wiper blades CHEVROLET ASTRO 2003 Owners Manual

Windshield Wipers For fewer wipes choose a setting closer to LOW.
Use this setting for light rain and snow.
- -
To operate the windshield
wipers turn the band,
located On the multifunction carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
lever’ Or worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. Be
sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them.
If they’re frozen to the windshield,
Windshield Washer
6 (Washer Fluid): There is a paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, press
the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and
then either stop or return to vour preset speed.
MIST: Turn the band to MIST for a single wiping cycle.
Hold
it there until the windshield wipers start, then let
it go. The wipers will stop after one wipe. If you
want more wipes, hold the band on mist longer.
OFF: Turn the band to turn off the windshield wipers.
LOW (Low Speed): Turn the band to LOW for
steady wiping at low speed.
HIGH (High Speed): Turn the band to HIGH for
steady wiping at high speed.
DELAY: Turn the band to one of the five delay
settings located between OFF and
LOW, to choose
the delayed wiping cycle. The closer the band is
turned to OFF, the shorter the delay will be.
In freezing weather, don’t u- - your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
The wipers will clear the window and then either stop or
return to your preset speed.
3-8

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and
be cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are driving.
The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes
are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even
if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape
and keep your windshield washer tank filled with
washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts
when they show signs of streaking or missing areas
on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start
to separate from the inserts.
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good
as on dry roads.
4-1 6

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you
may tend to think you are
going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
- such as after a day’s
work
- don’t plan to make too many miles that first
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go.
If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts
in dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you need it. Here
are some things you can check before a trip:
e
e
e
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservior full?
Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated
to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-2 1

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement To replace your windshield
wiper blade inserts, do the
following:
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See "Wiper
Blade Check in
At Least Twice a Year on page 6-26 for
more information.
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Pinch the two tabs on the wiper arm and slide the
insert out of the blade.
3. Slide the new one in place.
Make sure the tabs are locked into position. See
Normal
Maintenance Replacement Parts
on page 5- 10 I for
the proper type of replacement blade.
5-62

Finish Care Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page
5-89.
If your vehicle has a “basecoaflclearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoaflclearcoat
paint finish.
Nofice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoatlclearcoat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible. Bright metal parts should
be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, you may use chrome polish on
chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish,
steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all
bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or
if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax,
sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean
if beads
do not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
5-87

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing,
and are subject to change.
If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it
was built, or
if you have any questions, please contact your GM truck dealer.
Part Number
I Engine Oil Filter
PF47*
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve CV769C*
I Spark Plugs
41 -932*
I Fuel Filter
GF481*
Wiper Blades (Front)
Type
Length Trico 221 101 58
18 inches (45.7 cm)
Wiper Blades (Rear)
Type
Length Trico 22 1 54396
14 inches (35.5 cm)
5-1 01

Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-86.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly inflation check
of the spare tire determines that the spare is inflated to
the correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that the
spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then
try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench
to tighten the cable. See Changing a
Flat Tire on page 5-71.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page
6-32.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed.
See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-25.
A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the
system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges, the body hood, fuel door
and rear compartment hinges, latches and locks
including interior glove box and console doors, hood
latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor,
release pawl and any moving seat hardware. Lubricate
the hood safety lever pivot and prop rod pivot. Part D
tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed
to a corrosive environment.
6-27

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