check engine light CHEVROLET ASTRO 1999 User Guide

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4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.
United States Canada
If there's a problem with the anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on. See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in the Index.

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4-27
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
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.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground will damage drivetrain components.

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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-13, 2-27, 2-28, 2-30, 4-27, 4-34, 4-35
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Discs 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-11, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing a Flat Tire 5
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Transmission Fluid Cold 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Transmission Fluid Hot 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-56 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-50, 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air Filter 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-6
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Dome 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-25 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-28, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-63, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-13, 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service AWD 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading Your Vehicle 4
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks
Cylinders 7
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding Door Child Security 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage Carrier 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar Controls 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .