check engine CHEVROLET ASTRO 1999 Owner's Guide

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6-28 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
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 mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
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 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture 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.
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.

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6-29 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. 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.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
CAUTION:
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.

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6-30
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

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6-32
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with DOT
-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.

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6-67
Capacities and Specifications
All capacities are approximate. English and metric
conversions are given.
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index for more information.
Engine Specifications
Engine ªVORTECº 4300 V6 CSFI*. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RPO L35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 190 at 4,400 rpm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Specification 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
*Central Sequential Fuel Injection
Wheel Nut Torque
Base or Optional Wheel 100 lb-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures See ªLoading Your Vehicleº . . . . . . . .
in the Index.
Cooling System Capacity
Quantity*
without Rear HeaterQuantity*
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 25.0 gallons (94.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Capacity
Automatic Transmission
(Drain and Refill) 5.0 quarts (4.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . .

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-8
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº following.
Footnotes
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and kingpin
bushings, steering linkage and transfer case shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, and brake
pedal springs.+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See ªBrake System Inspectionº under ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº in Part C of this schedule.
** Drive axle service (see ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index for proper lubricant to use):

Check fluid level and add fluid as needed. If driving
in dusty areas or when towing a trailer, drain fluid
and refill every 15,000 miles (25 000 km).

If your vehicle has a locking differential, drain fluid
and refill at first engine oil change.

More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty use.

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-9
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
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Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-10
9,000 Miles (15 000 km) (Continued)

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-11

Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter
if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)
For Two
-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel
bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
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
90F (32C) 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 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
(Continued)ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
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7-12
18,000 Miles (30 000 km) (Continued)

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)
24,000 Miles (40 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote **.)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE