ABS CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER 1999 2.G Owners Manual

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2-41 Convex Outside Mirror
A convex mirror's surface is curved so you can see more
from the driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Storage Compartments
Your front storage compartment/glove box is at the
center of the engine cover. To open the compartment,
press the two tabs together and pull.

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4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.
United States Canada
If there's a problem with the anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on. See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in the Index.

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4-8
Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet.
You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.The anti
-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and
road conditions.
You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

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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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4-38 Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
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
PARK (P) 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 PARK (P).
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
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake system. 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.

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5-20 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The jacking equipment you'll need is stored by your
vehicle's rear doors, along the passenger's side wall.
1. Remove your jack cover by pulling it away from the
side wall and down to release the tabs securing the
top of the cover.
2. Remove the wheel blocks by turning the top nut
counterclockwise.
3. Remove the nut and washer, then pull the wheel
blocks off the bolt.
4. Push down on the bolt and remove the hooked end
from the slot. Slide the jack toward the front of the
vehicle and lift it from the mounting.
5. Remove the extension and the ratchet from
the pouch.

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6-42
4. Press the tab and turn
the socket
counterclockwise to
remove the socket from
the bezel.
If the socket does not
have a tab, turn the
socket counterclockwise
to remove the socket
from the bezel.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to reinstall the taillamp.Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
To replace your windshield
wiper blade inserts, lift the
wiper arm away from
the windshield.
Pinch the two tabs on the wiper arm and slide the insert
out of the blade. Slide the new one in place. Make sure
the tabs are locked into position. See ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index for the
proper type of replacement blade.

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6-58
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All
ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose Interior
CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
12377964*16 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
12377966*16 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
12377984*16 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. * For exterior use only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index. ** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.

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6-65
Fuse/Circuit
Breaker Usage
UPFITTER
-BATT Upfitter Battery Power Stud,
Trailer Wiring Harness
UPFITTER
-ACCY Upfitter Accessory Relay
Spare Not used
Fuse Puller*
Spare Not used
Spare Not used
ECM
-1B Fuel Pump Relay and Motor,
VCM, Oil Pressure
Switch/Sender
HORN Horn Relay and Horn
A/C COMP A/C Enable Relay and
Compressor
ATC Active Transfer Case
-L Van
ENG
-I Oxygen Sensors, Camshaft
Position Sensor, Mass Air Flow
Sensor, Evaporative Emission
Canister Purge Solenoid, Linear
EGR Valve Solenoid, VCM
EGR HI
IGN
-E A/C Enable Relay CoilFuse/Circuit
Breaker Usage
ECM
-I Fuel Injectors 1-6, Crankshaft
Position Sensor, VCM, Coil
Driver Module (EST)
LIGHTING Park Lamps Fuse, DRL Fuse,
Headlamp and Panel Dimmer
Switch
BATT Steering/Security Fuse, Courtesy
Fuse, ACSY CB, Stop/Hazard
Fuse, Auxiliary Power Fuse,
Cigarette Lighter Fuse, Radio
Battery Fuse
IGN A Starter Relay, Ignition Switch
IGN B Ignition Switch
ABS Electronic Brake Control
Module
A/C Blower Motor Resistor, Blower
Relay
RR HTR/AC Auxiliary Heater, A/C Relay
HTD MIR/RR
DEFOGRear Window Defogger
*A fuse puller is included in the underhood electrical
center. You will also find spare fuses.