wiper blades CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Windshield Wipers
To operate the windshield
wipers turn the band,
located on the
multifunction lever, upward
or downward.
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 ®ve delay settings
located between OFF and LOW, to choose the delayed
wiping cycle. The closer the band is turned to OFF, theshorter the delay will be. For fewer wipes choose a
setting closer to LOW. Use this setting for light rain
and snow.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they're frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Windshield Washer
L
(Washer Fluid):There is a paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever. To spray washer ¯uid on the windshield, push
the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and then
either stop or return to your preset speed.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer ¯uid 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
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.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 re¯exes 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 ®lled with
washer ¯uid. 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.
4-16

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 Ð such as after a day's
work Ð don't plan to make too many miles that ®rst
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 ®nd experienced and able service experts in
GM 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:
·Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir 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 in¯ated 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?
4-21

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper
Blade Checkº in
At Least Twice a Year on page 6-26for
more information.To replace your windshield
wiper blade inserts, do the
following:
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 5-101for
the proper type of replacement blade.
5-62

Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint ®nish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See
Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 5-89.
If your vehicle has a ªbasecoat/clearcoatº paint ®nish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint ®nish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint ®nish may
dull the ®nish 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 ®nish 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 ®nish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
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.
Cleaning the 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
Engine Oil FilterPF47*
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter A1163C*
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve CV769C*
Spark Plugs41±932*
Fuel FilterGF481*
Wiper Blades (Front)
Type
LengthTrico 22110158
18 inches (45.7 cm)
Wiper Blades (Rear)
Type
LengthTrico 22154396
14 inches (35.5 cm)
* ACDelco
žžpart number
5-101

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 in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to
the correct tire in¯ation 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 ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-25. A ¯uid 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
speci®ed 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

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