Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1 Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2 General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16 Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4 Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-25 Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44 Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32 Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52 Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-2
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-16
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-34 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93 Vehicle Data Recording and
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37 Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-96 Privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45 Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-56 General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-3
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-8
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-11
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Introduction iii
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25953303 B Second Printing 2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
iv Introduction
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart $ : Brake System Warning Light j : LATCH System Child
Here are some additional symbols " : Charging System Restraints
that may be found on the vehicle * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
and what they mean. For more I : Cruise Control
information on the symbol, refer to B : Engine Coolant Temperature : : Oil Pressure
the Index.
O : Exterior Lamps } : Power
9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Fog Lamps / : Remote Vehicle Start
# : Air Conditioning . : Fuel Gauge > : Safety Belt Reminders
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) + : Fuses 7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls 3 : Headlamp High/ _ : Tow/Haul Mode
or OnStar
Low-Beam Changer d : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
vi Introduction
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
In Brief 1-1
1-2 In Brief
Instrument Panel
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 88. H. Infotainment on page 71. P. Tow/Haul Mode Button. See
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) I. Exterior Lamp Controls on Tow/Haul Mode under Towing
Buttons. See Driver Information page 61. Equipment on page 953.
Center (DIC) on page 528. J. Instrument Panel Illumination Q. Power Outlets on page 59.
C. Turn and LaneChange Lever. Control on page 66. R. StabiliTrak System on
See Turn and Lane-Change Dome Lamp Override. See page 934 (If Equipped).
Signals on page 65. Dome Lamps on page 66. S. Airbag On-Off Switch on
Windshield Wiper/Washer on K. Cruise Control on page 937 page 332 (If Equipped) .
page 54. (If Equipped) . T. Front Storage on page 41.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on Fast Idle System (If Equipped). U. Passenger Airbag Status
page 65 (Out of View). See the Duramax diesel Indicator on page 519
E. Instrument Cluster on supplement for more (If Equipped).
page 511. information. OnStar System Button.
F. Shift Lever. See Starting the L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on (If Equipped).
Engine on page 918. page 52. V. Rear Heating System on
Manual Mode on page 930 M. Data Link Connector (DLC) page 85 (If Equipped).
(If Equipped). (Out of View). See Malfunction W. USB Port. See Auxiliary
G. Climate Control Systems on Indicator Lamp on page 521. Devices on page 719.
page 81. N. Horn on page 54.
O. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 52.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
1-4 In Brief
In Brief 1-5
The engine will continue to run for Door Locks Power Door Locks
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
Manual Door Locks On vehicles with power door locks,
10-minute time extension. Remote
the switches are located on the
start can be extended only once.
doors.
Canceling a Remote Start T : Press to lock and unlock
To cancel a remote start: the doors.
. Aim the RKE transmitter at the See Power Door Locks on page 28.
vehicle and press and hold /
until the parking lamps turn off. Windows
. Turn on the hazard warning Manual Windows
flashers. Operate the manual windows by
. Turn the ignition on and then turning the hand crank on each door
back off. to raise or lower the side door
See Remote Vehicle Start on windows.
Lock and unlock the door from the
page 25. See Manual Windows on page 217.
outside using the key or the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if available. From the inside, slide
the manual lever on the door up
or down.
See Door Locks on page 27.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
1-6 In Brief
In Brief 1-7
1-8 In Brief
In Brief 1-9
If the vehicle has a passenger Mirror Adjustment Select each mirror by turning the
sensing system, the passenger knob clockwise for the passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible Exterior Mirrors side mirror or counterclockwise for
on the instrument panel when the Vehicles with outside manual the driver side mirror. Adjust the
vehicle is started. mirrors can be adjusted by moving mirror angle by moving the knob in
the mirror up and down or left to the desired direction.
right so you can see a little of the Keep the selector switch in the
side of the vehicle, and have a clear center position when not adjusting
view of objects behind you. either outside mirror.
United States
1-10 In Brief
In Brief 1-11
1-12 In Brief
In Brief 1-13
1-14 In Brief
Transmission To use this feature, do the following: Grade Braking is not available when
1. Move the shift lever to Range Selection Mode is active.
Range Selection Mode M (Manual Mode). See Tow/Haul Mode on page 931.
In Brief 1-15
1-16 In Brief
In Brief 1-17
Portable Audio Devices vehicle. Not all phones will support w or c / x : Press to change
all functions. For more information, favorite radio stations, select tracks
This vehicle may have an auxiliary visit www.gm.com/bluetooth. on a CD, or to navigate tracks or
input located on the radio faceplate
For more information, see Bluetooth folders on an iPod or USB device.
and a USB port located on the
instrument panel. External devices on page 724. b / g : Press to silence the vehicle
such as an iPod, laptop computer, speakers only. Press again to turn
MP3 player, CD changer, or USB Steering Wheel Controls the sound on. Press and hold longer
storage device can be connected to than two seconds to interact with
the auxiliary port using a 3.5 mm OnStar or Bluetooth systems,
(1/8 in) input cable or the USB port if equipped.
depending on the audio system.
+ e or e : Press to increase or
See "Using the Auxiliary Input Jack" decrease volume.
and "Using the USB Port" in
Auxiliary Devices on page 719. c / x : Press to reject an
incoming call, or to end a call.
Bluetooth SRCE: Press to switch between
the radio and CD, and for equipped
For vehicles with a Bluetooth vehicles, the front auxiliary.
system, it allows users with a
Bluetoothenabled cell phone to : Press to seek the next radio
make and receive hands-free calls station, the next track while sourced
For vehicles with audio steering to the CD, or to select tracks and
using the vehicles audio system
wheel controls, some audio controls folders on an iPod or USB device.
and controls.
can be adjusted at the steering
The Bluetoothenabled cell phone wheel. For more information, see Steering
must be paired with the Bluetooth Wheel Controls on page 52.
system before it can be used in the
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
1-18 In Brief
Cruise Control SET: Press to set the speed and Performance and
activate cruise control or press and
hold to decelerate. Maintenance
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set StabiliTrak System
speed from memory. The vehicle may have a traction
For more information, see Cruise control system that limits wheel spin
Control on page 937. and the StabiliTrak system that
assists with directional control of the
Power Outlets vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
Both systems turn on automatically
The accessory power outlets every time the vehicle is started.
