check engine light CHEVROLET ASTRO 2003 User Guide

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.
4-27

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specified to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See Engine Oil on page 5-15 for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture
if necessary. See Engine Coolant
on page
5-28 for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid
if necessary.
See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-41 for
further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire. See
Tires on
page
5-63 for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
6-26

Automatic Headlamp System ..................
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
................................................
Automatic Transmission Check ................
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check
...................................
Operation .........................................
......... 3-13
......... 5-25
......... 2-23
......... 6-27
......... 6-28
Backing Up
.................................................... 4-38
Battery
.......................................................... 5-46
Battery Replacement
......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection
............................ 3-1 6
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
......................... 4-21
Bench Seat
............................................ 1-1 1, 1-57
Body Lubrication Service
.................................. 6-27
Brake Parking
...................................................... 2-26
System Inspection
....................................... 6-31
System Warning Light
.................................. 3-28
Brake Adjustment
............................................ 5-45
Brake Fluid
.................................................... 5-42
Brake Pedal Travel
......................................... 5-45
Brake Wear
................................................... 5-45
Brakes
.......................................................... 5-42
Braking in Emergencies
..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle
..................................... 2-19
Braking
........................................................... 4-6
Bucket Seats, Rear
......................................... 1-12 Bulb
Replacement
........................................... 5-55
Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-55
Headlamps
............................ ......... 5-55
Replacement Bulbs
.............................. 5-61
Taillamps
.................................................... 5-60
Front
Turn Signal Lamps
.............................. 5-59
Buying New Tires
................................... 5-66
C
California Fuel .................................................. 5-6
Canada
........................................................... 7-5
Canadian Owners
................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance ............ ....... 7-7
Cancelling the Sliding Door
Security Lock
.......................................... 2-12
Capacities and Specifications
........................ 5-99
Carbon Monoxide
............... ..... 4-24, 4-31, 2-30
Care of
Safety Belts
.... ~ ~ ~ ~ ..................... 5-86
Care of Your
CD Player
.......... ...., ............ ..... 3-50
CDS
.......................................................... 3-50
Cargo Vans
........................................... 1-41, 1-48
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts
............. 1-27
Chains, Tires
..................................... ..... 5-70
Charging System Light
....................... ..... 3-27
Engine Light
.............................. , ..... 3-30
Check
Gages Warning Light
................................... 3-36
2

Checking Brake Fluid .................................. 5-43
Checking Coolant ............................................ 5-29
Checking Engine Oil ........................................ 5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-1 1
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-71
Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-89
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
............................... 1-44
Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-38
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
.......................... 1-52
Older Children ............................................. 1-35
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System
................................ 1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Seat Position
....................................... 1-57
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position
............................... 1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position
................................... 1-59
Top Strap ................................................... 1-48
Top Strap Anchor Location ............................ 1-50
Where to Put the Restraint ........................... 1-47
Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-1 7
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle
.................................. 5-83
Outside of Your Vehicle ................................ 5-86
Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-89
Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................... 5-86
Climate Control System ................................... 3-18
Rear .......................................................... 3-21
Rear Heating System ................................... 3-19
Compact Disc Messages .................................. 3-45
Compact Spare Tire ........................................ 5-82
Composite Headlamps ..................................... 5-56
Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net ............................................ 2-45
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage
............................ 3-30
Heater, Engine ............................................ 2-22
Cooling System .............................................. 5-33
Cruise Control ................................................ 3-10
Current and Past Model Order Forms ................ 7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Customer Assistance
Off ices ........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ....... 7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
.............................. 7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
......................... 7-10
Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-11
Rear Air Conditioning System ........................ 3-20
Courtesy Transportation ......... ...... 7-8
Telephone (TTY) Users ............................... 7-4
3

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ...................... 3-14
Defensive Driving
............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting
................................. 3-1 9
Directing the Airflow
........................................ 3-20
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3-49
Doing Your Own Service Work
........................... 5-3
Dome Lamps
.......................................... ~ ~~~ 3-16
Door Front Doors
............................................... 2-8
Locks
.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks
......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............... 2-9
Rear Doors
................................................. 2-13
Sliding Side Door
........................................ 2-10
Position, Safety Belt
..................................... 1-1 8
Driver Information System
................................ 2-42
At Night
..................................................... 4-14
City
........................................................... 4-19
Defensive
..................................................... 4-2
Drunken
....................................................... 4-3
Freeway
..................................................... 4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads
.............................. 4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-16
Winter
........................................................ 4-24
Driving On Grades
.......................................... 4-39
Driving on Snow or Ice
.................................... 4-24
Driver
Driving Driving
Through Deep Standing Water
............... 4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water
......................... 4-18
Driving with a Trailer
....................................... 4-37
E
Electrical System
Add-on Equipment
...................................... 5-92
Headlamp Wiring
......................................... 5-92
Fuses and
Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-93
Power Windows and Other Power Options
......... 5-92
Windshield Wiper Fuses
............................... 5-92
Emissions Inspection and
Engine Maintenance Programs
................................. 3-33
Air Cleaner/Filter
......................................... 5-24
Battery
....................................................... 5-46
Check and Service Engine Soon Light
............ 3-30
Coolant
...................................................... 5-28
Coolant Heater
............................................ 2-22
Coolant Temperature Gage
........................... 3-30
Cooling System Inspection
............................ 6-30
Cover
........................................................ 5-20
Engine Compartment Overview
...................... 5-14
Exhaust
..................................................... 2-30
Fan Noise
.................................................. 5-39
Oil
............................................................. 5-15
Starting
...................................................... 2-21
Overheating
................................................ 5-31
4

