1996 CHEVROLET EXPRESS load capacity

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Listed are four situations you may experience with your
fuel gage:
At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the
gage reads FULL
(F).
It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half
full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to
fill
the tank.
0 The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.
The gage doesn’t go back to EMPTY (E) when you
turn off the ignition.
None
of these indicate a problem with the fuel gage.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the
If the gage pointer moves
into
the red area your
engine
coolant temperature.
260 engine is too hot!
TEMP J-- vw
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal
operating conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows what to
do. See “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
3 LA

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When
you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly.
This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it
keeps the battery (or batteries) charged. You will need
a well-charged battery (or batteries) to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your
headlamps. Let the heater run for awhile.
If
you have a diesel engine, you may have to run it at a
higher speed to get enough heat. Then, shut the engine
off and close the window almost all the way to preserve
the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this
only
when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But
do it
as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you
can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle
and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or
so until help comes.
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certificationflire label is found on the rear edge
of the driver’s door. The label shows the size of your
original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity your vehicle. This is called
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR
includes
the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel
and cargo.
4-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a Trailer
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull
a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
~ brakes may not work well -- or even at all. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull
a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section. Ask your
GM dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
~ with your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty.
To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your
GM dealer
for important information about towing
a trailer
with your vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. 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. 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 section. In
it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that
of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you
pull a trailer.
,4128

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the towing vehicle and
it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional equipment, passengers and cargo in the
towing vehicle must be must be subtracted from the
above maximum trailer weights.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or
you can write us at the address listed in your
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L 1 H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or gross
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 tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to
the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle”
in the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
A B
4-31

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine Oil
(Diesel Engine)” in the Diesel Engine Supplement.
It’s
a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
Turn off the engine and give the
oil a few minutes to drain
back
into the oil pan. If you
don’t, the oil dipstick might
not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping
the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to
add some
oil. But you must use the right kind. This part
explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If’ your engine has so much
oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range,
your engine
could be damaged.
6-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory
to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases,
you will not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need
to be reset. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on
a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced. Each
new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have
the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
GM dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind
of wheel you need.
I A CAUTION: - -
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts
on your vehicle can be dangerous.
~ It could affect the braking and. handling of your
vehicle, make your tires 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.
6-48

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cooling System Capacity
ENGINE VIN
“VORTEC” 4300 W
“VORTEC” 5000 M
“VORTEC” 5700 R
“VORTEC” 7400
J
QTY Without Rear Heater*
11 quarts ( 10.4 L)
17 quarts ( 16 L)
17 quarts ( 16 L)
23 quarts (2 1.8 L)
QTY With Rear Heater*
14 quarts (13.2 L)
20 quarts (18.9 L)
20 quarts ( 18.9 L)
26 quarts (24.6 L)
After refill, the level MUST be checked as outlined under “Engine Cooling System” in Section 5.
*All quantities are approximate.
Crankcase Capacity
ENGINE
“VORTEC” 4300
“VORTEC”
5000
“VORTEC” 5700
“VORTEC” 7400
VIN
W
M
R
J
Quantity With Filter
4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
5 quarts (4.8 L)
5 quarts (4.8 L)
7 quarts (6.5 L)
All quantities are approximate.
After refill, the level
MUST be checked as outlined under “Engine Oil And Filter Recommendations” in Section 5.
*Add an additional quart (1 L) for RPO 521 and RPO KL5 Models.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE
Standard Tank
Cutaway Standard Tank
Cutaway Optional Tank
All quantities are approximate.
QUANTITY
3 1 gallons (1 17.3 L)
35 gallons (132 L)
55 gallons (208.2 L)
Normal Replacement Parts
Engine “VORTEC” 4300
VIN w
Oil Filter PF52
Air Cleaner Filter* A9 17C
PCV Valve CV789C
Spark
Plugs 4 1-932
Fuel Filter GF48
1
Radiator Cap RC36 VORTEC”
5000
M
PF1218
A9 17C
cv774c
4 1-932
GF48
1
RC36
*For severe dusty conditions, use
AC Air Filter, Part No. 1236C. “VORTEC”
5700
R
PF1218
A9 17C
cv774c
4 1-932
GF48
1
RC36 “VORTEC” 7400
J
PF1218
A917C
cv774c
4 1-932
GF48
1
RC36
6-67