cooling CHEVROLET ASTRO 1997 2.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mix. You
can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it
will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant
in the coolant recovery tank is at the
ADD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing
you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly
to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is
cool before
you do it.
5-17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine JTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow
out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap
-0 even a little -- they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if
you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.
5-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Coolant to the radiator
1. You can remove the
radiator pressure cap
when the cooling system, including the
radiator pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is
no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise until it
first stops. (Don’t press
down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
I
2. Then keep turning the
pressure cap, but now
5-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air
to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the
fan speed increases when the clutch
engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This
is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling
is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if
you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out
of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what
to do:
If a front tire fails, the
flat tire will create a drag that
pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer
to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well
out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid.
In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering
the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but
you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat,
the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
5-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle What to Use .
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often
to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need
to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
J 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 “Engine Overheating”
in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@ coolant for
your vehicle
will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
6-25

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I
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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean wuter (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts.
If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will, Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned, Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and DEX-COOL@ antifreeze.
6-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
ADD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up
to FULL HOT, or a little higher.
6-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment
parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
A CAUTIO, .:
-
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose
control.
You could have a collision in which you or
others could be injured. Always use the correct
wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
1
A CAU JON:
I
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause
an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new
GM original equipment wheel.
6-49

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Quantity Trade No.
Halogen Headlamps - 2 H6054
Sealed Beam
Halogen Headlamps
-
Composite
2 9006 (Low Beam)
Halogen Headlamps
-
Composite Parking, Turn
Signal Lamps
Rear, Stoplamps
Sidemarker Lamps
Back-up Lamps 2
2
2
4
2
9005 (High Beam)
3 157NA
2057
194
1156
Capacities and Specifications
All capacities are approximate. English and metric
conversions are given.
Please refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for more information.
Engine Specifications
Engine ............... “VORTEC” 4300 V6 SFI*
RPO ................................... L35
Firing Order ...................... 1-6-5-4-3-2
Horsepower
................... 190 at 4,400 rpm
Thermostat Specification
........... 195 “F (9 1 “C)
*Sequential Fuel Injection
Wheel Nut Torque
Base or Optional Wheel ....... 100 lb-ft (140 N-m)
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)
After refill, the level
must be checked.
6-66

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
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
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons ~OLI should,follow this schedule ifyou
operate your vehicle under any of these conditions is thnt
these conditions
cause engine oil to brenk down sooneK
your vehicle.
or other commercial application.
I
Short TripKity 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 first).
Short Trip/City Intervals -
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 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.
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervnls only sunznznrize muintenance services.
Be sure to follow the comnplete rnainterzance schedule
on the followkg pages.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
7-5