check transmission fluid CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1994 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let
it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second,
and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that
it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check
your mirrors and your instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area
and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or
rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there,
here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work
hard on mountain roads.
4- 18

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
5. Release the regular brakes.
“P” (Park).
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. Thin.gs that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system, and brake
adjustment. 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.
Trailer Light Wiring
See “Trailer Wiring Harness” in the Index.
4-29

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service & Appearance Care
...
Section
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle . This part
begins with service and fuel information. and then it shows how to check
important fluid and lubricant levels
. There is also technical information
about your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Service ................................................... 6-2
Fuel
..................................................... 6-3
Checking Things Under the Hood
.............................. 6-7
Hood Release
........................................... 6-7
Engineoil
.............................................. 6-9
Enginecover
.......................................... 6-15
Air Cleaner
............................................ 6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid ............................. 6-20
RearAxle
............................................. 6-24
All-WheelDrive
........................................ 6-24
Transfercase
.......................................... 6-24
FrontAxle
............................................. 6-25
Engine Coolant
....................................... 6-26
Windshield Washer Fluid
................................. 6-31
Brake Master Cylinder
................................... 6-32
Replacing Brake System Parts
.................... ........ 6-35
Battery
.................................................. 6-35
Vehiclestorage
......................................... 6-35
FluidLeakCheck
.......................................... 6-36
Bulb Replacement
......................................... 6-36
Other Maintenance Items
.................................... 6-41
Tires
.................................................... 6-47
Appearancecare
.......................................... 6-54
Vehicle Identification Number
................................ 6-63
Service Parts Identification Label
..................... .... 6-65
Capacities and Specification Charts
................ . . 6-68
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........... 6-72
Power Steering Fluid .................................. 6-30
Loading Your Vehicle
.... .............................. 6-44
6-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you have the 4.3L engine (VIN Code W) with the square air cleaner, you
can change the air cleaner filter without removing the engine cover. Just lift
the hood, unsnap both clips and remove
the top. After changing the filter,
snap both clips to secure
the air cleaner. Be sure air cleaner lid is correctly
positioned to seal out dust and contaminants that are harmful
to your engine.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air
filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine
fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which
will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you’re drivin\
g.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
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 choose 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.
6-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
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 parts or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure to get
an accurate reading if you check
your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you
have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32 ” C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic - especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
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 (IOOC), drive the vehicle in “D” (3rd 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 eight hours or more with the engine off and
is used only as a
reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures
are
50°F ( 10°C) or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (IOOC), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during a cold check,
you must perform a hot check before adding fluid. This will give you a
more accurate reading
of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in “P” (Park).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each
gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then,
position the shift lever in
“P” (Park).
0 Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
6-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. If the fluid level
is in the
acceptable range,
push the dipstick
back in all the
way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
If the fluid level
is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the
level up to the
COLD area for a cold check or the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than
a pint. Don’t overfill.
We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or
DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with that label are made especially for our
automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON
-111
or DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
d
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
6-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6. TRANSMISSION SERVICE: - Change the transmission fluid and
filter 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
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
higher.
Frequent trailer pulling.
0 Uses
such as taxi, police, delivery or other commercial service.
If the vehicle
is not used mainly under any of these conditions, change
the fluid and filter every
30,000 miles (50 000 km). See “Automatic
Transmission Fluid” in the Index for more information.
7. FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT*$ - Replace the fuel filter at the
specified interval or sooner if clogged.
8. SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT* - Replace spark plugs with the
type listed in Section
6. See “Specification Charts” in the Index.
9. SPARK PLUG WIRE INSPECTION* - Clean wires and inspect
for bums, cracks or other damage. Check the wire boot fit at the
distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed.
Adjust timing to underhood label specifications. Inspect the inside and
outside
of the distributor cap and rotor for cracks, carbon tracking and
corrosion. Clean or replace as needed.
10. ENGINE TIMING CHECK AND DISTRIBUTOR CHECK*$ -
11. FUEL TANK, CAP AND LINES INSPECTION*$ - Inspect the
fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Remove fuel cap, inspect
gasket for an even filler neck imprint, and any damage. Replace parts
as needed.
12. ENGINE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTION* - Inspect
belt.
Look for cracks, fraying, wear, and proper tension. Adjust or
replace as needed.
* An Emission Control Service
$ The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform \
this
maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all re\
commended
maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and\
the maintenance be
recorded.
7-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which would be made at the
time period specified
to help ensure proper safety, emission performance,
and dependability
of your vehicle.
Be sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids
or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are t\
he proper ones,
as shown in this section.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Pressure Check - Check the tires for proper inflation. If
they
are low, inflate them to the level specified on the Certification label.
See “Inflation-Tire Pressure” in
the Index.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinder Lubrication - Lubricate key lock cylinders with one
of the lubricants recommended in this section.
Transmission Neutral or Clutch Start Switch Operation -
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the veh\
icle.
2. Firmly apply both the manual parking brake, and the regular br\
ake. See
“Brakes” and “Parking Brake”
in the Index. Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
3. Be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
4. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in “P”
(Park) or “N’ (Neutral).
7- 10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine needs no water. I
See Page 6-35.
Brake Fluid
Reservoir
See Page 6-32. 1
Automatic A
Transmission
Fluid
See Page 6-20.
Fuel
Capacity
27 US. Gal.
(102 L.). Use
unleaded
gas
only. 87 octane
or higher.
See Page 6-3.
!
Hood Release
Lever
See Page 6-7.
Engine Oil
See Page 6-9.
Battery
The Delco
Freedom battery
-
-
-
11 't- i
--I!
fil I
I! I '" 1, 1. .
Cooling
System
Check and add
coolant only at
the coolant recovery tank.
See Page 6-26.
' Windshield
Washer
Fluid
See Page 6-31.
3
bower
Steering Reservoir
See Page 6-30.
4 Spare Tire
' Pressure
Compact Spare
See Page 6-48.

