2003 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual
2003 Chevrolet Astro Manual
2003 Chevrolet Astro manual content summary:
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 1
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 2
The 2003 Chevrolet Astro Owner Manual Seats and Restraint Systems ...I-! Front Seats ...1-2 Rear Seats ...1-7 1-13 Safety Belts ...1-35 Child Restraints Air System Bag ...1-62 ...1-71 Restraint System Check Features and Controls ...2-1 2-2 Keys ...2-7 Doors Locks and 2-16 Windows ...2-18 Theft- - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 3
, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name CHEVY ASTRO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 4
in thisbook. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things thatcould hurt you if YOU were to ignore the warning. You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means "Don't,'' "Don't do this" or "Don't let this happen." These mean - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 5
Section 2 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 Climate Controls in Section 3 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3 Audio System(s) in Section 3 Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5 Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice will tell you about - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 6
OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAlTERY \\I/' I COMPLETELY rHEN SECURE CHILD SEAT DO NOT INSTALL A 'ORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION DOOR LOCK UNLOCK DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ***o 0.0 ea. ENGINE OIL PRESSURE W SERVICE POWER WINDOW LAMPS $0 ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ( ) @ MANUAL V - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 7
Model Reference This manual covers these models: Cargo Van Passenger Van vi - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 8
in the Right -1-59 Front Seat Position ...Air Bag System ...1-62 ...1-64 Where Are the Air Bags? When Should an Air Bag Inflate? ...1-66 What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ...1-67 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? ...1-67 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates? ...1.68 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 9
The bucket seats can be adjusted forward or rearward using the lever located under the front You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver's seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could with your body, to make sure that the seat is locked into place. 1-2 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 10
toward the rear of the vehicle. If your vehicle has this feature, there will be a knob located on the inboard side of the driver's and passenger's bucket seats. Turn the knob toward the front of the vehicle to increase lumbar support. Turn the knob toward the rear of the vehicle to decrease lumbar - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 11
is a lever located on the inside of the seat to adjust the seatback. You can adjust the seatback by lifting the lever and leaning back. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever, lean forward and the seatback will go to an upright position. But don - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 12
in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous.Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can't do their job when you're reclined like this. The shoulder belt can't do its job because it won't be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 13
located on the right rear of your seat. After the latch has been released, push the seatback toward the front of the vehicle until it locks into f the upright position. Make sure the seatback is locked whe t is back in the upright position. If the seatback isn't locked, it could move forward - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 14
on I INSERT KEY safety the belt. 2. If you have a safety belt guide on your seat, pull the safety belt all the way out through the guide. 3. To store the safety belt while the second row bench seat is removed, on the right rear of the seat. Push the seatback down until it locks into place. 1-7 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 15
out of the vehicle. Your seat release latch lever is operated with a two-stage mechanism. To fully release the latch, two levels of lift effort will be required. First, a low effort to overcome the first stage and then a moderate effort to fully release the latch. 1-8 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 16
the Rear Seats 1. Lower the seat into position. Make sure the front retainers are hooked onto the anchor pins. 2. Pull the seat down to latch the rear retainers. Make sure the seat is locked in by pulling up and down on the seat. A seat that isn't locked into place properly can move around in - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 17
into the upright position. Make sure the seatback is locked when it is back in the upright position. If you installed If you have a safety belt guide on your seat, pull the belt through the guide before reattaching the lap-shoulder belt seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 18
seat. Move the seat adjustment lever located at the front of the seat toward the passenger's side to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place. To adjust your - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 19
optional touring package, your vehicle will have a center console. To raise or lower the center console, press the button located between the beverage holders. Sit in the center seating position only when the console is in an upright and locked position. Bucket Seats For details about headrests - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 20
Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells . Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers' belts are fastened properly too. Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 21
safety belts. Here's why: They work. You never know if you'll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don't know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person wouldn't survive. But most crashes are - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 22
Sic-1 'I! uo au0aUlos ]nd - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 23
The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... or the instrument panel... 1-16 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 24
belts make such good sense. A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; safety belts - not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 25
. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most Position This part describes the driver's restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here's how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 26
Safety Belt Extender on page 1-34. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 27
that is right for you. To move push down, it it in attop the of the arrows and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to your shoulder 1-20 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 28
Q: What's wrong with this? You can be seriously hurt if your slI,ulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won't give nearly as much protection this way. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 29
Q: What's wrong with this? ' I canbeseriousinjured I i OUL --elt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would bethere, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 30
Q: What's wrong with this? 1 You can be seriously injured j o u r b e l l ,oes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 31
Q: What's wrong with this? feu can be se IUS injure f you wear ? shoulder belt under yourarm. In a crash, your body would move too forward, which would far increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 32
Q: What's wrong with this? You can be seriously injured by a twisted beltl In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-25 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 33
push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 34
front passenger's safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-18. The rightfront passenger's safety belt works the same way as the driver's safety belt - except for onething. If you everpull the lap portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 35
the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn't long enough, see - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 36
. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Lap-Shoulder Belt These positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here's how to wear one properly. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don't let it get twisted. 2. Push - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 37
is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-34. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so that you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 38
should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take restraining forces. belt The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-31 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 39
doesn't, you can get it from any GM dealer. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. To provide added safety - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 40
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 41
. But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 42
Child Restraints Older Children Q: What is the proper way to wear safety A: If possible, an older child should wear a belts? lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shouider beit can provide. The shouider belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 43
restraint that belts provides. A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see Rear Safety BeltComfort Guides for Children and Small Adults on page 1-32. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 44
I I Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt's force would then be applied right on the child'sabdomen. That could - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 45
Cargo Vans Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes much - until a crash. During a crash a baby will it. become so heavy it is not possible to hold CAUTION: (Continued) I I I 1-38 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 46
For example, in a crash atonly 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person's arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint. - Children who areup against, or very close - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 47
types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child's weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 48
The Ddy st. re of a young -.1ild is quite unlike that ofan adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child's hip bones are still small that the vehicle's so regular safety belt may not remain low on thehip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child's - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 49
__ born infants need complete support,neck. including support for the head and . This is necessary because a newborn infant's neck is weak and its head weighsso much compared with the rest its body. In a - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 50
their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn't weigh much - until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb.(1 10 kg) force on a person's arms. 1-43 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 51
Child Restraint Systems An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant's head rests toward the center of the vehicle. A rear-facing infant seat (B) - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 52
A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child's body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields. A booster seat (F-G) a child restraint designed to is improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. Some booster seats have a - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 53
in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 54
Except Cargo Vans Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, -facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you always do, move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It's better to secure - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 55
Cargo Vans strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be restraint is suitable for your child, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 56
. Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. If you have an adjustable head restraint, route the top strap under it. Once you have - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 57
you securea child restraint witha top strap onlyin the outboard positions of the second row. Bucket Seats: An anchoring point is located below the rear of the seat cushion on the spacer bar. Anchor the top strap through the two slots on the bar. Cargo Van Models Passenger Van Bucket Seats 1-50 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 58
third row, an anchor bracket is located at the rear of the seat cushion near the top rear of the seat leg for the right outboard seating position. If you have adjustable head restraints, raise the head restraint and route the top strap under it. Passenger Van Bench Seat (Second row) The third - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 59
in each of the bucket seats in the second row. In an eight passenger van, the anchors are located in the driver and passenger side seating positions of the second row bench seat. In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 60
Designed for the LATCH System", "Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position", "Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position", or "Securing a Child Restraint in a Right Front Seat Position" in the Index for information on howto secure a child restraint in your vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 61
Put the child restraint on the seat. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position 3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the top strap - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 62
in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 3. Tilt the latch plate to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 63
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to the vehicle's safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 1-56 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 64
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position Bench Seat You'll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See Top Strapon page 1-48 if the child restraint has one. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 65
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on thechild restraint belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 66
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a front passenger air bag. Never put a cargo van, do not use a rear-facing child restraint inthis vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraintis suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 67
as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 68
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 69
air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system: You ca - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 70
could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Anl,,le who is up against, manual called "Older Children" and "Infants and Young Children." 1-63 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 71
Canada There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG or the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-26 for more information. The - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 72
and an air bag, and don't attach or anything on the steering put wheel hub or on or near anyother air bag covering. The right front passenger's air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger's side. 1-65 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 73
When Should an Air Bag Inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal, or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system's designed "threshold level." If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn't move or deform, - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 74
of inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag, related and hardware areall part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. How Does an Air Bag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 75
quickly that some people may noteven realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -the steering wheel hub for the driver's air bag, or the instrument panel for the right frontpassenger's bag -will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 76
or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger's airbag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings. For up to minutes after the ignition key 10 is turned off and the battery disconnected, an is air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 77
from working properly? Q: If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle's frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 78
Restraint System Check Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 79
if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 80
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...-2-5 Doors and Locks ...2-7 Door Locks ...2.7 Front Doors ...2.8 Power Door Locks ...2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ...2.9 Leaving Your Vehicle ...-2-10 Sliding Side Door ...-2-10 Rear Doors ...-2-13 Windows ...2.16 Manual Windows ...2.16 Power Windows - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 81
Keys m m !aving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with children. 2-2 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 82
has one double-sided key for the ignition and door locks. It will fit with either side up. The bar-coded tag number of features that can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle you ever lock your keys if inside. Youmay even have to damage your vehicle to get in - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 83
hold the transmitter higher, and try again. Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5. If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service. 1. This device may not cause - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 84
. LOCK: Press LOCK to lock all the doors. Press LOCK again within three seconds and the horn will chirp. REAR 2X: When you press the REAR button twice within three seconds to unlock the rear hatch or cargo doors, the parking lamps will flash and the interior lights will go on. If the engine is - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 85
can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it's probably time to change the battery. To replace the battery, do the following: Notices When replacing the battery, use care - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 86
leave it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening. To lock the front doors and sliding side door from the inside, slide the manual lock levers down. To unlock the frontdoors and the sliding - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 87
the door open. Power Door Locks If your vehicle has power door locks, press the power door lock switch located on the door panel to lock or unlock all the doors at once. To open a front door from the inside, pull the lever toward you and push the door open. The power door lock switch will lock or - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 88
is moved back into PARK The following (P). instructions detail how toprogram your door locks. 2. Turn your key to RUN and OFF twice. Then, with the key in OFF, release the turn signaVmultifunction lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock switch lock and unlock. You are now ready to program - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 89
your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. To open the sliding side door, pull the handle toward the back and slide the door to the rear until it rests inthe open position. To close the sliding side door, pull the handle toward the front and slide the door forward - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 90
sliding door using the inside door handle. There are two labels on your vehicle to remind you that you have this feature. One can be seen from the outside on your sliding door. It is located near the bottom of the door glass, toward the front of the door. The other label is located on the front of - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 91
Cancelling the Sliding Door Security Lock To cancel the security lock, do the following: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside. 2. Move the lever all the way down. If your vehicle is facing downward on asteep grade (15 percent or more), the door may not stay open and could slam shut, - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 92
the driver's side rear door, pull on the latch release handle located on the inside of the door. To close the rear doors, close the driver's side door first. Check to make sure both doors are completely closed. The rear doors have a check assembly to keep the doors from opening beyond 90 degrees - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 93
are shut. Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See "Climate Controls" in the Index. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See "Engine Exhaust" in - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 94
without a key if the door lock system is unlocked. To open the hatch, unlock it, then press the button and lift the handle located in the center of the door. To lock the power lock system from the outside, insert the key in the hatch release button and turn it clockwise. All doors will lock. 2-15 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 95
suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. Manual Windows To operate your manual windows, turn the hand crank on each door to raise or lower your side - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 96
feature can be interrupted at any time by pressing the up arrow end of the switch. Lightly tap the switch to open the window slightly. Sun Visors To the controls are located on each of the front doors. The driver's door also has a switch for the front passenger window. Yourpower windows will not - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 97
is running and the SECURITY light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock@ system is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock@ at this time. You may also want to check the fuse. See - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 98
the Index for more information. e A (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things like the radio, power windowsand windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get into ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it towardyou. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 99
). D (RUN): This is the position for driving. E (START): This position starts your engine. B (LOCK): This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It's a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. Notice: If your key - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 100
work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't, your engine might not perform properly. Fuel Regulator You have a fuel regulator that shuts - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 101
'll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1IO-volt AC outlet. Plugging the cord i..__ mgrounc,, ,utlet _.. could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 102
in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever - push - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 103
NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 104
a tow/haul button. The button is located on the end of the column shift lever. You can use this feature to assist when towing or hauling a heavy load. To select the tow/haul mode, press in the button. The TOW/HAUL light on the instrument panel cluster will come on. To go back to normal - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 105
down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the brake release lever located on the lower left side of the steering column - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 106
can be dangerousto get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 107
Move the lever up as far as it will go. 3. Move the ignition key to LOCK. It can be dangerous toleave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 108
uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). Shifting Out of Park (P) Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 109
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine exhaust can kill. contains the gas It carbon monoxide(CO), which you can't or see smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 110
of your vehicle if the shift leveris not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you've left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 111
the tab back (toward you) for night driving. Outside Power Mirrors Outside Manual Mirrors Adjust your outside rearview mirrors so you can see a little of and the area beside and behind your vehicle, from a comfortable driving position. You can fold the mirrors inward before entering a car wash. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 112
arrows located on the four-way control pad to move the mirror in the desired direction. To make sure you do not accidentally move a mirror, return the selector switch to the middle position (off lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 113
of the device. Changes and modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to activate devices such as gate operators, garage door openers, entry door locks, security systems and home lighting. Additional HomeLink,@information can be found on the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 114
a second and/or third transmitter to the remaining two HomeLink@buttons. 2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter about 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from the HomeLink@ buttons while keeping the indicator light in view. 3. Simultaneously press and hold both the desired button on HomeLink - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 115
1 as this will erase all of the programmed channels. If the indicator light blinks rapidly for two seconds and then turns to a constant light, continue with out" in the same manner. 6. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit) in the garage, locate the "Learn" or "Smart" button. This can - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 116
@button for at least half of a second. The indicator light will come on while the signal is being transmitted. Erasing HomeLinP about 20 seconds until the indicator light begins to flash. 2. Continue to hold both buttons until the HomeLink@ indicator light turns off. 3. Release both buttons. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 117
Storage Areas If you have rear storage compartments, pull up on the lid to open the cover. Your front storage compartmenVglove box is at the center of the engine cover. To open the compartment. press the two tabs together and pull. 2-38 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 118
passenger's side of the engine cover console. The overhead console includes reading lamps, a compartment for a garage door opener, a trip computer, will work whenthe ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY orwhen Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See "Retained Accessory Power" under lgnition Positions - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 119
near each lamp to turn the reading lamps on and off. Installing a Garage Door Opener If you have a garage door opener, the front overhead compartment can be used to conveniently store the opener. 1. To install the garage door opener, first open the compartment door by pressing the latch forward - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 120
sure the button on the compartment door will contact the control button on the garage door opener. 6. Now, with the compartment door closed, press the button again to make sure the garage door opener operates properly. With the garage door opener positioned properly and the right number of pegs - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 121
the vehicle is facing. Before you turn on the ignition and move the vehicle, the temperature indicated will be the last outside temperature recorded , so it does not need be to manually set. However, if C (Calibration) is displayed, the compass will need to be calibrated. You may alsoplace - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 122
: Once in the TRIP mode, pressing the MODE button will take you through the following TRIP functions: 0 AVG ECON (Average Economy): The average fuel economy since the last reset is displayed. INST ECON (Instantaneous Economy): Instantaneous fuel economy for the last second of driving is displayed - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 123
The luggage carrier has side rails and crossrails attached to the roof to secure cargo. Be sure the cargo is properly loaded. Follow these guidelines: Carrying small, heavy loads on the purpose of wind noise reduction, locate the front and rear crossrails in line with the two center supports. 2-44 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 124
carrier. Put the main weight as far forward as you can. Don't exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29. To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you're driving, check now and then to make - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 125
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 126
3 Instrument Panel Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light ...3.29 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage i . 3-39 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...3.30 Oil Pressure Gage ...3.34 Security Light ...-3-35 Service All-Wheel Drive Light ...3.35 Tow/Haul Mode Light ...3.36 Check Gages Warning Light ...3-36 Fuel Gage - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 127
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 128
Flasher Button Transmission Shift Lever Ignition Switch Rear Defogger Button (Option) Climate Controls Rear A/C Control (Option) I. Rear Heater Control (Option) Y. Rear WasherNViper Switch (Option) L. Front Ashtray M. Dome Override Button N. Hood Release 0. Cigarette Lighter P. Audio System - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 129
button is located on top of the steering column. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in. Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 130
highest level to give your legs more room when You exit theand enter vehicle. The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is located on the left side of the steering column. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever. Move the steering wheel to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 131
) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. An arrow on the instrument Dane1 cluster will flash in the direction of the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 132
indicator light located on theinstrument panel cluster also will be on. Turn Signal On Chime If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the turn signal. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal lever to the center position. Flash - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 133
band to HIGH for steady wiping at high speed. DELAY: Turn the band to one of the five delay settings located between OFF and LOW, to choose the delayed wiping cycle. The closer the band is turned to OFF, the shorter the delay will be. In freezing weather, don't u- - your washer until the windshield - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 134
The rear window washer'wiper is controHed byusing the switch located on the instrument panel, next to the audio system. For delay wiping, slide the switch up to the center position next to the word DELAY on the rear wiper control. The wiper will cycle every nine seconds. To wash the window, push in - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 135
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control. Don't use cruise control on slippery roads. 1. Move the cruise control switch to ON. 2. Get up to the speed you want. 3. Press in the SET button at the end of the lever and release it - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 136
the switch at R/A, the vehicle will keep going faster until you release the switch or apply the brake. So unless you want to go faster, don't hold the switch at R/A. There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: Press the button at the end of the lever until you reach - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 137
drivers find this to be too much trouble and don't usecruise control on steep hills. Ending Cruise Control There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: Step lightly on the brake pedal. Move the cruise switch to OFF. The exterior lamp control is located on the driver's side of the instrument - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 138
headlamp system will only be affected when thelight sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay. 0 (Off): Turning the control to this position turns off all lamps except the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). %: (Parking Lamps): Turning the control to this position turns on the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 139
conditions are met: The ignition is on, the exterior lamp control is off. the automatic transmission is not in PARK (P), the light sensor determines it is daytime and the parking brake is released. When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 140
this feature is located to the right of the exterior lamps control. (Instrument Panel Brightness): Turn the thumbwheel up to brighten the lights or down to dim them. Moving the thumbwheel up to the first position will activate the interior dome lamps. Exit Lighting With exit lighting, the interior - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 141
). You can also turn the dome lamps on by turning the thumbwheel, located next to the exterior lamp control, all the way up. In this position, the dome lamps will remain on whether a door is opened or closed. You can use the DOME OVERRIDE button, located near the exterior lamp control, to set the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 142
left side of the engine cover console. The front ashtray is located above the passenger's side front cupholder. To remove the front ashtray, open it and gently pull it slightly past its stop. You may have another ashtray on the driver's sidewall. Press the right side to turn the ashtray around for - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 143
. To change the current mode, select one of the following: +2(Bi-Level): This mode directs approximately half of the air to the instrument panel outlets and (Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed. Temperature Control: Turn the center knob - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 144
windshield, with some going to the floor outlets and front side windows. The air conditioning compressor may operate in this setting to dehumidify the air. area and the fan control toward high. The thumbwheel for this system is located to the right of the audio system. Turn the thumbwheel up or - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 145
speed in the rear-seating area, from the front-seating area. This feature works with the main climate-control system in your vehicle. Directing the Airflow To knob located on the main climate-control panel. The thumbwheel for this system is located to the right of the rear-heating system. Turn the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 146
RUN. The rear window defogger will turn off several minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the defogger will run for several more minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning off the engine. Notice: Don't use a razor - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 147
of air into your vehicle. 2. Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may adversely affect the performance of the system. 3. Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more effectively. Move the thumbwheel in the center of the outlets up - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 148
also save you or others from injury. Warning lights come on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine just to let you know they're working - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 149
Instrument Panel Cluster Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how fast you're going, about how much fuel you've used, and many other things you'll need to know to drive safely and economically. United States version shown, - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 150
The digital odometer will read 999,999 if someone tries to turn it back. You put on the driver's door to show the old mileage reading when the new will appear in place of your regular odometer when you press the TRIP button. To reset the trip odometer, press and hold the TRIP button. To change - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 151
an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG or the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensor, the air bag modules, the wiring and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 152
system problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. stays on after you start your vehicle. The air bag readiness light should flash for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 153
If you must drive, turn off all unnecessary accessories. Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Brake System Warning Light When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on when you set - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 154
should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If it doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's a problem. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning light With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when you start your engine and may stay on for - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 155
Lamp Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada SERVICE ENGINE SOON It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 156
, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light comes on and a chime will sound to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 157
trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible. If the Light Is On Steady You may turn the light off. Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See Gasoline Octane on page 5-5.Poor fuel quality will cause your engine - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 158
one or more of these conditions, change the fuel brand you use. it will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If none of the above steps have made the light turn off, have your dealer or qualified service center check the vehicle. Your dealer has the proper - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 159
is low. If you do, your engine can becomeso hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon possible and have as your vehicle serviced. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kPa (kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 160
Security Light This light will come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to START. Service All-Wheel Drive Light This light should come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, as a check to show you it is working. SERVICE AWD The light will stay on until the engine starts. If the light - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 161
see "Tow/Haul Mode" in Towing a Trailer on page 4-31. I Check Gages Warning Light The CHECK GAGES light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. United States Canada The fuel gage tells you approximately how much fuel you have remaining when the ignition is on. When the gage first - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 162
ask about. None of these indicate a problem with your fuel gage: 0 Low Fuel Warning Light The LOW FUEL light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. At the gas station, the gas pump the gage reads full. shuts off before The fuel tank will take either a little more or a little - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 163
the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio system even after the ignition is turned off. See "Retained Accessory Power (RAP)" under Ignition Positions on page 2- 79. Setting the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 164
AM-FM Radio Finding a Station AM-FM: Press this knob to switch between AM, FMI and FM2. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Turn this knob to tune in radio stations. SEEK D : Press the right or the left arrow to seek to the next or to the previous station - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 165
station. 2. Press SET. SET will appear on the display. Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) BAL (Balance): Turn the control ring behind the upper knob to left or the right speakers. FADE: Turn the control ring behind the lower knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. 3. Press - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 166
is available with the ignition turned off. Finding a Station AM FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored position when you're not - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 167
the next station. Press either SEEK arrow again to stop scanning. The radio will seek and scanonly to stations that are in the selected band and only to stations (six AM, to six FM1 andsix FM2) by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM FM to select AM, FM1 or FM2. 3. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 168
to move the sound toward the right or the left speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. Return these knobs to their stored positions when you're not using them. AUTO TONE (Automatic Tone): Press this knob to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 169
Sound is muted in this mode. 2 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to play the tracks on the disc in random, rather than sequential, order. RANDOM will appear on the display. Press this pushbutton again to return to normal play. FWD 6 (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to advance rapidly - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 170
a CD when listening to the radio. When a disc is playing, the letters CD and the CD symbol will appear on the display. If the radio is turned off, the disc will stay in the player and will resume playing at the point where it stopped. Compact Risc Messages ERR (Error): If this message appears - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 171
the lower headphone. AM FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FMI and FM2. If the front passengers are already listening to the radio, the RSA controller will not switch between the bands and cannot change the frequency. Press AM FM to return to listening to the radio when a CD is playing. The - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 172
@is activated, the radio will display LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery power has been interrupted. If your battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code before it will operate. P.SET PROG (Preset Program): The front passengers must be listening - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 173
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature The instructions which follow explain how to enter your the volume knob will begin flashing when the ignition is turned off. 4. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time. Hold them down until - - - shows on the display. Next you will use the secret - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 174
remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won't turn on and LOC will appear on the display. To unlock a secured radio, see Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature Aftera Power Loss earlier in this section. 3-49 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 175
you should replace it. Check occasionally to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender. If tightening is required, tighten by hand, then with a wrench one quarter turn. Care of Your CDs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 176
Driving ...4.20 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ...4.21 Defensive Driving ...4.2 Highway Hypnosis ...4.22 Drunken Driving ...4-3 Control of a Vehicle ...4-6 Hill and Mountain Roads ...4-22 Braking ...4-6 Winter Driving ...4-24 Steering ...4-9 I f You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, ...4.28 Off-Road Recovery - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 177
mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It's the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Defensive - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 178
highway safety problem is for people cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured. The drinker's body weight - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 179
person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 180
greater! The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. "1'11 be careful" isn't the right answer. What if there's an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 181
the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied. Sometimes, as when you're driving on snow or ice, it's easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 182
to push. Anti-lock Brake System Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When you start your engine and begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 183
ABS: A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 184
lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Using Anti-Lock Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 185
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 child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking - if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 186
the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 187
close. Time your move you will be so increasing speed asthe time comes to move into up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn't trying to pass theslow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blindspot. "Drive ahead." Look down the road - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 188
down or starting to turn. If you're being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right. Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts sayabout what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 189
will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 190
't see as well, you may need to Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you're driving, don't light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it's easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be checked - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 191
streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts. Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn't as good as on dry roads. 4-16 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 192
