load capacity CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2001 2.G Owners Manual

2-55
NOTICE:
Loading cargo that weighs more than 200 lbs.
(91 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage your
vehicle. When you carry large things, never let
them hang over the rear or the sides of your
vehicle. Load your cargo so that it rests on the
slats and does not scratch or damage the vehicle.
Put the cargo against the side rails and fasten it
securely to the luggage carrier. Put the main
weight as far forward as you can.
Don't exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading
your vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity
and loading, see ªLoading Your Vehicleº in the Index.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you're driving,
check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier and
cargo are still securely fastened.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
The cigarette lighter is on the left of the engine
cover console.
To use the lighter, press it in all the way and let go.
When it's done heating, it will pop back out by itself.
NOTICE:
Don't hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won't be able to
back away from the heating element when it's
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.

4-28
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label in your vehicle will look
similar to this example.The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver's door. The label shows the size of your
original tires and the inflation 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 Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find 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 center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should
spread it out.

4-30 Payload
The Payload Capacity is shown on the Certification/Tire
label. This is the maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. Be sure to include the weight of the
people inside as part of your load. If you added any
accessories or equipment after your vehicle left the
factory, remember to subtract the weight of these things
from the payload. Your dealer can help you with this.
Trailering Package
If your vehicle is equipped with the trailering package,
there is also a load rating which includes the weight of
the vehicle and the trailer it tows. This rating is called
the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
When you weigh your trailer, be sure to include the
weight of everything you put in it. And, remember to
figure the weight of the people inside the vehicle as part
of your load.
Your dealer can help you determine your GCWR.
Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable items, you may need to put a
limit on how many people you carry inside your vehicle.
Be sure to weigh your vehicle before you buy and install
the new equipment.

4-34
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 L1H 8P7
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 ªLoading Your Vehicleº in the Index for
more information about your vehicle's maximum
load capacity.
If you're using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you're using a weight
-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
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.

6-49 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load
-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.

6-68
Capacities and Specifications
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in
this manual. English and metric conversions are given.
See refrigerant charge label under the hood for charge
capacity information and requirements. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index
for more information.
Engine Specifications
Engine ªVORTECº 4300 V6 CSFI*. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RPO L35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 190 at 4,400 rpm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*Central Sequential Fuel Injection
Wheel Nut Torque
Base or Optional Wheel 100 lb-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures See ªLoading Your Vehicleº . . . . . . . .
in the Index.
Cooling System Capacity
Quantity
without Rear Heater* 13.5 quarts (12.8 L). . . . . . . . .
Quantity
with Rear Heater* 16.5 quarts (15.6 L). . . . . . . . . . .
After refill, the level must be checked.
*All quantities are approximate.
Crankcase Capacity
Quantity
with Filter* 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After refill, the level must be checked. Do not overfill.
*All quantities are approximate.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Standard Tank 27.0 U.S. gallons (101.8 L). . . . . . . .
Transmission Capacity
Automatic Transmission
(Drain and Refill) 5.0 quarts (4.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .