2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS check transmission fluid

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.
A. WARM Range
B. HOT Range
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission fluid while it is
warm or hot. A cold check is used only as a reference.If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid
to bring the level up to the middle of the WARM (A) or
HOT (B) range depending on the ambient temperature
and prior driving conditions. Refer to “How to Check
Automatic Transmission Fluid”, earlier in this section
for instructions on driving to achieve warm or hot
transmission fluid. It does not take much fluid, generally
less than 0.5 L (one pint). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described
under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,”
earlier in this section.
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle down
to lock the dipstick in place.
6-27

ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Fuel Tank
Cutaway (Optional Tank)* 215.7 L 57.0 gal
Cutaway (Standard Tank) 124.9 L 33.0 gal
Passenger and Cargo 117.3 L 31.0 gal
* 159 inch (4 039 mm) wheelbase or 177 inch (4 496 mm) wheelbase only
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement)
4-SPD 4L60-E 4.7 L 5.0 qt
6-SPD 6L90 6.0 L 6.3 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190Y140 ft lb
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 X Automatic 1.52 mm (0.060 in)
4.8L V8 A Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
5.3L V8 4 Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
6.0L V8 G Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
6-117

MaintenanceII
•Perform all services described in MaintenanceI.
•Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
•Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage, and rear driveline center splines.
•Engine cooling system inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
•Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and wiper
blade cleaning, if contaminated. SeeWindshield
and Wiper Blades on page 6-106. Worn or damaged
wiper blade replacement. SeeWindshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 6-59.
•Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, folding
seat hardware, and rear compartment hinges,
linkage, and handle pivot points lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
vehicle is exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
•Restraint system component check. SeeChecking
the Restraint Systems on page 2-80.
•Automatic transmission fluid level check and adding
fluid, if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 6-21orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 6-24.
•All-wheel drive vehicles: Transfer case fluid level
check and adding fluid, if needed.
7-5

•Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
•Vehicles with diesel engine or GVWR above
4 536 kg (10,000 lbs) only: Shields inspection
for damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as
required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service.
Applicable to vehicles sold in the United States
and recommended for vehicles sold in Canada.
Additional Required Services
At the First 160 km/100 Miles,
1 600 km/1,000 Miles, and 10 000 km/
6,000 Miles
•
For vehicles with dual wheels: Check dual wheel
nut torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities
and Specications on page 6-116.
At Each Fuel Stop
•
Engine oil level check. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.
•Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-29.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-39.
Once a Month
•
Tire inflation check. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-68.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-75.
Once a Year
•
Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-10.
•Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-10.
•Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. SeeOwner Checks and Services on
page 7-10.
•Ignition transmission lock check. SeeOwner
Checks and Services on page 7-10.
•Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. SeeCooling System on
page 6-28.
7-6

•Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection
for loose or damaged components.
•Throttle system inspection for interference, binding
or for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate
accelerator or cruise control cables.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•
Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
•Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used
for taxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on
page 6-21orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) on page 6-24.
•All-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change
(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven when
frequently towing a trailer, or used for taxi, police, or
delivery service. Check vent hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation. Check to be sure vent
hose is unobstructed, clear, and free of debris.
During any maintenance, if a power washer is used
to clean mud and dirt from the underbody, care
should be taken to not directly spray the transfer
case output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life
of the transfer case and should be replaced.
•Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve, if
the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as
needed.An Emission Control Service. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the California
Air Resources Board has determined that the failure
to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services
be performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
7-7

First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 6-21orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 6-24.
•All-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid change
(normal service). Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed, clear, and free
of debris. During any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly
spray the transfer case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and should
be replaced.
•Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection.An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-29.
An Emission Control Service.
•Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed.An Emission Control
Service.
7-8

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.••
Engine coolant level check.••
Windshield washer fluid level check.••
Tire inflation pressures check.••
Tire wear inspection.••
Rotate tires.••
Fluids visual leak check.••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only).••
Brake system inspection.••
Chassis components lubrication.•
Steering and suspension inspection.•
Engine cooling system inspection.•
Windshield wiper blades inspection.•
Body components lubrication.•
Restraint system components check.•
Automatic transmission fluid level check.•
All-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid level check.•
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles not driven in dusty conditions).•
Shields inspection.•
7-9

Audio System(s).............................................4-62
Automatic Door Lock.......................................3-11
Automatic Door Unlock....................................3-11
Automatic Headlamp System............................4-11
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................6-21, 6-24
Operation...........................................3-27, 3-32
Axle, Rear.....................................................6-50
B
Battery..........................................................6-43
Electric Power Management..........................4-13
Run-Down Protection...................................4-14
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................7-15
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 5-5
Brakes..........................................................6-40
Antilock....................................................... 5-4
Parking......................................................3-36
System Warning Light..................................4-27
Braking........................................................... 5-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 5-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................3-22
Bulb Replacement...........................................6-58
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........6-56
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps ....................................................6-55
Halogen Bulbs............................................6-53Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................6-53
License Plate Lamps....................................6-58
Taillamps....................................................6-56
Buying New Tires...........................................6-79
C
Calibration.....................................................4-42
California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements................. 6-4
Warning....................................................... 6-4
California Fuel.................................................. 6-6
Canadian Owners............................................... iii
Capacities and Specifications..........................6-116
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust...........................................3-40
Winter Driving.............................................5-16
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................6-104
Cargo Door Relocking.....................................3-10
CD, MP3 .......................................................4-72
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........6-56
Chains, Tire...................................................6-84
Charging System Light....................................4-26
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................4-30
Checking Things Under the Hood......................6-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................6-108
2