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally. Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 193
. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine's air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water thatis slightly lower than the underbody - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 194
there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light. One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 195
the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it's slower Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn't another vehicle in your "blind - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 196
inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? e e Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 197
with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy road ahead and to the sides. Check your mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 198
Check all fluid levels and also the brakes brakes have will to do all the work of slowing down. Theycould get so hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then havepoor braking or even none going down ahill. You could crash. Always have your engine warn of special problems. Examples arelong grades - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 199
, a flashlight, a red cloth and reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece slippery situation. You'll have a lot less traction or "grip" and will needto be very careful. Here are some tips for winter driving: Have your - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 200
will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Your anti-lock brakes brake while you're actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers. What's the worst time for this? "Wet ice." Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 201
near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful. 4-26 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 202
your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn't collect there. Open a window just a little on the side the of vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help keep CO out. Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 203
turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you will . That could cause an engine compartment fire or otherdamage. When you' - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 204
driver's door. The label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, cargo and tongue weight, if - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 205
GAWR for either the front or rear axle. will change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. \ - 3 not load your Using heavier suspension components to get added durability might not change your weight - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 206
rear axle maintenance is required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Index. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section. 4-3 1 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 207
many are, it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason for this part. In - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 208
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 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 209
and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. You can ask your dealer for ourtrailering informationor advice, or you can write at the addresslisted in your us Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet. In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 210
weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will label at the rear edge of the driver's door or see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29. Then be - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 211
weigh more than 2,000 Ibs. (900 kg.), be sure to use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good handling when you're driving. Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 212
, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 213
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 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 214
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. You can , consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately after towing - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 215
in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. start your engine, shift into a gear, and release the parking brake. 2. Let - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 216
your vehicle between the rear door and the floor, with enough of the harness left on both sides so that the trailer or the body won't pull it. If you do not have the optional trailering package, your vehicle will still have a trailering harness. The harness is located near the passenger's side rear - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 217
P R - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 218
Portable Fuel Container ...5-10 Checking Things Under the Hood ...5-1 1 Hood Release ...5.11 Engine Compartment Overview ...5.14 Engine Oil ...5.15 Engine Cover ...5.20 Engine Cleaner/Filter Air ...5.24 Automatic Transmission Fluid ...5.25 Engine Coolant ...5.28 Radiator Pressure Cap ...5.30 Engine - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 219
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Electrical System ...5.92 Add-on Electrical Equipment ...5-92 Headlamp Wiring ...5-92 Windshield Wiper Fuses ...5-92 Power Windows and Other Power Options ...5-92 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...5-93 Capacities and Specifications ...3-99 Capacities and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 220
your service needs. You'll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. service work, you'll want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 221
a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work you perform. See Part E: Maintenance Record on . Check with your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle. You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 222
damage your engine. A little pinging noise when you accelerate or drive uphill is considered normal. This does not indicate a problem exists or that a higher-octane fuel is necessary. If you are using 87 octane or higher-octane fuel and hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. Canada Only - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 223
standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on (see Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-30 ) and your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 224
General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer for service. Fuels - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 225
Filling Your Tank Fuel vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don't smoke if you're near fuel or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel. The tethered fuel cap is behind a hinged door on the driver's side of - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 226
hang by the tether below the fuel fill opening. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. Be careful not to spill fuel. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 227
, it may not fit properly. This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and may damage your fuel tank and emissions system. See "Malfunction lndicator Lamp" in the Index. Never fill a portable fuel container while is in it your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 228
fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine. To open the hood, do the following: 1. Pull the handle located inside - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 229
the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release. 3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 230
Return the prop to its retainer. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly. 5-13 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 231
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 232
Oil Dipstick D. TransmissionDipstick E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter F.Engine Oil Fill G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir I. Battery Engine Oil It is importanttokeepengine oil at the proper level. Checking Engine Oil It's a good idea to check yourengine oil every - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 233
use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-99. The engine oil fill cap is located on the valve cover in the engine compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle. Your vehicle may have a cap with - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 234
this starburst symbol. If you chooseto perform the engine oil change service yourself, be sure the oil you use has the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, besure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 235
Additives Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection. When to Change Engine Oil If any one of these are true for you, use the short tripkity maintenance schedule: Most trips are less than 5 miles - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 236
Change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months - whichever occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under highway conditions will cause engine problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 237
Engine Cover Removing the Engine Cover and passenger's side corners. 1. Move both front seats as far back as they will go. 5-20 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 238
5 + 0 a, a, U c a - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 239
pull down gently to remove it. 6. Loosen the two bolts on the engine cover. The bolts are not supposed to come out the cover, only from of the front of the dash. When removing thecover, be careful not to damage the instrument panel or the trim. 7. Disconnect the AM radio ground strap. 5-22 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 240
the way forward. Make sure the rubber seal is over the latches. 2. Tighten the two bolts located on the engine cover to reinstall the cover to the front of the dash. 3. Put the heaterduct over the engine cover studs. Push up onthe duct gently until it snaps into place. 4. Reconnect the electrical - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 241
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on page 6-4. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for more information on location. 3. Change the filter. 4. Snap both clips to secure the engine air cleaner/filter cover. Be sure the engine air cleaner/filter cover is correctly positioned to seal out - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 242
any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km). How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 243
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. The transmission dipstick has a red handle and is located near the center of the engine compartment behind the air cleaner. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 244
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Don't then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under "How to Check." When the correct - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 245
have a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating on page 5-3I . A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will: Give is system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. addition, the engine coolant In will require change sooner at 30, - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 246
the system. These can be harmful. Checking Coolant r Lvrl DEX-COOL@ L A A The engine coolant tank is located in the engine compartment on the passenger's side at the front. See Engine Compartment Overview on page5-14 for more information on location. Turning the radiato ressure cap when the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 247
