2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS airbag

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems. SeeClimate Control System on
page 4-15for additional information.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 3-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This button will be on the
RKE transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the engine using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the remote
vehicle start button for four seconds or until the
vehicle’s turn signal lamps flash.
When the vehicle’s engine starts, the parking lamps
will turn on and remain on while the engine is
running. The vehicle’s doors will be locked. The
airbag readiness light will be on during a remote
start. It should turn off when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 4-23for more information.
3. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the
ignition switch and turned to ON/RUN.
3-7

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt Wheel.....................................................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-6
Exterior Lamps...............................................4-9
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-10
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-10
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-11
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-11
Dome Lamps ...............................................4-12
Dome Lamp Override....................................4-12
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................4-13
Reading Lamps............................................4-13
Electric Power Management...........................4-13
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-14
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-14
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................4-15Climate Controls............................................4-15
Climate Control System.................................4-15
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-17
Rear Heating System....................................4-18
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......4-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-20
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-21
Speedometer and Odometer...........................4-22
Trip Odometer..............................................4-22
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-22
Airbag Readiness Light
..................................4-23
Airbag Off Light............................................4-24
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-25
Charging System Light..................................4-26
Voltmeter Gage............................................4-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................4-27
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-28
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................4-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-29
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-30
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-30
Oil Pressure Gage........................................4-33
Oil Pressure Light.........................................4-34
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime
may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device. To turn off the warning light and or
chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle
the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on page 2-60.The airbag readiness light
flashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
For vehicles with a remote start, the airbag readiness
light will stay on until the driver places the ignition switch
to the ON/RUN position.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44
for more information.
4-23

Airbag Off Light
When the right front passenger airbag is manually
turned off using the airbag on-off switch on the
instrument panel, if equipped, the indicator light OFF or
the off symbol will come on and stay on as a reminder
that the airbag has been turned off. This light will go off
when the airbag has been turned on. SeeAirbag Off
Switch on page 2-70for more information, including
important safety information.{WARNING:
If the right front passenger’s airbag is turned off
for a person who is not in a risk group identified
by the national government, that person will not
have the extra protection of an airbag. In a crash,
the airbag will not be able to inflate and help
protect the person sitting there.
Do not turn off the passenger’s airbag unless the
person sitting there is in a risk group identified by
the national government. SeeAirbag Off Switch on
page 2-70for more on this, including important
safety information.
United States
Canada
4-24

{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. For example, the right
front passenger airbag could inflate even though
the airbag on-off switch is turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the
vehicle serviced right away. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 4-23for more information, including
important safety information.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit, it means that the
right front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may
inflate). SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 2-70for more
information, including important safety information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
If the vehicle has a passenger sensing system, the
instrument panel will have a passenger airbag status
indicator. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 2-73
for important safety information. The instrument panel
has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then,
after several more seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to
let you know the status of the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate).United States
Canada
4-25

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-23
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with
the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
4-26

REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays while you are matching a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3-4andDIC Operation and Displays on
page 4-37for more information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter battery is low. The battery needs to be
replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 3-4.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
On some vehicles, this message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger side rear door is not fully
closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and
close the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC.
SERVICE A/C SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your dealer/retailer inspect
the system for problems. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 4-23andAirbag System on page 2-60for more
information.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
On some vehicles, this message displays if there is a
problem with the battery charging system. Under certain
conditions, the charging system light may also turn
on in the instrument panel cluster. SeeCharging System
Light on page 4-26. Driving with this problem could
drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories.
Have the electrical system checked as soon as
possible. See your dealer/retailer.
4-48

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added
to the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, is not covered under
the terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/
retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service technicians will
perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 2-79.
6-3