Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
10-4 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11. This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3-30.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records on
page 11-15.
{Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the handle with this symbol on it. It is in front of the driver
side door frame near the floor.
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-11
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inMaintenance
Schedule on page 11-3 and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, it may be decided to
have this done at the dealer. If not taken to the dealer, be sure to
follow all the instructions here or a
false reading on the dipstick could
result.
{Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
.When outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
.At high speed for quite a while.
.In heavy traffic —especially in
hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 24 km (15 mi) when
outside temperatures are above 10°
C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third)
until the engine temperature gauge
moves and then remains steady for
10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made
after the vehicle has been sitting for
eight hours or more with the engine
off, but this is used only as a
reference. Let the engine run at idle
for five minutes if outside
temperatures are 10°C (50°F) or
more. If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), the engine may have to idle
longer. Should the fluid level be low
during this cold check, the fluid must
be checked hot before adding fluid.
Checking the fluid hot will give a
more accurate reading of the fluid
level.
Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-13
{Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
.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.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, use the following
procedures to check the fluid level.
However, if there is a large leak, it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3, and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid
level increases with temperature. To
obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
{Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
(Continued)
Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
10-16 Vehicle Care
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 (1 pt). Do
not overfill.
{Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
.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.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is near
the center of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-6.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter at the scheduled maintenance
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3. If driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake it to release loose
dust and dirt. If the filter remains
covered with dirt, a new filter is
required. Never use compressed air
to clean the filter.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Unhook the retainer clips and
remove the cover.
2. Lift the filter out of the engine air cleaner/filter housing. Care
should be taken to dislodge as
little dirt as possible.
Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-27
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and/or fuel
operated heater parts,
if equipped. If the vehicle has a
diesel engine and a fuel operated
heater, see“Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH)” in the diesel
engine supplement. The fluid will
burn if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned,
and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking
Brake Fluid” in this section. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See
Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-6.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak. After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{Warning
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-29
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check the
lubricant. SeeMaintenance
Schedule on page 11-3.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
1. Drain Plug 2. Fill Plug
If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug hole, on the transfer
case, some lubricant will need to be
added. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the
fill plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug hole, some lubricant
may need to be added.
When the differential is cold, add
enough lubricant to raise the level to
10 mm (3/8 in) below the fill
plug hole.
Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
10-30 Vehicle Care
When the differential is at operating
temperature (warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug hole.
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
on page 11-3 to determine how
often to check the lubricant.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface.
If you have the 1500 Series, the
proper level is from 15 mm (5/8 in) to
40 mm (1 5/8 in) below the bottom of
the fill plug hole. The proper level
for the 2500 and 3500 Series is
from 0 to 6 mm (1/4 in) below the
bottom of the fill plug hole. Add only
enough fluid to reach the proper
level.
What to Use
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 to
determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Noise Control System
The following information relates to
compliance with federal noise
emission standards for vehicles with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg
(10,000 lbs). The Maintenance
Schedule provides information on
maintaining the noise control system
to minimize degradation of the noise
emission control system during the
life of the vehicle. The noise control
system warranty is given in the
vehicle warranty booklet.
These standards apply only to
vehicles sold in the United States.
Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014662) - 2014 - crc - 8/26/13
Vehicle Care 10-31
Federal law prohibits the following
acts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or renderinginoperative by any person, other
than for purposes of
maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated
into any new vehicle for the
purpose of noise control, prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has
been removed or rendered
inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to
constitute tampering are the acts
listed below.
Insulation:
.Removal of the noise shields or
any underhood insulation. Engine:
.Removal or rendering engine
speed governor, if the vehicle
has one, inoperative so as to
allow engine speed to exceed
manufacturer specifications.
Fan and Drive:
.Removal of fan clutch, if the
vehicle has one, or rendering
clutch inoperative.
.Removal of the fan shroud, if the
vehicle has one.
Air Intake:
.Removal of the air cleaner
silencer.
.Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.Removal of the muffler and/or
resonator.
.Removal of the exhaust pipes
and exhaust pipe clamps. Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)
—
Diesel Engine:
.Removal of the muffler.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).