2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS recommended oil

How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be difficult, it is recommended
to have this check done at the dealer/retailer service
department, which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid level increases
with temperature. To obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid level, be sure to follow
all the instructions here, or a false reading on the
dipstick may occur.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the engine Off, before
checking the transmission fluid level if the vehicle has
been driven:
•In hot weather, when outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
•The vehicle is heavily loaded.
•At high speed for quite a while in hot weather.
•In heavy traffic and hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
After driving under these conditions, a hot check can
be performed. The fluid should be Hot, which is
71°C to 93°C (160°F to 200°F).
A cold fluid level check can be performed after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine
Off, but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures is
between 15°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F). Should the fluid
level be low during this cold check, the fluid must be
checked Warm or Hot before adding fluid. If the outside
temperature is colder than 15°C (60°F) or hotter than
32°C (90°F), a cold check cannot be performed.
A warm fluid level check can be performed by driving
the vehicle under lightly loaded conditions and outside
temperatures between 10°C to 27°C (50°F to 80°F).
The vehicle should be driven for at least 15 miles before
performing a warm check. Checking the fluid Warm or
Hot will give a more accurate reading of the fluid level
than a cold check.
Because the vehicle is equipped with a high-efficiency
air-to-oil cooler, the transmission fluid temperature
may not reach the required Hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly loaded driving vehicle
conditions.
6-25

What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
•Gives freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
•Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
•Protects against rust and corrosion.
•Will not damage aluminum parts.
•Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this manual for the
cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-12for more information.
6-30

Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the brake fluid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14.
The fluid level should be
above MIN. If it is not,
have the brake hydraulic
system checked to
see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-105.
6-41

Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is
cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and
dirt can accumulate on the upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep the upholstery from
becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should be
removed as quickly as possible. The vehicle’s interior
may experience extremes of heat that could cause
stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to home furnishings may also
transfer color to the vehicle’s interior.
When cleaning the vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners
specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners onsurfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
Notice:Using abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on the vehicle, could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in the vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety instructions
on the label. While cleaning the vehicle’s interior,
maintain adequate ventilation by opening the vehicle’s
doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.
Products that remove odors from the vehicle’s
upholstery and clean the vehicle’s glass can be
obtained from your dealer/retailer.
6-102

If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test
a small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the
locally cleaned area gives any impression that a
ring formation may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to remove
dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a clean
soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be
used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces. Many commercial
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and
protect soft plastic surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the interior and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-basedproducts, or those containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on the
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reflections in the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{WARNING:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely
weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
6-104

Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of the vehicle
by hand may be necessary to remove residue from
the paint finish. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish, the
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish on the vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. To help keep the paint finish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or
caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed
to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
•Extreme dusty conditions
•Sand and salt
•Heat and sun
•Snow and ice, without proper removal
6-106

Capacities and Specications
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX Diesel manual for more information.
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System without Rear Heat
4.3L V6 9.5 L 10.0 qt
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8 11.8 L 12.4 qt
6.0L V8 13.1 L 13.8 qt
Cooling System with Rear Heat
4.3L V6 12.3 L 13.0 qt
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8 14.6 L 15.4 qt
6.0L V8 16.1 L 17.0 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
4.3L V6 4.3 L 4.5 qt
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8 5.7 L 6.0 qt
6-116

At your General Motors dealer/retailer, you can be
certain that you will receive the highest level of service
available. Your dealer /retailer has specially trained
service technicians, uses genuine GM replacement
parts, as well as, up to date tools and equipment
to ensure fast and accurate diagnostics.
The proper replacement parts, fluids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 7-12andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 7-14. We recommend the use of genuine parts
from your dealer/retailer.
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service
for new tires be performed when they have 8 000 to
13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 6-75.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil Soon
Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays,
service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a
year and the oil life system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service technicians who will perform
this work and reset the system. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last service. Reset the oil
life system whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil
Life System on page 6-18.
7-3