ECU CHEVROLET ASTRO 1996 Owner's Manual

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.
lowing Distance
>ray at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing
a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer,
you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer
to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if
possible, have someone guide you.
4-34

A CAUTION:
To help avoid injury to you or others:
0 Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
0 Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
0 Never tow with damaged parts not
0 Never get under your vehicle after it has
0 Always use separate safety chains on each
0 Use T-hooks on front or rear of vehicle.
being towed.
fully secured. been lifted by the tow truck.
side when towing
a vehicle.
/1 CAUTION:
=
A vehicle can fall from a car carrier if it isn’t
adequately secured. This can cause
a collision,
serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The
vehicle should be tightly secured with chains
or
steel cables before it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut
by sharp
edges underneath the towed vehicle.
5-7

- Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The jacking equipment you’ll need is stored by your
vehicle’s rear doors, along the passenger side wall.
Remove your jack cover by pulling
it away from the
side wall and down to release the tabs securing the top
‘ of the cover. Remove the wheel, blocks by turning the top nut
counterclockwise. Remove the nut and washer, then pull
the wheel blocks off the bolt. Push down on the bolt and
remove the hooked
end from the slot. Slide the jack
toward the front of the vehicle and lift it from the
mounting. Remove the extension and the ratchet from
the pouch.
5-24

1.
2.
3.
Put the flat tire on the ground at the rear of the
vehicle, with the valve stem pointed down.
Tilt retaining bar downward and through the wheel
opening. Make sure it is fully seated across the
underside of the wheel. Attach the ratchet, with the
UP side facing you, to the extension.
Put the
flat end of the extension on an angle through
the hole in the rear door frame, above the bumper.
Turn the ratchet clockwise until the tire is against the
underside
of the vehicle.
You will
feel two “clicks” when the tire is up all the
way. Try to move the tire with your hands to make
sure it is securely in place.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full-size tire
as soon as
you can. See “Compact Spare Tire” in the Index. See
the storage instructions label to restore your compact
spare properly.
Return the jacking equipment
to its proper location.
I 4
3
I. Jacking Tool Storage
Bag
2. Jack
3. Bracket
4. Jacking Instruction
Tag
5. BoltKcrew
6. Wheel Blocks
7, Washer
8. Nut
5-35

What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used
oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about
the use and disposal
of
oil products.)
Engine Cover
Removing the Engine Cover
1. Move both front seats as far back as they will go.
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment.
If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing
oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center
for help.
2. Remove the instrument panel extension
by removing
the two nuts that secure it in place.
6-15

Installing the Engine Cover
1. Lift the engine cover into the vehicle and slide it all
the way forward. Make sure the rubber seal is over
the latches.
2. Install the two bolts at the engine cover.
3. Put the heater duct over the engine cover studs. Push
up
on the duct gently until it snaps into place.
4. Reconnect the electrical connectors.
5. Install the engine cover extension by gently squeezing
the sides and sliding
it into place. Make sure all of the
fastener clips engage, and the extension fits properly
in place. Replace and tighten the two screws.
5. Install the two nuts to secure the extension in place.
Air Cleaner
"""""".
To remove the air filter, lift the hood, unsnap both clips
and remove the top. After changing the filter, snap both
clips
to secure the air cleaner. Be sure the air cleaner lid
is correctly positioned to seal
out dust and contaminants
that are harmful to your engine.
Make sure the fresh air hose
is still attached after the
filter change.
6-19

rire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P235/65R15 size tires, don’t
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle.
If you have other size tires, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must.
Use only
SAE Class “S” type chains that are the proper size
for your tires. Install them on the
rear axle tires
and tighten them as tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops.
Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on
will damage your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them
on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous
if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
Benzene
0 Naphtha
0 Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
6-49

