automatic transmission fluid CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2005 2.G Owners Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Cover...............................................5-17
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-28
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28
Cooling System............................................5-30
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-45
Rear Axle.......................................................5-46
Front Axle......................................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-48
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps.................5-48
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-54
Tires..............................................................5-55
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-56
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-59
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-61
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-64
Buying New Tires.........................................5-65
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-36.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
D. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-23.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-35.
I. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-40.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 15,000 miles
(25,000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the uid and lter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C
to 93°C).
5-23

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The uid level must be in the COLD area for
a cold check or in the HOT or cross-hatched
area for a hot check. Be sure to keep the dipstick
pointed down to get an accurate reading.
4. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-29.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a funnel, add uid down the transmission
dipstick tube only after checking the transmission
uid while it is hot. A cold check is used only
as a reference.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).Do not overll.Notice:Use of automatic transmission uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the
H-Specication, may damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by your warranty.
Always use automatic transmission uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the H-Specication.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check,” earlier in
this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine 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
®extended 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, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28.
5-25

Capacities and Specications (cont’d)
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Engine Oil with Filter 4.5 qt 4.3 L
Fuel Tank 27.0 gal 101.8 L
Transmission Fluid (Drain and Rell) 5.0 qt 4.7 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 ft lb 190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck the uid level after lling. See refrigerant charge label under the hood for charge capacity
information and requirements.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Transmission Spark Plug Gap
“Vortec” 4300 V6 MFI* LU3 Automatic 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
*Micro Fuel Injection
5-100

Selecting the Right Schedule
First you will need to decide which of the two schedules
is right for your vehicle. Here is how to decide which
schedule to follow:
Short Trip/City Denition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling, such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
taxi, or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs rst). Chassis
Lubrication (or 3 months, whichever occurs rst).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km):Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection. Front Wheel Bearing Repack
(two–wheel drive only) (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs rst). Automatic Transmission Service
(severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Fuel Filter
Replacement.
Every 45,000 Miles (75 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km):Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions). Transfer
Case Fluid Change.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150 000 Miles (240 000 km):Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
6-5

These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
Long Trip/Highway Denition
Follow this scheduled maintenance only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area,
or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions will cause engine oil to break down
slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs
rst). Chassis Lubrication (or 12 months, whichever
occurs rst). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection. Automatic Transmission Service
(severe conditions only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Fuel Filter
Replacement. Front Wheel Bearing Repack (two–wheel
drive only) (or at each brake relining, whichever
occurs rst).Every 45,000 Miles (75 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km):Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions). Transfer
Case Fluid Change.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km):Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs
rst). Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.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.
6-6

Also look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
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
Windshield and Wiper Blades on page 5-87.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly ination check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is inated to
the correct tire ination 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. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 5-70.
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. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-29.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission uid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-23. 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
specied 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.
6-25

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021184, in Canada
89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Front Wheel
BearingsWheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. U.S.
1051344, in Canada 993037).
Front AxleSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No. U.S. 1052271, in Canada
10950849).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455)
meeting GM Specication 9986115.
Transfer CaseAUTO-TRAK II Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12378508, in Canada
10953626).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
6-30

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-51
Radio with CD............................................3-43
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-47
Setting the Time for Radios with HR
and MN Buttons.......................................3-41
Setting the Time for Radios with the Set
Button....................................................3-41
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-49
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-51
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-20
Bench Seat..................................................... 1-6
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-23
System Inspection.......................................6-29
System Warning Light..................................3-29Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bucket Seats, Rear.........................................1-13
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-54
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-65
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-99
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-26, 4-23, 4-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-86
Your CD Player...........................................3-51
Your CDs ...................................................3-51
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-30
Chains, Tire...................................................5-68
Charging System Light....................................3-28
2