Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
180 Vehicle Care
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specifications 0250.
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 0176 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 0246. 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-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Vehicle Care 181
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 82.
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 82. 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
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
your dealer. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
(Continued)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
184 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in the vehicle for
6 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, seeEngine Overheating 0186.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
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.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
234 Vehicle Care
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing
should be done to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer for approved
cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
on the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
236 Vehicle Care
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0246.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
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 every engine oil change.
Lubricate the tie rod ball joints, idler arm
pivot shaft bearings, idler arm socket, and
pitman arm socket, at every 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.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Index 275
EngineAir Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 77
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Enhanced Technology Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Extended Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Filter Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Fuel (cont'd)
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 154
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 198
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
G
GaugesEngine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . 71
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241