Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 231
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning isdisplayed but no steam can be seenor heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.To w s a t r a i l e r . S e e“Driving onGrades”underTr a i l e rTo w i n g0205.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral) and let theengine idle.
If the engine coolant temperaturegauge is no longer in the overheatzone or an overheat warning nolonger displays, the vehicle can bedriven. Continue to drive the vehicleslowly for about 10 minutes. Keep asafe vehicle distance from the
vehicle in front. If the warning doesnot come back on, continue to drivenormally and have the coolingsystem checked for proper fill andfunction.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is still no sign of steam,push down the accelerator until theengine speed is about twice as fastas normal idle speed for at leastthree minutes while parked. If thewarning is still on, turn off theengine until it cools down.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood, get service help right away.
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched enginecooling fan. When the clutch isengaged, the fan spins faster toprovide more air to cool the engine.In most everyday driving conditions,the fan is spinning slower and theclutch is not fully engaged. Thisimproves fuel economy and reducesfan noise. Under heavy vehicleloading, trailer towing, and/or high
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
232 Vehicle Care
outside temperatures, the fan speedincreases as the clutch more fullyengages, so an increase in fannoise may be heard. This is normaland should not be mistaken as thetransmission slipping or makingextra shifts. It is merely the coolingsystem functioning properly. The fanwill slow down when additionalcooling is not required and theclutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard whenstarting the engine. It will go awayas the fan clutch partiallydisengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir isin the engine compartment on thedriver side of the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0218for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularlycheck power steering fluid unlessthere is a leak suspected in thesystem or an unusual noise isheard. A fluid loss in this systemcould indicate a problem. Have thesystem inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To c h e c k t h e p o w e r s t e e r i n g f l u i d :
1. Turn the key off and let theengine compartmentcool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of thereservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe thedipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap andcompletely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again andlook at the fluid level on thedipstick.
The level should be at the COLDFILL mark. If necessary, add onlyenough fluid to bring the level up tothe mark.
To p r e v e n t c o n t a m i n a t i o n o f b r a k efluid, never check or fill the powersteering reservoir with the brakemaster cylinder cover off.
What to Use
Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may
damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0305.
To d e t e r m i n e w h a t k i n d o f f l u i d t ouse, seeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0305.Alwaysusetheproper fluid. Failure to use theproper fluid can cause leaks anddamage hoses and seals.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 235
Warning (Continued)
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a lowlevel, the brake warning light comeson. SeeBrake System WarningLight0104.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.Replace brake fluid at the specifiedintervals to prevent increasedstopping distance. SeeMaintenanceSchedule0297.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at thebrake fluid reservoir. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0218.
The fluid level should be aboveMIN. If it is not, have the brakehydraulic system checked to see ifthere is a leak.
After work is done on the brakehydraulic system, make sure thelevel is above MIN but not over theMAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3brake fluid from a clean, sealedcontainer. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0305.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
236 Vehicle Care
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery ismaintenance free. Do not removethe cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement numbershown on the original battery labelwhen a new battery is needed. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0218for battery location.
{Warning
WA R N I N G :Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
SeeCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning0215.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
Yo u c a n b e b a d l y h u r t i f y o u a r e
not careful. SeeJump Starting -
North America0282for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove theblack, negative (✓)cablefromthebattery to keep the battery fromrunning down.
Extended Storage: Remove theblack, negative (✓)cablefromthebattery or use a battery tricklecharger.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularlycheck rear axle fluid unless yoususpect there is a leak or you hear
an unusual noise. A fluid loss couldindicate a problem. Have itinspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , t h evehicle should be on a levelsurface.
For axles with the fill plug locatedon the back cover of the rear axle,the proper level is 15 mm to 40 mm(0.59 to 1.57 in) below the bottom ofthe fill hole.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
238 Vehicle Care
Among those acts presumed toconstitute tampering are the actslisted below.
Insulation:
.Removal of the noise shields orany underhood insulation.
Engine:
.Removal or rendering enginespeed governor, if the vehiclehas one, inoperative so as toallow engine speed to exceedmanufacturer specifications.
Fan and Drive:
.Removal of fan clutch, if thevehicle has one, or renderingclutch inoperative.
