Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 169
.Keep the windshield washer fluidreservoir filled.
.Have good tires with propertread depth. SeeTires0252.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or throughmountains is different than drivingon flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and ingood shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,tires, cooling system, andtransmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when goingdown steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep thevehicle in its own lane. Do notswing wide or cross thecenter line.
.Be alert on top of hills;something could be in your lane(e.g., stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special roadsigns (e.g., falling rocks area,winding roads, long grades,passing or no-passing zones)and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires andthe road creates less traction orgrip, so drive carefully. Wet ice canoccur at about 0 °C (32 °F) whenfreezing rain begins to fall. Avoiddriving on wet ice or in freezing rainuntil roads can be treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Acceleratingtoo quickly causes the wheels tospin and makes the surfaceunder the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0190.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS)improves vehicle stability duringhard stops, but the brakesshould be applied sooner than
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
170 Driving and Operating
when on dry pavement. SeeAntilock Brake System(ABS)0188.
.Allow greater following distanceand watch for slippery spots. Icypatches can occur on otherwiseclear roads in shaded areas.The surface of a curve or anoverpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear.Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking whileon ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place andsignal for help. Stay with the vehicleunless there is help nearby.If possible, use RoadsideAssistance. SeeRoadsideAssistance Program0316.Togethelp and keep everyone in thevehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warningflashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outsidemirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base ofthe vehicle, especially anyblocking the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm(2 in) on the vehicle sidethat is away from the wind,to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to circulate the airinside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highestsetting. See“ClimateControl Systems.”
For more information about CO,
seeEngine Exhaust0182.
To s a v e f u e l , r u n t h e e n g i n e f o rshort periods to warm the vehicleand then shut the engine off andpartially close the window. Movingabout to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,when running the engine, push theaccelerator pedal slightly so theengine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the batterycharged to restart the vehicle and tosignal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible, tosave fuel.
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 177
1(ACC/ACCESSORY):This is theposition in which you can operatethings like the radio and thewindshield wipers when the engineis off.
2(ON/RUN):This position can beused to operate the electricalaccessories and to display someinstrument cluster warning andindicator lights. This position canalso be used for service anddiagnostics, and to verify the properoperation of the malfunctionindicator lamp as may be requiredfor emission inspection purposes.The switch stays in this positionwhen the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN positionwith the engine off, the battery couldbe drained. You may not be able tostart the vehicle if the battery isallowed to drain for an extendedperiod of time.
3(START):This is the position thatstarts the engine. When the enginestarts, release the key. The ignitionswitch returns to ON/RUN fordriving.
Awarningtonewillsoundwhenthedriver door is opened, the ignition isin ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFFand the key is in the ignition.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
To p l a c e t h e t r a n s m i s s i o n i n t h eproper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) orN(Neutral). The engine will not startin any other position. To restart theengine when the vehicle is alreadymoving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment0212.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off theaccelerator pedal, turn theignition key to START. Whenthe engine starts, let go of thekey. The idle speed will godown as your engine getswarm. Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 179
When the fast idle is active, theDriver Information Center (DIC) willdisplay FAST IDLE ON.
One of the following actions will turnoff the fast idle:
.Pressing the brake.
.Selecting the cruise controlcancel button.
.Releasing the parking brake.
.Moving the transmission shiftlever out of P (Park) orN(Neutral).
.Selecting the cruise control on/off button when it waspreviously on.
.Pressing the cruise control SET-button a second time.
.Pressing the accelerator morethan one-quarter of theway down.
.Turning the ignition switch to theLOCK/OFF position.
Engine Heater
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
The engine coolant heater canprovide easier starting and betterfuel economy during enginewarm-up in cold weather conditionsat or below✓18 °C (0 °F). Vehicleswith an engine coolant heatershould be plugged in at least fourhours before starting. An internalthermostat in the plug end of thecord may exist which will preventengine coolant heater operation attemperatures above✓18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord.
The cord for the engine coolantheater is on the driver side ofthe engine compartment and isattached to the hose for thepower steering reservoir.
Check the heater cord fordamage. If it is damaged, donot use it. See your dealer forareplacement.Inspectthecord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded11 0 - v o l t A C o u t l e t .
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into athree-prong electrical utilityreceptacle that is protectedby a ground fault detectionfunction. An ungroundedoutlet could cause anelectric shock.
.Use a weatherproof,heavy-duty, 15 amp-ratedextension cord if needed.Failure to use therecommended extensioncord in good operating
(Continued)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
180 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
condition, or using adamaged heater orextension cord, could makeit overheat and cause a fire,property damage, electricshock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehiclewith the heater cordpermanently attached to thevehicle. Possible heatercord and thermostatdamage could occur.
.While in use, do not let theheater cord touch vehicleparts or sharp edges. Neverclose the hood on theheater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle,unplug the cord, reattachthe cover to the plug, andsecurely fasten the cord.Keep the cord away fromany moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, besure to unplug and store thecord as it was before to keep itaway from moving engine partsand prevent damage.
The length of time the heater shouldremain plugged in depends onseveral factors. Ask a dealer in thearea where you will be parking thevehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can beused for up to 10 minutes after theengine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows (if equipped)
These features will work when theignition key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key isturned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,power to the radio and powerwindows will continue to work10 minutes or until the driver door isopened.
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down,then set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into theP(Park) position by pulling theshift lever toward you andmoving it up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key toLOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take itwith you. If you can leave thevehicle with the ignition key inyour hand, the vehicle isin P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
(Continued)
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
182 Driving and Operating
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) :
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
3. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If you still are unable to shift out ofP(Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shiftlever.
2. While holding down the brakepedal, push the shift lever allthe way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If you are still having a problemshifting, have the vehicle serviced.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areaswith poor ventilation(parking garages, tunnels,deep snow that may blockunderbody airflow or tailpipes).
.The exhaust smells orsounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaksdue to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust systemhas been modified,damaged, or improperlyrepaired.
(Continued)