2016 CHEVROLET EXPRESS maintenance

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Climate Controls 119
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from
the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that may block the flow of air
into the vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
may adversely affect the performance of
the system.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
Maintenance
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0 245.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Driving and Operating 121
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 028.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Driving and Operating 123
Hydraulic Power Steering
This vehicle has hydraulic power steering.
It may require maintenance. SeePower
Steering Fluid 0188.
If power steering assist is lost because the
engine stops or because of a system
malfunction, the vehicle can be steered but
may require increased effort. See your
dealer if there is a problem.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is held
in that position for more than 15 seconds,
damage may occur to the power steering
system and there may be loss of power
steering assist.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then,
if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
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
Driving and Operating 171
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 077.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating. The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 045 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 045.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
174 Vehicle Care
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
seeServicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 45.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 010.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 253.
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
{Warning
Turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the engine is running with the
hood open, you or others could be
injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening. To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever upward to
release.

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-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Vehicle Care 183
6.6L V8 Engine
To inspect and replace the filter: 1. Remove the six 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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 six screws.
See Maintenance Schedule 0245 to
determine when to replace the engine air
cleaner/filter.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
4.3L V6 Engine
1. Radiator Pressure Cap
2. Coolant Recovery Tank
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)