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment, such as a cell phone
. To turn off both traction control
or an MP3 player. and StabiliTrak, press and hold
For vehicles with cruise control, the d until d illuminates and the
buttons are located on the left side The vehicle may have appropriate DIC message
of the steering wheel. two accessory power outlets displays. See Ride Control
J: Turns the system on or off. located on the instrument panel. System Messages on page 537.
+RES: Press briefly to make the Remove the cover to access and . Press and release the button
vehicle resume to a previously set replace when not in use. again to turn on both systems.
speed, or press and hold to See Power Outlets on page 59. For more information, see
accelerate. StabiliTrak System on page 934.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
In Brief 1-19
Tire Pressure Monitor During cooler conditions, the low tire Resetting the Oil Life System
pressure warning light may appear 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
This vehicle may have a Tire when the vehicle is first started and
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). with the engine off.
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are 2. Fully press and release the
getting low and the tires need to be accelerator pedal three times
inflated to the proper pressure. within five seconds.
The TPMS does not replace normal 3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
monthly tire maintenance. It is the See Engine Oil Life System on
drivers responsibility to maintain page 1010.
correct tire pressures.
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of See Tire Pressure Monitor System Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
one of the vehicle's tires. If the on page 1062.
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
warning light comes on, stop as and a yellow fuel cap can use either
soon as possible and inflate the Engine Oil Life System unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
tires to the recommended pressure The engine oil life system calculates containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
shown on the Tire and Loading engine oil life based on vehicle use See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
Information label. See Vehicle Load and displays a DIC message when page 942. For all other vehicles,
Limits on page 912. The warning it is necessary to change the engine use only the unleaded gasoline
light will remain on until the tire oil and filter. The oil life system described under Recommended
pressure is corrected. should be reset to 100% only Fuel on page 940.
following an oil change.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
1-20 In Brief
. Replace the vehicle's tires with
Driving for Better Fuel the same TPC Spec number
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
Economy molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size. If you have an active OnStar
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips subscription, press the Q button
. Follow recommended scheduled
to get the best fuel economy and the current GPS location will be
maintenance.
possible. sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate Roadside Assistance Roadside Assistance, and relay
smoothly. Program your exact location to get the help
. Brake gradually and avoid U.S.: 1-800-243-8872 you need.
abrupt stops. Online Owner Center
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
. Avoid idling the engine for long (U.S. and Canada)
periods of time. Canada: 1-800-268-6800
The Online Owner Center is a
. When road and weather Mexico: 01-800-466-0800 complimentary service that includes
conditions are appropriate, use As the owner of a new Chevrolet, online service reminders, vehicle
cruise control. you are automatically enrolled in the maintenance tips, online owner
Roadside Assistance program. manual, special privileges,
. Always follow posted speed
and more.
limits or drive more slowly when See Roadside Assistance Program
conditions require. (U.S. and Canada) on page 138 or Sign up today at:
. Roadside Assistance Program www.chevyownercenter.com
Keep vehicle tires properly
(Mexico) on page 1310 for more (U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).
inflated.
information.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
In Brief 1-21
OnStar How OnStar Service Works Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more
Q : Push this blue button to information, see the OnStar Owner's
connect to a specially trained
Guide; visit www.onstar.com (U.S.)
OnStar Advisor to verify your
or www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
account information and to
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
answer questions.
(18884667827) or
] : Push this red emergency TTY 18772482080; or push the
button to get priority help from Q button to speak with an OnStar
For vehicles with an active OnStar specially trained OnStar Emergency Advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days
subscription, OnStar uses several Advisors. a week.
innovative technologies and live X : Push this button for handsfree, For a full description of OnStar
Advisors to provide a wide range voiceactivated calling and to give services and system limitations, see
of safety, security, navigation, voice commands for HandsFree the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
diagnostics, and calling services. Calling and TurnbyTurn glove box.
Automatic Crash Response Navigation.
OnStar service is subject to the
In a crash, builtin sensors can Automatic Crash Response, OnStar Terms and Conditions
automatically alert an OnStar Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, included in the OnStar Glove
Advisor who is immediately Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Box Kit.
connected to the vehicle to see Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
OnStar service requires wireless
if you need help. Roadside Assistance, TurnbyTurn
communication networks and the
Navigation, and HandsFree Calling
Global Positioning System (GPS)
are available on most vehicles.
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
1-22 In Brief
OnStar service cant work unless Other problems OnStar cant control Your Responsibility
the vehicle is in a place where may prevent service to you, such as
Increase the volume of the radio if
OnStar has an agreement with a hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather,
the OnStar Advisor cannot be
wireless service provider for service electrical system design and
heard.
in that area, and the wireless architecture of the vehicle, damage
service provider has coverage, to important parts of the vehicle in a If the light next to the OnStar
network capacity, reception, and crash, or wireless phone network buttons is red, the system may not
technology compatible with OnStar congestion or jamming. be functioning properly. Push the
service. Service involving location See Radio Frequency Statement on
Q button and request a vehicle
information about the vehicle cant diagnostic check. If the light
page 1319 for information
work unless GPS signals are appears clear (no light appears),
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
available, unobstructed, and your OnStar subscription has
Communications Commission (FCC)
compatible with the OnStar expired and all services have been
rules and Industry Canada
hardware. The vehicle has to have Standards RSS-210/220/310. deactivated. Push the Q button to
a working electrical system and confirm that the OnStar equipment
adequate battery power for the OnStar Steering Wheel is active.