Cold Tire
Pressure
See Tire Loading
label on the
driver's
door.
See Page 6-44.
7- 17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Exhaust System ................................................. 6-43
F
FanNoise ...................................................... 5-18
Filter Replacement Chart
.......................................... 6-74
Finish
Care
........................................................ 6-59
Damage
..................................................... 6-61
Automatic Transmission
........................................ 6-20
Brake
....................................................... 6-32
Capacities
................................................... 6-69
CoolantRecovery
............................................. 5-14
FrontAxle
................................................... 6-25
Leak Check
.................................................. 6-36
Powersteering
............................................... 6-30
Radiator
..................................................... 5-15
Rear Axle
................................................... 6-24
RecommendedFluids
.......................................... 7-13
Transfercase
................................................ 6-24
Windshield Washer
............................................ 6-31
FogLamps
..................................................... 2-42
Four-wheel Anti-lock
............................................. 4-7
Frontseats
...................................................... 1-2
Fuel
........................................................... 6-3
FillingYourTank
.............................................. 6-5
Foreign Countries
.............................................. 6-5
Gage
....................................................... 2-61
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
........................................ 6-4
Tankcapacity ................................................ 6-69
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................................ 6-72
FuseBlock
.................................................. 6-67
Headlights
................................................... 6-66
Power Windows and Other Power Options
......................... 6-66
Trailer Wiring Harness
......................................... 6-66
Windshield Wipers
....................... .............. 6-66
Fluid
G
Gages ......................................................... 2-61
Coolant Temperature Gage
...................................... 2-63
FuelGage
................................................... 2-61
Odometer
................................................... 2-53
Oil Pressure Gage
............................................. 2-62
Speedometer
................................................. 2-53
Trip Odometer
................................................ 2-53
Voltmeter
.................................................... 2-64
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
.......................................... 6-4
Hatch Release Switch ............................................. 2-28
HalogenBulbs
........................................ ....... 6-36