.Removal of the fan shroud, if thevehicle has one.
Air Intake:
.Removal of the air cleanersilencer.
.Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.Removal of the muffler and/orresonator.
.Removal of the exhaust pipesand 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, besure there is enough roomaround the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brakeand the regular brake.
Do not use the acceleratorpedal, and be ready to turn offthe engine immediately if itstarts.
3. Try to start the engine in eachgear. The vehicle should startonly in P (Park) or N (Neutral).If the vehicle starts in any otherposition, contact your dealer forservice.
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, besure there is enough roomaround the vehicle. It should beparked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Beready to apply the regularbrake immediately if the vehiclebegins to move.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 239
3. With the engine off, turn theignition on, but do not start theengine. Without applying theregular brake, try to move theshift lever out of P (Park) withnormal effort. If the shift levermoves out of P (Park), contactyour dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked and with the parkingbrake set, try to turn the ignition toLOCK/OFF in each shift leverposition.
.The ignition should turn toLOCK/OFF only when the shiftlever is in P (Park).
.The ignition key should comeout only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service isrequired.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
Yo u o r o t h e r s c o u l d b e i n j u r e d
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 thevehicle facing downhill. Keepingyour foot on the regular brake, setthe parking brake.
.To c h e c k t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e ' sholding ability: With the enginerunning and the transmission inN(Neutral), slowly remove footpressure from the regular brakepedal. Do this until the vehicle isheld by the parking brake only.
.To c h e c k t h e P ( P a r k )mechanism's holding ability:With the engine running, shift toP(Park). Then release theparking brake followed by theregular brake.
Contact your dealer if service isrequired.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should beinspected for wear and cracking.SeeMaintenance Schedule0297.
Replacement blades come indifferent types and are removed indifferent ways. For proper type andlength, seeMaintenanceReplacement Parts0306.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
(Continued)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
246 Vehicle Care
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may causethe lamps to go on and off, or insome cases to remain off. Have theheadlamp wiring checked right awayif the lamps go on and off orremain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due toheavy snow or ice, the windshieldwipers will stop until the motor coolsand will then restart.
Although the circuit is protectedfrom electrical overload, overloaddue to heavy snow or ice maycause wiper linkage damage.Always clear ice and heavy snowfrom the windshield before using thewindshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by anelectrical problem and not snow orice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle areprotected from short circuits by acombination of fuses and circuitbreakers. This greatly reduces thechance of fires caused by electricalproblems.
Look at the silver-colored bandinside the fuse. If the band is brokenor melted, replace the fuse. Be sureyou replace a bad fuse with a newone of the identical size and rating.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
For vans with a diesel engine, seethe Duramax diesel supplement.
The fuse block is located in theengine compartment on the driverside of the vehicle.
Vehicles with upfitter content
See www.gmupfitter.com for upfitterprovisions and best practices.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
284 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cablesdo not have loose or missinginsulation. If they do, you couldget a shock. The vehiclescould be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,here are some basic things youshould know. Positive (+) willgo to positive (+) or to a remotepositive (+) terminal if thevehicle has one. Negative (✓)will go to an unpainted metalpart or to a remote negative (✓)terminal if the vehicle has one.
On your van, use the unpaintedradio antenna bracket as aremote negative (✓)terminal.
Do not connect positive (+) tonegative (✓)oryouwillgetashort that would damage thebattery and maybe other partstoo. And do not connect thenegative (✓)cabletothenegative (✓)terminalonthedead battery because this cancause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+)cable to the positive (+)terminal of the dead battery.Use a remote positive (+)terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touchmetal. Connect it to thepositive (+) terminal of the goodbattery. Use a remotepositive (+) terminal if thevehicle has one.
7. Now connect the blacknegative (✓)cabletothenegative (✓)terminalofthegood battery. Use a remotenegative (✓)terminalifthevehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touchanything until the next step.The other end of thenegative (✓)cabledoesnotgoto the dead battery. It goes to aheavy, unpainted metal enginepart or to a remote negative (✓)terminal on the vehicle with thedead battery. On your van, usethe unpainted radio antennabracket as a remotenegative (✓)terminal.