Chevrolet 2002 Astro, Owner'S Manual, Page: 95 / 400

2-22
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather,
0
_F (
-
18
_C) or colder,
the engine coolant
heater can help.
You’ll get easier
starting and better
fuel economy during
engine warm
-
up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
’At temperatures above 32
_F (0_C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The engine coolant heater cord is located on the
driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the
power steering fluid reservoir.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-
volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-
prong
110
-
volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy
-
duty three
-
prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.