
Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-7
Safety Belts
.............................................1-30
Child Restraints
.......................................1-55
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-93
Restraint System Check
..........................1-103
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-9
Windows
.................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-27
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-31
Mirrors
....................................................2-44
OnStar
žSystem
......................................2-45
HomeLinkžTransmitter
.............................2-47
Storage Areas
.........................................2-51
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-61
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-25
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
.........3-35
Message Center
.......................................3-50
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-58
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-61Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-32
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-50
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-58
Tires
......................................................5-60
Appearance Care
.....................................5-87
Vehicle Identi®cation
.................................5-95
Electrical System
......................................5-96
Capacities and Speci®cations
...................5-103
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
....5-104
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
............................ 7-9
Index.................................................................1
2003 Chevrolet Venture Owner ManualM

Remote Alarm
When you press the horn button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the parking lamps will ¯ash and the
horn will sound. This will allow you to attract attention,
if needed.
Press this button again to stop the alarm from sounding.
Remote Power Sliding Door Operation
If your vehicle has the power sliding door, your
remote keyless entry transmitter will have a button that
has a van symbol on it. Press it to open or close the
sliding door. See
Power Sliding Door (PSD) on
page 2-17.
If your vehicle has the dual power sliding doors, your
remote keyless entry transmitter will have two buttons
that have a van symbol on them. The van symbol on the
left is for the driver's side sliding door and the van
symbol on the right is for the passenger's side sliding
door. See
Power Sliding Door (PSD) on page 2-17.
If the power sliding door(s) is locked, ®rst unlock
all doors, then press the van symbol to open the power
sliding door(s). The parking lamps will ¯ash when
the right button with the van symbol is pressed and they
will not ¯ash when the left button with the van symbol
is pressed. Press the van symbol again to close
the sliding door(s). See
Power Sliding Door (PSD) on
page 2-17for more information.You can operate the power sliding door(s) with the
remote keyless entry transmitter only when the power
sliding door override switch(es) on the overhead console
is turned off. See
Power Sliding Door (PSD) on
page 2-17.
If your vehicle's fuel ®ller door is opened, the driver's
side power sliding door will not open completely. Do not
try to force the door. Once the fuel ®ller door is
closed, the driver's side sliding door can be opened
normally.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four
transmitters matched to it.
See your dealer to match transmitters to another
vehicle.
2-7

Sliding Door Delayed Locking
If either sliding door is open when you use the power
door locks to lock the vehicle, the sliding door that
is open will not lock. Normally the last door closed
locking feature will be used to lock the sliding door after
it has been closed.
When the ignition is on or if the last door closed locking
feature has been overridden or programmed to be
off, the sliding door delayed locking feature will lock your
sliding door for you. Three seconds after a sliding
door is closed, all the doors will lock.
Lockout Protection
The lockout protection feature makes it difficult for you
to lock your keys in your vehicle. If the driver's door
is open while the keys are in the ignition, a chime will
sound and you will not be able to use your power
door lock switch to lock the vehicle.
If you don't leave the keys in the ignition or if you use
the manual door lock, you could still lock your keys
in your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys
with you.
To turn this feature off or on, see
Vehicle
Personalization on page 2-61.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from the inside. Then get out
and close the door.
Dual Sliding Doors
To open either sliding door from outside the vehicle, pull
the handle out and then pull the door toward the rear.
If you slide the door all the way back, the door will rest in
a detent position.
To move the door forward, you must ®rst pull the door
past the open detent position.
The driver's side sliding door is designed to open only a
little if the fuel door is open. If this ever happens,
don't try to force the sliding door. Just close the driver's
side sliding door. Then when the fuel ®ller door is
closed, the driver's side sliding door can be opened
normally.
2-13

The driver's side sliding door is designed to open only a
little if the fuel door is open. If this ever happens,
don't try to force the sliding door. When the fuel ®ller
door is closed, the driver's side sliding door can
be opened normally.
{CAUTION:
You or others could be injured if caught in the
path of the sliding door. Make sure the door
path is clear before closing the door.
If you want to open the power sliding door(s) when the
override switch(es) is turned off, pull the inside or
outside handle and let go. The door will open fully.
To open the power sliding door(s) when the power
sliding door override switch(es) is on, pull the inside or
outside handle and slide the door all the way back.
2-20

PASS-KeyžIII
Your PASS-KeyžIII system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modi®cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
žIII uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-KeyžIII Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-KeyžIII
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
žIII is a passive
theft deterrent system.
This means you don't have
to do anything different
to arm or disarm the
system. It works when you
insert or remove the key
from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
žIII system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security message
comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
2-29

Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If the engine doesn't start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way
down while you turn the key to START. Do this until
the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of
the key.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be ¯ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
¯oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine
still won't start or starts brie¯y but then stops again,
repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on the temperature.
When the engine starts, release the key and
the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater. In
very cold weather, 0ÉF (-18ÉC) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At
temperatures above 32ÉF (0ÉC), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
2-33

Warm-Up Shift
Your vehicle has a computer controlled transaxle
designed to warm up the engine faster when the outside
temperature is 35ÉF (2ÉC) or colder. You may notice
that the transaxle will shift at a higher vehicle speed until
the engine is warmed up. This is a normal condition
designed to provide heat to the passenger compartment
and defrost the windows more quickly. See
Climate
Control System on page 3-25for more information.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving,
but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
·When driving on hilly, winding roads.
·When towing a trailer (so there is less shifting
between gears).
·When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h)
may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into
SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly, or if it seems not to shift gears as you go
faster, something may be wrong with a transaxle
system sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (55 km/h) and THIRD (3) for higher
speeds.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won't
downshift into ®rst gear until the vehicle is going slow
enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-37

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Switchbanks.................................................3-20
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-21
Overhead Console Switchbank.......................3-21
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)...........................................3-22
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-24
Climate Controls............................................3-25
Climate Control System.................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Rear Climate Control System (Without
Entertainment System)...............................3-29
Rear Climate Control System
(With Entertainment System).......................3-31
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-33
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-35
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-36
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-38Tachometer.................................................3-39
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-40
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-40
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-41
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-42
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-43
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-44
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-45
Fuel Gage...................................................3-48
Message Center.............................................3-50
Service Traction System Warning Message......3-50
Traction Active Message................................3-51
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Message..................................................3-51
Charging System Indicator Message................3-52
Low Oil Pressure Message............................3-52
Low Engine Oil Level Message.......................3-53
Change Engine Oil Message..........................3-54
Power Sliding Door Warning Message.............3-54
Door Ajar Warning Message...........................3-55
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message..................3-56
PASS-Key
žIII Security Message....................3-56
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message.......3-57
Low Fuel Warning Message...........................3-57
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1