2017 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN tow

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
Driving and Operating 211
State and local regulations may alsorequire the trailer to have its ownbraking system if loaded above acertain threshold.
Be sure to read and follow theinstructions for the trailer brakes sothey are installed, adjusted, andmaintained properly.
Do not tap into the vehicle'shydraulic brake system.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The optional heavy-duty trailerwiring package includes a wiringharness, with a seven-pin connectorat the rear of the vehicle and afour-wire harness assembly underthe driver side of the instrumentpanel. The four-wire harnessassembly comes without aconnector.
If the vehicle does not have a trailerhitch, the seven-wire harnessassembly with connector is tapedtogether and located in a framepocket at the driver side rear leftcorner of the frame.
If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, theseven-wire harness assembly withconnector is attached to a bracketon the hitch platform. In both cases,the seven-wire harness has aconnector and includes a 30-ampfeed wire.
Use only a round, seven-wireconnector with flat blade terminalsmeeting SAE J2863 specificationsfor proper electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness connectorcontains the following trailer circuits:
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps(10A fuse)**
.White: Ground
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
.Dark Green: Right Rear Stopand Turn Signal*
.Red/Black Stripe: Battery Feed(30A Fuse)
.Brown: Trailer Park LampSupply Voltage (15A fuse)**
.Ye l l o w : L e f t R e a r S t o p a n d Tu r nSignal *
The four-wire harness (withoutconnector) contains the followingcircuits:
.Black: Ground
.Red/White: Battery Feed
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
.Light Blue: CHMSL/StoplampSupply Voltage
*Ifthevehicleisacutawaywithtrailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse willbe shared for both left/stop trailerturn and right/stop trailer turnsignals. However, the cutawaylighting connector will have a10 amp fuse for each signal.
** If the vehicle is a cutaway withtrailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse willbe shared for trailer park lamps andcutaway rear lighting connector parklamps. Also, a 10 amp fuse will beshared for trailer back-up lamps andcutaway rear lighting connectorback-up lamps.
Tow/Haul Mode
This button is on the instrumentpanel, to the right of the steeringwheel.

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 215
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 273Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 282
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Towing the Vehicle
To w i n g t h e V e h i c l e . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 6Recreational VehicleTo w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 6
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
General Information
For service and parts needs, visityour dealer. You will receivegenuine GM parts and GM-trainedand supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING:Most motor vehicles,including this one, as well as manyof its service parts and fluids,contain and/or emit chemicalsknown to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects orother reproductive harm. Engineexhaust, many parts and systems,many fluids, and some componentwear by-products contain and/oremit these chemicals.
SeeBattery - North America0236andJump Starting - NorthAmerica0282.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotiveapplications, such as airbaginitiators, safety belt pretensioners,and lithium batteries contained inRemote Keyless Entry transmitters,may contain perchlorate materials.Special handling may be necessary.For additional information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 219
1.Battery - North America0236.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System0226.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System0226.
4. Automatic Transmission FluidDipstick. See“Checking theFluid Level”underAutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n F l u i d0222.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“Whento Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0219.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0219.
7.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0225.
8. Power Steering FluidReservoir. SeePower SteeringFluid0232.
9. Brake Master CylinderReservoir. SeeBrakeFluid0234.
10. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See“Adding WasherFluid”underWasherFluid0233.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Engine Oil”in the Duramax dieselsupplement.
To e n s u r e p r o p e r e n g i n eperformance and long life, carefulattention must be paid to engine oil.Following these simple, butimportant steps will help protectyour investment:
.Use engine oil approved to theproper specification and of theproper viscosity grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil levelregularly and maintain theproper oil level. See“CheckingEngine Oil”and“When to AddEngine Oil”in this section.
.Change the engine oil at theappropriate time. SeeEngine OilLife System0221.
.Always dispose of engine oilproperly. See“What to Do withUsed Oil”in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly(every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0218for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center(DIC) message displays, check theoil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves when

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
220 Vehicle Care
checking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0309.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0218for the location of the engineoil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the levelsomewhere in the proper operatingrange. Push the dipstick all the wayback in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oildepends on both the proper oilspecification and viscosity grade.SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0305.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils thatmeet the dexos1™specification.Engine oils that have beenapproved by GM as meeting thedexos1 specification are markedwith the dexos1 approved logo. Seewww.gmdexos.com.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
222 Vehicle Care
system might indicate that an oilchange is not necessary for up to ayear. The engine oil and filter mustbe changed at least once a yearand, at this time, the system mustbe reset. Your dealer has trainedservice people who will perform thiswork and reset the system. It is alsoimportant to check the oil regularlyover the course of an oil draininterval and keep it at the properlevel.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever theengine oil is changed so that thesystem can calculate the nextengine oil change. To reset thesystem:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release theaccelerator pedal slowly threetimes within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage comes back on when thevehicle is started, the engine oil lifesystem has not reset. Repeat theprocedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. If a small leak issuspected, use the followingprocedures to check the fluid level.However, if there is a large leak, itmay be necessary to have thevehicle towed to a dealer and haveit repaired before driving the vehiclefurther.
Change the fluid and filter at theintervals listed inMaintenanceSchedule0297,andbesuretousethe transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0305.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can bedifficult, it is recommended to havethis check done at your dealer,which can monitor the transmissiontemperature. The transmission fluidlevel increases with temperature. Toobtain a highly accurate fluid levelcheck, the transmission temperaturemust be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluidlevel, be sure to follow all theinstructions here, or a false readingon the dipstick may occur.
Caution
To o m u c h o r t o o l i t t l e f l u i d c a n
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
(Continued)