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 L The radiator pressure cap is located in the engine compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle. Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 248
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on your vehicle's instrument panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-30. Sean, ,ram an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if yousee or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 249
Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little 'turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 250
ADD mark. A If it isn't, you may have a leak at the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. A. Coolant Recovery Tank B. Radiator Pressure Cap C.Engine Cooling Fan If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 251
the engine coolant In will require change sooner at 30,000miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ not covered by your new vehicle is warranty. How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven't found a problem yet - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 252
coolant and the proper coolant mixture. 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. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the ADD mark, start your - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 253
a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly.They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap - even a little- they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap whenthe cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 254
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 255
3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28 for more information about the proper coolant mixture. 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the ADD mark. 5. Put the cap - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 256
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under this fan noise when you start the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 257
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. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for reservoir location. 5-40 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 258
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 ifit is completely full. Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your windshield washer. It can damage your washer system and paint. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 259
when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See Engine Compadment Overview on page 5-14 for the location of the reservoir. 5-42 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 260
.. >rake fluid, it can spill on t the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work i done on the brake s hydraulic system. See "Checking Brake Fluid" in this section. MIN / \\ \ Refer to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 261
the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from enterinn the reservoir. Notice: 0 Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, suchas engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they'll - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 262
well.That could lead to an accident. Whenyou hear thebrake wear Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 263
an ACDelco@ battery. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-74 for battery location. Warnings Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. 5-46 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 264
Vehicle Storage If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 265
the cigarette lighter or accessory poweroutlets. Turn off all lamps that aren't needed as well as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. In addition, it couldsave your radio! 4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 266
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (-) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine Don't let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 267
Notice: Damage to your vehicle may result from The other end of the negative (-) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part, or to a remote negative (-) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery. electrical shorting if jumper cables are removed - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 268
had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from 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. Jumper Cable Removal A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 269
in this section also apply to these vehicles. However, there are two additional systems that need lubrication. Transfer Case When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See Part C: Periodic Maintenance lnspections on page 6-30. How to - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 270
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole. What to Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use. See Part D: Recommended Fluids and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 271
Front Axle When to Check and Change Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on page 6-4. If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you may need to add some lubricant. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 272
screws and the retainer. For the type of bulbs, see Replacement Bulbs O I J page 5-6 1. Halogen Bulbs Haloc_ I bulbs have pressurized gas inside and the can burst if you drop or scratch bulb. You or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package. 5-55 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 273
2. Pull the connector out and unplug the lamp. Composite Headlamps 1. Open the hood. 2. Remove the two screws from the sidemarkedturn signal lamp. 3. Plug the new lamp into the connector. 4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reinstall the headlamp. 5-56 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 274
4. Remove the screw located behind the corner reflector to remove the entire corner reflector. 3. Completely remove the sidemarkedturn signal lamp by pulling out the assembly and disconnecting the sidemarkedturn signal lampsockets from the lamp. 5-57 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 275
one from the corner reflector pocket and the two remaining from the composite assembly. 8. Install the new bulb into the composite assembly by turning it clockwise until it is completely tightened. 9. Reinstall the composite assembly by installing and tightening all of the screws previously removed - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 276
Front Turn Signal Lamps 1. Remove the two screws at the inside edge of Gently push the new bulb into the socket. 7. Put the socket back into the lamp assembiy and turn it clockwise until it locks. 8. Put the parkinghurn signal lamp assembly back into the vehicle and tighten the screws. 3. Squeeze - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 277
Taillamps 1. Open the rear door. 2. Remove the two screws from behind the door. 3. Pull out the taillamp assembly so you can see the socket. 5-60 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 278
the socket counterclockwise to remove the socket from the bezel: If the socket does not have a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise to remove the socket from the bezel. Replacement Bulbs I I Exterior Lamp Halogen Headlamps Sealed Beam Halogen Headlamps Composite 1 I Bulb Number H6054 I9006 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 279
be inspected at least twice a year for wear and cracking. See "Wiper Blade Check in At Least Twice a Year on page 6-26 for more information. To replace . Make sure the tabs are locked into position. See Normal Maintenance Replacement Partson page 5- 10I for the proper type of replacement blade. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 280
manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your GMC Warranty booklet for details. 0 Poorl! lail - J n cause serious injury. Check all tires frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when your tires are - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 281
is on the rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold. 'Cold fuel economy If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get the following: Unusual wear Badhandling 0 Roughride Needless damage from road hazards When to Check Check - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 282
pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the ratchevwheel wrench to tighten the cable. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-71. Maintenance Services," in Section 6, for scheduled rotation intervals. After the tires have beenrotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 283
when it's time for newtires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear whenyour tires have only 1/16 inch will continue to have tires that are designed to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other things during normal service location of the damage. 5-66 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 284
-. JOlose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, -production tires. While the tires available on General Motors passenger cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these grades, they must - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 285
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 286
lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement. Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or -~ odometer calibration - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 287
a new original equipment wheel. GM If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 288
by driving slowly a levelplace. Turn on your hazard to warning flashers. Changing a tire can causean injury. brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire. 3. Turn off the engine. 4. Put the wheel blocksat the front - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 289
of the cover. 2. Remove the wheel blocks by turning the top nut counterclockwise. Remove the nut and washer, then pull the wheel blocks off the bolt. 3. Push down on the bolt and remove the hooked end from the slot. Slide the jack toward the front of the vehicle and lift it from the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 290
The ratchet has an UP side. It also has a DOWN side. Your compact spare tire is stored underneath the rear of your vehicle. You will use the ratchet and extension to lower the compact spare tire. 5-73 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 291
end and a flat chisel end. 5. Put the flat end of the extension on an anglethrough the hole in the rear door frame, abovethe bumper. Be surethe flat end the cable is restored. 6. Turn the ratchet counterclockwise to lower the compact spare tire to the ground. Keep turning the ratchet until the spare - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 292
tools you'll be using include the jack (A), wheel blocks (B), extension (C) and ratchet (D). To remove the hub cap from the aluminum wheel, fit the flat end of the extension into the notch. Then, remove the center cap. 5-75 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 293
the DOWN side facing you, turn the ratchet and socket to loosen all the wheel nuts counterclockwise. Don't remove them yet. 3. The jack has a bolt on the end. Attach the socket end of the extension to the jack bolt. Lhe jack improperly Ra.,.ng your vehicle positioned can damage the vehicle and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 294
I 4. Attach the ratchet to the extension with the UP side facing you. c B Front Position 5. Turn the ratchet clockwise. That will raise the jack lift head a little. A. Front Jack Location B. Jack C. Ratchet and Extension 6. Position the jack under the vehicle. 5-77 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 295
. . B' Rear Position A. Rear Jack Location B. Jack C. Ratchet and Extension C 7. Raise the vehicle by turning the ratchet clockwise. Make sure the UP mark faces you. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 296
