2016 CHEVROLET EXPRESS automatic transmission

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
156 Driving and Operating
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
See
Tow/Haul Mode 0140. If the transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See
Manual Mode 0139.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 159
Warning (Continued)
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
3. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
4. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer. 5. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the
parking brake and shift into P (Park).
6. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer from the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0245. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0187.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
172 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 173
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 176
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 181
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 193 Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 199
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 208
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . 211
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 212
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 216
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 218
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 218
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 219
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 230
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Vehicle Care 181
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an engine oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service peoplewho will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System on most
models:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 82.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC while the
Oil Life display is active. The oil life will
change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 82. 2. Fully press and release the accelerator
pedal three times within five seconds.
If the display shows 100%, the system is
reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
your dealer. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
(Continued)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
182 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0251.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule 0245, and
be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0251.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on the
front of the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0176.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 245.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air filter housing
open. Before removing the engine air filter,
make sure that the engine air filter housing and nearby components are free of dirt and
debris. Do not clean the engine air filter or
components with water or compressed air.
4.3L V6 Engine
To inspect and replace the filter: 1. Remove the eight screws, slide the top cover forward and lift, to gain access to
the air cleaner/filter.
2. Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing base. Take care to dislodge as
little dirt as possible.
{Warning
If part replacement is necessary, the part
must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the
same fit, form, and function may result
in personal injury or damage to the
vehicle.
3. Clean the air cleaner/filter sealing surface and housing base.
4. Install the engine air cleaner/filter in the housing base.
5. Install the top cover by sliding it into position on the housing base, and secure
using eight screws.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 193
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). If the vehicle starts in any
other position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function 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.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake
set, try to turn the ignition off in each shift
lever position.
.The ignition should turn to off only when
the shift lever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should come out only
when the ignition is off.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
208 Vehicle Care
(1) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The
United States version of a metric tire
sizing system. The letters LT as the first
two characters in the tire size mean a
light truck tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in item
3 of the light truck (LT-Metric) tire
illustration, it would mean that the
tire's sidewall is 75 percent as high as it
is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter R
means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches. (6) Load Range
:Load Range.
(7) Service Description
:The service
description indicates the load index and
speed rating of a tire. If two numbers
are given as in the example, 120/116,
then this represents the load index for
single versus dual wheel usage (single/
dual). The speed rating is the maximum
speed a tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width. Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0210.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
222 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
Equipment needed for a cargo van or a
passenger van is in the passenger side rear
corner of the vehicle.
Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it
off of the mounting bracket.
Equipment needed for a 15-passenger seating
arrangement is secured on the rear floor on
the passenger side of the vehicle.