Brakes. Anti-Lock ............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking
in Emergencies ........................... 4-8
Break-In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2- 13
BTSICheck ................................... 7-43
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-36
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-6
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-67
Carbon Monoxide
............... 2.26.4.25.4.32. 4.33
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-41
Cassette Tape Player
.................. 3- 10. 3. 12. 3.20
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-27
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-34
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-32
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-49
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-23
Charging System Light
.......................... 2-55
Check Gages Light
.............................. 2-63
Check Oil Light
................................ 2-61
Checking
Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-52
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-57
Child Restraints
................................ 1-4 I
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-43
Securing
in the Center Seat Position .............. 1-45
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-46
TopStrap
................................... 1-42
Where to Put
........................... 1-4 I. 1-42
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-48
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-61
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-19 Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-55
Fabric
...................................... 6-50
Glass
....................................... 6-53
Inside
of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-50
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-53
Leather
..................................... 6-52
Outside
of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-54
Special Problems
............................. 6-51
Stains
...................................... 6-51
Tires
....................................... 6-56
Vinyl ....................................... 6-52
Wheels
..................................... 6-55
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-53
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-8
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-28
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3-16
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-36
Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5
ConvenienceNet
............................... 2-46
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-39
Coolant
....................................... 6-25
Heater. Engine
............................... 2-16
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-15
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-37
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-6
Cruise Control
................................. 2-32
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users
......... 8-3
Customer
Assistance Information ................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-1
Cooling System
................................ 5-15
9-2

Instrumentpanel ............................... 2-50
Brightness Control
.................... i ....... 2-35
Cleaning
.................................... 6-53
Cluster
..................................... 2-52
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-61
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-37 Charging System
........................... 2-55
Check Gages
................................ 2-63
Check Oil
................................... 2-61
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator
............... 2-62
Safety Belt Reminder
..................... 1 - 12. 2-54
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-58
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-26 .
J
Locks
ack. Tire .................................... 5-24
Cylinders ................................... 7-42
Jump Starting ................................... 5-2
Door ........................................ 2-5
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-42
Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-7
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-42
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-6
Sliding Door Child Security
..................... 2-10
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-44
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-47
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7-42
Luggagecarrier
................................ 2-47
Certificationflire
............................. 4-26 Lumbar Controls ................................ 1-2
Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-59
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-26
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-59
Lamps ........................................ 2-35
Dome
...................................... 2-37
Interior
..................................... 2-37
OnReminder
................................ 2-36
Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-24
Lighter
....................................... 2-48
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-25. 2-54
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-57. 4-6
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-57 Maintenance.
Normal Replacement Parts
........... 6-69
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-49
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Trip/Highway Definition
................... 7-5
Long TripMighway Intervals
..................... 7-5
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-41
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-45
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-47
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-2
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-4
Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-X
9-5

Seatback Latches
.................................... 1-5
Reclining .................................... 1-3
Bench
....................................... 1-6
Bucket ...................................... 1-6
ManualFront
................................. 1-1
Manual Lumbar Support ........................ 1-2
Power
....................................... 1-3
Rear
........................................ 1-5
Removable Rear Bucket ......................... 1-8
Restraint Systems
.............................. 1 - 1
Seat Controls ................................. 1 . 1
Securing a Child Restraint ................. 1.41. 1-42
Two-WayManual
............................. 1-2
Second Gear
................................... 2-20
Service
........................................ 6-1
Bulletins. Ordering
............................. 8-9
EngineSoonLight
............................ 2-58
Manuals. Ordering
............................. 8-9
Parts Identification Label
....................... 6-59
Publications. Ordering
........................... 8-9
Work. Doing Your Own
......................... 6-2
Service and Appearance Care
...................... 6- 1
Service Publications .............................. 8-9
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
........... 1-29
Sheet Metal Damage
............................ 6-56
Shifting
....................................... 2-18
IntoPark
.................................... 2-22
Outofpark
.................................. 2-25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
..................... 1 - 18
SIR .......................................... 1-24
Skidding
....................................... 4-12
Sound Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-26
Seats
Spare Tire.
Compact
............................. 5-36
Specifications and Capacities
...................... 6-67
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-3
Speedometer
................................... 2-53
Springs. Fiberglass
.............................. 6-57
Stains. Cleaning
................................ 6-51
Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-43
Starting Your Engine
............................ 2-15
Steam
........................................ 5-13
Steering
....................................... 4-8
Column Lock Check
.......................... 7-44
In Emergencies ................................ 4-9
Power
....................................... 4-8
Tips
......................................... 4-8
Wheel. Tilt
.................................. 2-29
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-40
Storage. Vehicle
................................ 6-36
Stuck:
In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-37
Sunvisors
.................................... 2-49
Sunglasses Storage
.............................. 2-46
Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
.................. 1-24
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. v
Taillamp Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-40
Tape Player Care
............................... 3-27
Theft
......................................... 2-12
Theft-Deterrent Feature
.............. ; ........... 3-23
THEFTLOCK" ................................ 3-23
Thermostat
.................................... 6-30
Third Gear
.................................... 2-20
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-29
Time. Setting
................................... 3-8
Tirechains
.................................... 6-49
9-8