2000 CHEVROLET EXPRESS engine

4-33
Model Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Weight (lbs.) (kg) GCWR (lbs.) (kg)
G1500 (Cargo) 4.3L 3.42 4,600 (2088) 9,500 (4313)
5.0L 3.42 5,600 (2542) 10,500 (4767)
5.7L 3.42 6,100 (2769) 11,000 (4994)
G1500 (Passenger) 4.3L 3.42 4,200 (1907) 9,500 (4313)
3.73 4,700 (2134) 10,000 (4540)
5.0L 3.42 5,100 (2315) 10,500 (4767)
5.7L 3.42 5,600 (2542) 11,000 (4994)
3.73 6,600 (2996) 12,000 (5448)
G2500 (Cargo) 4.3L 3.42 4,300 (1952) 9,500 (4313)
4.10 5,000 (1816) 10,500 (4767)
5.0L 3.42 5,200 (2361) 10,500 (4767)
5.7L 3.42 5,700 (2588) 11,000 (4994)
3.73 6,400 (2906) 12,000 (5448)
4.10 7,900 (3587) 13,500 (6129)
6.5L 3.73 8,500 (3859) 14,500 (6583)
4.10 8,500 (3859) 14,500 (6583)

4-34
Model Engine Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Weight (lbs.) (kg) GCWR (lbs.) (kg)
G2500 (Passenger) 5.7L 3.73 5,800 (2633) 12,000 (5448)
4.10 7,300 (3314) 13,500 (6129)
6.5L 3.73 8,100 (3677) 14,500 (6583)
4.10 8,100 (3677) 14,500 (6583)
G3500 (Cargo) 5.7L 3.73 6,300 (2860) 12,000 (5448)
4.10 7,800 (3541) 13,500 (6129)
6.5L 3.73 8,400 (3814) 14,500 (6583)
4.10 8,400 (3814) 14,500 (6583)
8.1L 3.42 7,500 (3405) 13,500 (6129)
3.73 9,000 (4086) 15,000 (6810)
4.10 10,000 (4540) 17,000 (7718)
G3500 (Passenger) 5.7L 3.73 5,600 (2542) 12,000 (5448)
4.10 7,100 (3223) 13,500 (6129)
6.5L 3.73 7,800 (3541) 14,500 (6583)
4.10 7,800 (3541) 14,500 (6583)
8.1L 3.42 6,800 (3087) 13,500 (6129)
3.73 8,300 (3768) 15,000 (6810)
4.10 10,000 (4540) 17,000 (7718)

4-38 Driving with a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into your vehicle. You can't see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
To maximize your safety when towing a trailer:

Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.

Keep the rear
-most windows closed.

If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
MAX A/C because it only recirculates the
air inside your vehicle. See ªComfort
Controlsº in the Index.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.

4-40 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy
-duty turn signal flasher (included in
the optional trailering package).
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn
your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do
get the overheat warning, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.

4-41 Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet. Then turn your wheels into the curb
if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

start your engine,

shift into a gear, and

release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering,
it's a good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

5-
5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-9 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-10 Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine)5
-12 Cooling System (Gasoline Engine)
5
-20 Engine Fan Noise
5
-20 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-21 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-36 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

5-4
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine with
two batteries (or more) you should know before you
begin that, especially in cold weather, you may not
be able to get enough power from a single battery in
another vehicle to start your diesel engine.
If your vehicle has more than one battery, use the
battery that's closer to the starter
-- this will reduce
electrical resistance.2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that aren't needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save your radio!

5-5
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (
-) terminal locations on
each vehicle. You should always use the remote
negative (
-) jump starting terminal provided
instead of any other engine or body part for the
ground connection.
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't
need to add water to the ACDelco
battery
installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is
there. If it is low, add water to take care of that
first. If you don't, explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.