steering wheel CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1999 2.G User Guide

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4-11
Off-Road Recovery
You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while you're driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so
that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You
can turn the steering wheel up to one
-quarter turn until the
right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your
steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Passing
The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a
two
-lane highway waits for just the right moment,
accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes
back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two
-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can
suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents
-- the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:

ªDrive ahead.º Look down the road, to the sides and to
crossroads for situations that might affect your passing
patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about
making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.
If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken
center line usually indicates it's all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid
line on your side of the lane or a double solid line,
even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

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4-13
Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
ªoverdrivingº those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.

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4-25
What's the worst time for this? ªWet ice.º Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it's about
freezing (32F; 0C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.
Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and
polish the surface under the tires even more.
Your anti
-lock brakes improve your vehicle's stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have an anti
-lock braking system, you'll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See ªAnti
-Lockº in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that's covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun can't reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you
are on it. Try not to brake while you're actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

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4-36
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 as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.

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5-18
Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

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5-33
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº
can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. By
slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may free
your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few tries,
you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed
out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section 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 part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Cover
6
-19 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-24 All-Wheel Drive
6
-25 Rear Axle
6
-26 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-27 Thermostat
6
-27 Engine Coolant
6
-30 Power Steering Fluid
6
-31 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-32 Brakes6
-35 Battery
6
-36 Bulb Replacement
6
-42 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-43 Tires
6
-51 Appearance Care
6
-52 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-57 Cleaning Tires
6
-57 Finish Damage
6
-57 Underbody Maintenance
6
-58 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-59 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-67 Capacities and Specifications
6
-68 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-69 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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9-5
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatch Release 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-37, 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hitches, Trailer 4
-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prop 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Axle 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-10
Shifting 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Into Park (P) 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out of Park (P) 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skidding 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Equipment, Adding 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare Tire, Compact 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications and Capacities 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains, Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch Check 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunglasses Storage 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature & Compass Display 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Loading 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .