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2001 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 210

2001 Chevrolet Astro Manual

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If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: Three important considerations have to do with weight: D There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. D the weight of the trailer, D the weight of the trailer tongue D and the weight on your vehicle's tires. Tow/Haul Mode The Tow/Haul Mode is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy trailer. The purpose of the Tow/Haul Mode is: D Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your transmission. See "Tow/Haul Mode" in the Index. D to reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a heavy trailer. D Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles D to provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded. pulling a heavy trailer. D Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you D to reduce the need to change throttle position when This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on the column shift lever. When the feature is on, a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that the Tow/Haul Mode has been selected. See "Tow/Haul Mode Light" in the Index. The Tow/Haul Mode is automatically turned off each time the vehicle is started. D You should use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a 4-32

Section	Page
2001 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual	1
	24
Replacing the Rear Seats	24
Safety Belts: They re for Everyone	26
Why Safety Belts Work	27
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answes	30
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	31
Adults	31
Driver Position	31
Lap-Shoulder Belt	31
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster	33
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	39
Right Front Passenger Position	40
Air Bag System	40
How the Air Bag System Works	42
Where are the air bags?	42
When should an air bag inflate?	43
What makes an air bag inflate?	44
How does an air bag restrain?	44
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	44
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	46
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	46
Rear Seat Passengers	47
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	47
Lap-Shoulder Belt	48
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	51
Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)	53
Lap Belt	53
Children	55
Infants and Young Children (Except Cargo Vans)	55
Infants and Young Children (Cargo Vans)	58
Restraint Systems for Children	61
Where to Put the Restraint (Except Cargo Vans)	63
Where to Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans)	64
Top Strap	65
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	67
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (Bench Seat)	70
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	72
Older Children	75
Safety Belt Extender	78
Checking Your Restraint Systems	78
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	79
Section 2 Features and Controls	80
Windows	81
Manual Windows	81
Power Windows (Option)	82
Express- Down Window	82
Keys	83
Front Doors	85
Rear Doors	85
Door Locks	87
Power Door Locks (If Equipped)	88
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	88
Leaving Your Vehicle	89
Keyless Entry System (Option)	90
Operation	91
Remote Panic Alarm	91
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	91
Battery Replacement	92
Resynchronization	93
Sliding Door	93
Sliding Door Security Lock	94
Canceling the Sliding Door Security Lock	94
Hatch	96
Hatch Release	96
Theft	97
Key in the Ignition	97
Parking at Night	97
Parking Lots	97
Passlock	98
New Vehicle Break-In	98
Ignition Positions	99
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	100
Starting Your Engine	100
Fuel Regulator	101
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	102
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	102
Automatic Transmission Operation	103
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Switch	106
Parking Brake	106
Shifting Into PARK (P)	107
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running	109
Torque Lock	109
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	110
Parking Over Things That Burn	110
Engine Exhaust	111
Running Your Engine While You re Parked	111
Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)	112
All-Wheel Drive (Option)	113
Horn	113
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)	113
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	114
Turn and Lane Change Signals	114
Turn Signal On Chime	115
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	115
Flash-to-Pass	115
Windshield Wipers	116
Windshield Washer	116
Rear Window Washer/Wiper (Option)	117
Cruise Control (Option)	117
Setting Cruise Control	118
Resuming a Set Speed	118
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	119
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	119
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	119
Using Cruise Control on Hills	119
Ending Cruise Control	119
Erasing Speed Memory	119
Exterior Lamps	120
Automatic Headlamp System	121
Lamps On Reminder	121
Daytime Running Lamps	122
Interior Lamps	123
Instrument Panel Intensity Control	123
Exit Lighting	123
Illuminated Entry	123
Dome Lamps	123
Battery Run-Down Protection	124
Mirrors	124
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	124
Outside Manual Adjust Mirror	124
Power Remote Control Mirror (If Equipped)	125
Convex Outside Mirror	125
Storage Compartments	126
Overhead Console (Option)	128
Reading Lamps	128
Installing a Garage Door Opener	129
Driver Information System (If Equipped)	131
Sunglasses Storage Compartment	133
Convenience Net (Option)	133
Luggage Carrier (Option)	133
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	134
Sun Visors	135
Visor Vanity Mirror (If Equipped)	135
Accessory Power Outlets	136
HomeLink Transmitter (Option)	136
Programming the Transmitter	137
Operating the Transmitter	139
Training a Garage Opener with aRolling Code Feature (If Equipped)	139
Erasing Channels	140
Accessories	140
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	141
Instrument Panel Cluster	143
Speedometer and Odometer	144
Trip Odometer	144
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	144
Safety Belt Reminder Light	145
Air Bag Readiness Light	145
Charging System Indicator Light	146
Voltmeter	147
Brake System Warning Light	147
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	148
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	149
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)	149
If the Light Is Flashing	150
If the Light Is On Steady	151
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	152
Oil Pressure Gage	153
Security Light	154
Service AWD Light (If Equipped)	154
Tow/Haul Light	155
Check Gages Light	155
Fuel Gage	156
Low Fuel Light	156
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	157
Comfort Controls	158
Heating/Air Conditioning System (If Equipped)	158
Fan Knob	158
Temperature Knob	158
Function Knob	158
Heating System	159
Fan Knob	159
Temperature Knob	159
Function Knob	160
Rear Heating System (Option)	160
Rear Air Conditioning System (Option)	161
Air Conditioning	161
Heating	162
Defrosting	162
Rear Window Defogger (Option)	162
Ventilation System	163
Ventilation Tips	164
Audio Systems	164
Setting the Clock for Systems with SET Button	164
Setting the Clock for Systems with HR and MN Buttons	164
AM-FM Stereo	165
Playing the Radio	165
Finding a Station	165
Setting the Tone	166
Adjusting the Speakers	166
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	167
Playing the Radio	167
Finding a Station	167
Setting the Tone	168
Adjusting the Speakers	169
Playing a Compact Disc	169
Rear Seat Audio (If Equipped)	171
Remote Compact Disc Player (If Equipped)	172
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)	174
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature	175
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss	176
Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature	176
Understanding Radio Reception	177
AM	177
FM Stereo	177
Tips About Your Audio System	177
Care of Your Compact Discs	178
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	178
Fixed Mast Antenna	178
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	179
Defensive Driving	180
Drunken Driving	181
Control of a Vehicle	184
Braking	184
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	185
Using Anti- Lock	187
Braking in Emergencies	187
Steering	187
Power Steering	187
Steering Tips	187
Driving on Curves	187
Steering in Emergencies	188
Off-Road Recovery	189
Passing	190
Loss of Control	191
Skidding	191
Driving at Night	192
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	194
Hydroplaning	195
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	196
Driving Through Flowing Water	196
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	196
City Driving	197
Freeway Driving	198
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	199
Highway Hypnosis	200
Hill and Mountain Roads	200
Winter Driving	202
Driving on Snow or Ice	202
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	204
Recreational Vehicle Towing	205
Loading Your Vehicle	206
Payload	208
Trailering Package	208
Add-On Equipment	208
Towing a Trailer	209
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	210
Tow/Haul Mode	210
Weight of the Trailer	211
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	212
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	213
Hitches	213
Safety Chains	213
Trailer Brakes	214
Driving with a Trailer	214
Following Distance	215
Passing	215
Backing Up	215
Making Turns	216
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	216
Driving On Grades	216
Parking on Hills	217
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	217
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	217
Trailer Wiring Harness	218
Section 5 Problems on the Road	219
Hazard Warning Flashers	220
Other Warning Devices	221
Jump Starting	221
Towing Your Vehicle	225
Engine Overheating	225
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	226
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	227
Cooling System	228
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	230
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator	233
Engine Fan Noise	236
If a Tire Goes Flat	236
Changing a Flat Tire	237
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	238
Removing the Wheel Covers	241
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	242
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	249
Compact Spare Tire	250
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	251
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	252
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	253
Service	254
Doing Your Own Service Work	254
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	255
Fuel	255
Fuels in Foreign Countries	257
Filling Your Tank	257
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	259
Checking Things Under the Hood	260
Hood Release	260
Engine Compartment Overview	262
Engine Oil	263
Checking Engine Oil	263
When to Add Engine Oil	264
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	265
Engine Oil Additives	266
When to Change Engine Oil	266
What to Do with Used Oil	267
Engine Cover	267
Removing the Engine Cover	267
Installing the Engine Cover	271
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	271
Automatic Transmission Fluid	272
When to Check and Change	272
How to Check	273
Checking the Fluid Level	274
How to Add Fluid	275
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)	276
Transfer Case	276
When to Check Lubricant	276
How to Check Lubricant	276
What to Use	276
Front Axle	277
When to Check and Change Lubricant	277
How to Check Lubricant	277
What to Use	277
Rear Axle	277
When to Check and Change Lubricant	277
How to Check Lubricant	277
What to Use	278
Engine Coolant	278
What to Use	278
Checking Coolant	280
Adding Coolant	280
Radiator Pressure Cap	281
Power Steering Fluid	282
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	282
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	282
What to Use	282
Windshield Washer Fluid	282
What to Use	282
Adding Washer Fluid	283
Brakes	284
Brake Fluid	284
Checking Brake Fluid	285
What to Add	285
Brake Wear	286
Brake Pedal Travel	287
Brake Adjustment	287
Replacing Brake System Parts	287
Battery	287
Vehicle Storage	288
Bulb Replacement	288
Halogen Bulbs	288
Headlamps	289
Sealed Beam Lamps	289
Composite Headlamps	290
Front Turn Signal Lamps	292
Taillamps	293
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	294
Tires	295
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	295
When to Check	296
How to Check	296
Tire Inspection and Rotation	296
When It s Time for New Tires	298
Buying New Tires	298
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	299
Treadwear	300
Traction AA, A, B, C	300
