suspension CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2004 2.G Owners Manual

Certication/Tire Label
The Certication/Tire label in your vehicle will look
similar to this example.
The Certication/Tire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver’s door. The label shows the size of your
original tires and the ination pressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, cargo and tongue weight, if pulling
a trailer.The Certication/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To nd out the actual
loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to
a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
4-33

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-16
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-22
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-22
At Least Once a Month.................................6-22
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-22At Least Once a Year...................................6-23
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-26
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection....................6-26
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-26
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-26
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-26
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-27
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection........................6-27
Brake System Inspection................................6-27
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants..........................................6-28
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-30
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-22
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-26.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and kingpin
bushings, steering linkage, parking brake cable
guides and brake pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-27.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-7

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to
100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated
after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals
for the life of this vehicle. The services shown at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be repeated at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km)
for the life of this vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-22
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-26.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and kingpin
bushings, steering linkage and transfer case shift linkage,
parking brake cable guides and brake pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-27.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs rst).
An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs rst).
An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Change automatic transmission uid and lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C)
or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
6-16

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-12.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the
drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage.
Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-29.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-26

Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and specications
for GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-12

Hood
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-33
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-35
How to Add Fluid............................................5-25
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-51
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-38
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-22
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-18
Hydroplaning..................................................4-16
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-30
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-29
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-30
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-30
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-26
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-35
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-25
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-38
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-70
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-27
Engine Cooling System................................6-26
Exhaust System..........................................6-26
Fuel System...............................................6-26
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-26
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal..................................6-26
Throttle System...........................................6-27
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)......................................6-27
Installing a Garage Door Opener.......................2-39
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-14
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-101
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-44
7

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-109
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-22
At Least Once a Month................................6-22
At Least Once a Year..................................6-23
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-22
Brake System Inspection..............................6-27
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-26
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-26
Fuel System Inspection................................6-26
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance............................................6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-22
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-26
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-28
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-30
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection...................6-26
Throttle System Inspection............................6-27
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection.......................6-27
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-44
Making Turns.................................................4-42
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-29
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Windows............................................2-15
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands) – Customer Assistance....... 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Manual Mirror..................................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
Model Reference................................................ vi
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
9

Seats (cont.)
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-6
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Seat Position....................................1-56
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-54
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-54
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-58
Security Light.................................................3-33
Security While You Travel.................................. 7-6
Selecting the Fan Speed..................................3-21
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance.......... 6-5
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle.......................................... 5-4
All-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-33
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-29
Publications Ordering Information...................7-12
Service Bulletins.............................................7-13
Service Engine Soon Light in the United States
or Check Engine Light in Canada..................3-29
Service Manuals.............................................7-12
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle............1-67
Setting Preset Stations............................3-37, 3-40
Setting the Temperature...................................3-21Setting the Time
Radios with HR and MN Buttons...................3-36
Radios with the Set Button...........................3-36
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-38, 3-40
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-97
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-28
Short Trip/City Denition.................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-6
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-20
Skidding........................................................4-13
Sliding Door Security Lock...............................2-10
Sliding Side Door............................................. 2-9
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-17
Spare Tire Check............................................6-23
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-92
Specications, Capacities...............................5-107
Speedometer..................................................3-24
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-24
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-20
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-10
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-26
Steering Tips................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-5
13