2001 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual

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Every
®
2001 Astro
1-800-CHEV-USA
under warranty is
(For vehicles purchased in Canada,
backed with the
following
call 1-800-268-6800)
services:
that provides in an emergency:
Free lockout assistance
Courtesy
Free dead-battery assistance
Transportation
Free out-of-fuel assistance
Free flat-tire change
Emergency towing

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2001 Chevrolet Astro
Owner's Manual
Litho in U.S.A.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000
Part Number C2110 A First Edition
All Rights Reserved
i

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Table of Contents
Seats and Restraint Systems
Seats and Seat Controls
Air Bag System
Section 1
Safety Belts
Restraint Systems for Children
Features and Controls
Section
Windows
Windshield Wipers
2
Keys and Door Locks
Cruise Control (Option)
Keyless Entry System (Option)
Exterior and Interior Lamps
Hatch
Mirrors
Automatic Transmission
Storage Compartments
All-Wheel Drive (Option)
Convenience Net/Luggage Carrier (If Equipped)
Parking Brake
Accessory Power Outlets
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
HomeLink® Transmitter (Option)
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
ii

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Table of Contents (cont'd)
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
Section
Heating and Air Conditioning
Radio/CD Player
3
Setting the Radio Clock
Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Your Driving and the Road
Your Driving, the Road and Your Vehicle
Steering
Section 4
Defensive Driving
Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Drunken Driving
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Control of a Vehicle
Loading Your Vehicle
Braking
Towing a Trailer
Problems on the Road
Section
Hazard Warning Flashers
Engine Overheating
5
Jump Starting
Changing a Flat Tire
Towing Your Vehicle
If You're Stuck
iii

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Table of Contents (cont'd)
Service and Appearance Care
Section 6
Fuel
Tires and Wheels
Checking Fluids and Lubricants
Appearance Care
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Brakes
Capacities and Specifications
Bulb Replacement
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Maintenance Schedule
Section 7
Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Owner Checks and Services
Maintenance Records
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
iv

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Table of Contents (cont'd)
Customer Assistance Information
Section 8
Customer Satisfaction Procedures
Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual)
Customer Assistance Offices
Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10
Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation
Service Publications
Index
Section
In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.
9
You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.
Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide
v

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We support voluntary
technician certification.
GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the
name 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 first sold in
Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it
French Language Manual:
appears in this manual.
Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous
Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be
procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
votre concessionaire ou au:
If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so
the new owner can use it.
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
vi

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How to Use this Manual
Safety Warnings and Symbols
Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning
You will find a number of safety cautions in this book.
to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you
do this, it will help you learn about the features and
about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find
the warning.
that pictures and words work together to explain
things quickly.
CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the
hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or
others could be hurt.
vii

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You will also find a circle
In the notice area, we tell you about something that can
with a slash through it in
damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would
this book. This safety
not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
symbol means “Don’t,”
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid
“Don’t do this” or “Don’t
the damage.
let this happen.”
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or
in different words.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
viii

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Document Outline

• 2001 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual
  • 24-hour Roadside Assistance
  • Copyright General Motors Corp. 2000
  • Table of Contents:
    • 1. Seats and Restraint Sysstems
    • 2. Features and Controls
    • 3. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
    • 4. Your Driving and the Road
    • 5. Problems on the Road
    • 6. Service and Appearance Care
    • 7. Maintenance Schedule
    • 8. Customer Assistance Information
  • For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
  • How to Use this Manual
  • Safety Warnings and Symbols
  • Vehicle Damage Warnings
    • Vehicle Symbols
  • Model Reference
  • Service Station Guide
• Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
  • Seats and Seat Controls
    • Manual Front Seats
    • 2-Way Front Seat
    • Manual Lumbar Support (If Equipped)
    • Power Seat (If Equipped)
    • Reclining Seatbacks
    • Head Restraints
    • Seatback Latches
    • Rear Seats
      • Bucket Seats (If Equipped)
      • Bench Seats
      • Removing the Rear Seats
      • Replacing the Rear Seats
  • Safety Belts: They re for Everyone
    • Why Safety Belts Work
  • Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answes
  • How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
    • Adults
  • Driver Position
    • Lap-Shoulder Belt
      • Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
  • Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
  • Right Front Passenger Position
  • Air Bag System
    • How the Air Bag System Works
      • Where are the air bags?
      • When should an air bag inflate?
      • What makes an air bag inflate?
      • How does an air bag restrain?
      • What will you see after an air bag inflates?
    • Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
    • Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
  • Rear Seat Passengers
    • Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
      • Lap-Shoulder Belt
  • Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
  • Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)
    • Lap Belt
  • Children
    • Infants and Young Children (Except Cargo Vans)
    • Infants and Young Children (Cargo Vans)
  • Restraint Systems for Children
    • Where to Put the Restraint (Except Cargo Vans)
    • Where to Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans)
    • Top Strap
    • Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
    • Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (Bench Seat)
    • Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
  • Older Children
  • Safety Belt Extender
  • Checking Your Restraint Systems
  • Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
• Section 2 Features and Controls
  • Windows
    • Manual Windows
    • Power Windows (Option)
      • Express- Down Window
  • Keys
  • Front Doors
  • Rear Doors
  • Door Locks
    • Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
    • Programmable Automatic Door Locks
    • Leaving Your Vehicle
  • Keyless Entry System (Option)
    • Operation
      • Remote Panic Alarm
    • Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
    • Battery Replacement
      • Resynchronization
  • Sliding Door
    • Sliding Door Security Lock
    • Canceling the Sliding Door Security Lock
  • Hatch
    • Hatch Release
  • Theft
    • Key in the Ignition
    • Parking at Night
    • Parking Lots
  • Passlock
  • New Vehicle Break-In
  • Ignition Positions
    • Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
  • Starting Your Engine
    • Fuel Regulator
  • Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
    • To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
  • Automatic Transmission Operation
    • Tow/Haul Mode Selector Switch
  • Parking Brake
  • Shifting Into PARK (P)
    • Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
    • Torque Lock
  • Shifting Out of PARK (P)
  • Parking Over Things That Burn
  • Engine Exhaust
  • Running Your Engine While You re Parked
  • Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)
  • All-Wheel Drive (Option)
  • Horn
  • Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
  • Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
    • Turn and Lane Change Signals
      • Turn Signal On Chime
    • Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
    • Flash-to-Pass
    • Windshield Wipers
    • Windshield Washer
      • Rear Window Washer/Wiper (Option)
    • Cruise Control (Option)
      • Setting Cruise Control
      • Resuming a Set Speed
      • Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
      • Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
      • Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
      • Using Cruise Control on Hills
      • Ending Cruise Control
      • Erasing Speed Memory
  • Exterior Lamps
    • Automatic Headlamp System
    • Lamps On Reminder
    • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Interior Lamps
    • Instrument Panel Intensity Control
    • Exit Lighting
    • Illuminated Entry
    • Dome Lamps
    • Battery Run-Down Protection
  • Mirrors
    • Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
    • Outside Manual Adjust Mirror
    • Power Remote Control Mirror (If Equipped)
    • Convex Outside Mirror
  • Storage Compartments
    • Overhead Console (Option)
      • Reading Lamps
      • Installing a Garage Door Opener
      • Driver Information System (If Equipped)
      • Sunglasses Storage Compartment
    • Convenience Net (Option)
    • Luggage Carrier (Option)
  • Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
  • Sun Visors
    • Visor Vanity Mirror (If Equipped)
  • Accessory Power Outlets
  • HomeLink Transmitter (Option)
    • Programming the Transmitter
    • Operating the Transmitter
    • Training a Garage Opener with aRolling Code Feature (If Equipped)
    • Erasing Channels
    • Accessories
  • The Instrument Panel Your Information System
  • Instrument Panel Cluster
    • Speedometer and Odometer
      • Trip Odometer
  • Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
    • Safety Belt Reminder Light
    • Air Bag Readiness Light
    • Charging System Indicator Light
    • Voltmeter
    • Brake System Warning Light
    • Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
    • Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
    • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)
      • If the Light Is Flashing
      • If the Light Is On Steady
      • Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
    • Oil Pressure Gage
    • Security Light
    • Service AWD Light (If Equipped)
    • Tow/Haul Light
    • Check Gages Light
    • Fuel Gage
    • Low Fuel Light
• Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
  • Comfort Controls
    • Heating/Air Conditioning System (If Equipped)
      • Fan Knob
      • Temperature Knob
      • Function Knob
    • Heating System
      • Fan Knob
      • Temperature Knob
      • Function Knob
    • Rear Heating System (Option)
    • Rear Air Conditioning System (Option)
    • Air Conditioning
    • Heating
    • Defrosting
    • Rear Window Defogger (Option)
    • Ventilation System
      • Ventilation Tips
  • Audio Systems
    • Setting the Clock for Systems with SET Button
    • Setting the Clock for Systems with HR and MN Buttons
    • AM-FM Stereo
      • Playing the Radio
      • Finding a Station
      • Setting the Tone
      • Adjusting the Speakers
    • AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
      • Playing the Radio
      • Finding a Station
      • Setting the Tone
      • Adjusting the Speakers
      • Playing a Compact Disc
    • Rear Seat Audio (If Equipped)
    • Remote Compact Disc Player (If Equipped)
    • Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
      • Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
      • Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss
      • Disabling the Theft- Deterrent Feature
    • Understanding Radio Reception
      • AM
      • FM Stereo
    • Tips About Your Audio System
    • Care of Your Compact Discs
    • Care of Your Compact Disc Player
    • Fixed Mast Antenna
• Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
  • Defensive Driving
  • Drunken Driving
  • Control of a Vehicle
  • Braking
    • Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
      • Using Anti- Lock
    • Braking in Emergencies
  • Steering
    • Power Steering
    • Steering Tips
      • Driving on Curves
    • Steering in Emergencies
  • Off-Road Recovery
  • Passing
  • Loss of Control
    • Skidding
  • Driving at Night
  • Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
    • Hydroplaning
    • Driving Through Deep Standing Water
    • Driving Through Flowing Water
    • Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
  • City Driving
  • Freeway Driving
  • Before Leaving on a Long Trip
  • Highway Hypnosis
  • Hill and Mountain Roads
  • Winter Driving
    • Driving on Snow or Ice
    • If You re Caught in a Blizzard
  • Recreational Vehicle Towing
  • Loading Your Vehicle
    • Payload
    • Trailering Package
    • Add-On Equipment
  • Towing a Trailer
    • If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
      • Tow/Haul Mode
    • Weight of the Trailer
    • Weight of the Trailer Tongue
    • Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires
    • Hitches
    • Safety Chains
    • Trailer Brakes
    • Driving with a Trailer
    • Following Distance
    • Passing
    • Backing Up
    • Making Turns
    • Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
    • Driving On Grades
    • Parking on Hills
    • When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
    • Maintenance When Trailer Towing
    • Trailer Wiring Harness
• Section 5 Problems on the Road
  • Hazard Warning Flashers
  • Other Warning Devices
  • Jump Starting
  • Towing Your Vehicle
  • Engine Overheating
    • If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
    • If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
  • Cooling System
    • How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
    • How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
  • Engine Fan Noise
  • If a Tire Goes Flat
  • Changing a Flat Tire
    • Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
    • Removing the Wheel Covers
    • Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
    • Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
  • Compact Spare Tire
  • If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
    • Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
• Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
  • Service
    • Doing Your Own Service Work
    • Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
  • Fuel
  • Fuels in Foreign Countries
  • Filling Your Tank
  • Filling a Portable Fuel Container
  • Checking Things Under the Hood
    • Hood Release
    • Engine Compartment Overview
  • Engine Oil
    • Checking Engine Oil
    • When to Add Engine Oil
    • What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
    • Engine Oil Additives
    • When to Change Engine Oil
    • What to Do with Used Oil
  • Engine Cover
    • Removing the Engine Cover
    • Installing the Engine Cover
  • Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
    • When to Check and Change
    • How to Check
      • Checking the Fluid Level
    • How to Add Fluid
  • All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
    • Transfer Case
      • When to Check Lubricant
      • How to Check Lubricant
      • What to Use
    • Front Axle
      • When to Check and Change Lubricant
      • How to Check Lubricant
      • What to Use
  • Rear Axle
    • When to Check and Change Lubricant
    • How to Check Lubricant
    • What to Use
  • Engine Coolant
    • What to Use
    • Checking Coolant
      • Adding Coolant
  • Radiator Pressure Cap
  • Power Steering Fluid
    • When to Check Power Steering Fluid
    • How to Check Power Steering Fluid
    • What to Use
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
    • What to Use
    • Adding Washer Fluid
  • Brakes
    • Brake Fluid
      • Checking Brake Fluid
      • What to Add
    • Brake Wear
    • Brake Pedal Travel
    • Brake Adjustment
    • Replacing Brake System Parts
  • Battery
    • Vehicle Storage
  • Bulb Replacement
    • Halogen Bulbs
    • Headlamps
      • Sealed Beam Lamps
      • Composite Headlamps
    • Front Turn Signal Lamps
    • Taillamps
  • Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
  • Tires
    • Inflation -- Tire Pressure
      • When to Check
      • How to Check
    • Tire Inspection and Rotation
      • When It s Time for New Tires
    • Buying New Tires
    • Uniform Tire Quality Grading
      • Treadwear
      • Traction AA, A, B, C
      • Temperature A, B, C
    • Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
    • Wheel Replacement
      • Used Replacement Wheels
    • Tire Chains
  • Appearance Care
  • Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
    • Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
    • Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric
    • Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
    • Cleaning Vinyl
    • Cleaning Leather
    • Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
    • Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
  • Care of Safety Belts
  • Cleaning Glass Surfaces
  • Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades
  • Weatherstrips
  • Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
    • Washing Your Vehicle
    • Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
    • Finish Care
  • Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
  • Cleaning Tires
  • Sheet Metal Damage
  • Finish Damage
  • Underbody Maintenance
  • Chemical Paint Spotting
  • GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    • Engine Identification
  • Service Parts Identification Label
  • Electrical System
    • Add-On Electrical Equipment
    • Headlamp Wiring
    • Windshield Wiper Fuses
    • Power Windows and Other Power Options
    • Fuses and Circuit Breakers
      • Instrument Panel Fuse Block
      • Underhood Electrical Center
  • Replacement Bulbs
  • Capacities and Specifications
    • Engine Specifications
    • Wheel Nut Torque
    • Cooling System Capacity
    • Crankcase Capacity
    • Fuel Tank Capacity
    • Transmission Capacity
    • Front Axle Capacity
    • Rear Axle Capacity
  • Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
    • Vehicle Dimensions*
• Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
  • Introduction
    • Your Vehicle and the Environment
    • Maintenance Requirements
    • How This Section is Organized
  • Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
    • Using Your Maintenance Schedule
    • Selecting the Right Schedule
    • Short Trip/City Definition Short Trip/City Intervals
    • Short Trip/City Intervals
    • Long Trip/Highway Definition
    • Long Trip/Highway Intervals
    • Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
      • Footnotes
    • Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
  • Part B: Owner Checks and Services
    • At Each Fuel Fill
      • Engine Oil Level Check
      • Engine Coolant Level Check
      • Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
    • At Least Once a Month
      • Tire Inflation Check
    • At Least Twice a Year
      • Restraint System Check
      • Wiper Blade Check
      • Spare Tire Check
      • Weatherstrip Lubrication
      • Automatic Transmission Check
    • At Least Once a Year
      • Key Lock Cylinders Service
      • Body Lubrication Service
      • Starter Switch Check
      • Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check
      • Ignition Transmission Lock Check
      • Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check
      • Underbody Flushing Service
  • Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
    • Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
    • Exhaust System Inspection
    • Engine Cooling System Inspection
    • Throttle System Inspection
    • Transfer Case and Front Axle (All- Wheel Drive) Inspection
    • Brake System Inspection
  • Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
  • Part E: Maintenance Record
• Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
  • Customer Satisfaction Procedure
  • Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
  • Customer Assistance Offices
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
  • GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
  • Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program
    • Canadian Roadside Assistance
  • Courtesy Transportation
    • Plan Ahead When Possible
    • Transportation Options
      • Shuttle Service
      • Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
      • Courtesy Rental Vehicle
    • Additional Program Information
  • Warranty Information
  • REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
  • REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
  • REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS

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