parking brake CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1993 1.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your Driving and the Road
Turn and lane change signals: Always signal when you plan to turn or
change lanes.
If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm \
straight out
for a left turn, down for slow or about-to-stop, and up for \
a right turn.
Slowing down: If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance
of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you.
Disabled: Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or is a\

hazard. See “Hazard Warning Flashers” in the Index.
Traffic Officer
The traffic police officer is also a source of important information. The officer’s
signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other sig\
ns say.
The next part discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter.
Defensive Driving
The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defens\
ively.
Please start with a very important safety device in your vehic\
le: Buckle up.
(See “Safety Belts in the Index.”)
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.’’\
On city streets, rural
roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”
Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be carel\
ess and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might
do. Be ready for their mistakes.
Expect children
to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other
children. Expect occupants in parked cars
to open doors into traffic. Watch for
movement in parked cars-someone may be about
to open a door.
Expect other drivers
to run stop signs when you are on a through street. Be
ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not
have to use the brake, but
if you do, you will be ready.
If you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where t\
here are
well-marked lanes, directional arrows, and designated parking are\
as, expect
some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight to\
ward one part
of the lot.
Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you m\
ust give way
to pedestrians even
if you know you have the right of way.
Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are
common. Allow enough following distance.
It’s the best defensive driving
4-0

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1
AM470027
Hills and mountains mean spectacular scenery. But please be careful where
you stop
if you decide to look at the view or take pictures. Look for pull-offs
or parking areas provided for scenic viewing.
Another part of this manual tells
how to use your parking brake (see “Parking
Brake” in the Index.)
But on a mountain or steep hill, you can do one more
thing. You can turn your front wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling
downhill or out into traffic.
Here’s how:
4-37

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ~~~~ If you’re going uphill on a one-way street and you’re parking on the
left side,
your wheels should point to the right.
AM470055
If there is no curb when you’re parking uphill, turn the wheel\
s to the right.
If there is no curb when you’re parking uphill on the left si\
de of a one-way
street, your wheels should be turned
to the left.
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into P
(Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the
parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever
out of
P (Park). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, always be
sure to shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find
out how, see “Shifting Into P (Park) in the Index.”
When you are ready
to drive, move the shift lever out of P (Park) BEFORE
you release the parking brake.
If “torque lock” does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the transmission,
so
you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
4-39

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Parking on Hills
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 P (Park) 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
P (Park).
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 ove\
rfill),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system, and brake adj\
ustment. 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.
mailer Light Wiring
See “Trailer Wiring Harness” in the Index.
4-49

