1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO automatic transmission

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Change both the fluid and filter every
15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more
of these conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
regularly reaches
90 OF (32 ” C) or
higher.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
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
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.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission.
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
~ transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 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).
6-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Mainterl‘ance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Add fluid
only after checking the transmission fluid HOT.
(A COLD check is used only as a reference.) If the fluid
level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid
to bring
the level up
to the HOT area for a hot check. It doesn’t
take.much fluid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).
Don P overjill.
I NOTICE:
-
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down
to lock the dipstick in place.
All-Wheel Drive
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
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON-I11
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how
often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections’’
in the Index.
6-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Crankcase Capacity
Quantity* with Filter ........... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
After refill, the level must be checked. Do not overfill.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Standard Tank ................. 25 gallons (90 L)
Transmission Capacity
Automatic Transmission
(Drain and Refill)
.......... 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Front Axle Capacity
Front Axle .............. ... 2.6 pint (1.2 L)
Rear Axle Capacity
Standard Rear Axle .............. 3.5 pint (1.7 L)
Locking Rear Axle ............... 3.5 pint (1.7 L)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure
the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure,
ask your GM dealer.
Refrigerant should be added only by a qualified
A/C technician.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
Type System Quantity*
R- 134a C-60** 2 Ibs. (0.91 kg)
R- 134a C-(j9*** 3 lbs. (1.36 kg)
*All quantities are approximate.
**Front A/C only.
***Front and Rear A/C.
I NOTICE:
I
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. R-12 in
an R-134a system
will cause compressor failure,
refrigerant oil sludge or poor air conditioning
system performance.
6-67

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons ~OLI should,follow this schedule ifyou
operate your vehicle under any of these conditions is thnt
these conditions
cause engine oil to brenk down sooneK
your vehicle.
or other commercial application.
I
Short TripKity Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Drive
Axle Service (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Short Trip/City Intervals -
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Front
Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only) (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first). Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions
only).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement.
Fuel Filter Replacement. Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank, Cap and
Lines Inspection.
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervnls only sunznznrize muintenance services.
Be sure to follow the comnplete rnainterzance schedule
on the followkg pages.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
7-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of
the conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short TripKity schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower:
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
I2 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first). Drive Axle Service. Tire Rotation.
Transmission Service (severe conditions
only).
Replacement. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Front
Wheel Bearing Repack
(2WD only) (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first). Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize rncrintenance services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on the following pages.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Automatic
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
7-6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short lkip/City Maintenance Schedule I
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)
in dusty conditions. Replace filter if
necessary.
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnotef.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
(See footnote
**.)
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or
at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90°F
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditiorzs, change the jluid und.filter every
30,000 rniles (50 000 km).
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
7-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short 6iplCity Maintenance Schedule I
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
17 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
(See footnote
* * .)
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
0 Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more
of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32°C) or higher.
(See footnote?.)
(Continued)
7-13

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
7 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfkont axle fluid level and add fluid
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and
axle seals for leaking. (See footnote * * .)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
(See footnote
** .)
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more
of these conditions:
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
I I I I
7-16