1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO Owners Manual

Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the
rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal
travel. This could be a sign
of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying
the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts
in them, as your vehicle does when it is new. When
you replace parts of your braking system
-- for example,
when your brake linings wear down and
you have to have
new ones put
in -- be sure you get new genuine GM
replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example,
if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle,
the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change
-- for the
worse. The braking performance
you’ve come to expect
can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Every new vehicle has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You
never have
to add water to one of these. When it’s time
for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on
the original battery’s label.
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Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
take
off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down.
Bulb Replacement
Before replacing any bulbs, make sure all lamps are off
and the vehicle is not running. See “Replacement Bulbs”
in the Index.
Halogen Bulbs
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting’’ in the Index
for tips on working around
a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how
to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods..
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature”
in the Index. Halogen bulbs have p’ surized gas
il de and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
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Headlamps
Sealed Beam Lamps
1. Remove the four retainer
screws and the retainer.
2. Pull the connector out
and unplug the lamp.
3. Install the new bulb into the connector.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reinstall the headlamp.
Composite Headlamps
1. Open the hood.
1
2. Remove the two screws
from the sidemarkedturn signal lamp.
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3. Completely remove the sidemarkedturn signal lamp
by pulling
out the assembly and disconnecting the
sidemarkedturn signal lamp sockets from the lamp.
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4. Remove the screw
located behind the
corner reflector in order
to remove the entire
corner reflector.
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5. Remove the remaining three screws; the first one
from the corner reflector pocket and the two
remaining from the composite assembly.
6. Remove the
composite assembly.
7. Turn the halogen bulb counterclockwise to remove
from the assembly.
8. Install the new bulb into the composite assembly by
turning it clockwise until it is completely-tightened.
9. Replace the composite assembly by installing and
tightening all of the screws previously removed.
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Front Turn Signal -Lamps Taillamps
1. Remove
the two screws at the inside edge of the 1. Open the rear door.
parking/turn signal lamp assembly.
2. Remove the lamp
assembly.
2. Remove the two screws
from behind the door.
3
3. Squeeze the tab on the
side
of the lamp socket
while turning the socket
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counterclockwise.
.4. Pull the socket out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb from the socket.
6. Gently push the new bulb into the socket.
7. Put-the socket back into the lamp assembly and turn
it clockwise until it locks.
8. Put the parking/turn signal lamp assembly back into
the vehicle and tighten the screws.
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3. Pull out 1' lamp assembly so you can see the socket.
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.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your
GM dealer service department.
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Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
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 ins1 ert
out of the blade. Slide the new one in place. Make sure
the tabs are locked into position. See “Normal
Maintenance Replacement
Parts” in the Index for the
proper type of replacement blade.
Tires
We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with
high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.
‘ If you ever have questions about your tire warranty
and where to obtain service,
see your wai-ranty booklet
for details.
A CAUTION:
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Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.’
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as When you hit a pothole.
Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your
tread
is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
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