Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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238 Vehicle Care
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an engine oil
change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system
to work properly, the system must
be reset every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System
on most models:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0114.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC
while the Oil Life display is
active. The oil life will change
to 100%. The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0114.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds. If the
display shows 100%, the
system is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The
only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
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 245
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion. .
Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 Vehicle Care
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at or above the
COLD FILL mark. If it is not, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank for Gasoline
Engines
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant recovery tank.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 319
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0235.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures, including the spare.
See Tire Pressure 0278.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0283.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 250.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0237.
Power Take Off (PTO) and
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the
PTO equipment or used in a way
that requires extended idle time,
one hour of use shall be deemed
the same as 53 km (33 mi). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0114 for hourmeter.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0283.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0235 and
Engine Oil Life System 0237.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0244.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0250.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0278.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0283.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 242.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 321
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Lubricate the steering linkage.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (1)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (2)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (3)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (4)@
Replace brake fluid. (5)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (6)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 323
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Lubricate the steering linkage.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (1)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (2)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (3)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (4)@
Replace brake fluid. (5)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (6)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition. (2)
Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(3) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 244. (4)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
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