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be
sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other.
If they are, it could cause a
ground .connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able
to start your
vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical syst\
ems.
1 CAUTION
I
A You could be injured if the vehicles roll. Set the parking brake firmly
b on each vehicle. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
I manual transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’t
needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both \
batteries.
And
it could save your radio!
1’ NOTICE
Iv dar li 1. The Pairs f you leave your radio on, it could be t
Nouldn’t be covered bv vour warrallLv I
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the positive (t) and the
negative
(-) terminals on each battery.
1 CAUTION
A Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. \
Use
a flashlight
if you need more light.
You don’t need
to add water to the Delco Freedom@ battery installed
in every new
GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the
right amount of fluid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of
that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don’t get
it on you. If
you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place
I with water and get medical help immediately.
5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing in\
sulation. If
they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged\
, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some things you should\
know.
Positive
(t) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative
(-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (t) to (-) or you’ll get a
short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts,
too.
5-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing Your Vehicle
Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing service tow your vehicle.
They can provide the right equipment and know how to tow it without
damage.
If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it was factory-new by
adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and
wheels, these things could be damaged during towing.
Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers.
When you call, tell the towing service:
That, if your vehicle has all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive with fog
lamps, it cannot be towed from the front with sling-type equipment.
That your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, or that it has the all-wheel-drive
option.
The make, model, and year of your vehicle.
Whether you can still move the shift lever.
If there was an accident, what was damaged.
* To help avoid injury to you or others:
I
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured.
Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow
Always use separate safety chains on each side when towing a
truck.
I vehicle.
When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
off. The steering
wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device
designed
for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock for
this. The transmission should be in
N (Neutral) and the parking brake
released.
If your vehicle has the all-wheel drive option, it can only be towed with
all four wheels
off the ground. A dolly must be used under the un-raised
wheels when towing or the vehicle must be transported
on a flat bed
carrier.
5-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a
level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.
I CAUTION
4
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack
and
roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place
to change your tire. To help prevent the
vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put chocks
at the front and rear of the tire farthest away
from the one being
changed. That would be the tire on the other side
of the vehicle, at
the opposite end.
I
I
AM545006
The following pages will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.
The equipment you’ll need
is in the rear of your vehicle.
5-1 7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature,
which is
180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If
it's colder than 50°F (lO'C), drive the vehicle in D (Third Gear) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for ten \
minutes.
Then follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold check is made after the vehicle
has been sitting for
8 hours or more with the engine off and is used only as
a reference. Let the engine run at idle for
5 minutes if outside temperatures
are
50°F (1 0°C) or more. If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to
idle the engine longer.
A hot check must follow when fluid is added during a
cold check.
To check the fluid hot or cold:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
Place the shift lever in P (Park) with the parking brake applied.
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever throu\
gh each
gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then,
position the shift lever in
P (Park).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
K3619
6-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service & Appearance Care
Fuses and Circuit Breakers Usage
Name
Inst. Lps.
Pwr. Acc.
Horn-Dm.
Gages
Aux. Htr. NC
Stop-Haz.
Tail Lps.
Turn
BIU
Htr. NC
Radio
ECM B
ECM
I
Pwr. Wdo.
Wiper
Brake
Fog Lamps***
DRL**
Pow. Mirrors*
Trailer*
Circuits Protected
Instrument Panel Lamps, Radio Dial
Lamps, Heater Lamps
Power Door Locks, Power Seat
Horn Relay, Digital Clock, Cigarette
Lighter, Dome Lights, Radio Memory,
Glove Box Lamp
Instrument Cluster Gages, Brake
Switch, Audio Alarm, Headlight Switch
Illumination, Ash Tray Illumination,
Cruise Control
Auxiliary Heater-Rear NC
(if equipped)
Stop Lamps, Hazard Flash, Digital
Instrument Cluster
Headlamp Switch, Tail and Parking
Lamps
Direction Signal Flash, Back Up
Lamps
Front Heater
& Air Conditioning
Radio
Engine Control Module
Engine Control Module
Power Windows
Windshield Wiper
Anti-Lock Brake System,
Speedometer
Fog Lamps
Canadian Daytime Running Lights
Power Mirror
Trailer Wirina Harness
Fuse
10 Amp
30 Amp
20 Amp
25 Amp
20 Amp
20 Amp
20 Amp
20 Amp
10 Amp
10 Amp
10 Amp
25 Amp
15 Amp
15 Amp
10 Amp
3 Amp
30 Amr,
Circuit
Breaker
30 Amp
30 Amp
*In-line fuse.
**Canada only.
“*In-line fuse (certain models).
TO007
6-68

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Scheduled Maintenance Services
Explanation Of Scheduled Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in the maintenance charts.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in this section. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be \
replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives th\
e vehicle.
1. ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER CHANGE* -ALWAYS USE SG OR
SG/CE QUALITY, ENERGY CONSERVING II OILS OF THE PROPER
VISCOSITY.
To determine the preferred viscosity oil for your vehicle’s
engine (e.g. SAE 5W-30). See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
bushings, steering linkage, transfer case shift linkage, parking \
brake cable
guides, propshaft splines, universal joints and brake pedal spri\
ngs at the
intervals specified on the proper maintenance schedule or at ev\
ery
engine oil change, whichever comes first.
2.
CHASSIS LUBRICATION -Lubricate the front suspension, king pin
Ball joints and king pin bushings should not be lubricated unl\
ess their
temperature is
10°F (-12”C), or higher. When the weather is cold, let
them warm up before lubrication or they could be damaged.
Also, be sure to check all the vehicle fluid levels at this time.
3.
COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE* -Drain, flush and refill system with new
coolant. See the Index under “Engine Coolant” for the pro\
per coolant and mixture to use in your vehicle.
Also inspect the hoses and replace them
if they are cracked, swollen, or
deteriorated. Tighten all hose clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator
and air conditioning condenser. Wash the radiator neck.
To ensure proper
operation, pressure test the radiator and cap.
4. AIR CLEANER FILTER REPLACEMENT* -Replace at specified
intervals. Replace more often under dusty conditions. Ask your \
dealer for
the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
5. FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPACK (2-WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) -Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings at each brake relining, or at the
specified interval, whichever comes first.
* An Emission Control Service