OnStar equipment to operate. Controls
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment isnt properly This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
installed or you havent maintained button that can be used to interact
it and the vehicle is in good working with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
order and in compliance with all See Steering Wheel Controls on
government regulations. If you try page 52 for more information.
to add, connect, or modify any On some vehicles, the Talk button
equipment or software in the can be used to dial numbers into
vehicle, OnStar service may voice mail systems, or to dial phone
not work. extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
/ (Remote Vehicle Start): 3. If it is the first remote start since After the engine has been remote
This button will be on the RKE the vehicle has been driven, started two times, the ignition switch
transmitter if you have remote start. repeat these steps, while the must be turned to ON/RUN and then
engine is still running, to extend back to LOCK/OFF using the key
To start the engine using the remote the engine running time by before the remote start procedure
start feature: 10 minutes. Remote start can can be used again.
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at be extended one time. To manually shut off the engine after
the vehicle. After entering the vehicle during a a remote start:
2. Press and release Q on the remote start, insert and turn the key . Aim the RKE transmitter at the
transmitter, then immediately to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
vehicle and press / until the
press and hold / for After a remote start, the engine parking lamps turn off.
four seconds or until the turn will automatically shut off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
. Turn on the hazard warning
signal lamps flash.
has been done or the key is flashers. See Hazard Warning
When the engine starts, the inserted into the ignition switch Flashers on page 65.
parking lamps will turn on and and turned to ON/RUN. . Insert the key into the ignition
remain on while the engine is
The maximum number of remote switch and turn the switch to
running. The doors will be
starts between ignition cycles with ON/RUN and then back to
locked. The airbag readiness
the key is two. LOCK/OFF.
light will be on during a remote
start. It should turn off when the If the remote start procedure is The remote vehicle start feature will
ignition is turned to ON/RUN. used again before the first 10 minute not operate if:
See Airbag Readiness Light on time frame has ended, the first . The key is in the ignition.
page 517 for more information. 10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
. The hood is open.
frame will start. . The hazard warning flashers
are on.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Lockout Protection Safety Locks Move the button to the left for the
driver side door or to the right for
This feature protects you from Security locks are located on the the passenger side door to return
locking the key in the vehicle front portion of the 60/40 side the door locks to normal operation.
when the key is in the ignition and swing-out door or the side
a door is open. sliding door.
If the power lock switch is pressed
when either the driver, passenger,
or rear door is open, all the doors
will lock and then the driver door will
unlock. This feature does not
include the side cargo door.
If the vehicle has an ambulance
package, this feature is disabled.
Doors
Side Door
(60/40 Swing-Out)
To program the new key: 4. Insert the key to be programmed Exterior Mirrors
and turn it to ON/RUN within
1. Verify the new key has 1 10 seconds of removing the
stamped on it. previous key. Convex Mirrors
2. Insert the original, already The security message will
programmed key into the ignition turn off once the key has been { WARNING
lock cylinder and start the programmed. It may not be
engine. If the engine will not A convex mirror can make things,
apparent that the security like other vehicles, look farther
start, see your dealer for service. message went on due to how
away than they really are. If you
3. After the engine has started, quickly the key is programmed.
cut too sharply into the right lane,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF and 5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if you could hit a vehicle on the
remove the key. additional keys are to be right. Check the inside mirror or
programmed. glance over your shoulder before
If you lose or damage a changing lanes.
PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service The passenger side mirror is convex
PASS-Key III+ to have a new shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
key made. curved so more can be seen from
Do not leave the key or device the driver seat.
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
Power Windows
{ WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
Manual Windows could be seriously injured or killed If the vehicle has power windows,
if caught in the path of a closing the controls are located on each of
Operate the manual windows by window. Do not leave keys in a the side doors.
turning the hand crank on each door vehicle with children. The driver door has a switch for the
to raise or lower the side door
When there are children in the passenger window also. The power
windows.
windows will work when the ignition
rear seat use the window lockout
has been turned to ON/RUN or
button to prevent unintentional
ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
operation of the windows. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 921.
Press the switch to lower the
window.
Pull up on the front edge of the
switch to raise the window.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
{ WARNING
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving. To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever on the inboard side
To adjust a power seat, if available, of the seat.
use the controls on the front of
the seat: { WARNING 2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
. Move the center knob to the If either seatback is not locked, it release the lever to lock the
right or left to move the seat could move forward in a sudden seatback in place.
forward or rearward. stop or crash. That could cause 3. Push and pull on the seatback to
. Move the center knob up or injury to the person sitting there. make sure it is locked.
down to raise or lower the seat. Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they
. Move the right or left lever up or
are locked.
down to raise or lower the front
or rear of the seat cushion.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
Rear Seats
Removing the Rear Seat
Disconnect the mini-latch plates for
the lapshoulder belts on the bench
seat to be removed.
Reinstalling the Rear Seats 1. Position the seat into the open
slots in both rails. Push the seat
{ WARNING forward in the rail, hooking both
seat bases onto the pins inside
A seat that is not locked into of the rails.
place properly can move around 2. Locate the hole in the rail to
in a collision or sudden stop. install the locking pins at the rear
People in the vehicle could be of the seat base. If the vehicle
injured. Be sure to lock the seat has floor mats, pull the flap that
into place properly when has been cut into the mat.
installing it. 3. Insert the locking pins into the
seat base and push the seat to
Three-Passenger Seat Shown
line up the pins with the base.
4. Push the pin(s) marked R down
{ WARNING On a three-passenger seat,
until they are in the
the pin with the black cap
A safety belt that is improperly retaining clip.
marked R must be installed on
routed, not properly attached, the right side and the pin with
or twisted will not provide the the gray cap marked L on the
protection needed in a crash. The left side.
person wearing the belt could be On a four-passenger seat,
seriously injured. After raising the the pins marked R must be
rear seatback, always check to be installed on the half of the seat
sure that the safety belts are on the right side. The pins
properly routed and attached, and marked L must be installed on
are not twisted. the half of the seat on the
left side.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the The person keeps going until
vehicle. The rider does not stop. stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
With safety belts, you slow down them. Whether or not an airbag
as the vehicle does. You get more is provided, all occupants still
time to stop. You stop over more have to buckle up to get the
distance, and your strongest bones most protection. That is true not
take the forces. That is why safety only in frontal collisions, but
belts make such good sense. especially in side and other
collisions.
