2021 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO oil change

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
Vehicle Care 185
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specifications 0261.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0181 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0257. Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked with the
dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of
extreme cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may
be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it
is recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification”
earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
186 Vehicle Care
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which 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 bereset. 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)
0 81.
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)
0 81. 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
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 in Maintenance Schedule 0251, and be
sure to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0257.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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192 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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.
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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 245
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.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See “Finish Care” previously in this
section.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
250 Service and Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . 255
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . 257
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . 258
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
General Information
This maintenance section applies to vehicles
with a gasoline engine. For diesel engine
vehicles, see "Maintenance Schedule" in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routinemaintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 251
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0132.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0158.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain
.Frequently towing a trailer
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0179.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 184.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire Pressure
0 217.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0221.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0196.
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 0186.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is 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) 081 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

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
252 Service and Maintenance
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.
SeeTire Rotation 0221.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0184 and
Engine Oil Life System 0186.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0191.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0196.
.Check tire inflation pressures, including
the spare. See Tire Pressure0217.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 221.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0189.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 242.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0242.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 035.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0242.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0200.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0201.
.Check ignition transmission lock. See
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 0201.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 201.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Lubricate the steering linkage (greasable
joints). See Normal and Severe
Maintenance Schedules. For severe
commercial use vehicles, see Special
Application Services 0255.
.Visually inspect the spare tire to ensure
that it is tightly stowed under the vehicle.
Push, pull, and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as necessary.
See Tire Changing 0229.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 253
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 mi84 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 and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (3)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (4)@
Replace brake fluid. (5)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (6)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (7)
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(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. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 189.
(3) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0191. (4)
Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(5) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0197.
(6) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0201.
(7) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.