2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO heating

3-6 Heating
On cold days, use HEATER with the temperature knob
in the red area. Outside air will be brought in through
the floor outlets. The heater works best if you keep your
windows closed while using it.
If you use the optional engine coolant heater before
starting your engine, your heating system will produce
warmer air faster to heat the passenger compartment in
cold weather. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Defrosting
Use DEFROST to remove fog or ice from the
windshield quickly in extremely cold conditions. The
temperature knob should be in the red area and the fan
control toward high. The air conditioning compressor
may operate in this setting to dehumidify the air.
The BLEND setting is useful for cold weather with a
large number of passengers or very humid conditions to
help keep the windshield clear.
Rear Window Defogger (Option)
If your vehicle has this option, the rear window will
have lines running across the glass. These lines heat
your window.For best results, clear the window of as much snow or
ice as possible before using the rear window defogger.
To turn on the rear window
defogger, find the button to
the left of the heater
controls with the defog
symbol on it.
Press the button until the light comes on, then release it.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in RUN.
You can turn the defogger off at any time by pressing
the button again. The defogger will shut itself off after
several minutes so that the glass does not get too hot. If
the window still isn't clear, turn the defogger on again.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals
across the defogger grid on the rear window.

3-7
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the defogger and the repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air
through your vehicle. Air will flow through the
instrument panel vents.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air to the inside of your vehicle when it is
moving. With the side windows closed, air will flow into
the front air inlet grilles at the base of the windshield,
through the vehicle and out the rear air exhaust valve.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or
the air conditioning fan is running.Your vehicle has air vents near the center and on the
sides of the instrument panel that allow you to adjust the
direction and the amount of airflow inside the vehicle.
Move the dial on the vent up or down to direct airflow
to your preference. Increase or reduce the amount of
airflow by opening and closing the louvers. The vents
turn to direct the airflow from side to side.

3-8
When you close a vent, it will increase the flow of air
coming out of any vents that are open.
If you have rear heating or rear air conditioning, you will
have adjustable vents in the rear of the vehicle to help direct
the airflow. The rear air conditioning vents are located in
the headliner at the rear of the vehicle. The rear heating
vents are located next to the second and third seat on the
driver's side of the vehicle, near the floor. You can move
the vents to direct the flow of air, or close the vents
altogether. When you close a vent, it will increase the flow
of air coming out of any vents that are open.
Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater
and defroster will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the fan to
HI for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear
the intake ducts of snow and moisture and reduces the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects.
This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.Audio Systems
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the
most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it
first. Find out what your audio system can do and how
to operate all its controls, to be sure you're getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Setting the Clock for Systems with
SET Button
Press SET. Within five seconds, press and hold the
SEEK right arrow until the correct minute appears on
the display. Press and hold the SEEK left arrow until the
correct hour appears on the display.
Setting the Clock for Systems with HR and
MN Buttons
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the
display. Press and hold MN until the correct minute appears
on the display. To display the clock with the ignition off,
press RECALL or HR/MN and the time will be displayed for
a few seconds. There is an initial two
-second delay before the
clock goes into the time
-set mode.

4-36 Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic brake system, except:

Don't tap into your vehicle's brake system
if the trailer's brake system will use more than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's
master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems
won't work well. You could even lose your brakes.

Will the trailer parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of
pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be
used with your vehicle.

If everything checks out this far, then make the brake
fluid tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends
fluid to the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing
for this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off.
Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into your vehicle. You can't see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index. To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:

Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.

Keep the rear
-most windows closed.

If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
MAX A/C because it only recirculates the
air inside your vehicle. See ªComfort
Controlsº in the Index.

4-38 Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring (included in the optional trailering package).
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn
your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get the
overheat warning, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.

5-
5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-7 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-7 Engine Overheating
5
-10 Cooling System5
-18 Engine Fan Noise
5
-18 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-19 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 Compact Spare Tire
5
-33 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

5-7
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do
the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (
-) cable from the
heavy, unpainted metal engine part on the vehicle
that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (
-) cable from
the negative (
-) terminal on the vehicle with the
good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº and ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in
the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on
your vehicle's instrument panel. See ªGagesº in
the Index.

6-26 What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL 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. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.