2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS ABS

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s three
control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not
rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed
or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle could straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance is longer and vehicle control
more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
5-11

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-4improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
5-16

Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift the
transmission into P (Park) yet. Turn the 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
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the 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
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
5-41

Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps
To replace the front turn signal, sidemarker and/or
parking lamp bulb(s):
1. Use a small tool to unlatch the outboard clip on
the lamp.
2. Pull the lamp forward to completely unlatch the clip.
Move the lamp to the outboard side to loosen
the tabs.3. Remove the lamp from the grille.
4. Squeeze the tab on the side of the bulb socket
while turning it counterclockwise.
5. Remove the bulb socket from the back of the lamp
assembly.
6. Replace the bulb.
7. Turn the bulb socket clockwise to reinstall it in the
lamp assembly.
6-55

4. Position the jack under the vehicle as shown.
The front position jacking point is on the frame.
The rear position jacking point is on the rear axle.
If the exhaust system interferes in the jack location
in the rear axle, such as in Diesel vehicles, place
the jack (A) on the rear axle between the axle
housing and the shock absorber bracket in order to
avoid any interference with the exhaust pipe (B). Rear Position
Rear Alternative Position (Diesel Vehicles)
6-92

Do not clean the vehicle using:
•A knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
•A stiff brush. It can cause damage to the vehicle’s
interior surfaces.
•Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
•Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops
per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.
Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
•Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
•Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage the vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats.
For any soil, always try to remove it first with plain
water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible using one of the following
techniques:
•For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
•For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
6-103

J-Case Fuse Usage
1 ABS Motor
2 ABS Module
41 Spare
42 Trailer Wiring
43 Fan High
44 Starter Solenoid
45 Engine Control Module/Powertrain
46 Fuel System Control Module Battery
47 Fan Lo
74 Front BlowerRelay Usage
15 Run/Crank
37 Spare
38 Fuel Pump
39 Crank
40 Air Conditioning Compressor
48 Fan High
49 Powertrain
50 Fan Clutch (EV)
57 Fan Low
60 Fan Control
6-115

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 6-3
Accessory Power............................................3-23
Accessory Power Outlets.................................4-14
Additives, Fuel................................................. 6-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................6-109
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................6-20
Air Conditioning..............................................4-15
Airbag
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................2-79
Airbag System
Airbag Off Switch........................................2-70
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................2-67
Passenger Sensing System...........................2-73
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........2-78
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................2-67
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....2-68
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................2-65
Where Are the Airbags?...............................2-63
Airbags
Off Light.....................................................4-24
Passenger Status Indicator...........................4-25
Readiness Light..........................................4-23
System Check.............................................2-60
All-Wheel Drive...............................................6-49
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System........................... 5-8Antenna
Fixed Mast.................................................4-78
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 5-4
Warning Light.............................................4-28
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels......................................6-107
Care of Safety Belts...................................6-104
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................6-108
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................6-105
Fabric/Carpet............................................6-103
Finish Care...............................................6-106
Finish Damage..........................................6-108
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................
6-104
Interior Cleaning........................................6-102
Sheet Metal Damage..................................6-107
Tires........................................................6-107
Underbody Maintenance.............................6-108
Washing Your Vehicle.................................6-105
Weatherstrips............................................6-105
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................6-106
Ashtray.........................................................4-15
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 8-8
Audio System.................................................4-59
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................4-77
Radio Reception..........................................4-78
Setting the Clock.........................................4-60
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................4-77
1