Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Doors
Side Door (60/40 Swing-Out) . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sliding Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Swing-Out Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Enhanced Technology Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous and children or
others could be seriously injured or killed.
They could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the vehicle
move. The windows will function with
the keys in the ignition, and children or
others could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave children in
a vehicle with the ignition key.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
Vehicles with towing mirrors can be
adjusted manually for a clear view of the
objects behind you.
On the lower portion of each mirror there is
an auxiliary convex mirror that can be
adjusted manually to provide an extended
field of view.
The mirrors can be manually folded
in or out.
Power Mirrors
If equipped with power mirrors, select each
mirror by turning the knob clockwise for the
passenger side mirror or counterclockwise
for the driver side mirror. The center
position is neutral.
Adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob
in the desired direction. The auxiliary convex
mirrors can only be adjusted manually.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
The mirrors can be folded inward toward
the vehicle to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. Push the
mirror outward to return it to the original
position.
Side Blind Zone Alert
The vehicle may have Side Blind Zone Alert.
SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0150.
Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
1:Press to heat the mirrors.
An indicator light in the button lights when
the outside heated mirrors are activated.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underClimate
Control Systems 0114.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind the vehicle.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Instruments and Controls 77
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 0130.
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 0173.
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-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
96 Lighting
When the battery's state of charge is low,
the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring
the charge back up. When the state of
charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the
vehicle has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or
down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, fog lamps, rear window
defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory
power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator's output and the vehicle's
electrical needs. It can increase engine idlespeed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power
demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or
levels, without being noticeable. In rare
cases at the highest levels of corrective
action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message might be displayed, such as
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM. If this
messages displays, it is recommended that
the driver reduce the electrical loads as
much as possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature helps prevent the battery from
being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps
or reading lamps are accidentally left on.
If any of these lamps are left on, they
automatically turn off after 10 minutes,
if the ignition is off. The lamps will not
come back on again until one of the
following occurs:
.The ignition is turned on.
.The doors are closed and then re-opened.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes
after the vehicle is turned off, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been manually
left on. This protects against draining the
battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the
Oposition
and then back to the
;or2position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the vehicle must be on or in
accessory mode.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
120 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 121
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 133
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 136
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 136
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 140
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . 151
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 154
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
128 Driving and Operating
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.”
SeeTrailer Towing 0159 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules and trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1
= 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs) 3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight
= 317 kg (700 lbs)
Example 2
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 136 kg (750 lbs)
C. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs)
Example 3
1. Maximum Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to the vehicle tire and loading
information label for specific
information about the vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never
exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
130 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTrailer Towing 0159 for the trailer
towing capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a “break-in”
period during the first 6,400 km
(4,000 miles) of routine driving. As the
vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems
adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy.
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.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park).
3. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 141.
4. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column (1), then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF (2).
5. Remove the key.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Driving and Operating 135
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set theparking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by pulling the shift lever toward
you and moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Push the ignition key in, towards the steering column and then turn the
ignition off.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the
ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is
in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0135. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0155.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set.
After the shift lever is moved into P (Park),
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever away
from P (Park) without first pulling it toward
you. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle can put too much
force on the parking pawl in the transmission. It might be difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To
find out how, see
Shifting Into Park0135.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before releasing
the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you might need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission. Then you
should be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply the brakes before you can shift from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. See
Automatic Transmission 0137.
The shift lock control system is designed to:
.Prevent the ignition key from being
removed unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).