towing CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1993 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Turn your ignition key to Start. When the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.
NOTICE
Holding your key in Start for longer than 15 seconds at a time will car-
your battery to be drained
---? s~-~~~ And the e:*-?ssive heat ---
damage your starter motor
I
4. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in atart. If it doesn’t start in
three seconds, push the accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way
down for
12 more seconds, or until it starts.
flooded with too much gasoline. Try this:
Wait
15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down. Then push your
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. Hold it there. Then, hold the
key in
Start for no more than ten seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
5. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), \
it could be
If the engine still doesn’t start, wait another
15 seconds and do it all
again.
When the engine starts, let go
of the key and the accelerator pedal.
~ NOTICE
Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If yo
add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel
injection svstem operates. Before adding electrical equipment, ch\
eck with
vour
dt If you -.m’t, you. -ngi might not 1 -.form I perlv.
IT you ever have to have your vehicle towe see tl pan of tnrs Man[
that tells how to do it without damaging your ‘We.
e “Towing You
Vehi
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Fuel Regulator
If you have the 4.3L engine (VIN Code W), you will have a fuel regulator
that shuts the fuel
off when the engine reaches 5600 rpm.
2-1 5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine P (Park).
This locks your rear wheels.
It’s the best position to use when you start
your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.
WTION
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not -fully
in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. .
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have
to.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You
or others could be injured. to be sure your vehicle
won’t move, when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever
to P (Park).
See “Shifting Into
P (Park)” in the Index. If you are parking on a hill:
or pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) range before starting the
engine. Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You have
to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from P (Park)
when the ignition key is in the
Run position. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever-push the shift lever\
all the
way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift\

lever into the gear you wish. See “Shifting Out of
P (Park) in this part.
R (Reverse).
Use this gear to back up.
I
Shifting to R (Reverse) while your vehicle is moving forward could dama--
your transmission. Shift
to R (Reverse) only after your vehicle is stoppec
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging your transmission, see
“If You’re Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow” in the Index.
N (Neutral).
In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels.
To restart
when you’re already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral)
when your vehicle
is being towed.
2-1 8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) while your engine is
b “racing”(running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your\
foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidl\
y.
You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out
of
P (Park) or N (Neutral) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE
sed by shifting out of P (Park) (
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OD (Automatic Overdrive).
This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:
- Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your accelerator
about halfway down,
- Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the
way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
OD should not be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or
driving on steep hills. Select
D (third gear) when operating the vehicle
under any of these conditions.
D (Third Gear).
This
is like OD, but you never go into Overdrive. You should use D
when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or driving on steep hills.
2 (Second Gear).
This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can
use
2 (Second Gear) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go
down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your
brakes
off and on.
If you manually select 2, the transmission will drive in second gear. You
may use this feature
for reducing torque to the rear wheels when you
are trying to start your vehicle from
a stop on slippery road surfaces.
1 (First Gear).
This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel econo\
my) than
2 (Second Gear). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
2-1 9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To release the parking brake:
Hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the brake release lever.
I NOTICE -1
, ,arking brakL
in ronlnro thorn ar
hiving .Ah thc , ,Pwe your real ,rakes to nverheal.
‘ou may ha
‘our vehicle.
- -
If you are on a hill: See “Parking on Hills” in the Index. That part shows
how to turn your front wheels.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill: See “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index. That part shows what to do first to keep the \
trailer from moving.
Shifting Into P (Park)
A It can be dangerous’to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not
b fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the-engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t-:.rnove,
when you’re on
faiily level ground, use the steps that follow. If you
are parking
on $:hi!!, or if you’re pulling’ a trailer, also see “P;a.rking
On Hills” or “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking\

brake.
F“
2-2 1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here
are some things to know.
I CAUTION
A
Idling the engine with the air system control off could allow
dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. (See the earlier Caution under
“Engine Exhaust.”)
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
into your vehicle even
if the fan switch is at the highest setting. One
place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust-with Ckan come in
easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See “Blizzard”\
in the Index.)
I CAUTION
r
A It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not
h fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unles\
s you
have to.
If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle
won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, alwa\
ys set your parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park).
Follow the proper steps
to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See
“Shifting
Into P (Park)”) in the Index. If you are parking on a hill, or
if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” nr “Towing a
Trailer” in the Index.
2-25