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts Q: If I am a good driver, and I
never drive far from home,
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle why should I wear safety
after a crash if I am wearing a belts?
safety belt?
A: You may be an excellent driver,
or the instrument panel... A: You could be whether you are but if you are in a crash even
wearing a safety belt or not. But one that is not your fault you
your chance of being conscious and your passenger(s) can be
during and after an accident, so hurt. Being a good driver does
you can unbuckle and get out, is not protect you from things
much greater if you are belted. beyond your control, such as
And you can unbuckle a bad drivers.
safety belt, even if you are
Most accidents occur within
upside down.
40 km (25 mi) of home. And the
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why greatest number of serious
should I have to wear safety injuries and deaths occur at
belts? speeds of less than
A: Airbags are supplemental 65 km/h (40 mph).
systems only; so they work with Safety belts are for everyone.
or the safety belts! safety belts not instead of
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
A: The lap belt is too loose. It will A: The belt is buckled in the
not give nearly as much wrong buckle.
protection this way.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
After the adjuster is set to the They can help tighten the safety
desired position, try to move it down belts during the early stages of a
without pushing in to make sure it moderate to severe frontal, near
has locked into position. frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
Safety Belt Pretensioners activation are met. And, if the
If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight vehicle has side impact airbags,
Rating) of the vehicle is below safety belt pretensioners can help
3 855 kg (8,500 lb) then the vehicle tighten the safety belts in a side
has safety belt pretensioners for the crash or a rollover event.
front outboard occupants. See Pretensioners work only once.
Vehicle Load Limits on page 912 to If the pretensioners are activated in
locate the certification label which a crash, the pretensioners and
To move it down, pull on the center
contains the GVWR. possibly other parts of the safety
adjuster control labeled PULL.
You can move the height adjuster Although the safety belt belt system will need to be replaced.
up just by pushing up on the pretensioners cannot be seen, they See Replacing Safety Belt System
shoulder belt guide. are part of the safety belt assembly. Parts after a Crash on page 324.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
{ WARNING
A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could 4. Buckle, position, and release
be seriously injured. the safety belt as described
(Continued) previously in this section.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
Safety Belt Use During The best way to protect the fetus is Safety System Check
to protect the mother. When a safety
Pregnancy belt is worn properly, it is more likely Now and then, check that the safety
Safety belts work for everyone, that the fetus will not be hurt in a belt reminder light, safety belts,
including pregnant women. Like all crash. For pregnant women, as for buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
occupants, they are more likely to anyone, the key to making safety anchorages are working properly.
be seriously injured if they do not belts effective is wearing them Look for any other loose or
wear safety belts. properly. damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
Safety Belt Extender from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten safety belts may not protect you in
around you, you should use it. a crash. They can rip apart under
But if a safety belt is not long impact forces. If a belt is torn or
enough, your dealer will order you frayed, get a new one right away.
an extender. When you go in to Make sure the safety belt reminder
order it, take the heaviest coat you light is working. See Safety Belt
will wear, so the extender will be Reminders on page 516 for more
long enough for you. To help avoid information.
personal injury, do not let someone
Keep safety belts clean and dry.
else use it, and use it only for the
See Safety Belt Care on page 324.
seat it is made to fit. The extender
A pregnant woman should wear a has been designed for adults. Never
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap use it for securing child seats. To
portion should be worn as low as wear it, attach it to the regular safety
possible, below the rounding, belt. For more information, see the
throughout the pregnancy. instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
Safety Belt Care Replacing Safety Belt After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
Keep belts clean and dry. System Parts after a But the safety belt assemblies that
Crash were used during any crash may
{ WARNING have been stressed or damaged.
{ WARNING { WARNING
Airbags inflate with great force, Children who are up against,
faster than the blink of an eye. or very close to, any airbag
Anyone who is up against, or when it inflates can be seriously
very close to, any airbag when it injured or killed. Airbags plus
There is an airbag readiness light
inflates can be seriously injured lap-shoulder belts offer protection
on the instrument panel, which
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily for adults and older children, but
shows the airbag symbol.
close to the airbag, as you would not for young children and infants.
be if you were sitting on the edge Neither the vehicle safety belt The system checks the airbag
of your seat or leaning forward. system nor its airbag system is electrical system for malfunctions.
Safety belts help keep you in designed for them. Young The light tells you if there is an
position before and during a children and infants need the electrical problem. See Airbag
crash. Always wear your safety protection that a child restraint Readiness Light on page 517 for
belt, even with airbags. The driver system can provide. Always more information.
should sit as far back as possible secure children properly in the
while still maintaining control of vehicle. To read how, see Older
the vehicle. Children on page 343 or Infants
Occupants should not lean on or and Young Children on
sleep against the door or side page 345.
windows in seating positions with
roof-rail airbags.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (27,1)
If the vehicle has one, the right front Driver Side Shown, Passenger
passenger airbag is in the Side Similar
The driver frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the If the vehicle is a cargo or
middle of the steering wheel. passenger side. passenger van with a sliding door
and it has a roof-rail airbag for the
driver and right front passenger
position, the roof-rail airbags are in
the ceiling above the side window.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
It depends largely on what you hit, Thresholds can also vary with Dual-stage airbags adjust the
the direction of the impact, and how specific vehicle design. restraint according to crash severity.
quickly the vehicle slows down. Frontal airbags are not intended to The vehicle has electronic frontal
Frontal airbags may inflate at inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear sensors, which help the sensing
different crash speeds. impacts, or in many side impacts. system distinguish between a
For example: moderate frontal impact and a more
Single Stage vs. Dual Stage severe frontal impact. For moderate
. If the vehicle hits a stationary Airbags frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
object, the airbags could inflate inflate at a level less than full
at a different crash speed than if Depending on the weight of
the vehicle, you will have either deployment. For more severe frontal
the vehicle hits a moving object. impacts, full deployment occurs.
