ABS CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2000 2.G Owners Manual

2-44
Storage Compartments
Your front storage compartment/glove box is at the
center of the engine cover. To open the compartment,
press the two tabs together and pull.
If you have an optional sliding tray storage compartment,
it is under the front passenger's seat. To open the
compartment, move the latch in the top handle and
pull the tray forward.

4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the
traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.
United States Canada
If there's a problem with the anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on. See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in the Index.

4-8
Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet.
You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.The anti
-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire
and road conditions.
You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

4-14
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired
-- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.

4-39 Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake system. Each of these is covered in this
manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly.
If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

5-20 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The jacking equipment you'll need is stored by your
vehicle's rear doors, along the passenger's side wall.
Remove your jack cover by pulling it away from the
side wall and down to release the tabs securing the top
of the cover.
Remove the wheel blocks by turning the top nut
counterclockwise. Remove the nut and washer, then pull
the wheel blocks off the bolt. Push down on the bolt and
remove the hooked end from the slot. Slide the jack
toward the front of the vehicle and lift it from the
mounting. Remove the extension and the ratchet from
the pouch.

6-42
4. Press the tab
and turn the socket
counterclockwise to
remove the socket from
the bezel.
If the socket does not
have a tab, turn the
socket counterclockwise
to remove the socket
from the bezel.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to reinstall the taillamp.Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
To replace your windshield
wiper blade inserts, lift the
wiper arm away from
the windshield.
Pinch the two tabs on the wiper arm and slide the insert
out of the blade. Slide the new one in place. Make sure
the tabs are locked into position. See ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index for the
proper type of replacement blade.

6-58
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All
ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose Interior
CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
12377964*16 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
12377966*16 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
12377984*16 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. * For exterior use only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index. ** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.

6-62
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse block is on the lower portion of the instrument
panel on the driver's side.Fuse/Circuit
BreakerUsage
1 Stop/Turn/Hazard Lamps,
CHMSL, ABS
2 Radio ACCY, RR Seat
Audio Controls
3 Courtesy Lamps, Glove Box
Lamp, Dome Reading Lamps,
Vanity Mirror Lamps,
Courtesy Lamps

6-66
Fuse/Circuit
Breaker Usage
ECM
-B Fuel Pump Relay and Motor,
VCM, Oil Pressure
Switch/Sender
HORN Horn Relay and Horn
A/C COMP A/C Enable Relay
and Compressor
RR HTR/AC Rear Heater and A/C
ATC Active Transfer Case
FRT HVAC Front Heater and A/C
ENG
-I Oxygen Sensors, Camshaft
Position Sensor, Mass Air Flow
Sensor, Evaporative Emission
Canister Vent Solenoid
IGN
-E A/C Enable Relay Coil
ECM
-I Fuel Injectors 1-6, Crankshaft
Position Sensor, VCM, Coil
Driver Module (EST),
Ignition CoilFuse/Circuit
Breaker Usage
RH HDLMP Right Headlamp
LH Headlamp Left Headlamp
DIODE
-A/C Coil A/C
LIGHTING Courtesy Fuse, Pwr. Adj.
Mirrors Fuse, TBC
-Battery Fuse
BATT Power ACCY CB, Stop/Hazard
Fuse, Auxiliary Power Fuse,
Cigarette Lighter Fuse,
Radio Battery Fuse
IGN A Starter Relay, Ignition Switch
IGN B Ignition Switch
ABS Electronic Brake
Control Module
RAP Radio Accy, Power Windows
HTD MIR/RR
DEFOGRear Window Defogger,
HVAC Control Head
*A fuse puller is included in the underhood electrical
center. You will also find spare fuses.