cause thousands of dollars worth of damage and injury too the technician if not installed properly.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






v10ole
Novice

Mar 9, 2007, 10:23 AM

Post #13 of 13 (2637 views)
Re: 1994 astro van head lites quit working Sign In

Hi Dan and thanks for the quick responce from what you said I think I'll leave this one to the pros. I sure wish I lived where you do because like I say there isn't a garage intown here that I trust. Have yourself a great day and thanks again Ole






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