2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS brake

Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal.
•Press the[button on the steering wheel.
•Press theIbutton on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.It controls the following systems:
•Headlamps
•Taillamps
•Parking Lamps
•License Plate Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
The exterior lamps control has four positions:
O(Off):Briefly turn the control to this position to
turn the automatic headlamps and daytime running
lamps (DRL) off or back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, the off position only
works for vehicles that are shifted into the P (Park)
position.
AUTO (Automatic):Turns on the headlamps
automatically at normal brightness, together with the
following:
•Parking Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
•Taillamps
•License Plate Lamps
4-9

Voltmeter Gage
When the engine is not
running, but the ignition is
on, this gage shows
the battery’s state of
charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. Readings between the
low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full power
at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.The vehicle can be only driven for a short time with the
reading in either warning zone. If it must be driven,
turn off all unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking,
both need to work.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briefly when ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
4-27

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
also comes on when the parking brake is set. See
Parking Brake on page 3-36for more information. The
light stays on if the parking brake does not fully release.
If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released,
it means the vehicle has a brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal might be harder to push, or
the pedal might go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 5-26.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 4-27.
4-28

For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44for all
brake related DIC messages.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles with the
StabiliTrak®system,
this light comes on or
flashes, according to the
description table for
the StabiliTrak system.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 5-5.
Three chimes sound if the light turns on and one chime
if the light turns off.
If this light remains on steady, the vehicle needs to be
taken in for service.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard the vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage will
read 100°C (210°F) or less. If the vehicle is pulling a load
or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
fluctuate and approach the 122°C (250°F) mark. If the
gage reaches the 125°C (260°F) mark, it indicates that
the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-35.
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4-29

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays along with the brake system
warning light if there is a problem with the brake system.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-27. If this
message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn
off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for
the message on the DIC display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when you begin driving,
the brake system needs service as soon as possible.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®and this message
displays, it means there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safe to
drive, however, you do not have the benefit of StabiliTrak,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer before turning off the engine. See
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation on
page 3-20for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this message displays if a part on
the system is not working properly. The tire pressure
light also flashes and then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 4-30.
Several conditions may cause this message to appear.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-72
for more information. If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when there is a problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message displays, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 5-5for more information.
4-49

SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may display
and the StabiliTrak indicator light on the instrument
panel cluster may be on after first driving the vehicle
and exceeding 32 km/h (20 mph) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-5for
more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when you turn off StabiliTrak, or when the stability control
has been automatically disabled. To limit wheel spin and
realize the full benefits of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.However, you should turn StabiliTrak off if your vehicle
gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and you want to
rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you are driving
in extreme off-road conditions and require more wheel
spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 5-18. To turn the StabiliTrak system on or
off, seeStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-5.
There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
•One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
•The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 4-27.
•The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
•The message displays if an engine or vehicle
related problem has been detected and the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
4-50

Audio System(s)
If the vehicle came without a radio, the wiring provisions
for a radio and an antenna were installed at the
assembly plant, so that if you want, a radio can be
installed at the dealer/retailer.
Determine which radio the vehicle has and read the
following pages to become familiar with its features.
{WARNING:
Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to
you or others. Do not give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to many audio and non
audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off the road while driving,
do the following while the vehicle is parked:
•Become familiar with the operation and controls of
the audio system.
•Set up the tone, speaker adjustments, and preset
radio stations.For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 5-2.
Notice:Contact your dealer/retailer before adding
any equipment.
Adding audio or communication equipment could
interfere with the operation of the vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and could damage them.
Follow federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone equipment.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 6-3.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP).
With RAP, the audio system can be played even after
the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 3-23for more information.
4-59

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-5
Locking Rear Axle..........................................5-8
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................5-8
Steering........................................................5-8
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-10
Passing.......................................................5-10
Loss of Control.............................................5-10Driving at Night............................................5-12
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-13
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-14
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-14
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-15
Winter Driving..............................................5-16
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-18
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-19
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-19
Towing..........................................................5-26
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-26
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-26
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-30
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1