1998 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 378

Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake try to turn set, the ignition key to LOCK in each shiftlever position. The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). 0 Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehiclefacing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. 0 The key should come out only in LOCK. Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check To check the parking brake's holding ability: With the engine running and transmissionin 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. I A CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or otherscould be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins toroll. Be ready to apply the regular brake atonce should thevehicle begin to move. I 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 andother debris can collect. 7-44