'03 Venture Idle Growl

[dahirolla]

I'm interested in a private party 2003 venture with 120k miles. Everything is great, except that when you're idling in drive or 1st, there's a marked growl or maybe a bit of rumbling. Less rumbling when idling in 2nd, and quiet like it should be when idling in 3rd. Same noise when coasting in Drive to a stop.

Any ideas what could cause the rumbling?

I didn't notice a lack of power, and it accelerated well when pressed on the highway. Edmund's indicates some transmission problems can occur in 2002 thru 2004 and I want to know what I'm getting into.

Thanks!

Sam

[lesterl]

I was gonna say trans issue? But what do I know....

Also check for the notorious LIM leak....... (look behind PS pump and on opposite side for leakage, also check oil...)

[dahirolla]

Thanks for the reply.

Oil and coolant looked fine to me. No discoloration in either fluid. I didn't see anything obvious around the LIM, but didn't have a mirror with me to check all the way around.

Anyone else want to take a shot at the noise I heard?

[merc81]

OK, wait a moment. You say you are stopped (at idle) and hear different rumble like sounds depending on what gear you are in? I don't quite understand the situation. If not moving, then it makes no difference what gear you shift into, all forward gears put you in 1st gear.
If moving, then shifting from drive to 1st will certainly make some different sounds as the tranny winds up and the van slows down. I don't get what you are trying to describe.
Could you explain more? Maybe someone can recall a similar experience if you describe it differently.
John

[lesterl]

How was the trans fluid level and condition?