1997 CHEVROLET EXPRESS check oil

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 at least one quart
of 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Operating the engine with the air cleaner off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air,
it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it
off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the
air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If your vehicle’s
GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the
fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle Engine Coolant
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
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
What to
Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index. The cooling
s stem
in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
8 engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240
000 km) whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL’ extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system
and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating,
see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should .

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Crankcase Capacity
ENGINE VIN Quantity With Filter
“VORTEC”4300 W 4.5 Quarts (4.3 L)
“VORTEC”5000 M 5 Quarts (4.8 L)
“VORTEC”5700 R 5 Quarts (4.8 L)
“VORTEC”7400 J 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 one additional quart for RPO 5Zl and
RPO KL5 Models.
Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE QUANTITY
Standard Tank 31 Gallons (117.33 L)
Optional Tank** 55 Gallons (208.18 L)
*All quantities are approximate.
** 159” , 177” Wheelbase Vehicles Only.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule =- Gasoline Engines I
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(1 66 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
3- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will
not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior
to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage and rear driveline center splines.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection’’ under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspection’’ in Part
C of this schedule.
** Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants’’
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
0
0
0
Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine
oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed.
If driving in
dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every 15,000 miles (25
000 km).
Standard Differential
-- Check fluid level and add
fluid as needed at every oil change. If driving in
dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).
More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty use.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines I
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 axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
** .)
DATE SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
6,000 Miles (10 000 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 axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
**.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule == Gasoline Engines I
9,000 Miles (15 000 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 axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
**.)
DATE
SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
12,000 Miles (20 000 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 axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
**.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
I I I
7-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule == Gasoline Engines I
l5,OOO Miles (25 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Cl Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
in dusty conditions. Replace filter if
necessary.
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote?.)
0 Check axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. (See footnote
* *.)
I7 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
0 Clean and repack the front wheel bearings
(or at each brake relining, whichever
occurs first).
Vehicles With GVWR Above 8,500 lbs.
Only: Inspect shields and underhood
insulation for damage
or looseness. Adjust
or replace as required.
This is a Noise Emission
Control Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold in
the United States.
7-11