Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
14 In Brief
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp control is on theinstrument panel to the left of thesteering wheel.
There are four positions:
O(Off) :Briefly turn the control tothis position to turn the automaticheadlamps and Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) off or back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,the off position only works forvehicles that are shifted into theP(Park) position.
AUTO (Automatic) :Automaticallyturns the exterior lamps on and off,depending on outside lighting.
;(Parking Lamps) :Turns on theparking lamps including all lamps,except the headlamps.
2(Headlamps) :Turns on theheadlamps together with the parkinglamps and instrument panel lights.
If the headlamps are turned onwhile the vehicle is on, theheadlamps turn off automatically10 minutes after the ignition isturned off. If the headlamps areturned on while the vehicle is off,the headlamps will continue to stayon. To prevent the battery frombeing drained, turn the control to theOposition.
Awarningchimesoundsifthedriverdoor is opened while the ignitionswitch is off and the headlampsare on.
To c h a n g e t h e h e a d l a m p s f r o m l o wbeam to high beam, pull the turnsignal lever all the way toward you.Then release it.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The lever is on the left side of thesteering column.
8:Use for a single wiping cycle.
6:Use to adjust the delay timebetween wipes. Turn the band up ordown for more frequent wipes orless frequent wipes.
d:Slow wipes.
a:Fast wipes.
9:Use to turn the wipers off.
L:Push the paddle on top of theturn signal lever to spray washerfluid on the windshield.
SeeWindshield Wiper/Washer089.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
90 Instruments and Controls
6:Use to adjust the delay timebetween wipes. Turn the band upfor more frequent wipes or down forless frequent wipes.
d:Slow wipes.
a:Fast wipes.
9:Use to turn the wipers off.
When driving during the day and thewipers are activated, the headlamps automatically turn on aftercompleting eight wipe cycles.
Clear ice and snow from the wiperblades before using them. If frozento the windshield, carefully loosen orthaw them. Damaged blades shouldbe replaced.
Windshield Washer
The windshield wiper paddle is ontop of the turn signal lever.
L:Push the paddle to spraywasher fluid on the windshield. Thewipers will clear the window andthen either stop or return to thepreset speed.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use
the washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Compass
This vehicle may have a compass inthe Driver Information Center (DIC).
Compass Zone
Yo u r d e a l e r w i l l s e t t h e c o r r e c t z o n efor your location.
Under certain circumstances, suchas during a long distancecross-country trip or moving to anew state or province, it will benecessary to compensate forcompass variance by resetting thezone through the DIC if the zone isnot set correctly.
Compass variance is the differencebetween the earth's magnetic northand true geographic north. If thecompass is not set to the zonewhere you live, the compass may
give false readings. The compassmust be set to the variance zone inwhich the vehicle is traveling.
To a d j u s t f o r c o m p a s s v a r i a n c e , u s ethe following procedure:
Compass Variance (Zone)Procedure
1. Do not set the compass zonewhen the vehicle is moving.Only set it when the vehicle isin P (Park).
PressTuntil PRESSVTO
CHANGE COMPASS ZONEdisplays.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Lighting 127
Automatic Headlamp
System
When it is dark enough outside andthe headlamp switch is in AUTO,the automatic headlamp systemturns on the headlamps, along withthe taillamps, sidemarker lamps,parking lamps, and the instrumentpanel lights. The radio lights willalso be dim.
To t u r n o f f t h e a u t o m a t i c h e a d l a m psystem, turn the exterior lampcontrol to the off position and thenrelease. For vehicles first sold inCanada, the transmission must bein the P (Park) position, before theautomatic headlamp system can beturned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor onthe top of the instrument panel. Donot cover the sensor; otherwise thesystem will come on whenever theignition is on.
The system may also turn on theheadlamps when driving through aparking garage or tunnel.
There is a delay in the transitionbetween the daytime and nighttimeoperation of the Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) and the automaticheadlamp system so that drivingunder bridges or bright overheadstreet lights does not affect thesystem. The DRL and automaticheadlamp system are only affectedwhen the light sensor sees achange in lighting lasting longerthan the delay.
If the vehicle is started in a darkgarage, the automatic headlampsystem comes on immediately.Once the vehicle leaves the garage,it takes approximately 30 secondsfor the automatic headlamp systemto change to DRL if it is lightoutside. During that delay, theinstrument cluster may not be as
bright as usual. Make sure theinstrument panel brightness controlis in the full bright position. SeeInstrument Panel IlluminationControl0129.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers areactivated in daylight with the engineon, and the exterior lamp control isin AUTO, the headlamps, parkinglamps, and other exterior lampscome on. The transition time for thelamps coming on varies based onwiper speed. When the wipers arenot operating, these lamps turn off.
Move the exterior lamp control toP
or;to disable this feature.
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 - 5/2/16
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
290 Vehicle Care
Lamp covers are made of plastic,and some have a UV protectivecoating. Do not clean or wipe themwhile they are dry.
Do not use any of the following onlamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaningagents in higher concentrationsthan suggested by themanufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels,or other harsh cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps orcovers while the lamps areilluminated, due to excessiveheat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,between the hood and windshieldwhen washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshieldwith glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-freecloth or paper towel soaked withwindshield washer fluid or a milddetergent. Wash the windshieldthoroughly when cleaning theblades. Bugs, road grime, sap, andabuildupofvehiclewash/waxtreatments may cause wiperstreaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they areworn or damaged. Damage can becaused by extreme dustyconditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply Dielectric silicone grease onweatherstrips to make them lastlonger, seal better, and not stick orsqueak. Lubricate weatherstrips atleast once a year. Hot, dry climatesmay require more frequentapplication. Black marks fromrubber material on painted surfacescan be removed by rubbing with aclean cloth. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0305.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner toclean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
(Continued)