
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
176 Driving and Operating
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four differentpositions.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) , t h e i g n i t i o nmust be in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brakepedal applied.
0(STOPPINGTHEENGINE/LOCK/OFF) :When the vehicle is stopped,turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off. RetainedAccessory Power (RAP) will remainactive. SeeRetained AccessoryPower (RAP)0180.
This position locks the ignition andtransmission.
Do not turn the engine off when thevehicle is moving. This will cause aloss of power assist in the brakeand steering systems and disablethe airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in anemergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump thebrakes repeatedly. This maydeplete power assist, requiringincreased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).This can be done while thevehicle is moving. After shiftingto N (Neutral), firmly apply thebrakes and steer the vehicle toasafelocation.
3. Come to a complete stop, shiftto P (Park), and turn theignition to LOCK/OFF. Onvehicles with an automatictransmission, the shift levermust be in P (Park) to turn theignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0189.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,and must be shut off while driving,turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 181
Warning (Continued)
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park0180.
If you are towing a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
To w i n g T i p s0202.
If you have to leave the vehicle withthe engine running, be sure thevehicle is in P (Park) and theparking brake is firmly set. After theshift lever is moved into P (Park),hold the regular brake pedal down.Then, see if you can move the shiftlever away from P (Park) without
first pulling it toward you. If you can,it means that the shift lever was notfully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and youdo not shift the transmission intoP(Park) properly, the weight of thevehicle can put too much force onthe parking pawl in thetransmission. It might be difficult topull the shift lever out of P (Park).This is called torque lock. Toprevent torque lock, set the parkingbrake and then shift into P (Park)properly before you leave the driverseat. To find out how, seeShiftingInto Park0180.
When you are ready to drive, movethe shift lever out of P (Park) beforereleasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you mightneed to have another vehicle pushyours a little uphill to take some ofthe pressure from the parking pawlin the transmission. Then youshould be able to pull the shift leverout of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock controlsystem. You have to fully apply thebrakes before you can shift fromP(Park) when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. SeeAutomatic Transmission0183.
The shift lock control system isdesigned to:
.Prevent the ignition key frombeing removed unless the shiftlever is in P (Park).
.Prevent movement of the shiftlever out of P (Park), unless theignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regularbrake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system isalways functional except in the caseof a dead battery or low voltage(less than 9 V) battery.
If the vehicle has an unchargedbattery or a battery with low voltage,try charging or jump starting thebattery. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0282.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 185
By doing this, the vehicle shiftsdown to the next gear and hasmore power.
D(Drive) can be used when towingatrailer,carryingaheavyload,or driving on steep hills. You mightwant to shift the transmission to alower gear selection if thetransmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission inslippery road conditions could resultin skidding. See“Skidding”underLoss of Control0167.
The vehicle has a shift stabilizationfeature that adjusts the transmissionshifting to the current drivingconditions in order to reduce rapidupshifts and downshifts. This shiftstabilization feature is designed todetermine, before making anupshift, if the engine is able tomaintain vehicle speed by analyzingthings such as vehicle speed,throttle position, and vehicle load.If the shift stabilization featuredetermines that a current vehiclespeed cannot be maintained, thetransmission does not upshift andinstead holds the current gear.
In some cases, this could appear tobe a delayed shift, however thetransmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptiveshift controls. Adaptive shift controlscontinually compare key shiftparameters to pre-programmedideal shifts stored in thetransmission’scomputer.Thetransmission constantly makesadjustments to improve vehicleperformance according to how thevehicle is being used, such as withaheavyloadorwhenthetemperature changes. During thisadaptive shift control process,shifting might feel different as thetransmission determines the bestsettings.
The shift quality of a new vehiclemay not be ideal because theadaptive shift control process maynot have determined the bestsettings for a particular shift orcondition. Shift quality will improvewith continued driving.
When temperatures are very cold,the transmission's gear shiftingcould be delayed, providing more
stable shifts until the engine warmsup. Shifts could be more noticeablewith a cold transmission. Thisdifference in shifting is normal.
M:This position lets drivers selectthe range of gears appropriate forcurrent driving conditions. If thevehicle has this feature, see“RangeSelection Mode”underManualMode0186.
3:This position is also used fornormal driving. It reduces vehiclespeed more than D (Drive) withoutusing the brakes. You might choose3(Third) instead of D(Drive) whendriving on hilly, winding roads; whentowing a trailer, so there is lessshifting between gears; and whengoing down a steep hill. See“RangeSelection Mode”underManualMode0186.
2:This position reduces vehiclespeed even more than 3 (Third)without using the brakes. You canuse 2 (Second) on hills. It can helpcontrol vehicle speed as you godown steep mountain roads, butthen you would also want to use the

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
186 Driving and Operating
brakes off and on. See“RangeSelection Mode”underManualMode0186.
If you manually select 2 (Second) inan automatic transmission, thetransmission will start insecond gear. You can use thisfeature for reducing the speed of therear wheels when trying to start thevehicle from a stop on slippery roadsurfaces.