Single Stage Airbags or
. If the vehicle hits an object that Dual Stage Airbags. Vehicles that The vehicle may or may not have
deforms, the airbags could have a passenger sensing system roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System
inflate at a different crash speed also have dual stage airbags. See on page 325. Roof-rail airbags are
than if the vehicle hits an object Passenger Airbag Status Indicator intended to inflate in moderate to
that does not deform. on page 519 or Passenger Sensing severe side crashes. In addition,
. If the vehicle hits a narrow object System on page 335. these roof-rail airbags are intended
(like a pole), the airbags could If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight to inflate during a rollover. Roof-rail
inflate at a different crash speed Rating) of the vehicle is 3 855 kg airbags will inflate if the crash
than if the vehicle hits a wide (8,500 lb) or above, the vehicle may severity is above the system's
object (like a wall). have single stage airbags. If the designed threshold level. The
GVWR is below 3 855 kg (8,500 lb) threshold level can vary with
. If the vehicle goes into an object specific vehicle design.
at an angle, the airbags could then the vehicle may have dual
inflate at a different crash speed stage airbags. You can find the Roof-rail airbags are not intended to
than if the vehicle goes straight GVWR on the certification label on inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal
into the object. the rear edge of the driver door. impacts, or rear impacts. All roof-rail
See Vehicle Load Limits on airbags will deploy when either side
page 912 for more information. of the vehicle is struck.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
In any particular crash, no one can Frontal airbag modules are located Roof-rail airbags distribute the force
say whether an airbag should have inside the steering wheel and of the impact more evenly over the
inflated simply because of the instrument panel. For vehicles with occupant's upper body.
damage to a vehicle or because of roof-rail airbags, there are airbag Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
what the repair costs were. modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, are designed to help contain the
For frontal airbags, inflation is near the side windows for the first, head and chest of occupants in the
determined by what the vehicle hits, second, and third rows (if equipped). outboard seating positions in the
the angle of the impact, and how See Where Are the Airbags? on first, second, and third rows,
quickly the vehicle slows down. page 327 for more information. if equipped. The rollover capable
For roof-rail airbags, deployment is roof-rail airbags are designed to
determined by the location and How Does an Airbag help reduce the risk of full or partial
severity of the side impact.
Restrain? ejection in rollover events, although
In a rollover event, roofrail airbag no system can prevent all such
In moderate to severe frontal or
deployment is determined by the ejections.
near frontal collisions, even belted
direction of the roll. But airbags would not help in
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In many types of collisions, primarily
What Makes an Airbag moderate to severe side collisions, because the occupant's motion is
Inflate? even belted occupants can contact not toward those airbags. See
the inside of the vehicle. When Should an Airbag Inflate? on
In a deployment event, the sensing
page 328 for more information.
system sends an electrical signal Airbags supplement the protection
triggering a release of gas from the provided by safety belts. Frontal Airbags should never be regarded
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbags distribute the force of the as anything more than a supplement
airbag causing the bag to break out impact more evenly over the to safety belts.
of the cover and deploy. The inflator, occupant's upper body, stopping
the airbag, and related hardware are the occupant more gradually.
all part of the airbag module.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (31,1)
What Will You See after You can lock the doors, and turn off
an Airbag Inflates?
{ WARNING the interior lamps and the hazard
warning flashers by using the
After the frontal airbags inflate, they When an airbag inflates, there controls for those features.
quickly deflate, so quickly that some may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
people may not even realize an
airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags for people with a history of { WARNING
may still be at least partially inflated asthma or other breathing trouble. A crash severe enough to inflate
for some time after they deploy. To avoid this, everyone in the the airbags may have also
Some components of the airbag vehicle should get out as soon as damaged important functions in
module may be hot for several it is safe to do so. If you have the vehicle, such as the fuel
minutes. For location of the airbag breathing problems but cannot system, brake and steering
modules, see What Makes an get out of the vehicle after an systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
Airbag Inflate? on page 330. airbag inflates, then get fresh air appears to be drivable after a
The parts of the airbag that come by opening a window or a door. moderate crash, there may be
into contact with you may be warm, If you experience breathing concealed damage that could
but not too hot to touch. There may problems following an airbag make it difficult to safely operate
be some smoke and dust coming deployment, you should seek the vehicle.
from the vents in the deflated medical attention.
airbags. Airbag inflation does not Use caution if you should attempt
prevent the driver from seeing out of to restart the engine after a crash
The vehicle has a feature that may has occurred.
the windshield or being able to steer automatically unlock the doors
the vehicle, nor does it prevent (if equipped with power door locks),
people from leaving the vehicle. turn on the interior lamps and In many crashes severe enough to
hazard warning flashers, and inflate the airbag, windshields are
shut off the fuel system after the broken by vehicle deformation.
airbags inflate.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (32,1)
{ WARNING
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system.
For example, the right front
passenger airbag could inflate
even though the airbag on-off
switch is turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or
United States Canada and Mexico others, have the vehicle serviced
To turn off the right front passenger right away. See Airbag Readiness
frontal airbag, insert the ignition key Light on page 517 for more
into the switch, push in, and move information, including important
the switch to the off position. safety information.
The airbag off light will come
on to let you know the right front
passenger airbag is off. The airbag
off light will stay on to remind you
that the airbag is off. See Airbag
On-Off Light on page 518. The right
front passenger airbag will remain
off until you turn it back on again.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (35,1)
Passenger Sensing
System
If the instrument panel has one of
the indicators pictured in the
following illustrations, the vehicle
has a passenger sensing system
unless there is an airbag off switch
located on the instrument panel.
If there is an airbag off switch, the
vehicle does not have a passenger
sensing system. See Airbag On-Off
United States Canada and Mexico Switch on page 332 for more
information.
To turn the right front passenger
airbag on again, insert the ignition
key into the switch, push in, and
move the switch to the on position.
