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
206 Driving and Operating
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To i d e n t i f y t h e t r a i l e r i n g c a p a c i t y o fthe vehicle, read the information in“Weight of the Trailer”following.
Trailering is different than justdriving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes inhandling, acceleration, braking,durability, and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takescorrect equipment, and it has to beused properly.
The following information has manytime-tested, important trailering tipsand safety rules. Many of these areimportant for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please readthis section carefully before pulling atrailer.
Weight of the Trailer
Safe trailering requires monitoringthe weight, speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature, andhow frequently the vehicle is used topull a trailer are all important. Takeinto consideration any specialequipment on the vehicle, and theamount of tongue weight the vehiclecan carry. See“Weight of the TrailerTo n g u e”later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculatedassuming only the driver is in thetow vehicle and it has all therequired trailering equipment. Theweight of additional optionalequipment, passengers,and cargo inthe tow vehicle must be subtractedfrom the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determinehow much the vehicle can weigh,based upon the vehicle model andoptions.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 207
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.424037kg (8,900lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423719kg (8,200lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423946kg (8,700lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424355kg (9,600lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.424037kg (8,900lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423946kg (8,700lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424536kg (10,000lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423719kg (8,200lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424355kg (9,600lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
208 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase
4.8L V83.423583kg (7,900lb) 6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.424218kg (9,300lb) 7257kg (16,000lb)
3500 Series Cutaway–353 cm (139 in) Wheelbase
4.8L V83.42/3.73(b)6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.42/3.73(b)7257kg (16,000lb)
3500 Series Cutaway–404 cm (159 in) Wheelbase
4.8L V83.42/3.73(b)6623kg (14,600lb)
6.0L V83.42/3.73(b)7257kg (16,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)8618kg (19,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)9072kg (20,000lb)
3500 Series Cutaway–450 cm (177 in) Wheelbase
6.0L V83.42/3.73(b)7257kg (16,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)8618kg (19,000lb)
6.0L V84.10(b)9072kg (20,000lb)
(a) *The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicleand trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversion. The GCWR for the vehicle should not beexceeded.(b) Maximum Trailer Weight cannot be provided because total vehicle weight is unknown.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 209
Ask your dealer for traileringinformation or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer isan important weight to measurebecause it affects the total grossweight of the vehicle. The GrossVehicle Weight (GVW) includes thecurb weight of the vehicle, anycargo carried in it, and the peoplewho will be riding in the vehicle.If there are a lot of options,equipment, passengers, or cargo inthe vehicle, it will reduce the tongueweight the vehicle can carry, whichwill also reduce the trailer weight thevehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,the tongue load must be added tothe GVW because the vehicle willbe carrying that weight, too. SeeVehicle Load Limits0171for moreinformation about the vehicle'smaximum load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (1) shouldbe 10 percent to 15 percent of thetotal loaded trailer weight (2), up to amaximum of 181 kg (400 lb) with aweight carrying hitch. The trailertongue weight (1) should be10 percent to 15 percent of the totalloaded trailer weight (2), up to amaximum of 454 kg (1,000 lb) with aweight distributing hitch.
Do not exceed the maximumallowable tongue weight for thevehicle. Choose the shortest hitchextension that will position the hitchball closest to the vehicle. This willhelp reduce the effect of trailertongue weight on the rear axle.
After loading the trailer, weigh thetrailer and then the tongue,separately, to see if the weights areproper. If they are not, adjustmentsmight be made by moving someitems around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by thevehicle's ability to carry tongueweight. Tongue weight cannot causethe vehicle to exceed the GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) orthe RGAWR (Rear Gross AxleWeight Rating). The effect ofadditional weight may reduce thetrailering capacity more than thetotal of the additional weight.
