load capacity CHEVROLET ASTRO 1998 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Loading cargo that weighs more than 200 Ibs.
(91 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage your
vehicle. When
you carry large things, never let
them hang over the rear or the sides of your
vehicle. Load your cargo
so that it rests on the
slats and does not scratch or damage the vehicle.
Put the cargo against the side rails and fasten it securely to the luggage carrier. Put the main
weight
as far forward as you can.
Don’t exceed
the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving,
check now and then to make sure
the luggage carrier and
cargo are still securely fastened.
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 by itself.
NOTICE:
Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it
is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s
ready. That
can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter
and the heating element.
2-48 -

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold.
But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and
do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or
so until help comes.
Loading Your Vehicle
no
GAWR FRT
(SEE dc
RIM COLD TIRE PRESSURE
--
VNERIS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. -I
The CertificatiodTire label in your vehicle will look
similar
to this example. The
Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge
of
the driver’s door. The label shows the size of your
original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel, cargo and tongue weight, if pulling
a trailer.
The Certificationnire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find 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 GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
4-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine /1 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, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control.
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.
NOTICE:
~
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
-- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If
you have to stop or turn quickly,
or
if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
A CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
0 Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
0 Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
Try to spread the weight evenly.
inside the vehicle
so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.
Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
0 Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Payload
The Payload Capacity is shown on the Certificatiooire
label. This is the maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. Be sure to include the weight of the
people inside as part
of your load. If you added any
accessories or equipment after your vehicle left the
factory, remember
to subtract the weight of these things
from
the payload. Your dealer can help you with this.
4-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo
you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer,
you
must add the tongue load to the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in
the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
A B
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you’re using a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh
12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper.
If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in
the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge
of the driver’s door or
see “Tire Loading” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t
go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the
weight
of the trailer tongue.
4-31

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind
of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications’’
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that
shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does
not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol
on the
front
of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown
in the following chart:
6-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
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 vel
le. .
A CAUTION:
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 R-l-ment Wh4s
rutting 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 equiI~ ent wheel.
6-49

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 CSFI*
RPO
................................. L35
Firing Order
...................... 1-6-5-4-3-2
Thermostat Specification
........... 195 OF (9 1 O C)
Horsepower
................... 190 at
4,400 rpm
*Central Sequential
Fuel Injection
Wheel Nut Torque
Tire Pressures ........ See “Loading Your Vehicle”
Base
or Optional Wheel ....... 100 lb-ft
(140 N-m)
in the Index.
Cooling System Capacity
Quantity” Quantity”
without Rear Heater with Rear Heater
13.5 quarts (12.8 L) 16.5 quarts (15.6 L)
After refill, the level
must be checked,
* All quantities are approximate.
Crankcase Capacity
Quantity”
with Filter
..... ........... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
After refill, the level
must be checked. Do not overfill.
* All quantities are approximate.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Standard Tank ................ .25 gallons (90 L)
Transmission Capacity
Automatic Transmission
(Drain and Refill)
............ 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Front Axle Capacity
Front Axle .......... . . 2.6 pint (1.2 L)
6-67

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle Capacity
Standard Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 pint (1.7 L)
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 pint (1.7 L)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If
you’re not sure, ask your dealer.
Refrigerant should be added only by a qualified
NC technician.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
mPe
R- 134a
R- 134a
System
C-60**
C-69***
*All quantities are approximate.
**Front
A/C only.
***Front and Rear A/C.
Quantity*
2 lbs. (0.91 kg)
3 lbs,
(1.36 kg)
NOTICE:
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. R-12 in
an R-134a system
will cause compressor failure,
refrigerant oil sludge
or poor air conditioning
system performance.
6-68

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cooling System .................. ... 5-15
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-4
Courtesy Transportation
......................... 8-8
Cruise Control
................................. 2-34
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8- I
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-57
Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-57
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-38
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light
............ 2-66
Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
................... 8- IO. 8- 1 1
Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-8
Defrosting
..................................... 3-6
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-69
Dome Lamps
.............................. 2-39
Door Front
.......... ........................ 2-4
Rear
........................................ 2-4
Sliding
..................................... 2-10
Drive Position ................................. 2-21
Driver Position
................................. 1 - I 8
Driving
City
........................................ 4-17
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-2
Freeway
.................................... 4-18
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-24
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
IntheRain .................................. 4-15
Locks
....................................... 2-6 Night
...................................... 4-13
OnCurves
................................... 4-9
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-35
On
Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-21
OnSnowandIce ............................. 4-23
Through Water
............................... 4-17
WetRoads
.................................. 4-15
Winter
...................................... 4-22
With
a Trailer ................................ 4-33
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
Electrical Equipment. Adding
.......... 2-18. 3-28. 6-60
Electrical System
............................... 6-60
Engine
........................................ 6-9
Coolant
..................................... 6-25
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-18
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-41
Cooling System Capacity
....................... 6-67
Cover
...................................... 6-15
Exhaust
................. 2-13.2-27.2.30.4.25. 4.33
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-64
Identification
................................ 6-59
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-41
Overheating
................................. 5-13
Running While Parked
......................... 2-27
Specifications
................................ 6-67
Starting
..................................... 2-17
Temperature Gage
............................ 2-61
Engineoil
.................................... 6-10
Adding ..................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-14
Checking
................................... 6-11
Pressure Gage
................................ 2-64
9-3