1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO warning

NOTICE:
When adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL
TM (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first.
What to Use
Use a mixture
of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets GM Specification
6277M, which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use GM
Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
(GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If you
use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
A CAUTION:
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 mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, 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 mix of clean
water and DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze.
6-26

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just
a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
I A CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
sooner or later your brakes won’t work well.
That could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result
in costly brake repair.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed.
The sound may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except
when you are pushing
on the brake pedal firmly). Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something
is wrong with your brakes.
Free movement
of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque
wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to GM specifications.
6-34

Traction -- A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B,
and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature -- A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing
the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause
the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure.
The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination.
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory
to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will
not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, if
you notice unusual tire
wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset.
If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose,
the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel
nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace
it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
GM dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know
the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as
the one it replaces.
6-47

rire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P235/65R15 size tires, don’t
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle.
If you have other size tires, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must.
Use only
SAE Class “S” type chains that are the proper size
for your tires. Install them on the
rear axle tires
and tighten them as tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops.
Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on
will damage your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them
on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous
if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
Benzene
0 Naphtha
0 Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
6-49

. .. I. .
Section 9 Index
Accessory'power Outlet ......................... 2-49
Add-on Equipment
............................. 4-28
AirBag
....................................... 1-24
Adding Equipment
............................ 1-30
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-28
How it Works
................................ 1-26
Location
.................................... 1-26
Readiness Light
......................... 1.25. 2.54
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-27
What Will
You See After it Inflates .... : .......... 1-28
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-27
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-19
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-5
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-68
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-47
All-Wheel Drive
.......................... 2.21. 6.23
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
....................... 6-55
Antenna. Fixed
................................. 3-28
Antifreeze
...................................... 6-25
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-57. 4-6
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
knti-Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-23
Appearance Care
............................... 6-49
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-58
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Servicing
................................... 1-29
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-48
Audio Equipment. Adding
. : ...................... 3-2t
Automatic Audio Systems
.................................. 3-8
Transmission Check
........................... 7-42
Transmission Operation
........................ 2-18
Axle Front
....................................... 6-24
LockingRear
................................ 2-21
Rear
....................................... 6-25
Battery
...................................... 6-35
Jump Starting
................................. 5-2
Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry ............... 2-8
Warnings
...................................... 5-2
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-7
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-5
Brake
Adjustment
...................... ........... 6-35
Fluid
..................................... ;.6-32
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-32
Parking
..................................... 2-21
PedalTravel .................................. 6-32
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-32
Trailer
...................................... 4-3:
Transmission Shift Interlock Check
............... 7-42
Wear
............................. : ......... 6-3'
9-1

Finish Damage ................................. 6-56
First Gear
..................................... 2-20
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-23
Fluid Capacities
................................ 6-67
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-47
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-4
French Language Manual
11
Front Axle .................................... 6-24
Front Storage Area
.............................. 2-40
Front Towing
.............................. 5-9. 5- 10
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-40
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Canada
...................................... 6-3
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-63
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
Regulator
................................... 2-16
Fuses
and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-61
Gages
.. ...........................
Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-62
Engine Oil Pressure
........................... 2-60
Fuel
....................................... 2-63
Garage Door Opener
............................ 2-43
Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission
............. 2- 18
GloveBox .................................... 2-40
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-26
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-26
Guide en FranGais
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-26
GAWR
....................................... 4-26
.. .................................
Halogen
Bulbs ................................ 6-36
Hatch Release
.................................. 2-11
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-5
Headlamps .................................... 2-35
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-36
Highkow Beam Changer
...................... 2-30
OnReminder
................................ 2-36
Wiring
..................................... 6-60
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-3
Heating ........................................ 3-5
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-30
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-20
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-32
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Prop
....................................... 6-10
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-29
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-16
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2-14
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-43
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-38
Inspections
.................................... 7-45
Brakesystem
................................ 7-46
Drive Axle
.................................. 7-46
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-45
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-45
Steering
.................................... 7-45
Suspension
.................................. 7-45
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-45
9-4