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Features & Controls
Turn Signal and Lane Change hdicator
The turn signal has two upward (for Right) and two downward \
(for Left)
positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a la\
ne change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is
finished, the lever will return automatically.
A green arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn
or lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the green arrow
starts to flash.
Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever
will return by itself when you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don't flash but just stay
on, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won't see your turn
signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green
arrows don't go on at all when you signal a turn, check the \
fuse (see "Fuses" in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.
If you have a trailer towing option with added wiring for the tr\
ailer lights, a
different turn signal flasher is used. With this flasher installed, the signal
indicator will flash even
if a turn signal bulb is burned out. Check the front
and rear turn signal lights regularly to make sure they are working.
2-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and will stay
on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means you have a .brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull
off the road and stop carefully. You
may notice that the pedal is harder
to push. Or the pedal may go closer to
the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. (See “Towing your vehicle” in the Index).
I
Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake warning
light is on. Driving with the brake warning light on can lead
to an
accident.
If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
Standard Cluster Digital Cluster
r
With anti-lock, this light will go on when you start your engine and may stay
on for a several seconds
or so. That’s normal.
If the light doesn’t come on, have
if fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, your \
vehicle needs
service. Unless the regular brake system warning light is also \
on, you will
still
have brakes, but not anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, see “Brake System Warning Light” earlie\
r in this part.
2-59

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your Driving and the Road
Section
A
A
. 1
Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds\
of roads and in
varying weather conditions
. We’ve also included many other useful tips on
driving
.
Road Signs ........................................................................\
.................................... 4-2
Defensive Driving ........................................................................\
.......................... 4-8
Drunken Driving ........................................................................\
............................. 4-9
Control of a Vehicle ........................................................................\
.................... 4-12
Braking ........................................................................\
...................................... 4-12
Steering ........................................................................\
.................................... 4-18
Steering Tips ........................................................................\
............................ 4-18
Passing ........................................................................\
..................................... 4-21
Loss of Control ........................................................................\
........................ 4-22
Driving at Night ........................................................................\
........................... 4-23
Driving in the Rain ........................................................................\
...................... 4-26
Driving in Fog, Mist and Haze ........................................................................\
.. 4-28
City Driving ........................................................................\
.................................. 4-30
Freeway Driving ........................................................................\
........................... 4-31
Driving On A Long Trip ........................................................................\
.............. 4-33
Hill and Mountain Roads ........................................................................\
............ 4-35
Parking On Hills ........................................................................\
.......................... 4-37
Winter Driving ........................................................................\
.............................. 4-40
Towing a Trailer ........................................................................\
........................... 4-43
4-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that yo\
u get and it keeps
the battery charged. You
will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headligh\
ts. Let the heater run for awhile.
Then, shut the engine
off and close the window almost all the way to
preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only\
when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But
do it as little as possible. Preserve
the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you ca
vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half
comes.
If You’re Stuck in Deep Snow
This manual explains how to get the vehicle out of deep
damaging it. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Towing a mailer
In get out of the
hour or
so until
snow without help
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly you \
can
lose control when you pull a trailer.
For example, if the trailer is too
heavy the brakes may not work well-or even at all. You and your
passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only
if you have
followed all the steps in this section.
I
NOTICE
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result\
in costly
advice in this section.
pairs not covered
our
\a/arran+y. To pull a r correct‘ fnllow the
Every vehicle is reaay ior some trailer towing.
If it was built with trailering
options, as many are, it’s ready for heavier trailers. But \
trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means chan\
ges in handling,
durability, and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In
it are many time-tested, important
trailering tips and safety rules. Many
of these are important for your safety
and that of your passengers.
So please read this section carefully before you
pull a trailer.
4-43

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If
not, the trailer brake system must not be used with your vehi\
cle.
if everything checks out this far, then make the brake fluid tap at the
port on the master cylinder that sends fluid to the rear brak\
es. But don’t use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and finally break off.
Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out
for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with
the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And
always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal
longer and not nearly
so responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety \
chains, electrical
connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has electric brakes,
start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trail\
er brake controller
by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
If you have a rear-most window open and you pull a trailer with your
vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle. You
can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or death (see
“Engine Exhaust” in the Index).
To maximize your safety when towing
a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks and make
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle through a window in the
rear, or another opening, drive with your front, main heating \
or
cooling system
on and with the fan on any speed. This will
bring fresh, outside air into your vehicle.
Do not use MAX NC
because it only recirculates the air inside your vehicle. See
“Comfort Controls” in the Index.
necessary repairs before starting
on your trip.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
4-47