Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
Driving and Operating 169
Sit behind the wheel, adjust the seat
position, and buckle up the seat
belt. The passengers are also
required to buckle up the seat belts.
Adjust the positions of the steering
wheel and mirrors. Lock the doors.
Turn the power of the dome light or
accessories OFF before starting the
engine. SeeSeat Position 044,
Seat Belts 049, Steering Wheel
Adjustment 072, and Mirrors039.
Keep the Floor Around the
Driver's Seat Clean and Tidy
{Warning
It is extremely dangerous to have
empty cans, empty bottles or
other items rolling around on the
floor because they could get
trapped under the brake pedal
and prevent brake application.
For proper pedal operation, it is
also essential to lay floor mats
properly. Incorrectly installed floor
mats would hinder free movement
of the pedals. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not use the dashboard pocket
or the top of the dashboard as a
place to put items that could roll,
which could interfere with your
driving. You and others could be
seriously injured.
Choose Your Footwear Suitable
for Driving
{Warning
Choose footwear that ensures
proper operation of pedals when
driving the vehicle. Use of
footwear unsuitable for driving
may cause an accident.
Starting the Engine
Do not keep the engine control
switch in the START position for
more than about 10 seconds.
Operating the starter for too long
might cause starter and battery
failure or may result in overheating. When the engine does not start,
wait for 20 to 30 seconds and then
turn the engine control switch again.
Before starting the engine sit in the
driver seat, check that the parking
brake is firmly engaged, the selector
lever is in the P or N (P is preferred)
position and the shift indicator also
shows P or N, and firmly press the
brake pedal to start the engine.
When stopped on a slope, start the
engine with the selector lever in the
P position. See
Ignition Positions
0 163.
1. Make sure that the selector lever is in the P or N position
and firmly press the brake
pedal.
2. When the engine control switchis turned to the ON position,
the wait-to-start light comes on
and it goes out in about
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
Driving and Operating 175
Activating High Idle Mode
Follow the below procedure to
activate the high idle mode:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Set the selector lever in P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.
3. Do not press the brake pedal. 4. Press the cruise control main
switch to set it to ON. At this
time, the operation indicating
light will turn to green.
5. Turn and hold the cruise control set switch in the SET
position. After approximately
3 seconds the cruise control
set indicator light will begin to
flash slowly and the engine idle
will increase to 1,200 r/min.
Canceling High Idle Mode
Any of the following actions will
cancel high idle mode.
. The cruise control main switch is
set to OFF.
. The brake pedal is pressed.
. The parking brake is released.
. The selector lever is moved from
P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.
. The accelerator pedal is
pressed, accelerating the engine
beyond the engine speed
threshold.
The cruise set indicator light will
stop flashing and the engine speed
will return to normal.
Engine Checks Before
Operating
Checks Before Operating
Allow the engine to warm up before
placing the engine under heavy load
driving. While the engine is warming
up under light load, the following
checks should be made:
1. Observe the red engine oil pressure warning light. The
light should go out when the
engine is running. If it stays on,
shut the engine off and find the
cause.
2. Look at the engine coolant temperature gauge. If the
gauge reaches the H (HOT)
area, stop the engine and find
the cause of the overheating.
3. Check that the battery warning light has gone out. The light
should go off and stay off at
normal idle speeds. If the light
does not go out or comes on
during normal operation, have
the charging system checked.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
176 Driving and Operating
4. Check that the brake lowvacuum warning light is out
and that the vacuum buzzer is
not sounding. It is normal for
the warning buzzer to sound
for a few seconds after the
engine starts. If the light and
buzzer remain on, do not drive
the vehicle until the cause has
been found and corrected.
5. Look at the brake system warning light. It should be out
when the parking brake is
released and the engine is
running. If it stays on, it could
mean that the brake fluid level
is low. Check the brake fluid
reservoir. This condition must
be corrected before moving the
vehicle.
{Warning
To reduce the chance of personal
injury and/or vehicle damage due
to engine overheating, never
leave the engine idling without an
alert driver present. If the engine
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
should overheat, as indicated by
the engine coolant temperature
gauge, immediate action is
required to correct the condition.
Continued operation of the
engine, even for a short time, may
result in a fire.
For vehicles with a diesel engine,
do not engage the exhaust brake
while the engine is idling as this
may cause engine overheating.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling of the
Diesel Engine
If the diesel engine idles too long,
the engine coolant temperature will
fall below the operating range. Low
engine operating temperature
causes several conditions that are
harmful to engine operation and life.
