1997 CHEVROLET EXPRESS power steering

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your modern vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 kmh) or
less for the first
500 miles (805 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
See “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
Ignition Switch
Your key lets you turn the ignition switch to
five different positions.
C
ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things
like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers
when the engine is
off. To get into ACCESSORY, push in
the key and turn
it toward you. Your steering wheel will
remain locked, just
as it was before you inserted the key.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need
to get your foot up
to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance.
If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won’t have time
to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though
you have
anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the brakes
vibrate, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops
or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels.
If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going
in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried
to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
~ 4-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There
is also technical information about your
vehicle, and
a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-5
6-7
6-1 1
6-12 6-17
6-18
6-22
6-22
6-25
6-26 6-26
6-27
6-28 6-32 Service
Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Noise Control System
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
Air Cleaner (Gasoline Engines)
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle
Engine Coolant Radiator Pressure Cap
Thermostat Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery 6-32
6-32
6-40
6-4
1
6-49
6-50
6-54
6-55
6-55
6-55
6-56
6-57
6-5 8
6-59
6-63
6-66
6-67 Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside
of Your Vehicle
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Cleaning Tires Sheet Metal Damage
Finish Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Lamp and Bulb Data

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you lift the hood, you’ll see these items:
A. Battery
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C. Engine Oil Dipstick D.
Engine Oil Fill E. Transmission Dipstick
E Air Cleaner
G. Power Steering Reservoir
H. Brake Master Cylinder
I. Windshield Washer Fluid
6-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine cooling system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not 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.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
top
of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with
a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
To prevent brake fluid contamination never check or fill
the power steering reservoir with the master cylinder
cover
off.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
6-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine POSITION
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24. A.
B.
NAME
RADIO- 1
BRAKE
RADIO-B
TRANS STRGEECURITY
RR DEFOG
Not Used
RR HVAC
PWR ACCY
PWR WDO
CIRCUITS PROTECTED
Radio (Ign, Accy)
4WAL PCM, ABS, Cruise Control
Radio (Battery), Power Antenna
PRNDL, Automatic Transmission
EVO Steering, European Security System
Rear Window Defog
RR HVAC Controls, HIGH, MED,
LOW Relays
Power Door Lock, Six-Way Power Seat, Keyless Entry Illumination
Module
Power Windows
Do not
use fuses of higher amperage than those recommended above. Fuse amperage levels are also imprinted on the
fuse panel under the dash.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below 3Elnspections and services which should
be performed at least twice
a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your
GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these
jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a
GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications’’ in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
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 connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
I USAGE I FLUIDLUBRICANT I
Engine Oil
(Gasoline
Engine)
Engine Coolant Engine oil
with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake (GM Part
No. 12377967 or
System Delco
Supreme
11 @ Brake Fluid
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
USAGE
Parking Brake
Cable Guides
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
Chassis
Lubrication
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI
## 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
10500 17
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purpose lubricant, Superlube@ (GM Part No. 12346241
or equivalent).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
7-51