Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
132 Driving and Operating
be used for service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the
engine is running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the engine
off, the battery could drain and the vehicle
may not start.
3 (START) :This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts, release
the key. The ignition returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
Starting the Engine
To place the transmission in the
proper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0171.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is held
in that position while starting the vehicle,
damage may occur to the hydraulic
power steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the key. The
idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), the Computer-Controlled
Cranking System is disabled to prevent
possible vehicle component damage.
When this happens, hold the ignition
switch in the START position to continue
engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Driving and Operating 133
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for up to
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Fast Idle System
If equipped, this feature is available only
with cruise control. The manual fast idle
switch is operated using the cruise control
buttons on the left side of the steering
wheel.
This system can be used to increase engine
idle speed whenever the following
conditions are met:
.The parking brake is set.
.The brake pedal is not pressed.
.The vehicle must not be moving and the
accelerator must not be pressed.To control the fast idle:
.To enable the Fast Idle System, press and
release the cruise control on/off button
and ensure that the switch indicator light
is lit.
.Press and release the cruise control SET-
button. Engine speed will be held at
approximately 1200 rpm.
When the fast idle is active, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display FAST
IDLE ON.
One of the following actions will turn off
the fast idle:
.Pressing the brake.
.Selecting the cruise control cancel button.
.Releasing the parking brake.
.Moving the transmission shift lever out of
P (Park) or N (Neutral).
.Selecting the cruise control on/off button
when it was previously on.
.Pressing the cruise control SET- button a
second time.
.Pressing the accelerator more than
one-quarter of the way down.
.Turning the ignition off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Engine Coolant Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Driving and Operating 155
Warning (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTransporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0231. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a motor
home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 232.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering affects 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.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing, install extended side view mirrors
on your vehicle, even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul Mode is
recommended for heavier trailers. See
Tow/Haul Mode
0140. If the transmission
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Driving and Operating 157
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0186.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
Driving and Operating 159
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0242. 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 0186.
Trailer Towing
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.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0167 to determine
if equalizer bars are required to obtain the
maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0167 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16547501) - 2023 - CRC - 6/10/22
172 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 173
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 176
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 181
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 193 Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 198
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 206
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 209
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 210
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 214
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 216
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 216
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 217
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 228
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . 231
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
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
200 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
20 Left Stop/Turn Cutaway Lamp
21 Left Stop/Turn Trailer Lamp
22 Right Stop/Turn Cutaway Lamp
23 –
24 Fuel Pump 25 Auxiliary Power Outlet
26 Body Control Module 3 27 Special Equipment Option
28 Airbag
29 Steering Wheel Sensor
30 Engine Control Module Ignition
31 Transmission Control Module Ignition
32 Transmission Control Module 1 Battery
33 Rear Parking Aid Module Fuses
Usage
34 –
35 –
36 Fuel System Control Module Battery
41 Transmission Control Module 2/Battery Power
42 Trailer Wiring
43 –
44 Starter Solenoid 45 Engine Control Module/ Powertrain Signal 2
46 DC-AC Inverter 47 Fan Low Speed 51 Left High-Beam Headlamp
52 Right High-Beam Headlamp
53 Left Low-Beam Headlamp
54 Right Low-Beam Headlamp
55 Wipers Fuses
Usage
56 Canister Vent Solenoid
58 Body Control Module 2
59 Body Control Module 1 61 Engine Oil Solenoid
62 O2 Sensor 2
63 –
64 Mass Airflow/ Canister Vent
65 Ignition Coils/Injectors –Odd
66 Daytime Running Lamps 2
67 Daytime Running Lamps 1
68 Auxiliary Stoplamps
69 External Power for Trailer
70 Upfitter Stoplamps 71 Fuel Heater/FlexFuel Sensor
72 Body Control Module 6