weight CHEVROLET ASTRO 2003 User Guide

Tow/Haul Mode
The tow/haul mode is a feature that assists when pulling
a heavy trailer. The purpose of the tow/haul mode is:
e to reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a
heavy trailer.
to provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy
trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded.
to reduce the need to change throttle position when
pulling a heavy trailer.
This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on
the column shift lever. When the feature
is on, a
light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate
that the tow/haul mode has been selected.
See
Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-36. The tow/haul
mode is automatically turned
off each time the vehicle
is started.
The tow/haul mode is most effective when the vehicle
and trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the maximum
trailer weight rating for the vehicle. The tow/haul
mode for hauling a heavy trailer is most
useful under the following conditions:
When driving through hilly terrain at speeds below
55 mph
(88 km/h).
When driving in low speed or stop and go traffic
below
55 mph (88 km/h).
When driving in parking lots.
Operating in the tow/haul mode when not pulling a
heavy trailer will not cause damage to the vehicle,
but you may experience reduced fuel economy
and undesirable petformance from the engine and
transmission. The tow/haul mode should be used only
when pulling a heavy trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and
how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. And, it can also depend on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle.
4-33

‘he following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Two-Wheel Drive (Passenger)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight
of additional optional equipment, passengers and
cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the
maximum trailer weight. You can ask
your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre,
163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario LIH
8P7
4-34

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
on page
4-29 for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.
A B
If you’re using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be
10 percent
to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
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 Certificationflire label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door or see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29. Then
be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
4-35

Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
2,000 Ibs. (900 kg.), be sure to
use a properly mounted, weight-distributing
hitch and sway control of the proper size. This
equipment is very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when you’re driving.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack
so you can turn with
your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 Ibs (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
- and they must
be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system, except:
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by
the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Don’t
tap into your vehicle’s brake system
if the
trailer’s brake system will use more than
0.02 cubic
inch
(0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s master
cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won’t work
well. You could even lose your brakes.
Will the trailer parts take
3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of
pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not
be used with your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then make the
brake fluid tap at the
port on the master cylinder that
sends fluid to the rear brakes. But don’t use
copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and
finally break
off. Use steel brake tubing.
4-36

Driving with a Trailer
If you ~ ve a rear-most window open and
you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See “Engine
Exhaust” in the Index.
To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window
in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle.
Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air because
it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See “Climate Controls” in
the Index. Towing
a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally
to be sure that
the load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-37

Tires ..................................................... 5.63. 5-88
Buying New Tires
........................................ 5-66
Chains
....................................................... 5-70
Changing a Flat Tire
.................................... 5-71
Compact Spare Tire
..................................... 5-82
If a Tire Goes Flat
....................................... 5-70
Inflation
- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-64
Inspection and Rotation
................................ 5-64
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
......................... 5-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
................. 5-69
Wheel Replacement
..................................... 5-69
When It
Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-66
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
.................... 2-22
Top
of the Instrument Panel ............................. 5-85
Top Strap
...................................................... 1-48
Top Strap Anchor Location
............................... 1-50
Torque Lock
................................. ....... 2-29
Tow/Haul Mode Button
..................................... 2-25
Tow/Haul Mode Light
................................... 3-36
Towing Recreational Vehicle
..................................... 4-29
Towing a Trailer
.......................................... 4-31
Your Vehicle
............................................... 4-29
Trailer Brakes
................................................. 4-36
Trailer Wiring Harness
..................................... 4-41
Trailering Package
.......................................... 4-31
Transfer Case
................................................ 5-52
Transmission Fluid, Automatic
........................................... 5-25
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
... ....... 4-35 Transmission
Operation. Automatic
.................... 2-23
Transmission. Transaxle. Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual
............................................ 7-11
Trip Odometer
................................................ 3-25
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
........................... 3-6
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
.................. 4-38
Transportation Options
...................................... 7-9
Turn and Lane Change Signals
.......................... 3-6
U
Underbody Flushing Service ................. ..... 6-29
Underhood Fuse Block
.................... ..... 5-96
Understanding Radio Reception
.... ..... 3-50
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
......................... 5-67
United States
................................................... 7-4
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature
After a Power Loss
...................................... 3-49
Used Replacement Wheels
.............................. 5-70
Using Cleaner on Fabric
.................................. 5-84
Using HomeLink@
........................................... 2-37
v
Vehicle
Control
..................................................... 4-6
Loading
...................................................... 4-29
Symbols
......................................................... iv
Damage Warnings
........................................... iv
13

Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
............................................. 5-91
Vehicle Storage
.............................................. 5-47
Vinyl
............................................................. 5-85
Visor Vanity Mirror
.......................................... 2-17
Visors
........................................................... 2-1 7
Voltmeter Gage
.............................................. 3-28
Service Parts identification Label
................... 5-91
When
to Add Engine Oil
.................................. 5-16
When to Change Engine Oil
............................. 5-18
When to Check
.............................................. 5-64
When to Check and Change
............................ 5-25
When
to Check Lubricant ................................. 5-53
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
................ 5-40
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
......................................... 4-40
Where to Put the Restraint
............................... 1-47
Why Safety Belts Work
.................................... 1-14
Windows
....................................................... 2-16
Manual
...................................................... 2-16
Power
........................................................ 2-17
Windshield and Wiper Blades
........................... 5-87
Windshield Washer
........................................... 3-8
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-41
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
................ 6-26
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
...................................... 5-62
Fuses
........................................................ 5-92
Windshield Wipers
............................................ 3-8
Winter Driving
............................................ 4-24
Wiper Blade Check
.... ............................. 6-27
Warning Lights. Gages and
Indicators
................ 3-23
Warnings Hazard Warning Flashers
............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices
.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols
......................................... 111
Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle
.................. ............ 5-86
Weatherstrip Lubrication
................... ........ 6-27
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
............................. 4-35
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
........................ 5-17
What to Do with Used Oil
................................ 5-19
What to Use
.......................... 5-28, 5-40, 5-41, 5-53
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance 5-69
...
Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-33
Y ..........................
Replacement .................... .... ......... 5-69 four Vehicle and the Environment ....... .. 6-2
14