Temperature A, B, C	300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	301
Wheel Replacement	301
Used Replacement Wheels	302
Tire Chains	302
Appearance Care	303
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	303
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	303
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	304
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	304
Cleaning Vinyl	305
Cleaning Leather	305
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	305
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	305
Care of Safety Belts	305
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	306
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades	306
Weatherstrips	306
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	306
Washing Your Vehicle	307
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	307
Finish Care	307
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	308
Cleaning Tires	308
Sheet Metal Damage	308
Finish Damage	309
Underbody Maintenance	309
Chemical Paint Spotting	309
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	310
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	311
Engine Identification	311
Service Parts Identification Label	311
Electrical System	312
Add-On Electrical Equipment	312
Headlamp Wiring	312
Windshield Wiper Fuses	312
Power Windows and Other Power Options	312
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	313
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	314
Underhood Electrical Center	316
Replacement Bulbs	319
Capacities and Specifications	320
Engine Specifications	320
Wheel Nut Torque	320
Cooling System Capacity	320
Crankcase Capacity	320
Fuel Tank Capacity	320
Transmission Capacity	320
Front Axle Capacity	321
Rear Axle Capacity	321
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	321
Vehicle Dimensions*	321
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	322
Introduction	323
Your Vehicle and the Environment	323
Maintenance Requirements	323
How This Section is Organized	324
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	325
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	325
Selecting the Right Schedule	325
Short Trip/City Definition Short Trip/City Intervals	326
Short Trip/City Intervals	327
Long Trip/Highway Definition	327
Long Trip/Highway Intervals	328
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance	329
Footnotes	329
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance	351
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	364
At Each Fuel Fill	364
Engine Oil Level Check	364
Engine Coolant Level Check	364
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	364
At Least Once a Month	364
Tire Inflation Check	364
At Least Twice a Year	365
Restraint System Check	365
Wiper Blade Check	365
Spare Tire Check	365
Weatherstrip Lubrication	365
Automatic Transmission Check	365
At Least Once a Year	366
Key Lock Cylinders Service	366
Body Lubrication Service	366
Starter Switch Check	366
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check	367
Ignition Transmission Lock Check	367
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check	368
Underbody Flushing Service	368
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	369
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	369
Exhaust System Inspection	369
Engine Cooling System Inspection	369
Throttle System Inspection	370
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All- Wheel Drive) Inspection	370
Brake System Inspection	370
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	371
Part E: Maintenance Record	373
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	376
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	377
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	379
Customer Assistance Offices	379
United States	379
Canada	380
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	380
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	380
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program	381
Canadian Roadside Assistance	382
Courtesy Transportation	383
Plan Ahead When Possible	383
Transportation Options	383
Shuttle Service	383
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	383
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	384
Additional Program Information	384
Warranty Information	384
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	385
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	385

Match case Limit results 1 per page

4-32

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit

restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure

your rig will be legal, not only where you live but

also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this

information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control if your trailer will

weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always

use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more

than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer

about sway controls.

Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,

axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you

tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and

don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your

engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the

heavier loads.

You should use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a

lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your

vehicle in THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will

minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your

transmission. See “Tow/Haul Mode” in the Index.

Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue

and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.

Tow/Haul Mode

The Tow/Haul Mode is a feature that assists when

pulling a heavy trailer. The purpose of the Tow/Haul

Mode is:

to reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a

heavy trailer.

to provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy

trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded.

to reduce the need to change throttle position when

pulling a heavy trailer.

This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on

the column shift lever. When the feature is on, a light on

the instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that the

Tow/Haul Mode has been selected.

See “Tow/Haul Mode Light” in the Index. The

Tow/Haul Mode is automatically turned off each time

the vehicle is started.