The right front passenger frontal
airbag is now enabled, and
may inflate. See Airbag On-Off Light
on page 518 for more information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (36,1)
For some children who have If the On Indicator is Lit for a 5. If, after reinstalling the child
outgrown child restraints and for Child Restraint restraint and restarting the
very small adults, the passenger vehicle, the on indicator is still
sensing system may or may not If a child restraint has been installed lit, turn the vehicle off. Then
turn off the right front passenger and the on indicator is lit: slightly recline the vehicle
frontal airbag, depending upon the 1. Turn the vehicle off. seatback and adjust the seat
person's seating posture and body cushion, if adjustable, to make
2. Remove the child restraint from
build. Everyone in the vehicle who sure that the vehicle seatback is
the vehicle.
has outgrown child restraints not pushing the child restraint
should wear a safety belt 3. Remove any additional items into the seat cushion.
properly whether or not there is from the seat such as blankets,
6. Restart the vehicle.
an airbag for that person. cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers. If the on indicator is still lit,
{ WARNING 4. Reinstall the child restraint
secure the child in the child
restraint in a rear seat position
following the directions
If the airbag readiness light ever in the vehicle, and check with
provided by the child restraint
comes on and stays on, it means your dealer.
manufacturer and refer to
that something may be wrong Securing Child Restraints (Rear If no rear seat is available,
with the airbag system. To help Seat Position) on page 358 or do not install a child restraint in
avoid injury to yourself or others, Securing Child Restraints (Front this vehicle.
have the vehicle serviced right Seat-Passenger Sensing
away. See Airbag Readiness System) on page 360 or
Light on page 517 for more Securing Child Restraints (Front
information, including important Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch) on
safety information. page 364.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (39,1)
If the Off Indicator is Lit for an If this happens, use the following Additional Factors Affecting
Adult-Size Occupant steps to allow the system to detect System Operation
that person and enable the right
front passenger frontal airbag: Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the seat
1. Turn the vehicle off. during vehicle maneuvers and
2. Remove any additional material braking, which helps the passenger
from the seat, such as blankets, sensing system maintain the
cushions, seat covers, seat passenger airbag status.
heaters, or seat massagers. See Safety Belts and Child
Restraints in the Index for
3. Place the seatback in the fully additional information about the
upright position. importance of proper restraint use.
4. Have the person sit upright in A thick layer of additional material,
the seat, centered on the seat such as a blanket or cushion,
cushion, with legs comfortably or aftermarket equipment such
If a person of adult-size is sitting in extended. as seat covers, seat heaters, and
the right front passenger seat, but 5. Restart the vehicle and have the seat massagers can affect how well
the off indicator is lit, it could be person remain in this position for the passenger sensing system
because that person is not sitting two to three minutes after the on operates. We recommend that you
properly in the seat. indicator is lit. not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
This allows the system to detect that
approved by GM for your specific
person and then enable the right
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
front passenger frontal airbag.
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 341 for more information
about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (40,1)
Adding Equipment to the In addition, the vehicle may If you have any questions
have a passenger sensing about this, you should contact
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle system for the right front Customer Assistance before you
Q: Is there anything I might add passenger position, which modify the vehicle. The phone
to or change about the vehicle includes sensors that are part numbers and addresses for
that could keep the airbags of the passenger seat. The Customer Assistance are in
from working properly? passenger sensing system may Step Two of the Customer
not operate properly if the Satisfaction Procedure in this
A: Yes. If you add things that
original seat trim is replaced with manual. See Customer
change the vehicle's frame,
non-GM covers, upholstery or Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and
bumper system, height, front end
trim, or with GM covers, Canada) on page 132 or
or side sheet metal, they may
upholstery or trim designed for a Customer Satisfaction
keep the airbag system from
different vehicle. Any object, Procedure (Mexico) on
working properly. Changing or
such as an aftermarket seat page 134.
moving any parts of the front
heater or a comfort enhancing If the vehicle has rollover
seats, safety belts, the airbag
pad or device, installed under or roof-rail airbags, see Different
sensing and diagnostic module,
on top of the seat fabric, could Size Tires and Wheels on
steering wheel, instrument
also interfere with the operation page 1071 for additional
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
of the passenger sensing important information.
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
system. This could either
trim, front sensors, rollover
prevent proper deployment of
sensor module, or airbag wiring
the passenger airbag(s) or
can affect the operation of the
prevent the passenger sensing
airbag system.
system from properly turning off
the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System
on page 335.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (42,1)
If an airbag inflates, you will need Child Restraints Use a booster seat with a
to replace airbag system parts. lap-shoulder belt until the child
See your dealer for service. passes the fit test below:
Older Children
If the airbag readiness light stays on . Sit all the way back on the seat.
after the vehicle is started or comes Do the knees bend at the seat
on when you are driving, the airbag edge? If yes, continue. If no,
system may not work properly. return to the booster seat.
Have the vehicle serviced right . Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.
away. See Airbag Readiness Light Does the shoulder belt rest on
on page 517 for more information. the shoulder? If yes, continue.
If no, try using the rear safety
belt comfort guide. See Rear
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
under Lap-Shoulder Belt on
page 318 for more information.
If the shoulder belt still does not
rest on the shoulder, then return
Older children who have outgrown
to the booster seat.
booster seats should wear the
vehicle safety belts. . Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
The manufacturer's instructions
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
that come with the booster seat
return to the booster seat.
state the weight and height
limitations for that booster. . Can proper safety belt fit be
maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (44,1)
Q: What is the proper way to Also see Rear Safety Belt Comfort
wear safety belts? Guides under Lap-Shoulder Belt on { WARNING
A: An older child should wear a page 318.
Never do this.
lap-shoulder belt and get the According to accident statistics,
additional restraint a shoulder children and infants are safer Never allow two children to wear
belt can provide. The shoulder when properly restrained in a child the same safety belt. The safety
belt should not cross the face or restraint system or infant restraint belt cannot properly spread the
neck. The lap belt should fit system secured in a rear seating impact forces. In a crash, the
snugly below the hips, just position. two children can be crushed
touching the top of the thighs. together and seriously injured.
In a crash, children who are
This applies belt force to the A safety belt must be used by
not buckled up can strike other
child's pelvic bones in a crash. people who are buckled up, or only one person at a time.
