
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
174 Driving and Operating
Example 3
1. Maximum Vehicle CapacityWeight for Example 3 =453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight@91kg(200lbs)◊5=453 kg (1,000 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight =0kg (0lbs)
Refer to the vehicle tire and
loading information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
AvehiclespecificCertification/
Tire label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the size of the
vehicle's original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to
obtain the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle. This is called
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label also
may show the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles,
called Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual
loads on the front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh the vehicle.
Yo u r d e a l e r c a n h e l p y o u w i t h
this. Be sure to spread out the
load equally on both sides of the
centerline.
{Warning
Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
178 Driving and Operating
Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow theoil to warm up and lubricate allmoving parts.
When the Low Fuel warninglamp is on and the FUELLEVEL LOW message isdisplayed in the DriverInformation Center (DIC), theComputer-Controlled CrankingSystem is disabled to preventpossible vehicle componentdamage. When this happens,hold the ignition switch in theSTART position to continueengine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not startafter 5-10 seconds, especiallyin very cold weather (below✓18 °C or 0 °F), it could beflooded with too muchgasoline. Try pushing theaccelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there asyou hold the key in START forup to 15 seconds. Wait at least15 seconds between each try,to allow the cranking motor tocool down. When the enginestarts, let go of the key andaccelerator. If the vehicle startsbriefly but then stops again, dothe same thing. This clears theextra gasoline from the engine.Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.Operate the engine andtransmission gently until the oilwarms up and lubricates allmoving parts.
Fast Idle System
If equipped, this feature is availableonly with cruise control. The manualfast idle switch is operated using thecruise control buttons on the leftside of the steering wheel.
This system can be used toincrease engine idle speedwhenever the following conditionsare met:
.The parking brake is set.
.The brake pedal is not pressed.
.The vehicle must not be movingand the accelerator must not bepressed.
To c o n t r o l t h e f a s t i d l e :
.To e n a b l e t h e F a s t I d l e S y s t e m ,press and release the cruisecontrol on/off button and ensurethat the switch indicator lightis lit.
.Press and release the cruisecontrol SET- button. Enginespeed will be held atapproximately 1200 rpm.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 183
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openingsin the vehicle body fromdamage or aftermarketmodifications that are notcompletely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with thewindows completely down.
.Have the vehicle repairedimmediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with theengine running.
If the vehicle is left with the enginerunning, follow the proper steps tobe sure the vehicle will not move.SeeShifting Into Park0180andEngine Exhaust0182.
If parking on a hill and pulling atrailer, seeDriving Characteristicsand Towing Tips0202.
Automatic
Transmission
Ashiftpositionindicatorisintheinstrument cluster.
There are several different positionsfor the shift lever.
See“Range Selection Mode”underManual Mode0186.
P:This position locks the rearwheels. It is the best position to usewhen starting the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.When parked on a hill, especiallywhen the vehicle has a heavy load,you might notice an increase in theeffort to shift out of P (Park). See“To r q u e L o c k”underShifting IntoPark0180.

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
192 Driving and Operating
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
asteadyspeed.Donotuse
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If equipped with cruise control, aspeed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) ormore can be maintained withoutkeeping your foot on theaccelerator. Cruise control does notwork at speeds below about 40 km/h(25 mph).
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak and thesystem begins to limit wheel spin,cruise control will automaticallydisengage. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l /Electronic Stability Control0190.
When road conditions allow cruisecontrol to be safely used again,cruise control can be turnedback on.
If the brakes are applied, cruisecontrol disengages.
I:Press to turn cruise control onor off. The white indicator comes onin the instrument cluster whencruise control is turned on.
+RES :If there is a set speed inmemory, press briefly to resume to apreviously set speed, or press and
hold to accelerate. If cruise controlis already active, use to increasevehicle speed.
SET✓:Press briefly to set thespeed and activate cruise control,or press and hold to decelerate.If cruise control is already active,use to decrease vehicle speed.
[:Press to disengage cruisecontrol without erasing the setspeed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
IfIis on when not in use, the
SET✓or +RES button could getpressed and go into cruise when not
desired. KeepIoff when cruise is
not being used.
1. PressIto turn the cruise
system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET✓.Thedesired set speed brieflyappears in the instrumentcluster.
4. Remove your foot from theaccelerator.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 203
.The trailer must be equippedwith brakes adequate for theintended use. A loaded trailerweighing more than 680 kg(1,500 lb) must be equipped withits own brake system, withbrakes working on all axles.Trailer braking equipmentconforming to CanadianStandards Association (CSA)requirement CAN3-D313, or itsequivalent, is recommended.
.Do not tow a trailer during thefirst 800 km (500 mi) to preventdamage to the engine, axle,or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km(500 mi) of trailer towing, do notdrive over 80 km/h (50 mph) anddo not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).The Tow/Haul Mode may beused if the transmission shiftstoo often. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0187.
.Turn off Park Assist whentowing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with theliftgate, trunk/hatch,or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Also adjust the climatecontrol system to a settingthat brings in only outsideair. See“Climate ControlSystems”in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0182.
To w i n g a t r a i l e r r e q u i r e s a c e r t a i namount of experience. Thecombination you are driving islonger and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted withthe handling and braking of the rigbefore setting out for the open road.
The structure, tires, and brakes ofthe trailer must be rated to carry theload. Inadequate trailer equipmentcan cause the combination tooperate in an unexpected or unsafemanner.
Before starting, check all trailer hitchparts and attachments, safetychains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires, and mirrors. Get familiar withthe handling and braking of the rig.If the trailer has electric brakes, startthe combination moving and thenapply the trailer brake controller byhand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionallyto be sure that the load is secureand the lamps and any trailerbrakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind thevehicle ahead as you would whendriving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid heavybraking and sudden turns.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 205
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regularbrakes until the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule0297.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling 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.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting 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.