Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Instruments and Controls 119
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security .
Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. A reduction in propulsion
power can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/
H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, or tires.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 167
.Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Hydraulic Power Steering
Your vehicle has hydraulic power
steering. It may require
maintenance. See
Power Steering
Fluid 0250.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or
because of a system malfunction,
the vehicle can be steered but may
require increased effort. See your
dealer if there is a problem.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
for more than 15 seconds,
damage may occur to the power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
228 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 229
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 230
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 237
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 238
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 241
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 242
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 248
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 250
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Battery - North America . . . . . . 253
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 255
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 256
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 257
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 258
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 260
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 262
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 262
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 263
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 264
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 268
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 233
1.Battery - North America 0253.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0244.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System 0244.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 244.
5. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0242.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
8. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid 0250.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0264. 10. Brake Master Cylinder
Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 252.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 250.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 235
1.Battery - North America 0253.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0244.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System 0244.
4. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) 0238 or
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(8-Speed Transmission) 0241.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 244.
8. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0242.
9. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid 0250. 10.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0264.
11. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 252.
12. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 250.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section. .
Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0237.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0232 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 Vehicle Care
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0232 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD
FILL mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
To prevent contamination of brake
fluid, never check or fill the power
steering reservoir with the brake
master cylinder cover off.
What to Use
Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may
damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0327.
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327. Always use the
proper fluid. Failure to use the
proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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312 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.Lubricate the upper and lower
control arm ball joints, at least every
other engine oil change.
Lubricate the tie rod ball joints, idler
arm pivot shaft bearings, idler arm
socket, and pitman arm socket, at
least every other engine oil change.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
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