1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE power steering

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions.
C
A E
ACCESSORY
(A): This is an on position in which you
can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in
the ignition switch as you
turn the top of it toward you.
LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and transaxle.
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push-start your vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and
the key is
in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is an on position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release
the
switch. The switch stays in RUN when the engine is
running. But even when the engine
is not running, you
can use
RUN to operate your electrical power
accessories, and
to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release
the key. The ignition switch will
return
to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even if
the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are positions that allow you to
operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
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Power Rear Quarter Windows
(If Equipped)
I This button, located in the
c overhead console
C switchbank, is used for
C opening and closing the
rear quarter windows.
Press the top ribbed side of the button to open the
windows; both windows will open. The windows can
be opened fully or only a portion depending on how
long the button is pushed.
Press the bottom symbol side
of the button to close
both windows.
Rear Side Panels (Cargo Van)
The windows on the cargo van are opaque glass.
These operate the same as the rear side windows
in the regular van.
Horn
You can sound the horn by pressing the horn symbols on
your steering wheel.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering
wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the
highest level to give your legs more room when you exit
and enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the
steering wheel and pull the
lever. Move the steering
wheel to a comfortable
level, then release the lever
to lock the wheel
in place.
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Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning,
you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot
of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen
on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws
of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition
of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve
is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in
a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate.
Both control systems -- steering and
acceleration
-- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much
of those places. You can lose control.
What should
you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it
to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves
warn that you should
adjust your speed.
Of course, the posted speeds are
based
on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to
go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain
a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
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When you lift the hood, you'll see these items:
rn
A. Underhood Fuse and D. Radiator Pressure Cap H. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
C. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir Relay Center
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir I. Brake Master Cylinder
E Engine Oil Fill Location J. Air Cleaner
G. Engine Oil Dipstick K. Engine Coolant Reservoir
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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.
You
can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts, Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on
a hot engine.
Radiator I ressure 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,
a GM cap
is recommended. When you replace your thermostat, a
GM thermostat
is recommended.
Power
Steering Fluid
'l'kv Gower steering fluid reservoir is located to the right
of the windshield washer fluid reservoir, at the back of
the engine compartment.
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When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid
loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment
is hot, the level should
be at the
H mark. When it’s cold, the level should be at
the
C mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you should
add fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always
use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use
a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
on the passenger’s side
of the vehicle, near the
fuse and relay center.
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID
ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
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CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FUSE USAGE CHART
SWC BACKLIGHT RH TLP LH TILP
ELEC PRNDL RR
FOG LP RR DEFOG ELC ABS SOL
PWR
MIRROR ClGARiDLC FRT PWR SCU CTSY LAMP
CRUISE TBIG
SIR IGN 1
PWR am VENT RR HVAC MED BLWR SUNROOF HVACIDRL FRT HVAC Low’
FRT WRNSHR SWC ACCY MALURADIO/DIC RR WPR WSHR BCM PRGRM I I I I
HAZARD LAMP LH HEADLP RH HEADLP
LOW LOW
I I I I I
I- I DRL 1 CAN VENTSOL I ABSflCS IGN I PCM /
For More Information, See Owner’s Manual Printed in /
Circuit Breakers
HEADLAMP
PWR
WDOm
VENT
PWR SEATPSD
FRT HVAC/HI
BLWR DRL
Control Module,
Headlamp and
UP
Dimmer Switch
Front Power Windows
6-Way Power Seat(s) and Rear
Side Door Actuator Motor
Blower Motor
Hi Speed Relay
in Module
Fuses
swc
BACKLIGHT
ELEC PRNDL
PWR MIRROR
CRUISE Steering Wheel
Radio Control
Switches (Illumination)
Instrument Cluster to
PRNDL Indicators
Power Remote Control
Mirror Switch
Cruise Control Module, Switch
and Release Switch
PWR QTR VENT Interior Lamps and
Multifunction Switch
(Power Vent Switch)
Motor
and Switch
FRT
WPWSHR Windshield Wiperwasher
PWR LOCK
RH TLP
RR FOG LP
CIGAR/DLC
T/SIG BCM
Not Used
Not Used
Cigarette Lighter and Data Link
Connector
(DLC)
Turn Signal Switch
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and fall).
You should let your dealer’s service department
or other qualijied service center do these jobs. Make sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive A: 3
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs
of wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system.
Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position parts as well as
open seams, holes, loose
connections
or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace
as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace
any components that have high effort
or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
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, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
- mm 7-53
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