2021 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO transmission

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 1/4/21
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0124.
2. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons (Out of View). See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 081.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 093.
Windshield Wiper/Washer 067.
4. Horn 067.
5. Hazard Warning Flashers 092.
6. Instrument Cluster 071.
7. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 142.
Manual Mode 0144 (If Equipped).
8. Climate Control Systems 0119.
9. Infotainment. See Overview (AM-FM
Radio) 097 or
Overview (Radio with CD/MP3) 099.
10. Power Outlets 069.
11. USB Port (If Equipped). See Auxiliary
Devices 0108. 12. Power Outlet 110/120 Volt Alternating
Current. See Power Outlets 069.
13. Rear Heating System 0121 (If Equipped).
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0157 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 154 (If Equipped).
14. Passenger Airbag On-Off Switch (If Equipped). See Airbag On-Off Switch
0 42.
15. Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0147.
16. Tow/Haul Mode Button (If Equipped). See Tow/Haul Mode 0145.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 066 (If
Equipped).
18. Steering Wheel Adjustment 065 (Out of
View), (If Equipped).
19. Parking Brake Release. See Parking Brake
0 146. 20.
Cruise Control 0149 (If Equipped).
Fast Idle System 0138 (If Equipped).
21. Parking Brake 0146.
22. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 076.
23. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
093.
Dome Lamp Override. See Dome Lamps
0 94.
24. Exterior Lamp Controls 090.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
76 Instruments and Controls
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. SeeIgnition Positions 0135.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0178.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
Instruments and Controls 85
the tire positions, seeTire Pressure Monitor
System 0218. See Tire Inspection 0221 and
Tire Rotation 0221.
Change Compass Zone
The vehicle may have this feature. To
change the compass zone through the DIC,
see Compass 067.
Calibrate Compass
The vehicle may have this feature. The
compass can be manually calibrated. To
calibrate the compass through the DIC, see
Compass 067.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
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.
Under certain conditions 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.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
Lighting 91
the auto mode, the headlamps turn off once
the ignition is off or may remain on until
the headlamp delay ends, if enabled in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See“Exit
Lighting” underVehicle Personalization 086.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
2 3:Push the turn signal lever all the
way away from you to change the
headlamps from low to high beam. Then
release it.
Push the turn signal lever all the way from
you again or pull the turn signal lever all
the way toward you and release it to
change the headlamps back to low beam.
This instrument cluster light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature is used to signal to the vehicle
ahead that you want to pass. If the headlamps are off or in the low‐beam
position, pull the turn signal lever toward
you to momentarily switch to high beams.
Release the lever to turn the high-beam
headlamps off.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of the vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on in daylight when
the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in the AUTO
position.
.The shift lever is not in P (Park).
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
sidemarker, instrument panel lights, and
other lamps will not be on.
The automatic headlamp system
automatically switches from DRL to the
headlamps depending on the darkness of
the surroundings. To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp
control to
Oand then release it. For
vehicles first sold in Canada, the DRL can
only be turned off when the vehicle is
parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the
headlamp switch is in AUTO, the automatic
headlamp system turns on the headlamps,
along with the taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system,
turn the exterior lamp control to the off
position and then release. For vehicles first
sold in Canada, the transmission must be in
the P (Park) position, before the automatic
headlamp system can be turned off.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
Driving and Operating 125
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 126
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 138
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 142
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 146
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . 157
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 160
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 176

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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Driving and Operating 131
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0141. To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
147.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle 0240.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
Driving and Operating 135
Add-On Equipment
When carrying removable items, a limit
on how many people carried inside the
vehicle may be necessary. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Keep the vehicle speed at 88 km/h
(55 mph) or less for the first 805 km
(500 mi).
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
805 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
322 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTrailer Towing 0164 for the trailer
towing capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
in ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be
applied.
0 (Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF) : This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.