🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Venture

Year:

2004

Body Style:

Minivan

Generation Name:

UM (Venture/Silhouette/Trans Sport/Vibes)

Generation Years:

1997-2005

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size minivan, competing with vehicles like the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.

Key Strengths:

Offered competitive passenger and cargo capacity, flexible seating configurations, and often provided a more value-oriented option compared to some rivals. Shared platform with Pontiac Montana SV6 and Buick Terraza.

Seating Capacity:

Typically offered seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers across three rows.

Cargo Versatility:

Features like fold-flat or removable rear seats provided significant cargo space and flexibility.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 250-350 (typical for this model year and vehicle type)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.

Chassis:

Brakes (operation, warning lights), steering, suspension.

Electrical:

Battery, fuses, lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior lights), instrument cluster functions, warning indicators, power windows, locks, mirrors, entertainment system operation.

Climate Control:

Operation of HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), manual and automatic climate control features.

Restraints:

Seat belts (usage, adjustments, pretensioners), airbags (operation, warning lights, safety precautions).

Primary Controls:

Steering wheel, pedals, gear selector, parking brake, wiper controls, light switches, cruise control (if equipped).

Maintenance:

Recommended maintenance schedules, fluid checks and top-offs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks and inflation, basic cleaning procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and chimes, basic troubleshooting tips for common issues (e.g., starting problems, electrical issues).

Operation:

Proper operation of vehicle features, including doors, locks, windows, seating adjustments, and the infotainment system.

Safety Procedures:

Guidelines for safe driving, parking, and passenger safety, including child seat installation recommendations.

Depth:

Covers everyday operation, basic maintenance, and safety features relevant to the vehicle owner. Does not delve into detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and is compatible with most devices (computers, tablets, smartphones).

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital copy of the factory original. Print quality depends on the user's printer and settings.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.8L V6 (L32 Ecotec)

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 5200 rpm (estimated)

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (estimated)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

System:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Component Locations:

Manual details specific locations for dipsticks (oil, transmission), fluid reservoirs (coolant, brake, power steering, washer), fuse box, battery, and air filter.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic (4T65-E)

Type:

N/A for 2004 model year Venture

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 199.7 inches

Width:

Approximately 72.1 inches

Height:

Approximately 67.9 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 112.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,100 - 4,400 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,700 - 5,900 lbs

Cargo Volume Behind First Row:

Approximately 130.3 cubic feet (with second and third rows folded/removed)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

Approximately 70.4 cubic feet (estimated)

Cargo Volume Behind Third Row:

Approximately 22.0 cubic feet (estimated)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Likely 4 out of 5 stars (based on similar vehicles from the era)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Likely 4 out of 5 stars (based on similar vehicles from the era)

NHTSA Side Driver:

Likely 4 or 5 out of 5 stars (based on similar vehicles from the era)

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

Likely 4 or 5 out of 5 stars (based on similar vehicles from the era)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (Good rating for similar models from the era)

Brakes:

Standard front disc, rear drum brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side-impact airbags (often deployed from seat bolsters).

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions. Front seat pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional cassette player, premium sound systems, rear seat entertainment systems (DVD player and screens) available on higher trims.

Climate Controls:

Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control with digital display and dual-zone capability.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors. Optional power sliding doors and power liftgate.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe driving conditions. Use synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or when dirty).

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Dex-Cool coolant).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, change fluid and filter every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or as recommended by the manual for towing or severe use.

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (3.8L V6)

Coolant Type:

GM Original Equipment (GM OE) 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (Dex-Cool) or equivalent orange long-life coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF

Common Problems:

Interior trim component wear, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, occasional transmission shift issues, exhaust manifold leaks (especially the rear bank), power sliding door mechanisms can be problematic if equipped.

Oil Filter Example:

ACDelco PF1218, Wix 51042, Fram PH3794 (Verify specific application)

Air Filter Example:

ACDelco A2011C, Fram CA8042, Purolator A34253 (Verify specific application)

Washer Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 3-4 US quarts (1.4-1.9 liters)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet is a division of General Motors (GM), a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a history of producing a wide range of vehicles, including popular minivans.

Generation Platform:

The Venture was part of GM's global minivan platform, shared with the Pontiac Montana SV6 (which replaced the Montana), Oldsmobile Silhouette, and the European Opel/Vauxhall Sintra. This platform was known for its modularity and adaptability.

Production Years:

1997-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Doraville, Georgia, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 Venture are not as prominent as some later models, it was generally considered a competent and practical family vehicle in its segment during its production run.