We just recently bought a 2001 Chevy venture. this is the luxury model with everything on it, as far as I know. Obviously it was used.

We actuall have two problems, that we thought might be related, but now are not sure.

When it is really cold (below freezing) the first thing that happens is that the turn signal indicators on the dash will come on when you press the brakes. Then if you put on the left signal, while pressing the brakes, it blinks rapidly as if the light were not working properly. However, when we have someone stand behind the vehicle and look, what is actually happening is that the reverse light and the turn signal blink rapidly alternating. This only happens on the driver's side and only when you apply the brake. Then when you actually turn the wheel to the left as to make the left turn, the "service traction system" light comes on and the traction system turns itself off. again, ONly happens when turning left, and ONLY when it is cold enough to set the lights going wierd.

OK, the other issue... A few months ago, we replaced the thermostat, because it was sticking. We knew it was sticking because we had the same issues with another van we had. Basically when the heat was on, it would blow warm for a bit, then start blowing cold all of a suddden and the engine would then overheat.

So anyway, we got the thermostat replaced and all was well. Now our heat does not work when it is very cold. absolutely NO warm air comes out at all, and the blower does not work at all when put to the highest speed (#5) There is a popping sound when you first switch the direction of the blowers to come out the dash. we were told that it is the internal heater vents opening.

My husband says that the cooling fan at the front of the engine is not coming on. But the engine does not overheat (though it does fluctuate when idling)

Any ideas?