Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Driving and Operating 225
controller should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
If equipped, wiring provisions for an
aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller are included with the
vehicle as part of the trailer wiring
package. The harness contains the
following circuits:Electric Trailer
Brakes Dark Blue
Battery Feed Red/White
Brake Apply
Signal Light Blue
Ground Black
There are four blunt cut wires under
the floor carpeting in front of the
brake pedal. It will be necessary to
have a technician connect the
12-volt power to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Refer to the aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller owner's
manual to determine wire color
coding of the electric trailer brake controller. The wire colors on the
brake controller may be different
from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. For instructions on how to
enter Tow/Haul mode, see
Tow/Haul
Mode 0189.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Trailer Weight ”under Trailer
Towing 0215.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
. through rolling terrain
. in stop-and-go traffic
. in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and
may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) have a
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature.
Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while
towing. If the vehicle is towing a
trailer and the TSC detects that
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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226 Driving and Operating
sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at
each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If equipped
with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the
trailer has an electric brake system,
StabiliTrak/ESC may also apply the
trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/
ESC warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Reduce vehicle
speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer
sway continues, StabiliTrak/ESCcan reduce engine torque to help
slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned
off. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death,
even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway,
reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from
the accelerator. Then pull over to
check the trailer and vehicle to
help correct possible causes,
including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment 0222 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are
designed with stiff sidewalls to help
prevent sway and to support heavy
loads. These features can make it
difficult to determine if the trailer tire
pressures are low only based on a
visual inspection.
Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip when the
tires are cool. Low trailer tire
pressure is a leading cause of trailer
tire blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 239
suspected, use the following
procedures to check the fluid level.
However, if there is a large leak, it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inMaintenance
Schedule 0319, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid
level increases with temperature. To
obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the
engine off, before checking the
transmission fluid level if the vehicle
has been driven:
. In hot weather, when outside
temperatures are above 32 °C
(90 °F).
. The vehicle is heavily loaded.
. At high speed for quite a while in
hot weather.
. In heavy traffic and hot weather.
. While pulling a trailer. After driving under these conditions,
a hot check can be performed. The
fluid should be hot, which is 71 °C to
93 °C (160 °F to 200 °F).
A cold fluid level check can be
performed after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more
with the engine off, but this is used
only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if the
outside temperature is between 15 °
C to 32 °C (60 °F to 90 °F). Should
the fluid level be low during this cold
check, the fluid must be checked
warm or hot before adding fluid.
If the outside temperature is colder
than 15 °C (60 °F) or hotter than 32 °
C (90 °F), a cold check cannot be
performed.
A warm fluid level check can be
performed by driving the vehicle
under lightly loaded conditions and
outside temperatures between 10 °C
to 27 °C (50 °F to 80 °F). The
vehicle should be driven for at least
24 km (15 mi) before performing a
warm check. Checking the fluid
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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240 Vehicle Care
warm or hot will give a more
accurate reading of the fluid level
than a cold check.
Because the vehicle is equipped
with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
cooler, the transmission fluid
temperature may not reach the
required hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly
loaded driving vehicle conditions.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle:1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With a foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through
each gear range, pausing for
about three seconds in each
range. When M is reached,
move the selector from M1
through M3. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for two minutes or more. Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 232 for more information on
location.
1. COLD Range
2. WARM Range
3. HOT Range
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the dipstick, and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and pull it back
out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in
the COLD (1) range for a cold
check, transmission
temperature 27 °C to 32 °C
(80 °F to 90 °F); between the
COLD (1) and HOT (3) range
for a WARM (2) check, 50 °C to
60 °C (122 °F to 140 °F); or in
the HOT (3) cross-hatched
range for a hot check, 71 °C to
93 °C (160 °F to 200 °F). Be
sure to keep the dipstick
pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light 0109.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0319.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0232.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0327.
{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.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0232 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
(Continued)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 325
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 361
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 227
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 242
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 159, 161
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 62
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Airbags (cont'd)
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Alert
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 202
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 190 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Audio
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 133
Audio Players CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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362 Index
Automatic (cont'd)Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 238, 241
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Auxiliary
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Battery - North America . . . . 253, 302
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 257
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 109
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Brakes (cont'd)
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 176
Bulb Replacement Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 262
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 262
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
California
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .229, 253, 302, Back CoverCamera
Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 107
Check
Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 257
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 73
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 87
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76