2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS instrument panel

The automatic headlamp system automatically switches
from DRL to the headlamps depending on the
darkness of the surroundings.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp control to the
off position and then release it. For vehicles first sold
in Canada, the transmission must be in the P (Park)
position, before the DRL can be turned off.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the headlamp
switch is in AUTO, the automatic headlamp system turns
on the headlamps, along with the taillamps, sidemarker,
parking lamps, roof marker lamps, and the instrument
panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then
release. For vehicles first sold in Canada, the
transmission must be in the P (Park) position, before
the automatic headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor or the
system will come on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights
does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic
headlamp system is only affected when the light sensor
sees a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
30 seconds for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay, the
instrument panel cluster may not be as bright as usual.
Make sure the instrument panel brightness control is in
the full bright position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 4-11.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob for this feature is located next to the exterior
lamps control.
D(Instrument Panel Lights):Push the knob to
extend and then turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the instrument panel lights and the radio
display. This only works if the headlamps or parking
lamps are on.
To turn on the dome lamps, with the vehicle doors
closed, turn the knob all the way clockwise.
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Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened
or closed.
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the
exterior lamps control.
The dome lamp override sets the dome lamps to remain
off or come on automatically when a door is opened.
E(Dome Lamp Override):Press the button in and the
dome lamps remain off when a door is opened. Press the
button again to return it to the extended position so that
the dome lamps come on when a door is opened.
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Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they are left on
for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent the battery from
running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets
located on the instrument panel.
To use the accessory power outlet lift the cover. The
spring cap cover closes by itself when the outlet is
empty.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power plugs.Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug because the power outlets
are designed for accessory power plugs only.
4-14

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
For vehicles with an ashtray it is located in the center
console or on the instrument panel. Pull up on the
ashtray door to open it if it is in the console or pull the
door open it if it is on the instrument panel.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items
in the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it out from the console or
from the slide out door. To reinstall the ashtray,
slide it back to the original position.
To use the cigarette lighter, if the vehicle has one, push
it in all the way, and let go. When it is ready for use,
it will pop back out by itself.
Do not use the lighter to plug in accessory devices.
Use the power outlets provided.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
9(Off):Turns the system off.
Temperature Control:Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.Vehicles Without Air Conditioning
4-15

Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the current airflow mode.
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets, with some air directed toward the
windshield.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield and side windows.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Outside air is directed to the floor and
defroster outlets. Adjust the temperature knob for
warmer or cooler air. The air conditioning compressor
might turn on in this setting to dehumidify the air.
1(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield, with
some to the floor outlets and front side windows. The air
conditioning compressor might turn on in this setting to
dehumidify the air.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.A. Fan Control
B. Temperature ControlC. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
needed for the vehicle to cool down and the system
operates more efficiently.
#(Air Conditioning):Cools and dehumidifies the air
inside of the vehicle.
V(Maximum Air Conditioning):Cools the air inside
the vehicle faster, by recirculating the inside air.Vehicles With Air Conditioning
4-16

Rear Window Defogger
For vehicles with a rear window defogger, a warming
grid is used to remove fog or frost from the rear window.
It only works when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger turns off several minutes
after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger will run for several more minutes before turning
off. The defogger can also be turned off by turning off
the engine.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the outlets located near the center and on the sides
of the instrument panel to change the direction of airflow.
Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into your vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
4-17

Instrument Panel Cluster
United States 4-Speed Version shown, 6-Speed and Canada similar
4-21

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer. The
digital odometer will read 999,999 if it is turned back.
If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, it must be
set to the mileage total of the old odometer. If that is
not possible, then it must be set at zero and a label must
be put on the driver door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has
been driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero.
Press the Trip/Fuel button on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) switch to display the trip odometer and the
regular odometer information.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 4-37for more
information on resetting the trip odometer.
To display the odometer reading with the ignition off,
press the Trip/Fuel button on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) switch.
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several
seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt,
unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for
several seconds, then
flashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime
sounds for several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety belt. The passenger
safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, comes
on and stays on for several seconds and then flashes
for several more.
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