1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO parking brake

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7-43
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ªParking
Brakeº in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.Brake
-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on
a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don't start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move the shift
lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift
lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle's BTSI
needs service.

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7-44
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).

The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.

To check the parking brake's holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

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7-46 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.
Drive Axle Service
Check rear/front axle fluid level and add as needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months or at oil change intervals, check front
axle and transfer case and add lubricant when necessary.
Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
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.

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7-47
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by
name, part number or specification may be obtained
from your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.

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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-13, 2-27, 2-28, 2-30, 4-27, 4-34, 4-35
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Discs 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-11, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing a Flat Tire 5
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Transmission Fluid Cold 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Transmission Fluid Hot 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-56 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-50, 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air Filter 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-7
Manual Lumbar Support 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model Reference vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opener, Garage Door 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirror 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payload 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlet 2
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-11
Temperature 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-30, 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Recreational 4
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 5-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Harness 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transmission Fluid, Automatic 6
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tw o-Way Manual Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Electrical Center 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal Transmitter 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity Mirrors 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .