transmission CHEVROLET ASTRO 1996 Owner's Manual

Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours
or more with the engine off and is used
only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five
minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or
more. If it's colder than
50°F ( 10°C), you may have
to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold check,
you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid.
This will give you a more accurate
reading
of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Hot or Cold
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
engine
running.
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK
(P).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow these steps:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
wipe
it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then
pull it back out again.
6-22

3.
4.
Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be
in the COLD area for a
cold check or
in the HOT area or cross-hatched area
for a hot check.
If the fluid
level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
HOT. (A COLD check is used only as a reference.)
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid
to bring the level up
to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint
(0.5 L). Don ’r ove$iZl. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that
label is made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-TI1 is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
a After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How
to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back
in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick
in place.
All- Wheel Drive
If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure to perform
the lubricant checks described
in this section. However,
they have two additional systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections’’
in the Index.
6-23

Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications
Engine ............... “VORTEC” 4300 V6 SFI‘k
RPO ................................... L35
Firing Order
...................... 1-6-5-4-3-2
Horsepower
................... 190 at 4,400 rpm
Thermostat Specification
......... 195 “F (9 1 O C)
“Sequential Fuel Injection
Wheel Nut Torque
Base or Optional Wheel ....... 100 lb-ft (140 Nem)
Tire Pressures ......... .... See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
Cooling System Capacity
Quantity*
Without Rear Heater
13.5 quarts (12.8 L)
Quantity*
with Rear Heater
16.5 quarts (15.5 L)
*All quantities are approximate. After refill, the level must
be checked.
Crankcase Capacity
Quantity*
with Filter
................... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
*All quantities are approximate. After refill, the level
must be checked. Do not overfill.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Standard Tank* ...........
*All quantities are approximate,
Transmission Capacity
Automatic Transmission
(Drain and Refill)“
.........
*All quantities are approximate.
Rear Axle Capacity
Standard Rear Axle* . .
Locking Rear Axle” ..........
*All quantities are approximate.
. . 27 gallons (102 L)
. . 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
. . 3.5 pint (1.7 L)
3.5 pint (1.7 L)
6-67

Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are
based on the latest information available at the time of
printing, and are subject to change.
If a part listed in this
manual is
not the same as the part used in your vehicle
when it was built, or
if you have any questions, please
contact your
GM truck dealer.
Oil Filter..
......................... PF52
Air Cleaner Filter
.................. A 1 163C
Automatic Transmission
Filter Kit
............ ... 24200796
PCV Valve
...................... CV774C
Spark Plugs
....................... 41-932
Spark
Plug Gap ...... 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) Fuel
Filter
...
Radiator Cap .......
Wiper Blades (Front) .
Wiper Blade (Rear) . .
. . GF481
............ RC27
. . 22110158, Pin Type
. . 22154396, Pin Type
Vehicle Dimensions*
Wheelbase .............. 189.8 inches (482 cm)
Width
................... 77.5 inches (1 96.8 cm)
Height.
.................. 76.2 inches (193.5 cm)
Wheelbase
.............. 11 1.2 inches (282.4 cm)
Front Tread Width
......... 65.1 inches (165.4 cm)
Rear Tread Width
........ 65.1 inches (1 65.4 cm)
*Figures reflect base equipment only.
6-69

Maintenance Schedule
Short TripKity Definition
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
0
0
0
0
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such
as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons yo~l should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is
that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down soonex
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Drive
Axle Service (or
3 months, whichever occurs fust).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles
(20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection,
if driving in dusty conditions. Front
Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only) (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first). Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement.
Fuel Filter Replacement. Automatic
Transmission Service (Normal Conditions).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
These intervals only summarize nzaintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
7-4

Maintenance Schedule
Long Tripmighway Definition Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Driving a vehicle with nf.lly warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down sloweE
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Char,ge (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Drive Axle Service.
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) -- Then Every
15,000 Miles
(25 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter
Replacement. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Front
Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only)
(or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first). Automatic
Transmission Service (Normal Conditions).
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
Fuel Tank,
Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
These intervals only swnnzarize maintenance services.
Be sure to
follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine
7-5

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components; see
An Emission Control Service.
footnote ## (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter
if
necessary. An Emission Control Service.
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
**
For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
0 Change automatic transmission flr lid and
filter
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.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
[f you do not use your vehicle under my of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter every
30,000 miles (50 000 km).
7-9

30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components; see
footnote
# (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
**
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
0 Replace fuel filter.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32°C) or higher.
An Emission Control Service.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
7-12

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
45,000 Miles (75 000 km) (Continued)
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 O F
(32°C) 'or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- ' When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
lfyou do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
30,000 miles (SO 000 km).
i
I.
,#-.
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in .dusty conditions. Replace filter if
necessary. An Emission Control Service.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:

I Short TripJCity Maintenance Schedule I
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components; see
An Emission Control Service.
footnote # (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
**
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Change a1 ltomatic transmission fl .uid and
filter
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.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter every
30,000 miles (50 000 km).
(Continued)
7-19