the compact spare tire. Put the nuts on by hand. Make sure the cone-shaped end is toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub. If a nut can't be turned by hand, use the extension and see your dealer as soon as possible. Rust - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 297
12. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown. Turn the ratchet clockwise with the UP mark facing you. Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brakerepairs, evenly tighten thewheel nuts in the proper sequence and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 298
Put the flat end of the extension on an angle through the hole in the rear door frame, above the instructions label to restore your compact spare properly. 4. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle by turning and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If the tire moves, use the - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 299
can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in case you need it again . Notice: When the compact spare is installed, don't take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 300
sure to follow the manufacturer's warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you're cleaning the inside. Never use these to clean your vehicle: 0 0 0 Don't use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: Alcohol Laundry Soap - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 301
change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. - Special Fabric Cleaning Problems a whole trim panel or section. Mask follow the cleaner instructions described earlier. - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 302
to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don't get them off - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 303
avoid surface scratches and water spotting. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing Your Vehicle." 5-86 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 304
beads do not form when you rinse it with water. Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades and affect their performance. Clean the blade by full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water. Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary; replace blades that - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 305
in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into major repair expense. Minor scratches can be repaired withtouch-up materials avaliable from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer's - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 306
dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust} can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, the paint surface. Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 307
I Wash Wax Concentrate Usage Medium foaming shampoo. Cleans and lightly waxes. Biodegradable and DhosDhate free. Quickly and easily removes Shine Low Gloss I fine scratches and other light surface contamination. Odor Eliminator Removes light scratches and protects finish. Cleans, shines and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 308
Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Service Parts Identification Label You'll find this label on the front passenger door frame. It's very helpful if you ever need to order parts.On this label is: yourVIN, the model designation, paint information and a list of all production - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 309
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away. Headlamp Wiring The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker in the lamp switch. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to flicker on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your headlamp wiring checked right away - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 310
greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver- located in the underhood fuse block. You can remove fuses with the fuse puller. Remember to replace any of the spare fuses you use, so you will have some if you ever need them again. If you ever have a problem - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 311
, Panel Lights, Trailer Taillamps, Front and Rear Sidemarker Lamps, Door Switch Illumination, Headlamp Switch Illumination, Rear Seat Audio Illumination, Truck Body Control Module 4 5 6 8 FuseKircuit Breaker 1 Usage Stop/Turn/Hazard Lamps, Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, Anti-Lock Brakes Radio - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 312
Body Module, Headlamp Relay Front TurnSignals, Rear Turn 16 Signals, Trailer Turn Signals, Back-up Lamps, BrakeTransmission Shift Interlock Solenoid FuseKircuit Breaker 17 18 19 20 Usage Front Wipers, Front Washer Pump VCM-lgn 3, VCM-Brake, Cruise Stepper Motor Signal, ATC Module Instrument Panel - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 313
Fuse Block The underhood fuse block is located toward the rear of the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle. Lift the hood and open the cover to gain access to this fuse block. A fuse puller is included in the underhood fuse block. You will also find spare fuses. Feed AUX - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 314
used Fuel Pump Relay and Motor, VCM, Oil Pressure Switch/Sender Horn Relay and Horn Air Conditioning Enable Relay and Compressor Rear Heater and Air Conditioning Active Transfer Case-L Van Front Heater and Air Conditioning Oxygen Sensors, Camshaft Position Sensor, Mass Air Flow Sensor, Evaporative - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 315
/Hazard Fuse, Auxiliary Power Fuse, Cigarette Lighter Fuse, Radio Battery Fuse Fuse/Circuit Breaker IGN A IGN B ABS Blank RAP HTD MIRI RR DEFOG Usage Starter Relay, Ignition Switch Ignition Switch Electronic Brake Control Module Not Used Radio Accessory, Power Windows Rear Window Defogger, Climate - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 316
label under the hood for charge capacity information and requirements. Engine Specifications "Vortec" 4300 V6 MFI* 1-6-5-4-3-2 I *Micro Fuel IniectionTire Pressures - See Loadina Vehicle Your on m a e 4-29. I Capacities and Specifications I Capacities I Fuel Transmission Fluid (Drain and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 317
Axle 2.6 pints 3.5 pints Capacities English 1 Metric 1.2 L 1.7 L Refrigerant Type 134a Front A/C Front and Rear A/C 2.25 Ibs. 3.0 Ibs. 1.02 kg 1.36 kg 1 Ail capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual. recheck the fluid level - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 318
manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM truck dealer. Part Number PF47* I Engine Oil Filter Valve Ventilation (PCV) kcase Positive CV769C* 41 -932* GF481* I Spark Plugs I Fuel Filter Wiper Blades (Front - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 319
- 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 320
Fuel System Inspection ...6.30 Engine Cooling System Inspection ...6.30 Throttle System Inspection ...-6-31 Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel Drive) Inspection ...-6-31 Brake Scheduled Maintenance ...6.18 Part B: Owner Checks and Services ...6.26 At Each Fuel Fill ...6-26 At Least Once a - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 321
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly. 1 KEEP ENGINE C AT THE PROPER LEVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED ~~ 1 Maintenance Requirements Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 322
should let your dealer's service department or another qualified serIine center do these jobs. "Part B: Owner Checks and Services" tells you what should be checked and when. It also work. If you want to get the service information, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-I 1. 6-3 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 323
are to be performed at the mileage intervals specified. This part tells you the maintenance services you should have done and when you should schedule them. When you go to your dealer for your service needs, you'll know that GM-trained and supported sewice people will perform the work using GM - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 324
50000 km): Engine Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel Filter Replacement. Every 50,000 Miles (83000 km): Automatic Transmission Service (normal conditions). Transfer Case Fluid Change. Every 100,000Miles (166000 km): Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive Crankcase Ventilation - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 325
(50 000 km): Fuel Filter Replacement. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Front Wheel Bearing Repack (two-wheel drive only) (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first). Every 50,000 Miles (83000 km): Automatic Transmission Service (normal conditions). Transfer Case Fluid Change. Every 100 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 326
Inspections on page 6-30. 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) 0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 327
-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first). 18,000 Miles (30000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 328
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. 0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at eachbrake relining, whichever occurs first). 0 Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote t.) B Replace engine air cleaner - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 329
axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. 33,000 Miles (55 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 330
000 km) CI Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. U Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) c1 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 331
your automatic transmission fluid, change both the fluid and filter. 0 Change transfer case fluid. whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. U Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) 0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 332
not use your vehicle underany of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km). 0 Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote f.) 0 Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. 0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 333
for leaking. 66,000 Miles (110 000 km) Cl Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) c3 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as needed - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 334
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. U Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) 0 For Two-Wheel-Drivevehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel bearings at each brake relining - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 335
every 3 months, 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, 0 0 whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) D Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 336
(or every 3 months, 93,000 Miles (155 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 01 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) 0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 337
the fluid and filter. 0 Change transfer case fluid. Cl Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. An Emission Control Service. 150,000 Miles (240 000 km) 0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See Engine Coolant on page - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 338
See footnote +). 15,000Miles (25000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. C Lubricate chassis components (or l every 12 months, whichever occurs first).(See footnote#). 0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as needed - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 339
. (See footnote +). 30,000Miles (50 000 km) Cl Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #). U Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 340
