heating CHEVROLET ASTRO 2005 Owners Manual

To fully open the rear
doors, push in on the clip
and lift the check
assembly up off the
mounting bracket.
Do this on each door. Replace the check assemblies on
the mounting brackets before closing the doors.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the rear
glass open because carbon monoxide (CO)
gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot
see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death. If you must
drive with the rear glass open or if electrical
wiring or other cable connections must pass
through the seal between the body and the
rear glass:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-19.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-26.
2-12

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamps...............................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Exit Lighting.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Rear Heating System....................................3-21
Rear Air Conditioning System.........................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-25
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-26
Charging System Light..................................3-27
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-28
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-29
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-30
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-33
Security Light...............................................3-34
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-34
Service All-Wheel Drive Light.........................3-34
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-35
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-35
Fuel Gage...................................................3-36
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Exterior Lamps. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-14.
B. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-20.
F. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-17.
G. Rear Defogger Button. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-19.
H. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-19.
I. Rear Air Conditioning Control. SeeRear Air
Conditioning System on page 3-22.
J. Rear Heater Control. SeeRear Heating System
on page 3-21.K. Rear Window Washer/Wiper Switch. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
L. Ashtray. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter
on page 3-18.
M. Dome Override Button. SeeDome Lamps on
page 3-16.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
O. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter
on page 3-18.
P. Audio System(s). SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-39.
Q. Front Storage Compartment. SeeStorage Areas
on page 2-33.
R. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-17.
3-5

The accessory power outlet is located on the
passenger’s side of the front storage compartment.
These circuits are protected by a fuse and have
maximum current levels.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the power accessory outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information on
the power accessory plugs.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
The cigarette lighter is on the left of the engine cover
console.
To use the lighter, press it in all the way and let go.
When it’s done heating, it will pop back out by itself.Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not
use anything other than the cigarette lighter in the
heating element.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
The front ashtray is located above the passenger’s side
front cupholder. To remove the front ashtray, open it
and gently pull it slightly past its stop.
To remove the ashtray on the sliding door, open it, then
press down on the inside tab and pull it out.
You may have another ashtray on the driver’s sidewall.
Press the right side to turn the ashtray around for
use. To remove the ashtray, open it and gently pull it off
the hinge.
Notice:If you put papers or other ammable items
in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in the
ashtray.
3-18

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airow inside of your vehicle.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs approximately half
of the air to the instrument panel outlets and directs
most of the remaining air to the oor outlets. Some air
may be directed toward the windshield.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the outboard
outlets (for the side windows) and some air directed to
the windshield.
A/C (Air Conditioning):This setting brings in outside
air, cools and dehumidies it.
MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning):This setting
cools the air the fastest, by recirculating the inside air.
The right knob can also be used to select the defrost
mode. Information on defogging and defrosting can be
found later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
3-19

Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
Outlet Adjustment
Move the thumbwheel in the center of the outlets up or
down to change the direction of airow.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
Rear Heating System
Your vehicle may have a rear heating system that
allows you to adjust the amount of air owing into the
rear of the vehicle, from the front seating area. This
feature works with the main climate control system in
your vehicle.
The thumbwheel for this system is located to the right of
the audio system.
Turn the thumbwheel up or down to increase or
decrease the amount of heated air sent to the rear
seating area.
3-21

Rear Air Conditioning System
Your vehicle may have a rear air conditioning system
that allows you to adjust the fan speed in the rear
seating area, from the front seating area. This feature
works with the main climate control system in your
vehicle.
The thumbwheel for this system is located to the right of
the controls for the climate control system.Turn the thumbwheel up or down to increase or
decrease the amount of cooled air sent to the rear
seating area.
To direct the airow to the rear seating area, use the
right knob located on the main climate control panel.
Generally the upper outlets are used for air conditioning
and the oor outlets are used for heating.
9(Fan):Move the thumbwheel up or down to HIGH,
MED (Medium) or LOW to increase or decrease the
fan speed in the rear seating area. Move the
thumbwheel to OFF to turn off the fan.
3-22

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on for
several seconds. That’s
normal.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you
don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you don’t have anti-lock brakes
and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. See
“Brake System Warning Light” earlier in this section.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should
come on briey when you turn the ignition key to RUN.
If the light doesn’t come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the
engine coolant
temperature. If the
gage pointer moves
to the red area, your
engine is too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
3-29

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and
you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can not see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-26. To maximize your
safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See Climate Control System
in the Index.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-41

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the transmission in PARK (P) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-43