Incomplete combustion of fuel in an
engine that is not fully warmed-up
causes crankcase dilution and
forms lacquer and gummy deposits on valves, pistons, and rings. It also
causes rapid accumulation of
sludge within the engine.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Exhaust parts and gases become
very hot when the DPF is being
regenerated.
Parking over flammable items
could allow them to touch hot
exhaust parts under your vehicle
and cause them to ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, grass
or other things that can burn. You
and others could be seriously
injured.
Keep Flammable Material Away
from the Vehicle
The exhaust pipe is extremely hot
immediately after vehicle operation.
Before parking, make sure the area
is free of flammable material (for
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
Driving and Operating 179
Warning (Continued)
or corroded exhaust system or
cab. Do not run the engine in
confined areas (such as garages,
next to a building or near another
stopped vehicles with engine
running) any more than needed to
move the vehicle.
When the vehicle has to be
stopped in an unconfined area
with the engine running for any
more than a few minutes, take the
following steps:. Adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air
into the cab.
. With temperature and outlet
selector knob in any
position:
. Set the air selector lever to
the fresh air position.
. Set the fan speed control
knob to the maximum speed
position.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep the exhaust tailpipe
area clear of snow and
other material to help
reduce the buildup of
exhaust gases under the
vehicle.
This is particularly important when
parked in blizzard conditions. You
and others could be seriously
injured.
See Climate Control Systems 0126
and Maintenance Schedule 0345.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
Caution
To reduce the chance of personal
injury and/or vehicle damage due
to engine overheating, never
leave the engine idling without an
alert driver present. If the engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
should overheat, as indicated by
the engine coolant temperature
gauge, immediate action is
required to correct the condition.
Continued operation of the
engine, even for a short time, may
result in a fire. Do not engage the
exhaust brake while the engine is
idling as this may cause engine
overheating.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling of the
Diesel Engine
If the engine idles too long, the
engine coolant temperature will fall
below the operating range. Low
engine operating temperature
causes several conditions that are
harmful to engine operation and life.
Incomplete combustion of fuel in an
engine that is not fully warmed-up
causes crankcase dilution and
forms lacquer and gummy deposits
on valves, pistons, and rings. It also
causes rapid accumulation of
sludge within the engine.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
206 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
When you move the selector lever
into D, 2, 1 or R (diesel engine),
or D6, D4, 2, 1, or R (gasoline
engine), creep will cause the
vehicle to move.
When pulling away from a
standstill, you must control the
speed using only the accelerator
pedal. Operate the accelerator
pedal carefully.
Do not operate the selector lever
while pressing the accelerator
pedal. The vehicle may make a
sudden start, possibly causing an
accident.
For gasoline vehicles, do not
drive the vehicle with the
transmission in neutral. Not only
will the engine brake not function,
but the transmission will also be
damaged.
You and others could be seriously
injured.When pulling away, visually check
the position of the selector lever.
If you always press the push button
while operating the selector lever,
the lever may occasionally move to
the other gear position against your
intentions.
Practice operating the selector lever
between the N and D (diesel engine)
or D6/D4 (gasoline engine) without
pressing the push button.
Do not operate the selector lever
while pressing the accelerator
pedal. Doing so is dangerous
because the vehicle would
suddenly move.
Do not operate the automatic
transmission at or near stall
condition for more than
five seconds. Stall condition is when
the transmission is in one of the
driving ranges, the engine is running
at high speed, but the drive wheels
are unable to move. This condition
might occur if the vehicle is stuck in
deep sand or is pushing against a
fixed barrier. Operating the
transmission at stall condition will
result in overheating and damage. Do not hold your vehicle on an
upgrade with the accelerator pedal.
Doing so will result in automatic
transmission overheating and
damage. Use the parking brake or
foot brake to hold the vehicle on an
upgrade.
Even if you plan to move only a
short distance, sit in the correct
driving position and make sure you
can firmly press the brake and
accelerator pedals.
When you reverse, you twist to look
rearward so pedal operation
becomes difficult. Firmly press the
brake pedal. Also, practice returning
the selector lever immediately to the
N position after reversing. When
pulling away, visually check the
selector lever position and the shift
indicator.