Instrumentpanel ............................... 2-50
Brightness Control
.................... i ....... 2-35
Cleaning
.................................... 6-53
Cluster
..................................... 2-52
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-61
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-37 Charging System
........................... 2-55
Check Gages
................................ 2-63
Check Oil
................................... 2-61
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator
............... 2-62
Safety Belt Reminder
..................... 1 - 12. 2-54
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-58
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-26 .
J
Locks
ack. Tire .................................... 5-24
Cylinders ................................... 7-42
Jump Starting ................................... 5-2
Door ........................................ 2-5
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-42
Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-7
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-42
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-6
Sliding Door Child Security
..................... 2-10
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-44
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-47
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7-42
Luggagecarrier
................................ 2-47
Certificationflire
............................. 4-26 Lumbar Controls ................................ 1-2
Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-59
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-26
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-59
Lamps ........................................ 2-35
Dome
...................................... 2-37
Interior
..................................... 2-37
OnReminder
................................ 2-36
Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-24
Lighter
....................................... 2-48
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-25. 2-54
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-57. 4-6
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-57 Maintenance.
Normal Replacement Parts
........... 6-69
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-49
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Trip/Highway Definition
................... 7-5
Long TripMighway Intervals
..................... 7-5
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-41
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-45
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-47
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-2
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-4
Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-X
9-5

Rear Air Conditioning System
.................... 3-4
Axle
....................................... 6-25
Heating System
............................... 3-4
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-3 I
Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... 1-36
SeatAudio
.................................. 3-22
Seatpassengers
.............................. 1-31
Storage
..................................... 2-40
Towing
................................ 5.11. 5.12
Window Defogger
............................. 3-7
Windshield Washer
........................... 2-3 I
Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-38
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-3
Recovery Tank, Coolant
.......................... 5- 15
Refrigerants. Air Conditioning
.................... 6-68
Regulator.
Fuel ................................. 2- 16
Removable Rear Seats ............................ 1-8
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 6-66
Parts
....................................... 6-69
Wheel
...................................... 6-47
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-52
Reporting Safety Defects
.......................... 8-8
Restraints Checking
................................... 1-52
Child ....................................... 1-41
Head
........................................ 1-5
Replacing Parts After
a Crash ................... 1-52
Systemcheck
................................ 7-42
Reverse
....................................... 2-19
Right Front Passenger Position
.................... 1-3 I
Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-4 Roadside Assistance. Canadian
......... ....... 8-6
Rocking Your Vehicle
........................... 5-37
Rotation. Tires
...................... ...... 6-44
Safety Belt Extender
............................ 1-51
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
....................... 1-36
Safety Belts
................................... 1 . 11
Adults ...................................... 1-16
Care
....................................... 6-53
Center Passenger Position
...................... 1-34
Children
.................................... 1-38
Driver Position
............................... 1-16
Extender
.................................... 1-51
How
to Wear Properly ......................... 1-16
Incorrect Usage
.................... 1.19. 1-50, 1-51
LapBelt
.................................... 1-34
Lap-Shoulder
........................... 1 . 16, 1-3 1
Questions and Answers ........................ 1 . 15
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
............ 1-31
Rear Seat Passengers
.......................... 1-31
Reminder Light
......................... 1 - 12. 2-54
Replacing Atter
a Crash ........................ 1-52
Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-31
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
................... 1 . 18
Smaller Children and Babies. Cargo Vans .......... 1-40
Smaller Children and Babies. Except Cargo Vans
.... 1-38
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-30
WhyThey Work
.............................. 1-12
Safety Defects. Reporting ......................... 8-8
Safety Warnings and Symbols
....................... 111
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-3
Larger Children
.............................. 1-49
Safety Chains
.................................. 4-32
...
9-7