2021 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO check transmission fluid

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
130 Driving and Operating
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0147.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0146.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 268. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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164 Driving and Operating
5. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply theparking brake and shift into P (Park).
6. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer from the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0251. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0194.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 177
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 178
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 178
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 179
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 181
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 201
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 206
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 215
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 218
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 218
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 223
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 225
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 225
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 226
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 237
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

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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Vehicle Care 187
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 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).

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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188 Vehicle Care
4. Let the engine run at idle fortwo 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 0181 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.
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 257 to determine what kind of
transmission fluid to use.
1. WARM Range
2. HOT Range
Using a funnel, add fluid down the
transmission dipstick tube only after
checking the transmission fluid while it is
warm or hot. A cold check is used only as a
reference. If the fluid level is low, add only
enough of the proper fluid to bring the level
up to the middle of the WARM (1) or
HOT (2) range depending on the ambient
temperature and prior driving conditions.
Refer to “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” earlier in this section for
instructions on driving to achieve warm or
hot transmission fluid. It does not take
much fluid, generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt).
Do not overfill.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 189
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0257.
.After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level
as described under “How to Check
Automatic Transmission Fluid,” earlier in
this section.
.When the correct fluid level is obtained,
push the dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(8-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. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for checking and changing the transmission fluid
in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See
Publication Ordering
Information 0273.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0257.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0251. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0257.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on the
front of the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0181. When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule
0 251.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air filter housing
open. Before removing the engine air filter,
make sure that the engine air filter housing
and nearby components are free of dirt and
debris. Do not clean the engine air filter or
components with water or compressed air.
4.3L V6 Engine

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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238 Vehicle Care
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles
rolling, set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic transmission
in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the parking brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
3. Turn the ignition off on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged
into the cigarette lighter or the accessory
power outlet. Turn off the radio and all
lamps that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal
locations of the other vehicle.
On your van, use the unpainted radio
antenna bracket as a remote negative (−)
terminal.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are
some basic things you should know.
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to an
unpainted metal part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has
one. On your van, use the unpainted
radio antenna bracket as a remote
negative (−) terminal.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a short that
would damage the battery and maybe
other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−)
terminal on the dead battery because
this can cause sparks.