Engine Coolant Level Check ............................. 6-26
Engine Oil Additives
........................................ 5-18
Entry Lighting
................................................. 3-15
Erasing HomeLink@ Buttons
.............................. 2-37
Except Cargo Vans
................................. 1-38, 1-47
Express-Down Window
.................................... 2-1 7
Extender, Safety Belt
....................................... 1-34
Exterior Lamps
............................................... 3-12
Engine
Oil Level Check
................................... 6-26
Exit Lighting
................................................... 3-15
F
FabricKarpet ................................................. 5-83
Filter Engine Air Cleaner
...................................... 5-24
Finding a Station
.................................... 3-39, 3-41
Finish Care
.................................................... 5-87
Finish Damage
............................................... 5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna
........................................ 3-50
Flash-to-Pass
................. ........................... 3-7
Flat Tire
........................................................ 5-70
Fluid Flat Tire, Changing
......................................... 5-71
Automatic Transmission
................................ 5-25
Power Steering
........................................... 5-40
Windshield Washer
...................................... 5-41
FM
............................................................... 3-50
Following Distance
.......................................... 4-38 Footnotes
..... ................................ 6.7.
6-18
Front Axle
........ ................................... 5-54
Front Doors
..................................................... 2-8
Fuel
............................................................... 5-5
Additives ...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel
.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
.................... 5-10
Filling Your Tank
........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. 5-7
Gage
......................................................... 3-36
Gasoline Octane
........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-5
System Inspection
....................................... 6-30
Fuel Regulator
................................................ 2-21
Fuses Low Warning
Light
....................................... 3-37
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-93
Windshield Wiper
......................................... 5-92
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light
.......................... 3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature
......................... 3-30
Fuel
.......................................................... 3-36
Oil Pressure
............................................... 3-34
Speedometer
.............................................. 3-25
Voltmeter Gage
........................................... 3-28
Garage Door Opener
....................................... 2-34
5

Gasoline Octane
........................................................ 5-5
Specifications
............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming
........ 2-36
Glass Surfaces
............................................... 5-85
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
.................................................... 7-5
Hatch R
H
e I' ease ......................... ........ 2-15
Hazard Warning Flashers
............................... 3-4
Head Restraints
............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring
............................................ 5-92
Headlamps
.................................................... 5-55
Bulb Replacement
.................................... 5-55
Front Turn Signal Lamps
.................. ..... 5-59
Halogen Bulbs
............................ ........ 5-55
Highway Hypnosis
........................................... 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
.................................. 4-22
Hitches
.......................................................... 4-36
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming
.................. 2-35
HomeLink@ Transmitter
.................................... 2-34
Hood Checking Things Under
................................ 5-1 1
Release
..................................................... 5-1 1
Horn
............................................................... 3-5 How
to Add Coolant to the Coolant
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
.................. 5-37
How to Add Fluid
............................................ 5-27
How to Check
........................................ 5-25, 5-64
How to Check Lubricant
................................... 5-53
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
.................. 5-40
How to Use This Manual
...................................... ii
Recovery Tank ........................................ 5-34
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
................... 1-18
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-18
I
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
............................................ 5-32
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ........... 5-31
If the Light
Is Flashing ..................................... 3-32
If the Light
Is On Steady ................................. 3-32
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
....... 4-28
If You Do Decide
To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-32
If You're Caught in a Blizzard ........................... 4-26
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
...................... 6-29
Infants and Young Children, Restraints
............... 1-38
Inflation
- Tire Pressure ................................... 5-64
Inspection Brake System
............................................. 6-31
Engine Cooling System
................................ 6-30
Ignition Positions
............................................. 2-19
6

