warning light CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2003 2.G User Guide

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts Ð heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking Ð 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 Brake System
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. 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.
If there's a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on. See
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light on page 3-29. United States
Canada
4-7

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you're going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn't happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see re¯ections
from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and
raindrops ªdimpleº the water's surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine's air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you can't avoid deep puddles or standing
water, drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through ¯owing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of
¯owing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Don't ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through ¯owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
·Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear
room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road spray.
·Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-63
.
4-18

City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You'll want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention
to traffic signals.Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:
·Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip into
an unknown part of the city just as you would for a
cross-country trip.
·Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You'll save time and energy.
See the next part, ªFreeway Driving.º
·Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic
light is there because the corner is busy enough
to need it. When a light turns green, and just before
you start to move, check both ways for vehicles
that have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.
4-19

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
·Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
·You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your vehicle.Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer ¯uid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a ¯ashlight, a red
cloth and re¯ective warning triangles. And, if you will be
driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet
the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation.
You'll have a lot less traction or ªgripº and will need to
be very careful.
4-24

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-31.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
žcoolant will:
·Give freezing protection down to-34ÉF (-37ÉC).
·Give boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
·Protect against rust and corrosion.
·Help keep the proper engine temperature.
·Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:When adding coolant, it is important that
you use only DEX-COOLž(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOLžis added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner Ð at 30,000 miles
(50,000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs ®rst.Damage caused by the use of coolant other than
DEX-COOL
žis not covered by your new vehicle
warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOLžcoolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture,
you don't need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you wouldn't get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch ®re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and the proper coolant.
5-28

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal ®rmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes won't work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are ®rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque speci®cations.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See
Brake System Inspection on page 6-31.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
5-45

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-48
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-70
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-41
Additional Program Information.........................7-10
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-92
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-31
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-40, 3-43
Air Bag System..............................................1-62
Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle...............................1-70
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-67
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-69
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-67
What Will You See After an Air Bag In¯ates?......1-68
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-66
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-64
Air Bag .........................................................3-26
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-24
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................2-26
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-52
All-Wheel-Drive Service Light............................3-35
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-39AM ...............................................................3-50
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-50
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-29
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-7
Appearance Care............................................5-83
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-86
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-89
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-83
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-86
Finish Damage............................................5-88
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-89
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-38
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-39
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-50
Care of Your CDs........................................3-50
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-50
Radio with CD............................................3-41
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-46
Setting the Time for Radios with
HR and MN Buttons.................................3-38
Setting the Time for Radios
with the Set Button...................................3-38
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-47
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-50
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-13
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-27
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-28
Automatic Transmission...................................5-25
Fluid..........................................................5-25
Operation...................................................2-23
B
Backing Up....................................................4-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery..........................................................5-46
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Bench Seat............................................1-11, 1-57
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-27
Brake Adjustment............................................5-45
Brake Fluid....................................................5-42
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-45
Brake Wear...................................................5-45
Brake............................................................2-26
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-31
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Brakes..........................................................5-42
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bucket Seats, Rear.........................................1-12
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-55
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-59
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-55
Headlamps.................................................5-55
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-61
Taillamps....................................................5-60
Buying New Tires...........................................5-66C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Canceling the Sliding Door Security Lock...........2-12
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-99
Carbon Monoxide...........................4-24, 4-31, 2-30
Care of.........................................................5-86
Safety Belts................................................5-86
Your CD Player...........................................3-50
Your CDs ...................................................3-50
Cargo Vans...........................................1-41, 1-48
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-27
Chains, Tires..................................................5-70
Charging System Light....................................3-27
2

Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-43
Checking Coolant............................................5-29
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-11
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-71
Check...........................................................3-30
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Gages Warning Light...................................3-36
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-89
Child Restraints..............................................1-44
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-44
Infants and Young Children...........................1-38
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-52
Older Children.............................................1-35
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat
Position..................................................1-57
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-59
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-50
Top Strap...................................................1-48
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-47
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-86Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-83
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-85
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-85
Cleaning Leather............................................5-85
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-85
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.........5-87
Cleaning Tires................................................5-88
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-85
Cleaning........................................................5-83
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-83
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-86
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Rear Air Conditioning System........................3-20
Rear Heating System...................................3-19
Rear..........................................................3-21
Compact Disc Messages..................................3-45
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-82
Composite Headlamps.....................................5-56
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-45
Coolant.........................................................3-30
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-30
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Cooling System..............................................5-33
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
3

Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-36
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-37
System Inspection.......................................6-30
Fuses...........................................................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-92
G
Gage............................................................3-36
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-30
Fuel..........................................................3-36
Oil Pressure...............................................3-34
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-28
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-34
Gasoline......................................................... 5-5
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5Gasoline (cont.)
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-36
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hatch Release................................................2-15
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-92
Headlamps....................................................5-55
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-55
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-59
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-55
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-36
HomeLink
žTransmitter, Programming................2-35
HomeLinkžTransmitter....................................2-34
Hood............................................................5-11
Checking Things Under................................5-11
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-5
6