1:This position reduces vehiclespeed without using the brakes.Yo u c a n u s e i t f o r m a j o r / s e v e r edowngrades where the vehiclewould otherwise accelerate due tosteepness of grade. When you shiftto 1 (First) it provides the lowestgear appropriate to current roadspeed and continues to downshiftas the vehicle slows, eventuallydownshifting to 1 (First) gear. Thetransmission can be held in 1 (First)gear using Range Selection Modeor the shift lever. See“RangeSelection Mode”underManualMode0186.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
This mode is enabled when thevehicle is started, but is not enabledin Range Selection Mode. It assistsin maintaining desired vehiclespeeds when driving on downhillgrades by using the engine andtransmission to slow the vehicle.The first time the system activatesfor each ignition key cycle, a DICmessage will be displayed. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o n M e s s a g e s011 8.
To d i s a b l e o r e n a b l e N o r m a l M o d eGrade Braking within the currentignition key cycle, press and holdthe Tow/Haul button for
three seconds. A DIC messagedisplays. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages011 8.
For other forms of grade braking,seeTo w / H a u l M o d e0187andCruise Control0192.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Modehelps control the vehicle'stransmission and vehicle speedwhile driving downhill or towing atrailer by letting you select a desiredrange of gears.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever toM(ManualMode).

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 187
2. Press the +/✓buttons on theshift lever, to select the desiredrange of gears for currentdriving conditions.
When M (Manual Mode) is selectedanumberdisplaysintheDICnexttothe M indicating the current gear.
This number is the highest gear thatcan be used. However, the vehiclecan automatically shift to lowergears as it adjusts to drivingconditions. This means that allgears below that number areavailable. When 5 (Fifth) is selected,1(First) through 5(Fifth) gears areautomatically shifted by the vehicle,but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used untilthe +/✓button on the steeringcolumn lever is used to change tothe gear.
Grade Braking is not available whenRange Selection Mode is active.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0187.
While using Range Selection Mode,cruise control and the Tow/HaulMode can be used.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
Low Traction Mode can assist invehicle acceleration when roadconditions are slippery. While thevehicle is at a stop, select thesecond gear range using RangeSelection Mode. This will limittorque to the wheels after it detectswheel slip, preventing the tires fromspinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
If equipped, Tow/Haul Mode adjuststhe transmission shift pattern toreduce shift cycling, providingincreased performance, vehiclecontrol, and transmission coolingwhen towing or hauling heavy loads.
Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and offby pressing the button on theinstrument panel. When Tow/Haul ison, a light on the instrument clusterwill come on.
SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e L i g h t0105.
Also see“To w / H a u l M o d e”underTo w i n g E q u i p m e n t0210.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
188 Driving and Operating
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n g i sonly enabled while the Tow/HaulMode is selected and the vehicle isnot in the Range Selection Mode.See“To w / H a u l M o d e”listedpreviously andManual Mode0186.To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n gassists in maintaining desiredvehicle speeds when driving ondownhill grades by using the engineand transmission to slow thevehicle.
To d i s a b l e o r e n a b l e To w / H a u l M o d eGrade Braking within the currentignition key cycle, press and holdthe Tow/Haul button forthree seconds. A DIC message willbe displayed. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages011 8.
SeeTo w i n g E q u i p m e n t0210.
For other forms of grade braking,seeAutomatic Transmission0183andCruise Control0192.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight0104.
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 189
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Parking Brake
To s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l d t h eregular brake pedal, then pushdown the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.
To r e l e a s e t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l dthe regular brake pedal down. Pullthe handle, located just above theparking brake pedal, with theparking brake symbol, to release theparking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parkingbrake is released, the brake systemwarning light will go off.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and areparking on a hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0202.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
190 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The vehicle may have a vehiclestability enhancement system calledStabiliTrak. It is an advancedcomputer controlled system thatassists the driver with directionalcontrol of the vehicle in difficultdriving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when thecomputer senses a discrepancybetween the intended path and thedirection the vehicle is actuallytraveling. StabiliTrak selectivelyapplies braking pressure at any oneof the vehicle's brakes to assist thedriver with keeping the vehicle onthe intended path.
When the vehicle is started andbegins to move, the systemperforms several diagnostic checksto ensure there are no problems.The system may be heard or feltwhile it is working. This is normaland does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle. Thesystem should initialize before thevehicle reaches 40 km/h (25 mph).In some cases, it may takeapproximately 3.2 km (2 mi) ofdriving before the system initializes.
The Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak indicator light comes onin the instrument cluster when thesystem requires service.
When StabiliTrak activates, theTCS/StabiliTrak indicator lightflashes in the instrument cluster.This also occurs when TCS isactivated.
SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l S y s t e m ( T C S ) /StabiliTrak®Light0105.
For your safety, the system can onlybe disabled when the vehicle speedis less than 40 km/h (25 mph).
Pressgon the instrument panel
once to turn off the TCS. Theappropriate message is displayed inthe DIC. SeeRide Control SystemMessages011 6.
Press and holdgto turn off
StabiliTrak and TCS. The StabiliTrakOFF light illuminates and the