1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER towing

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing From the Rear (Except All- Wheel Drive)
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the rear bumper
system will be damaged.
Use wheel lift or car-carrier equipment.
Additional ramping may be required for car-carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.
If your vehicle has the all-wheel drive option, a dolly MUST be
used under the front wheels when towing from the rear.
5-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8. Then replace the
pressure cap. At
any time during
this procedure
if
coolant begins to
flow out of the
filler neck,
reinstall the
pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on
the pressure cap
line up like this.
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 every day
driving conditions the clutch is not 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 “blow out” 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 “blowout,” 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, 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 section shows how to use your jacking equipment
to change a flat tire safely.
5-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your
wheels. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re
stuck, but you must use caution.
.. .. .. ., ..., . ....
1 NOTICE: I
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.
I
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
“R’ (Reverse) 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. 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 “Towing
Your Vehicle’’ in the Index.
5-33

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you try to do your own service work without knowing enough
about it, your vehicle could be damaged.
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification Number (VTN) shows the code
letter for your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left
of your
instrument panel. (See “Vehicle Identification Number”
in the Index.)
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher. With the
4.3L (Code
W) engine, use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 9 1 octane or
higher for high power performance, when towing a trailer or with a high
payload requirement. But when operating with a light load as a normal
condition, you may
use middle grade or regular unleaded gasolines.
The gasoline
you use should meet specifications ASTM D48 14 in the U.S.
and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels should have the proper additives,
so you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be sure
you get the right kind of
gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” right on the pump. And only
unleaded nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane is at least
91 for premium, 89 for middle grade
and
87 for regular. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy
knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your
engine.
If you’re using fuel rated at 91 octane or higher and you still hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if
you hear a little
pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal,
and you don’t have
to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of it. It’s the heavy,
constant knock that means
you have a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that contain oxygen \
(oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no more than
15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle.
6-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 13. TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION AND INSPECTION - For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate tires at the first
6,000 miles
(10
000 kilometers) for Schedule I or 7,500 miles (12 500 kilometers)
for Schedule I1 and
then every 15,000 miles (25 000 kilometers)
thereafter. Follow the instructions and patterns shown in Sectio\
n
6.
Check tires for uneven wear or damage. If irregular or premature wear
is apparent, check wheel alignment. Also, check for damaged wheels.
See “Tires” in the Index for more information.
14.
DRIVE AXLE SERVICE - Check readfront axle fluid level and add
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Locking Differential - Drain fluid at first oil change and refill.
Check fluid level and add as needed at subsequent oil changes. In
dusty areas or trailer towing applications, drain fluid at every
15,000 miles (24 135 kilometers) and refill.?
Standard Differential - Check fluid level and add as needed at
every oil change. In dusty areas or trailer towing applications\
,
drain fluid every
15,000 miles (24 135 kilometers) and refill.?
15. BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION - When the engine oil is changed,
inspect the lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Check the parking brake adjustment, and the fluid\
level in the master cylinder. A low fluid level can indicate
worn disc brake pads
which may need to be serviced.?
When the wheels are removed for rotation, 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, wh\
eel
cylinders, parking brake, etc. at the same time.
Inspect brakes more often if driving habits or conditions resul\
t in
frequent braking.
-f A fluid loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them inspected a\
nd
repaired at once.
7-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program
To enhance Chevrolet's strong commitment to customer satisfaction,
Chevrolet is excited to provide the services of the Chevrolet/Geo Roadside
Assistance Center.
24-Hour Roadside Assistance Number
Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling
1-800-CHEV USA (1-800-243-8872). This toll-free number will provide
you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical prob\
lems.
If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors h\
ave access
to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. The
following services are available:
0 Towing
Locksmith
Tire repair
Rental car or taxi
0 Additional services as necessary
The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that
will provide you with
quality and priority service. When roadside services are require\
d, our
advisors will explain
any payment obligations that may be incurred for
utilizing outside services.
