suspension CHEVROLET ASTRO 2005 Owners Manual

Certication/Tire Label
A vehicle specic Certication/Tire label is attached to
the rear edge of the driver’s door.
This label shows the size of your original tires and the
ination pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, cargo and
tongue weight, if pulling a trailer.The Certication/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To nd out the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
4-32

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-7
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-16
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-24
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-24
At Least Once a Month.................................6-24
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-24At Least Once a Year...................................6-25
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-28
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-28
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-28
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-28
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-28
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-29
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection.......................................6-29
Brake System Inspection................................6-29
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-29
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-31
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to
100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated after
100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals for the
life of this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-24
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-28.
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, parking brake cable
guides and brake pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-29.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #.)
6-7

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to
100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated after
100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals for the
life of this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-24
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-28.
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 Brake System Inspection on page 6-29.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs rst).(See footnote #).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-16

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-12.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-26.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-28

Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you will
notify General Motors. Please call the Chevrolet
Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020,
or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and specications for
GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-12

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-94
Headlamps
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-16
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps................5-50
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps...................5-50
Heater...........................................................3-19
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-34
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-21
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-29
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-30
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-23
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-40
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-64
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-29
Engine Cooling System................................6-28
Exhaust System..........................................6-28
Fuel System...............................................6-28
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-28
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal..................................6-28
Throttle System...........................................6-29
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)......................................6-29
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-24
Overview..................................................... 3-4
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
6

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-102
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-24
At Least Once a Month................................6-24
At Least Once a Year..................................6-25
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-24
Brake System Inspection..............................6-29
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-28
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-28
Fuel System Inspection................................6-28
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-24
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-28
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-29Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-31
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-7
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection...................6-28
Throttle System Inspection............................6-29
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection.......................6-29
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Windows............................................2-14
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-28
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Manual Mirror..................................2-28
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-28
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
8

Setting the Time
Radios with HR and MN Buttons...................3-40
Radios with the Set Button...........................3-40
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-91
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-24
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-25
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-7
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-30
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
Sliding Side Door............................................. 2-8
Spare Tire
Installing....................................................5-76
Removing...................................................5-73
Storing.......................................................5-82
Specications, Capacities...............................5-101
Speedometer..................................................3-25
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-18
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection.......................6-28
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas................................................2-33
Convenience Net.........................................2-38
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-38
Overhead Console.......................................2-35
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-27
Sun Visors.....................................................2-15T
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-55
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-48
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-16
Passlock
®...................................................2-16
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-29
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-58
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-90
Buying New Tires........................................5-67
Chains.......................................................5-71
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-72
Cleaning....................................................5-90
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-84
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-71
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-64
Inspection and Rotation................................5-65
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-76
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-76
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-73
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-82
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-59
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-68
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-69
12