Inspection (cont.) Exhaust System
........................ ....... 6-30
Fuel System
............................................... 6-30
Part C
- Periodic Maintenance ....................... 6-30
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
......................................... 6-30
Throttle System
........................................... 6-31
Installing a Garage Door Opener
....................... 2-40
Instrument Panel Cluster
....................................................... 3-24
Overview
.................................................. 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
.............. 3-1 5
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ............................ 5-93
Interior Lamps
................................................ 3-15
Interior Plastic Components
.............................. 5-85
Introduction Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
........ 6-31
Jump Starting
....................................... ... 5-47
Key Lock Cylinders Service
.............................. 6-27
Keys
............................................................... 2-2
Keyless Entry System
....................................... 2-4
L
Lamps
Exterior
...................................................... 3-12
Interior
....................................................... 3-15
Lap Belt
........................................................ 1-27
Lap-Shoulder Belt
................................... 1-18, 1-29
LATCH System
Child Restraints
........................................... 1-52
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System
........................... . 1-54
Latches, Seatback
............................................ 1-6
Leather
......................................................... 5-85
Leaving Your Vehicle
....................................... 2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
.......................................... 2-28
Light
Air Bag Readiness
....................................... 3-26
Brake System Warning
................................. 3-28
Charging System
......................................... 3-27
Check Gages Warning
................................. 3-36
Low Fuel Warning
....................................... 3-37
Malfunction Indicator
.................................... 3-30
Safety Belt Reminder
................................... 3-26
Security
.............................................. 3-35
Service All-Wheel-Drive
......................... 3-35
Tow/Haul Mode
........................................... 3-36
Lamps On Reminder
....................................... 3-14
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
................... 3-29
7

Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-29
Locks Door
........................................................... 2-7
Front Doors
.................................................. 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle
.................................... 2-10
Power Door
.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............... 2-9
Long Trip/Highway Definition
.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
........ 6-1 8
Loss
of Control ............................................... 4-1 3
Low Fuel Warning Light
................................... 3-37
Lumbar
Luggage
Carrier
.............................................. 2-44
Manual Controls
............................................ 1-3
M
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts .......... 5-1 01
Maintenance Schedule At Each Fuel Fill
......................................... 6-26
At Least Once a Month
................................ 6-26
At Least Once a Year
.................................. 6-27
At Least Twice a Year
.................................. 6-26
Brake System Inspection
.............................. 6-31
Engine Cooling System Inspection
................. 6-30
Fuel System Inspection
................................ 6-30
How This Section is Organized
....................... 6-3
Exhaust System
Inspection
........................... 6-30 Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Introduction
.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
..... 6-18
Maintenance Requirements
............................. 6-2
Part A
. Scheduled Maintenance Services ......... 6-4
Part B
. Owner Checks and Services ............. 6-26
Part C
. Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 6-30
Part D
- Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
............................................... 6-32
Part E
. Maintenance Record ........................ 6-34
Selecting the Right Schedule
.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
............. 6-7
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
.......................... 6-30
Using Your
................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
..................... 4-40
Throttle
System Inspection
............................ 6-31
Making Turns
................................................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................ 3-30
Manual Lumbar Controls
.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats
................................................... 1-2
Manual Windows
........................................ 2-16
Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror
................................ 2-32
Outside Convex Mirror
................................. 2-33
Outside Manual Mirrors
................................ 2-32
Outside Power Mirrors
.................................. 2-32
Model Reference
............................................ vi
8

Restraint System Check ..................... ... 6-26
Checking Your Restraint Systems
..... ... 1-71
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
....................................... 1-71
Checking
.................................................... 1-71
Restraints, Head
............................................... 1-5
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
...................... 2-20
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts
......... 1-27
Roadside Assistance Program
....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
................... 4-28
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
....... 2-31
Restraint Systems
Replacing Parts
........................................... 1-71
Safety Belt
Safety Belts
Reminder Light
... .................................. 3-26
Care
of ...................................................... 5-86
Center Passenger Position
............................ 1-27
Driver Position
............................................ 1-1 8
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-18
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
........ 1-1 7
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults
......................... 1-32
Rear Seat Passengers
................................. 1-29
Right Front Passenger Position
...................... 1-27 Safety Belts
(cont.)
Safety Belt Extender
.................................... 1-34
Safety Belts Are for Everyone
....................... 1-13
Safety Belt
Use During Pregnancy
................. 1-26
Safety Chains
................................................. 4-36
Safety Warnings and Symbols
.............................. III
Sealed Beam Headlamp .................................. 5-55
Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-6
Seats Bench Seat
.......... ..........., ........ 1-11
Bucket Seats, Rear
................... ........ 1-12
Head Restraints
............................................ 1-5
Manual
........................................................ 1-2
Manual Lumbar
............................................. 1-3
Power Seat
.................................................. 1-3
Rear Seat Operation
...................................... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks
...................................... 1-4
Seatback Latches
.......................................... 1-6
Center Seat Position
.................................... 1-57
Designed for the LATCH System
................... 1-54
Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... 1-54
Right Front Seat Position
.............................. 1-59
Security Light
................................................. 3-35
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance
.......... 6-5
Selecting the Fan Speed
.................................. 3-20
Service
........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
.............................................. 5-4
All-Wheel-Drive Light
.................................... 3-35
...
Securing a Child Restraint
11