oil change CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1993 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving On a Long nip
Although most long trips today are made on freeways, there are still many
made on regular highways.
Long-distance driving on freeways and regular highways is the same in some
ways. The trip has to be planned and the vehicle prepared, you drive at
higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns behind the wheel. You’ll
enjoy your trip more
if you and your vehicle are in good shape. Here are
some tips for a successful long trip.
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-such as after a day’s work-don’t plan to make too many miles
that first 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 find 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
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lights: 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 inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
inside and outside?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
On the Road
Unless you
are the only driver, it is good to share the driving task with
others. Limit turns behind the wheel to about
100 miles (160 km) or two
hours- at a sitting. Then, either change drivers or stop for some refres\
hment
like coffee, tea or soft drinks and some limbering up. But
do stop and move
around. Eat lightly along the way. Heavier meals tend to make some people
sleepy.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine K3543
A
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened,
can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel \
could fall
off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attac\
hes
to
to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
I the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel
~ need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces. or spare
wheel. Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface.
IL.
A
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might
come loose. Your wheel could fall
off, causing a serious accident.
r
CAb I'ION
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service & Appearance Care
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Energy Conserving II
Oils with these words on the container will help you save fuel.
The doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil contain\
ers to
help you select the correct oil.
You should look for this on the oil container, and use
only those oils
that display the logo.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the \
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives: Don’t add anything to your oil. Your General
Motors dealer is ready to advise
if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil: See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than
4 miles (6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than 10 miles
(16 km).
The engine is at
low speed most of the time (as in door-to-door delivery,
or in stop-and-go traffic).
You
tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change
your
oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months-whichever
comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or
12 months-whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil
change and at every other oil change after that.
Engine Block Heater: An engine block heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If your vehicle
has this option, see “Engine Block Heater” in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Do with Used Uii:
I
Used engine oil contains things that have caused skin cancer in
laboratory animals. Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long.
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand
used engine oil.
I cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing
m -m
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil,
be sure
to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever
dispose
of it by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams
or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center\
for help,
Engine Cover
In order to replace your air cleaner filter, you will have to re\
move your engine
cover.
It is inside your vehicle behind the instrument panel extension.
To Remove the Engine Cover:
1. Move both front seats as far back as they will go.
2. Remove the instrument panel extension by removing the two screw\
s and
two nuts. The screws are on each side at the top of the extension. The
nuts are on the
bottom of the extension.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service & Appearance Care
h
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or other!
to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on
the engine with the air cleaner off.
If the air cleaner is off, a backfir
dirt can easily get into your engine,
air cleaner in place when you’re drivin $use a damaging engir
hicl
vill damage it. Na)
Automatic Transmission Nuid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when
to change your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choo\
se to have this
done at a
GM 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.
Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine part-
starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading
if you check your
transmission fluid.
I
I
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid 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.
6-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant
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1
PO453
The following explains your cooling system and how to add cool\
ant when it is low.
If you have a problem with engine overheating, see "Engine
Overheating" in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle will:
Give freezing protection down to -20°F (-29°C) or -40°F (-40°C) for
Canadian vehicles and vehicles with the cold climate option.
Give boiling protection up to 258°F (125°C).
Protect' against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning gages work as they should,
What to Use:
Use a mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and antifreeze that meets
"GM Specification 6038-M," which won't damage aluminum parts.
Also use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) with a complete coolant \
change.
If
you use these, you don't need to add anything else.
6-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service & Appearance Care
braking system-for example, when your brake linings wear down and you
have
to have new ones put in-be sure you get new genuine GM
replacement parts.
If you don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example,
if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the
balance between your front and rear brakes can change, for the\
worse. The
braking performance you’ve come to expect can change in many\
other ways
if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Hydro-Boost Brake System (Hydraulic Pump)
The power steering pump is also used as the Hydro-Boost pump. \
Refer to
“Power Steering Fluid” in this section when. checking the fluid level or adding
fluid.
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for awhile, inspect the surf\
ace beneath the
vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping f\
rom the air
conditioning system is normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, the causes
should be found and corrected at once.
Battery
Every new GM vehicle has
add water
to one of these,
a Delco Freedom@ battery.
the original battery’s label. a Delco Freedom@ battery. You never have
to
When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend
Get one that has the catalog number shown on
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, take off the
black, negative
(-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery
from running down.
I CAUTION
For more informarlon on vehicle storage, contact your dealer’\
s service
department, or write to:
Adistra Corporation 171 Hamilton Street Plymouth,
MI 48170
General Motors
of Canada, Limited
Customer Services Department
Oshawa, Ontario L1 J5Z6
In
Canada, write
to:
6-34

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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 13. TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION AN- INSPECTION -For proper wear
and maximum tire life, rotate tires at the first
6,000 miles (1 0 000
kilometers) for Schedule I or 7,500 miles (12 500 kilometers) for
Schedule
II and then every 7,500 miles (12 500 kilometers) thereafter.
Follow the instructions and patterns shown in Section
6. Check tires for
uneven wear or damage.
If irregular or premature wear is apparent,
check wheel alignment.
Also, check for damaged wheels. See “Tires” in
the Index for more information.
14.
DRIVE AXLE SERVICE -Check readfront axle fluid level and add as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaki\
ng.
Locking differential -Drain fluid at first oil change and refill. Check
fluid level and add as needed at subsequent oil changes. In d\
usty areas, or trailer towing applications drain fluid at every 15,000 miles
(24 135 kilometers) and refi1l.t
Standard differential -Check fluid level and add as needed at
every oil change. In dusty areas, or trailer towing application\
s, drain
fluid every
15,000 miles (24 135 kilometers) and refi1l.t
15.
BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION -When the engine oil is changed,
inspect the lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, \
cracks,
chafing, etc. Check the parking brake adjustment, and the fluid\
level in
the master cylinder.
A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads
which may need
to be serviced$
When the wheels are removed for rotation, inspect disc brake p\
ads for
wear and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wh\
eel
cylinders, parking brake, etc., at the same time.
Inspect brakes more often if driving habits or conditions result in
frequent braking.
tA fluid loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them inspected
and repaired at once.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least
twice a year (for instance, each spring or fall). You should let your
GM
dealer’s service department or other qualified service center \
do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Steering and Suspension lnspectiont -Inspect front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs \
of wear or
lack of lubrication. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper \
hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. (On vehicles equipped wit\
h manual
steering gear, check for seal leakage.) Lubricate the steering linkage.
Accelerator Control System -Lubricate all pivot points with engine oil,
except the
TBI throttle shaft. Do not lubricate the cam pulley. Remove all
external deposits from pulley.
Do not oil any accelerator or cruise control
cables. Replace any cables that have high effort or excessive wear.
Exhaust System Inspection -Inspect the complete system including the
three-way catalytic converter. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look
for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts, as well \
as open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause \
a heat buildup
in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes seep into the passenger
compartments.
Drive Axle Service -Check readfront axle fluid level and add as needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case (all-wheel drive) lnspectiont -Every 12 months or at oil
change intervals, check front axle and transfer case and add l\
ubricant when
necessary. Oil the control lever pivot point (except
L Van) and all exposed
control linkage. Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks an\
d proper installation.
tA fluid loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them inspected
and repaired at once.
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