It is important that the vehicle doesnot exceed any of its ratings—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, MaximumTrailer Rating, or Tongue Weight.The only way to be sure it is notexceeding any of these ratings is toweigh the vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle tires are inflatedto the upper limit for cold tires.These numbers can be found on theCertification label at the rear edge of
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
210 Driving and Operating
the driver door, or seeVehicle LoadLimits0171.Makesurenottogoover the GVW limit for the vehicle,or the GAWR, including the weightof the trailer tongue. If using aweight distributing hitch, make surenot to go over the rear axle limitbefore applying the weightdistribution spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helpsmaintain combination control. Manytrailers can be towed with aweight-carrying hitch which simplyfeatures a coupler latched to thehitch ball, or a tow eye latched to apintle hook. Other trailers mayrequire a weight-distributing hitchthat uses spring bars to distributethe trailer tongue weight among thetwo vehicle and trailer axles. See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”underTr a i l e r To w i n g0205for rating limitswith various hitch types.
Consider using sway controls withany trailer. Ask a traileringprofessional about sway controls orrefer to the trailer manufacturer'srecommendations and instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches
Aweightdistributinghitchmaybeuseful with some trailers. Use thefollowing guidelines to determine if aweight distributing hitch shouldbe used.
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributinghitch, the hitch must be adjusted sothe distance (2) remains the sameboth before and after coupling thetrailer to the tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between thevehicle and the trailer. Cross thesafety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tonguefrom contacting the road if itbecomes separated from the hitch.Always leave just enough slack sothe rig can turn. Never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Aloadedtrailerthatweighsmorethan 680 kg (1,500 lb) must beequipped with its own brake system,with brakes working on all axles.Trailer braking equipmentconforming to Canadian StandardsAssociation (CSA) requirementCAN3-D313, or its equivalent, isrecommended.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
212 Driving and Operating
Pressing this button turns on and offthe Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrumentcluster comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode is on.
To w / H a u l i s a f e a t u r e t h a t a s s i s t swhen pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0187.
To w / H a u l i s d e s i g n e d t o b e m o s teffective when the vehicle andtrailer combined weight is at least75 percent of the vehicle GrossCombined Weight Rating (GCWR).See“Weight of the Trailer”inTr a i l e rTo w i n g0205.Tow/Haulismostuseful under the following drivingconditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load throughrolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load instop-and-go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or alarge or heavy load in busyparking lots where improved lowspeed control of the vehicle isdesired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/HaulMode when lightly loaded or with notrailer at all will not cause damage.However, there is no benefit to theselection of Tow/Haul when thevehicle is unloaded. Such aselection when unloaded may resultin unpleasant engine andtransmission driving characteristicsand reduced fuel economy. Tow/Haul is recommended only whenpulling a heavy trailer or a large orheavy load.
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)
0102.Adeviceconnectedtothe
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’ssystems.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 237
For axles with the fill plug locatedon the passenger side of the rearaxle, the proper level is 0 mm to10 mm (0 to 0.4 in) below the bottomof the fill hole.
What to Use
Refer toRecommended Fluids andLubricants0305to determine whatkind of lubricant to use.
Noise Control System
Noise Emission Warranty
General Motors warrants to the firstperson who purchases this vehiclefor purposes other than resale andto each subsequent purchaser that
this vehicle as manufactured byGeneral Motors was designed, builtand equipped to conform at the timeit left General Motors control with allapplicable U.S. EPA Noise ControlRegulations. This warranty coversthis vehicle as designed, built andequipped by General Motors and isnot limited to any particular part,component or system of themanufactured by General Motors.Defects in design, assembly or anypart, component or system of thevehicle manufactured by GeneralMotors, which at the time it leftGeneral Motors control causednoise emissions to exceed Federalstandards, are covered by thewarranty for the life of the vehicle.
The following information relates tocompliance with federal noiseemission standards for vehicles withaGrossVehicleWeightRating(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg(10,000 lbs). The MaintenanceSchedule provides information onmaintaining the noise control systemto minimize degradation of the noiseemission control system during the
life of the vehicle. The noise controlsystem warranty is given in thevehicle warranty booklet.
These standards apply only tovehicles sold in the United States.
Federal law prohibits the followingacts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or renderinginoperative by any person,other than for purposes ofmaintenance, repair orreplacement, of any device orelement of design incorporatedinto any new vehicle for thepurpose of noise control, priorto its sale or delivery to theultimate purchaser or while it isin use; or
2. The use of the vehicle aftersuch device or element ofdesign has been removed orrendered inoperative by anyperson.