It should never be worn over the can be thrown out of the vehicle.
abdomen, which could cause Older children need to use safety
severe or even fatal internal belts properly.
injuries in a crash.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (45,1)
WARNING (Continued)
Infants and Young
Children
The child might also slide under Everyone in a vehicle needs
the lap belt. The belt force would protection! This includes infants and
then be applied right on the all other children. Neither the
abdomen. That could cause distance traveled nor the age and
serious or fatal injuries. The size of the traveler changes the
shoulder belt should go over the need, for everyone, to use safety
shoulder and across restraints. In fact, the law in every
the chest. state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says
children up to some age must be
{ WARNING restrained while in a vehicle.
In the U.S., refer to the National Where to Put the Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off
Highway Traffic Safety Switch) on page 364 for more
Administration (NHTSA) website to
Restraint information, including important
locate the nearest child safety seat According to accident statistics, safety information.
inspection station. For CPST children and infants are safer A label on the sun visor says,
availability in Canada, check with when properly restrained in a child Never put a rear-facing child seat in
Transport Canada or the Provincial restraint system or infant restraint the front. This is because the risk to
Ministry of Transportation office. system secured in a rear seating the rear-facing child is so great,
position. if the airbag deploys.
Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint We recommend that children and
child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child
{ WARNING
{ WARNING riding in a rear-facing child restraint; A child in a rear-facing child
A child can be seriously injured or a child riding in a forward-facing restraint can be seriously
killed in a crash if the child is not child seat; an older child riding in a injured or killed if the right front
booster seat; and children, who are passenger airbag inflates.
properly secured in the child
large enough, using safety belts. This is because the back of the
restraint. Secure the child
properly following the instructions If a child restraint is secured in the rear-facing child restraint would
that came with that child restraint. right front passenger seat, and there be very close to the inflating
is a switch on the instrument panel airbag. A child in a forward-facing
to manually turn off the right front child restraint can be seriously
passenger airbag. See Airbag injured or killed if the right front
On-Off Switch on page 332 and passenger airbag inflates and
Securing Child Restraints (Rear the passenger seat is in a
Seat Position) on page 358 or forward position.
Securing Child Restraints (Front
(Continued)
Seat-Passenger Sensing System)
on page 360 or Securing Child
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (51,1)
Lower Anchors and either the lower anchors or the Lower Anchors
safety belts to properly secure the
Tethers for Children child restraint. A child restraint must
(LATCH System) never be installed using only the
The LATCH system holds a child top tether strap and anchor.
restraint during driving or in a crash. In order to use the LATCH system
This system is designed to make in your vehicle, you need a child
installation of a child restraint easier. restraint that has LATCH
The LATCH system uses anchors in attachments. The child restraint
the vehicle and attachments on the manufacturer will provide you with
child restraint that are made for use instructions on how to use the
with the LATCH system. child restraint and its attachments. Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
The following explains how to attach built into the vehicle. There are
Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
a child restraint with these two lower anchors for each
child restraint is properly installed
attachments in your vehicle. LATCH seating position that will
using the anchors, or use the
accommodate a child restraint with
vehicle's safety belts to secure the Not all vehicle seating positions or lower attachments (B).
restraint, following the instructions child restraints have lower anchors
that came with that restraint, and and attachments or top tether
also the instructions in this manual. anchors and attachments.
When installing a child restraint with
a top tether, you must also use
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (53,1)
Top Tether Anchor Your child restraint may have a Lower Anchor and Top Tether
single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Anchor Locations
Either will have a single
attachment (B) to secure the
top tether to the anchor.
Some child restraints that have
a top tether are designed for use
with or without the top tether being
attached. Others require the
top tether always to be attached.
In Canada, the law requires that
A top tether (A, C) anchors the forward-facing child restraints have
top of the child restraint to the a top tether, and that the tether
vehicle. A top tether anchor is built be attached. Be sure to read and
into the vehicle. The top tether follow the instructions for your
attachment (B) on the child restraint Second, Third, and Fourth Row
child restraint.
connects to the top tether anchor in with Three-Passenger Seat
the vehicle in order to reduce the i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating
forward movement and rotation of positions with top tether anchors.
the child restraint during driving or
in a crash. j (Lower Anchor): Seating
positions with two lower anchors.
See the information following for
installing a child restraint with a
top tether in the second, third, and
fourth row center positions.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (54,1)
In Canada, the law requires that 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run
forward-facing child restraints have the lap and shoulder portions of
a top tether, and that the tether be the vehicle's safety belt through
attached. or around the restraint. The child
You will be using the lap-shoulder restraint instructions will show
belt to secure the child restraint in you how.
this position. Follow the instructions
that came with the child restraint.
1. Move the seat as far back as it
will go before securing the
forward-facing child restraint.
When the passenger sensing 5. Pull the shoulder belt all the
system has turned off the right way out of the retractor to set
front passenger frontal airbag, the lock. When the retractor lock
the off indicator on the is set, the belt can be tightened
passenger airbag status but not pulled out of the
indicator should light and stay retractor.
lit when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Airbag Status 4. Push the latch plate into the
Indicator on page 519. buckle until it clicks.
2. Put the child restraint on Position the release button on
the seat. the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (63,1)
Try to pull the belt out of the If the airbag is off, the off indicator
retractor to make sure the in the passenger airbag status
retractor is locked. If the indicator will come on and stay on
retractor is not locked, repeat when the vehicle is started.
Steps 5 and 6. If the child restraint has been
7. If the vehicle does not have a installed and the on indicator is lit,
rear seat and the child restraint see If the On Indicator is Lit for a
has a top tether, follow the Child Restraint under Passenger
child restraint manufacturer's Sensing System on page 335 for
instructions regarding the use more information.
of the top tether. See Lower To remove the child restraint,
Anchors and Tethers for unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
6. To tighten the belt, push down Children (LATCH System) on let it return to the stowed position.
on the child restraint, pull the page 352 for more information.
shoulder portion of the belt to If the top tether is attached to a
8. Before placing a child in the top tether anchor, disconnect it.
tighten the lap portion of the belt, child restraint, make sure it is
and feed the shoulder belt back securely held in place. To check,
into the retractor. When installing grasp the child restraint at the
a forward-facing child restraint, safety belt path and attempt to
it may be helpful to use your move it side to side and back
knee to push down on the child and forth. When the child
restraint as you tighten the belt. restraint is properly installed,
there should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (64,1)
You will be using the lap-shoulder 3. Pick up the latch plate, and
belt to secure the child restraint in run the lap and shoulder
this position. Follow the instructions portions of the vehicle safety belt
that came with the child restraint. through or around the restraint.