When the vehicle is stopped, do not
keep pressing the accelerator pedal
with the selector lever in a forward
gear or R position while pressing
the brake pedal. Doing so may
cause a breakdown.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
Driving and Operating 209
Driving conditionsSelector lever position
Normal uphill road Diesel engine
–D (overdrive off
switch ON)
Gasoline engine –D4
Steep uphill, steep slope, mountain
road with many sharp curves 2 or 1
Long uphill road 2
Downhill driving:
Do not overuse the foot brake. This
will cause the brakes to overheat,
reducing their effectiveness. On
long downward slopes or sharp
downhill sections of road, use the
engine brake together with the foot
brakes to control the speed.
On vehicles with a diesel engine,
when the selector lever is in the D
position, you can drive with the
overdrive off switch ON to allow a
gentle engine brake to be applied.
On vehicles with a 3.0L diesel
engine, push the overdrive off
switch to the ON position at speeds below 135 km/h (84 MPH) to
increase engine braking action
when traveling downgrade.
On vehicles with a 5.2L diesel
engine, push the overdrive off
switch to the ON position at speeds
below 101 km/h (63 MPH) to
increase engine braking action
when traveling downgrade.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine,
with the selector lever in the D4
position at speeds below
121 km/h (75 MPH) to increase
engine braking action when
traveling downgrade.
You can increase engine braking by
driving with the selector lever in the
2 position.To apply a stronger engine brake on
sharp downhill sections, shift the
selector lever to the 1 position when
required.
See
Control of a Vehicle 0133.
Driving at Low Speeds for
Sustained Periods
On vehicles with a 3.0L diesel
engine, any low speed applications
such as sweeper, road marking
machinery, trash collectors, highway
striping or moving, etc. require the
following treatment to prevent the
automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
from overheating:
Select 1 position during low speed
operation under 28 km/h (17 MPH).
Select 2 position during low speed
operation under 53 km/h (33 MPH).
On vehicles with a 5.2L diesel
engine, any low speed applications
such as sweeper, road marking
machinery, trash collectors, highway
striping or moving, etc. require the
following treatment to prevent the
automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
from overheating:
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
210 Driving and Operating
Select 1 position during low speed
operation under 18 km/h (11 MPH).
Select 2 position during low speed
operation under 36 km/h (22 MPH).
On vehicles with a gasoline engine,
any low speed applications such as
sweeper, road marking machinery,
trash collectors, highway striping or
moving, etc. require the following
treatment to prevent the automatic
transmission fluid (ATF) from
overheating:
Select 1 position during low speed
operation under 36 km/h (22 MPH).
Select 2 position during low speed
operation under 61 km/h (38 MPH).
SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
Temperature Warning Light 088.
To Stop Your Vehicle 1. To temporarily stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal firmly
while the selector lever is in
D (diesel engine) or D6/
D4 (gasoline engine). 2. Use the parking brake as
required. Press the brake pedal
firmly, and firmly apply the
parking brake.
If the vehicle is stationary for a
long time, move the selector
lever into the N or P position.
If the selector lever is kept in
D (diesel engine) or D6/
D4 (gasoline engine), the
temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid increases
due to heat from the torque
converter.
To ensure reliable brake application,
be sure to use your right foot to
press the brake pedal.
When leaving the driver's seat,
follow the When Parking Your
Vehicle procedure.
To Start After Stopping
To start again after stopping your
vehicle, visually check that the
selector lever is in D (diesel engine)
or D6/D4 (gasoline engine), and
gradually press the accelerator
pedal to pull away. When Parking Your Vehicle
{Warning
Do not leave your vehicle while
the engine is still running. Do not
park with the selector lever in a
position other than P or N the
vehicle may begin moving by
itself due to creeping. You may
accidentally press the accelerator
pedal when getting into the
vehicle causing it to start moving
suddenly.
When parking the vehicle, always
apply the parking brake and move
the selector lever to the P
position.
When parking on a slope, move
the selector lever in the P position
and block the wheels with chocks.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
1. Keep pressing the brake pedal firmly with your right foot, then
apply the parking brake.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
244 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 245
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 245
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Cab Tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Oil (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Oil (Gasoline) . . . . . . . . . 257
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 263
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 269
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 273
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Rear Axle (Gear Oil Viscosity
Chart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Rear Axle (Oil Level Check) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 284
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
(Diesel Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 286
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Roofmarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Sidemarker Lamps (Including Turn Signal and Cornering
Lamps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 297
Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 298
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340