check engine CHEVROLET VENTURE 1998 Owner's Manual

Checking or Replacing the Air Cleaner
1. Unlatch the two hooks on top of the air
cleaner housing.
2. Turn back the air inlet panel and rest it on top of the
housing. The air intake tube is designed to flex back;
you do not need to disconnect it.
3. After replacing the air cleaner filter, seat the tabs on
the bottom of the panel into the slots at the bottom.
4. Latch the hooks to secure the panel in place. If the
panel moves easily, check that the tabs
are seated
correctly in
the slots.
Operating the engine with the
air cleaner off can
cause you or others 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.
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 driving.
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter Replacement
Passenger compartment air, both outside and
recirculated air, is routed through
a passenger
compartment filter, which is part of
a two-piece filter
system. The filter removes certain contaminants from
the air, including pollen and dust particles. Reductions
in airflow, which may occur more quickly in dusty
areas, indicate that the filter needs
to be replaced early.
For how often to change the air filter, see “Maintenance
Schedule” in the Index.
The access panel for the air filter is in the back
of the
glove box.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
regularly reaches
90°F (32 O C) or higher.
If you do
not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
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
your Chevrolet 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.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
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.
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).
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 ( lO"C), you
may have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
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 PARK
(P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow
these steps:
1. The dipstick is located toward the back of the engine
compartment, next to the brake master cylinder. The
dipstick handle has a bright, red loop design for easy
identification. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again.
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What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum
parts. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
I
I
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for
the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater
core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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Checking Coolant If this light comes on, it
The engine coolant reservoir
is located on the driver’s
side
of the vehicle, above the air cleaner. means you’re low
on
engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture
at the coolant recovery tank.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should
be at FULL COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should
be above the FULL
COLD mark, or a little higher.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it. ’hrning the radiator pressure cap
when the
engine and radiator
are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant
at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
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When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid
loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment
is hot, the level should
be at the
H mark. When it’s cold, the level should be at
the
C mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you should
add fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always
use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use
a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
on the passenger’s side
of the vehicle, near the
fuse and relay center.
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID
ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance 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 the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
pe@orm these underhood checks at each fuel
fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL’
coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for hrther details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid
if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
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Starter Switch Check
1 A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
around the vehicle.
Brake”
in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE:
Do not use me accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If
the starter works in any other position, your vehicle
needs service.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
1.
2.
3.
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTT”’1 Check
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index
if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready
to apply the regular brake
immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
With the engine off, turn the key
to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake,
try to move the shift lever out of
PARK
(P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK
(P), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
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Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to
LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Me -:-anism Check
lever is in PARK (P).
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin
to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there
is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and fall).
You should let your dealer’s service department
or other qualijied service center do these jobs. Make sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive A: 3
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs
of wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. 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 build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace
as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace
any components that have high effort
or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
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