lights CHEVROLET ASTRO 1999 Owners Manual

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v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Front Doors
2
-4 Rear Doors
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-7 Keyless Entry System (Option)
2
-10 Sliding Door
2
-13 Hatch
2
-14 Theft
2
-14 Passlock

2-15 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-16 Ignition Positions
2
-17 Starting Your Engine
2
-19 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-20 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-23 Parking Brake
2
-24 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-26 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-27 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-27 Engine Exhaust
2
-28 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-29 Locking Rear Axle
2
-29 All-Wheel Drive (Option)
2
-29 Windows
2
-31 Horn
2
-31 Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
2
-31 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-37 Exterior Lamps
2
-38 Interior Lamps
2
-40 Mirrors
2
-41 Storage Compartments
2
-49 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-51 Sun Visors
2
-51 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-52 Universal Transmitter (Option)
2
-56 Instrument Panel
2
-59 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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2-37
Exterior Lamps
Your lamp switch is on the driver's side of the
instrument panel.
Turn the knob clockwise to the parking lamp symbol to
turn on the following:

Parking Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel LightsTurn the knob clockwise to the master lighting symbol
to turn on all the lamps listed as well as the headlamps.
Turn the knob counterclockwise to OFF to turn off
your lamps.
Turn the dial next to the knob up to adjust your
instrument panel lights. Turn the dial up to the first
notch for full intensity. If you turn the dial to the second
notch, your interior lamps will come on.
Turn the dial next to the lamp switch down to dim your
instrument panel lights.
Headlamps
You can switch your headlamps from high to low beam
by pulling the multifunction lever toward you.
A circuit breaker protects your headlamps. If you have
an electrical overload, your headlamps will flicker on
and off. Have your headlamp wiring checked right away
if this happens.
Headlamps On Reminder
A reminder tone will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are turned on and your ignition is in the
OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY position. To turn the tone
off, turn the switch to OFF.

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2-59 Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your
odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven,
in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers
(used in Canada).
Your odometer is tamper resistant. The digital odometer
will read 999,999 if someone tries to turn it back.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then it must be. But if
it can't, then it's set at zero, and a label must be put on
the driver's door to show the old mileage reading when
the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has
been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero.
The trip odometer will appear in place of your regular
odometer when you press the TRIP button.
To reset the trip odometer, press and hold the TRIP
button. To change back to the regular odometer, press
the TRIP button again.
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.

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2-60
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a tone will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds, then
it will flash for about
55 seconds.
If the driver's belt is already buckled, neither the tone
nor the light will come on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the air bag system, see ªAir
Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

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4-15 Night Vision
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as
we get older these differences increase. A 50
-year-old
driver may require at least twice as much light to see the
same thing at night as a 20
-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your night
vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will
have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you're
driving, don't wear sunglasses at night. They may cut
down on glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot
of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several
seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you
are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who
doesn't lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring
directly into the approaching headlamps.Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean
-- inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it's easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night
blindness
-- the inability to see in dim light -- and
aren't even aware of it.

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6-27
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

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6-62
Fuse/Circuit
BreakerUsage
1 Stop/Turn/Hazard Lamps,
CHMSL, Chime Module
2 Heated Mirror (Not Used)
3 Courtesy Lamps, Power Outside
Mirrors, Glove Box Lamp,
Dome Reading Lamps,
Vanity Mirror LampsFuse/Circuit
BreakerUsage
4 DRL Relay, DRL Module, Chime
Headlamp Switch, Keyless Entry,
Cluster, Overhead Console,
Interior Lamps Module
5 Rear Defogger
6 Cruise Module, Cruise Control
Switch, Electrochromic Mirror
7 Power Outlets, DLC, Subwoofer
Amplifier
8 Starter Enable Relay
9 License Plate Lamp, Taillamps,
Parking Lamps, Ashtray Lamp,
Panel Lights, Trailer Taillamps,
Front and Rear Sidemarker
Lamps, Door Switch Illumination,
Headlamp Switch Illumination,
Rear Seat Audio Illumination
10 Air Bag System
11 Wiper Motor, Washer Pump,
Upfitter Relay Coil

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9-6
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Dome 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-25 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-28, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-63, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-13, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service AWD 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading Your Vehicle 4
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks
Cylinders 7
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding Door Child Security 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage Carrier 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar Controls 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-12
Warning Devices 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid, Windshield 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing Your Vehicle 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrip Lubrication 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrips 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel
Alignment 6
-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ratchet 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Swing-Out 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield Washer 2
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Level Check 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Replacement 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Blades 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter Driving 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blades, Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring, Headlamp 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrecker Towing 5-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench, Wheel 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .