2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN service

Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
(AM-FM Radio and Radio with
CD (Base))
`
(Balance/Fade):To adjust the balance or fade,
press the
`button or thefknob until the desired
speaker control label displays. Turn the
fknob
clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the setting.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade):To adjust balance or
fade, press the
fknob until the speaker control labels
display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired
label, or press the pushbutton positioned under
the desired label. Turn the
fknob clockwise or
counterclockwise to adjust the highlighted setting.
To quickly adjust balance or fade to the middle position,
press the pushbutton positioned under the BAL or
FADE label for more than two seconds. A beep sounds
and the level adjusts to the middle position.
To quickly adjust all speaker and tone controls to the
middle position, press the
fknob for more than
two seconds until a beep sounds.
Finding a Category (CAT) Station
CAT (Category):The CAT button is used to find XM™
stations while the radio is in the XM™ mode.
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the
United States and Canada only.
For this vehicle, the XM™ function is not available.
Radio Messages
Calibration Error:The audio system has been
calibrated for the vehicle from the factory. If Calibration
Error displays, it means that the radio has not been
configured properly for the vehicle and it must be
returned to your dealer/retailer for service.
Locked or Loc:One of these messages will display
when the THEFTLOCK
®system has locked up the
radio. Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your dealer/retailer.
Playing a CD (Single CD Player)
Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up.
The player pulls it in and the CD should begin playing.
3-72

Press and hold the
StabiliTrak button located
on the instrument panel
for more than five seconds
to turn off StabiliTrak
and part of the traction
control system.
The StabiliTrak light comes
on the instrument panel
cluster when the system
is turned off or requires
service.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®Indicator Light
on page 3-33.For your safety, the system can only be disabled when
the vehicle speed is less than 20 mph (32 km/h).
Three chimes will be heard and the StabiliTrak light
comes on.
To turn on the StabiliTrak system, press the StabiliTrak
button again. StabiliTrak will automatically turn back on
when the vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h).
One chime is heard and the StabiliTrak light will turn off.
When the StabiliTrak system has been turned off,
system noises may still be heard as a result of the
brake-traction control coming on.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to
free it. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-18.
4-6

StabiliTrak System Operation
The StabiliTrak system is normally on, except when
the system is initializing or has been disabled with
the StabiliTrak button. The StabiliTrak system will
automatically activate to assist the driver in maintaining
vehicle directional control in most driving conditions.
When activated, the StabiliTrak system may reduce
engine power to the wheels and apply braking to
individual wheels as necessary to assist the driver with
vehicle directional control. If cruise control is being
used when StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control
automatically disengages. The cruise control can be
re-engaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-9.
The StabiliTrak system may also turn off automatically
if it determines that a problem exists with the system.
If the problem does not clear itself after restarting
the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels and by applying brakes
to each individual wheel as necessary.
If the brake-traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed
braking, the brake-traction control will be automatically
disabled. The system will come back on after the
brakes have cooled. This can take up to two minutes
or longer depending on brake usage.
The traction control system may activate on dry or rough
roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration
while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this a reduction in acceleration may
be noticed, or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is
normal.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
4-7

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
•Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
•Wiper Blades:In good shape?
•Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
•Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
•Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inflated to
recommended pressure?
•Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
•Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
•Keep interior temperature cool.
•Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
•Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-14

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
•Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
•Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
•Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
•Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
4-15

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your dealer/
retailer or a professional towing service if the disabled
vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-7.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” — towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly
towing” — towing the vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a device known as
a “dolly”.Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:
•What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
•What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
•Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
•Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 4-14.
4-25

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The optional heavy-duty trailer wiring package includes
a wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector at the
rear of the vehicle and a four-wire harness assembly
under the driver side of the instrument panel. The
four-wire harness assembly comes without a connector.
If the vehicle does not have a trailer hitch, the
seven-wire harness assembly with connector is taped
together and located in a frame pocket at the driver side
rear left corner of the frame.
If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the seven-wire harness
assembly with connector is attached to a bracket on
the hitch platform. In both cases, the seven-wire harness
has a connector and includes a 30-amp feed wire.
4-40

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Cooling System............................................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-31
Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-33
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-36
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-44
Rear Axle
.......................................................5-45
Front Axle......................................................5-46
Noise Control System.....................................5-47
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-48
Headlamps..................................................5-48
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-51
Taillamps.....................................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-53
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1