1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO PASSENGER service

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel that is no more than
10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.
NOTICE:
Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for your vehicle.
Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel syst\
em and
also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t b\
e
covered under your warranty. And even at
5% or less, there
must be “cosolvents” and corrosion preventers in this fuel\
to
help avoid these problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with deposit control additives will help prevent
deposits from forming
in your engine and fuel system. That helps keep your
engine in tune and your emission control system working properly. It’s good
for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with oxygenates. General Motors
recommends that you use gasolines
with these blending materials, such as
MTBE and ethanol. By doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in
those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated
gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. General Motors recommends that you use reformulated gasoline.
By doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the
country that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators
if their gasolines contain
deposit control additives and oxygenates, and
if they have been
reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than 10 miles
(16
km).
The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door-to-door
You tow a trailer often.
delivery,
or in stop-and-go traffic).
0 Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then
you need to change your oil
andfilter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes
first
.
If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or
12 months
- whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil change
and at every other oil change after that.
Engine Coolanf Heater (Engine Block Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your
skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t
ever dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to
a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of
your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
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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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and
when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
. .... ... I..
If the level is below
the bottom of the filler
plug hole, you’ll need
to add some lubricant.
Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the
bottom of the filler
plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
All- Wheel IDrive
If you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, be sure to perform the lubricant
checks described in this section. However, they have two additional systems
that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the Index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below
the bottom of the filler
plug hole, you’ll need
to add some lubricant.
Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the
bottom of the filler
plug hole (top arrow
shows filler plug hole,
lower arrow shows
drain plug hole.)
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
x.
If the level is below
the bottom of the filler
plug hole, you’ll need
to add some lubricant.
Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the
bottom of the filler
plug hole.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed to prevent coolant
loss and possible
engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap \
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace
your radiator pressure
cap, an
AC@ cap is
recommended. See
“Service Replacement
Part and Filler
Recommendations”
in
the Index.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine
coolant system. The thermostat stops
the flow of coolant through the
radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC’ thermostat is recommended.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For more information on vehicle storage, contact your dealer’s service
department,
or write to:
Adistra Corporation
17 1 Hamilton Street
Plymouth, MI
48 170
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada, Limited
Customer Services Department
Oshawa, Ontario
L1 J 5Z6
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for awhile, inspect the surface beneath the
vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system
is normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, the causes
should be found and corrected at once.
Bulb Replacement
Before replacing any bulbs, make sure all lights are off and the vehicle is
not running.
Halogen Bulbs
1_
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Door weatherstrips and rubber hood bumpers should be wiped clean with a
wet cloth and lightly coated with a rubber lubricant.
Never use too much of any lubricant and be sure
to wipe up any extra
lubricant when you are finished.
Some parts
that need lubricating are hard to get at. Window regulators and
controls are inside the doors. You can get to these by removing
the trim
panels.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to lubricate
these items and what type
of lubricant to use.
Lock Cylinders
To be sure your locks operate properly, they must be lubricated.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to lubricate them
and what type of lubricant to use.
You should not use penetrating oils because they could wash out
the factory
installed lubricant and cause the lock to bind. De-icers which contain
alcohol could also
wash away the lubricant, so be sure to lubricate the lock
after using a de-icer of this type.
Exhaust System
To help prevent damage to your exhaust system, do not continue to drive
your vehicle if you notice:
Engine misfiring
Loss of performance
Other unusual operating conditions
Have your engine and exhaust system serviced regularly.
Three- Way Catalytic Converter
Your vehicle’s three-way catalytic converter is designed to reduce the
pollutants in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use only unleaded fuel in your vehicle.
If you use leaded fuel, you could damage your three-way catalytic converter
and other engine components.
Engine Control Module System
This system has an oxygen (02) sensor that helps keep your engine’s
air-fuel mixture at a proper level. Use only unleaded fuel in your vehicle.
If
you use leaded fuel, you could damage your oxygen (02) sensor and affect
your vehicle’s emissions.
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