
GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the
name EXPRESS are registered trademarks of General
Motors Corporation.
This manual includes the latest information at the time it
was printed. We reserve the right to make changes
after that time without further notice. For vehicles  rst
sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of
Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever
it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if it is
needed while you are on the road. If the vehicle is
sold, leave this manual in the vehicle
Canadian Owners
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer or from:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
How to Use This Manual
Many people read the owner manual from beginning to
end when they  rst receive their new vehicle. If this
is done, it can help you learn about the features
and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work
together in the owner manual to explain things.
Index
A good place to quickly locate information about the
vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the
page number where it can be found.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 05EXPRESS B First Edition
©2004 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ii 

{CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is
behind the child. If the child wears the belt in
this way, in a crash the child might slide under
the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied
right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s
pelvic bones in a crash.
Infants and Young Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes
infants and all other children. Neither the distance
traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes
the need for everyone to use safety restraints. In
fact, the law in every state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says children up to some
age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have the protection provided by the
appropriate restraint. Young children should not use the
vehicles safety belts without an additional restraint,
unless there is no other choice.
1-33 

Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about four years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter,
do the following:
1. Use an object like a coin to pry open the transmitter.
2. Once the transmitter is separated, use an object
like a pencil to remove the old battery. Do not use
a metal object.
3. Remove and replace the battery, positive (+)
side down.
4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
no moisture can enter.
5. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the
remote keyless entry transmitter for seven seconds
to resynchronize the transmitter.
6. Check the operation of the transmitter.
2-6 

When starting your engine in very cold weather (below
0°F or−18°C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there up to
15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of
the key.
2. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be  ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
 oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts brie y but then stops again, do the
same thing, but this time keep the pedal down
for  ve or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.Fuel Regulator
Your vehicle has a fuel regulator that shuts the fuel off
when the engine reaches 5,600 rpm.
Engine Coolant Heater
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will 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. Your vehicle may also have an internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent
operation of the engine coolant heater when the
temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on
the cord.
2-22 

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Dome Lamps...............................................3-15
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Exit Lighting.................................................3-16
Reading Lamps............................................3-16
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-16
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20
Rear Heating System....................................3-21
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Trip Odometer..............................................3-26
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Airbag Off Light............................................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-32
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light..........................3-33
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light..............................3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-33
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-34
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-36
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-37
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1 

A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a
dangerously low oil level or other problem causing
low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as possible.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches  re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
Change Engine Oil Light
This light is displayed
when your vehicle needs
to be serviced.
If your vehicle has a V8 engine and this light is  ashing,
it indicates that the oil level is low.
When this light is on steady, your vehicle needs to be
serviced. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
Once the engine oil has been changed, the change
engine oil light must be reset. Until it is reset, the light
will stay on for a while each time the engine is
started. For more information on resetting the system,
see “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System”
underEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.
3-37 

If the reduced engine power light is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while the reduced engine power light is
on, but acceleration and speed may be reduced.
Anytime the check engine light stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to an authorized GM dealer as soon as
possible for service.
Highbeam On Light
This light will come on
when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Indicator Light
You have this light on the
instrument panel. It will
light whenever the DRL are
on. It is also a reminder
to turn on your headlamps
when driving at night.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This message is displayed
when the tow/haul mode
has been activated.
For more information, see “Tow/Haul Mode” inTowing a
Trailer on page 4-38.
3-39