For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to
give to the advisor:
Vehicle Identification Number
License plate number
0 Vehicle color
0 Vehicle location
Telephone number where you can be reached
0 Vehicle mileage
0 Description of problem
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistan\
ce
program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the U.S.A. Please refer to
the separate brochure provided
by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for
emergency services.
8-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Loading Your Vehicle ........................................ 644
Lubrication ..................................................... 6-42
Accelerator Control System ..................................... 6-42
Body ....................................................... 6-42
Sliding Door Tracks ........................................... 6-42
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage ........... ............. 6-41
Front Wheel Bearings (Two Wheel Drive) .......................... 6-41
LatchesandHinge ............................................ 6-42
Lock Cylinders ............................................... 6-43
Rear Axle ................................................... 6-24
Transfer Case ................................................ 6-24
Luggagecarrier ................................................. 2-65
Maintenance ...... ................................. 7-2
OtherItems ................................................ 6-41
Periodic Inspections ........................................... 7-12
Record ...................................................... 7-15
Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 7-3, 7-7
Underbody .................................................. 6-61
When Towing a Trailer ......................................... 4-23
Mirrors ....................................... ............. 2-45
Inside .............. ................................ 2-45
Outside ................................................... 2-46
Vanity ...................................................... 2-47
ModelReference .................................................. 111 ...
Odometer ................................................ 2-54
Trip ........................................................ 2-54
Off-RoadRecovery ............................................... 4-9
Oil ............................................................ 6-9
Additives .................................................... 6-14
Disposal of Used .............................................. 6-14
PressureGage ................................................ 2-62
ToCheck .................................................... 6-10
WhatKindtoUse ............................................. 6-11
Whentochange .............................................. 6-14
Owner Checks and Services .................... ............. 7-10
Parking
Brake
....................................................... 2-20
OnHills ..................................................... 4-29
Passing ........................................................ 4-10
Payloadcapacity ................................................ 6-46
Power Over
Things That Burn
......................................... 2-23
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................................... 7-12
Mirrors ..................................................... 2-46
Seat ......................................................... 1-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Publications ................................................... 8-7
Replacement Part/Filter Recommendations
......................... 6-74
StationsChecks
............................................... 7-16
Servicing Your Facial Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
....................... 1-29
Shifting Into P (Park)
............................................. 2-21
Shifting Out Of P (Park)
.......................................... 2-22
Single Belt Accessory Drive
....................................... 641
SpareTire ...................................................... 5-32
Specification Charts
.............................................. 6-68
Springs. Fiberglass
............................................... 6-61
Starting Your Engine
................................ ... 2-14
Steering
In Emergencies
................................................ 4-7
Tips
......................................................... 4-8
Storage Compartments
............................................ 2-50
Storing the JacMSpare Tire
........................................ 5-31
Sunvisors
..................................................... 2-47
Speedometer
.................................................... 2-53
T
Theft .......................................................... 2-11
Thermostat
..................................................... 6-29
TiltWheel
...................................................... 2-29
Tires
.......................................................... 647
Chains
...................................................... 6-54
Changing A Flat
......................................... 5-18. 5-24
Compact Spare
............................................... 5-32
Inspection and Rotation
........................................ 649
Loading
..................................................... 6-44
New
........................................................ 6-50
Pressure
..................................................... 6-48
TopStrap
...................................................... 1-38
Towing Your Vehicle
.............................................. 5-7
TowingATrailer
................................................ 4-23
Backingup
.................................................. 4-28
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
................................... 6-51
Following Distance
............................................ 4-28
Making Turns
................................................ 4-28
Turnsignals
................................................. 4-28
Brakes
...................................................... 4-26
WiringHarness
.......................................... 2-66. 6-66
Transfercase
................................................... 6-24
AddFluid
................................................... 6-23
CheckFluid
.................................... .......... 6-20
TorqueLock
................................................. 2-23
Trailer
Trailering Package
............................................... 646
Transmission. Automatic
.......................................... 2-17
Trip Odometer
.................................................. 2-54
Turn SignaYMultifunction Lever
.................................... 2-30
Lane Change Indicator
.................................... 2-30. 2-61
8
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