taxi, police or delivery service. 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occursfirst). An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote#). 0 Check readfront axle fluid level and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 341
pattern and additional information. (See footnote +). 0 Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote t). 0 Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 342
(See footnote +). 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) CI Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. U Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #). 0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 343
-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first). 0 Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote t). 0 Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. 0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 344
plugs. An Emission Control Service. 0 If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transmission fluid, change both the fluid and filter. 0 Change transfer case fluid. 0 Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 345
inflated to the correct pressures. Don't forget to check your spare tire. See Tires on page 5-63 for further details. At Each Fuel Fill It is important foryou or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill. Engine Oil Level Check Check the engine oil level and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 346
correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-71. At Least Once a Year Key Lock Cylinders Service Lubricate the key - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 347
Starte' emvitnCI Check Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Co -. I System Check - - When you are doing this check, the vehicle any other position, your vehicle needs service. 3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but don't start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 348
,andwith the parking brake set, tw to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. 0 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 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 349
may be found in a service manual. See Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11. 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 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 350
braking. Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel Drive) Inspection Every 12 months, or at engine oil change intervals, check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant when necessary. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. Check and have it repaired, if needed. Check vent hose at transfer case - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 351
Brake Cable Guides Fluid/Lubricant Engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines Engine Coolant Coolant. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28. t Power System Automatic Transmission Key Lock Brake System Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid. Front - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 352
Front Axle (GM Part No. U S . 1052271, in Canada 10950849, or SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 378261, in Canada 10953455) equivalent meeting 0-TRAK II Fluid No. U.S. 12378508 Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl Hood and Door Case 6-33 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 353
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service and any additional information from "Owner Checks and Services" or "Periodic Maintenance" on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 354
MaintenanceRecord (cont'd) - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 355
Maintenance Record (cont'd) 6-36 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 356
...7-1P Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ...7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ...7-11 Service Publications Ordering Information ...7-1I Customer Assistance Information ...7-2 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ...7-2 Online Owner Center ...7-4 Customer Assistance for - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 357
. If the matter has already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts manager, contact the owner of the dealership panel and visible through the windshield.) Dealership nameand location Vehicle delivery date and present mileage When contacting Chevrolet, please remember that your concern will - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 358
free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in your case, you may reject it Eligibility is limited by vehicle age, mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 359
information about your specific vehicle. including tips and videos and an electronic version of this owner's manual. Keep track of your vehicle's service history and maintenance schedule. Find GM dealers for service nationwide. Receive special promotions and privileges only available to MyGMLink - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 360
toward aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may require for your vehicle (hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.). All Overseas Locations Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit. Mexico, Central America and Caribbean IslandsKountries (Except Puerto Rico and - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 361
the road or locked inside) FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road) FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road) FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on the road) Chevrolet offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 362
outside services. For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to give to the advisor; Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) License plate number 0 Vehicle color Vehicle location Telephone number where you can be reached Vehicle mileage Description of problem 0 Canadian - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 363
Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 364
service can generally be completed while you wait. However, you are unable to wait Chevrolet , up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a for fuel usage charges and may also be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage or - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 365
, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 366
Ontario K1A ON5 Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 367
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle. In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE (1-800-463-7483). Current and Past Model Order Forms Service Publications - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 368
,Fuel Engine ...5-24 7-5 All Overseas Locations ...All-Wheel Drive ...5-52 All-WheelDrive(AWD)System ...2-26 All-Wheel-Drive Service Light ...3-35 AluminumWheels ...5-88 AM ...3-50 AM-FM Radio ...3-39 Antenna, Fixed Mast ...3-50 Anti-lockBrakeSystem ...4-7 Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 369
Lock ...5-99 Capacities and Specifications ...Carbon Monoxide ...4-24, 4-31, 2-30 Care of Safety Belts ...5-86 Care ofYour CD Player ..., ...3-50 3-50 CDS ...Cargo Vans ...1-41,1-48 Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...1-27 ...5-70 Chains, Tires ...Charging System Light ...3-27 Check Engine - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 370
Position ...Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear OutsideSeat Position ...Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ...Top Strap ...Top Strap Anchor Location Engine ...2-22 Cooling System ...5-33 Cruise Control ...3-10 Current and Past Model Order to General Motors ...7-11 Reporting - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 371
Service Work ...5-3 Dome Lamps ...3-16 Door 2-8 Front Doors ...2-7 Locks ...Power Door Locks ...2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ...2-9 Rear Doors ...2-13 Sliding SideDoor ...2-10 Driver Position Programs ...Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ...Battery ...Check and Service Engine Soon Light ...Coolant - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 372
...5-5 Low Warning Light ...3-37 6-30 System Inspection ...Fuel Regulator ...2-21 Fuses Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...5-93 Windshield Wiper ...5-92 G Gage Check Gages Warning Light ...Engine CoolantTemperature ...Fuel ...Oil Pressure ...Speedometer ...Voltmeter Gage ...Garage Door Opener ...3-36 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 373
Wiring ...5-92 5-55 Headlamps ...Bulb Replacement ...5-55 Front Turn Signal Lamps ...5-59 Halogen Bulbs ...5-55 4-22 Highway Positions ...6-29 Ignition Transmission Lock Check ...Infants and Young Children, Restraints ...1-38 Inflation - Tire Pressure ...5-64 Inspection Brake System ...6-31 Engine - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 374
System ...6-31 Installing a Garage Door Opener ...2-40 Instrument Panel 3-24 Cluster ...Overview ...3-2 Instrument Panel Brightness Control ...3-15 Instrument Panel Fuse Block ...5-93 Interior Lamps ...3-15 5-85 Interior Plastic Components ...Introduction Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Inspection - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 375
29 Locks Door ...2-7 2-8 Front Doors ...Leaving Your Vehicle ...2-10 2-8 Power Door ...Programmable Automatic Door Locks ...2-9 Long Trip/Highway Definition ...6-6 Long Trip/Highway Intervals ...6-6 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance ...6-18 4-13 Loss of Control ...3-37 Low Fuel Warning Light - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 376
Accessory Outlets ...3-16 2-8 Door Locks ...5-92 Electrical System ...1-3 Seat ...Steering Fluid ...5-40 Windows ...2-17 9 NewVehicle Break-In ...2-19 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ...5-101 ...3-25 Odometer ...4-1 1 Off-Road Recovery ...Oil Engine ...5-15 Pressure Gage ...3-34 OlderChildren - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 377
System ...3-20 Rear Axle ...5-53 Rear Climate Control System ...3-21 Rear Doors ...2-13 Rear Heating System ...3-19 10 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...1-32 Rear Seat Audio ...3-46 Rear Seat Operation ...1-7 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ...1-29 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts ...1-29 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 378
Child Restraint 1-57 Center Seat Position ...Designedfor the LATCHSystem ...1-54 Rear Outside Seat Position ...1-54 Right Front Seat Position ...1-59 Security Light ...3-35 Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance ...6-5 Selecting the Fan Speed ...3-20 Service ...5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 379
(cont.) Doing Your Own Work ...5-3 Engine Soon Light ...3-30 Publications Ordering Information ...7-1 1 Sewice Bulletins ...7-12 Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada ...3-30 7-1 1 Service Manuals ...Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ...1-69 Setting - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 380
...2-23 Transmission. Transaxle. Transfer Case Unit 7-11 Repair Manual ...7-9 Transportation Options ...Trip Odometer ...3-25 Turnand Lane Change Signals ...3-6 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ...3-6 Turn Signals WhenTowing a Trailer ...4-38 U Underbody Flushing Service ...6-29 Underhood Fuse Block - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 381
33 4-35 Weight of the Trailer Tongue ...What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ...5-17 What to Do with Used Oil ...5-19 What to Use ...5-28, 5-40, 5-41, 5-53 Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance ...5-69 Replacement ...5-69 When to Add Engine Oil ...5-16 When to Change Engine Oil ...5-18 When to Check ...5-64 - 2003 Chevrolet Astro | Owner's Manual - Page 382
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