1. Move the seat as far back as The child restraint instructions
it will go before securing the will show you how.
forward-facing child restraint.
If you have no other choice but
to install a rear-facing child
restraint in this seat, make sure
the airbag is off once the child
restraint has been installed.
5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way
When the airbag off switch out of the retractor to set the
has turned off the right front lock. When the retractor lock is
passenger frontal airbag, the off set, the belt can be tightened but
indicator in the airbag off light not pulled out of the retractor.
should light and stay lit when the
vehicle is started. See Airbag
On-Off Light on page 518. 4. Push the latch plate into the
2. Put the child restraint on buckle until it clicks.
the seat. Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled
if necessary.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (67,1)
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Storage 4-1
Storage Storage
Compartments
Storage Compartments
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Front Storage
This vehicle may have a front
storage compartment. It is located at
the center of the instrument panel
extension, by the floor. To open the
compartment, pull up on the latch.
The compartment will open
automatically.
Storage compartments may also
be included on the inside of each
front door.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
4-2 Storage
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Compass To adjust for compass variance, use 2. Find the vehicle's current
the following procedure: location and variance zone
This vehicle may have a compass in number on the map.
the Driver Information Center (DIC). Compass Variance (Zone)
Procedure Zones 1 through 15 are
Compass Zone available.
1. Do not set the compass zone
Your dealer will set the correct zone when the vehicle is moving. 3. Press V to scroll through and
for your location. Only set it when the vehicle is select the appropriate
Under certain circumstances, in P (Park). variance zone.
such as during a long distance
Press T until PRESS V TO 4. Press 3 until the vehicle
cross-country trip or moving to a
new state or province, it will be CHANGE COMPASS ZONE heading, for example, N for
necessary to compensate for displays. North, is displayed in the DIC.
compass variance by resetting the 5. If calibration is necessary,
zone through the DIC if the zone is calibrate the compass.
not set correctly. See Compass Calibration
Compass variance is the difference Procedure following.
between the earth's magnetic north
and true geographic north. If the
compass is not set to the zone
where you live, the compass may
give false readings. The compass
must be set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is traveling.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
Compass Calibration Turn off the vehicle, move the 3. Press V to start the compass
The compass can be manually magnetic item, then turn on the calibration.
calibrated. Only calibrate the vehicle and calibrate the compass.
4. The DIC will display
compass in a magnetically clean To calibrate the compass, use the CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN
and safe location, such as an following procedure: CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle
open parking lot, where driving the in tight circles at less than
vehicle in circles is not a danger. Compass Calibration Procedure
8 km/h (5 mph) to complete the
It is suggested to calibrate away 1. Before calibrating the compass, calibration. The DIC will display
from tall buildings, utility wires, make sure the compass zone CALIBRATION COMPLETE for
manhole covers, or other industrial is set to the variance zone in a few seconds when the
structures, if possible. which the vehicle is located. calibration is complete.
If CAL should ever appear in the See Compass Variance (Zone) The DIC display will then return
Procedure earlier in this
DIC display, the compass should to PRESS V TO CALIBRATE
be calibrated. section.
COMPASS.
If the DIC display does not show a Do not operate any switches
heading, for example, N for North, such as window, sunroof,
or the heading does not change climate controls, seats, etc.
after making turns, there may be a during the calibration procedure.
strong magnetic field interfering with 2. Press T until PRESS V TO
the compass. Such interference CALIBRATE COMPASS
may be caused by a magnetic CB or displays.
cell phone antenna mount, a
magnetic emergency light, magnetic
note pad holder, or any other
magnetic item.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Clock 2. While either the hour or the MP3 Radio with a Single CD
minutes are flashing, turn the Player
AM/FM Radio with Optional CD f knob, located on the upper
Player right side of the radio, clockwise If the vehicle has a radio with a
or counterclockwise to increase single CD (MP3) player, the radio
If the vehicle has an AM/FM radio has a H button for setting the time
or decrease the time. While the
with an optional CD player, it has a and date.
12HR or 24HR time format is
H button for setting the time. With
these types of radios, the clock can flashing, turn the f knob To set the time and date, follow the
be set with either the radio turned clockwise or counterclockwise to instructions:
on or off. select the default time settings.
1. Press H and the HR, MIN, MM,
Set the time by following these 3. Press H again until the clock DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month,
steps: display stops flashing to set day, and year) displays.
the currently displayed time;
1. Press H until the hour begins otherwise, the flashing stops
2. Press the softkey located under
flashing on display. Press this any one of the tabs that you
after five seconds and the
button a second time and the want to change. Every time the
current time displayed is
minutes begin flashing on softkey is pressed again, the
automatically set.
display. time or the date if selected,
increases by one.
Press H a third time and the
12HR or 24HR time format Another way to increase the time
begins flashing. or date, is to press SEEK or
\ FWD (forward).
3. To decrease, press SEEK or
s REV. You can also turn the
f knob, located on the upper
right side of the radio, to adjust
the selected setting.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
Changing the Time and Date MP3 Radio with a Six-Disc CD 3. To decrease, press SEEK or
Default Settings Player s REV, or turn the f knob,
You can change the time default If the vehicle has a radio with a located on the upper right side of
setting from 12 hours to 24 hours or six-disc CD player, the radio has a the radio, to adjust the selected
change the date default setting from setting.
MENU button instead of H to set
month/day/year to day/month/year.
the time and date. Changing the Time and Date
To change the time or date default Default Settings
To set the time and date, follow
settings, follow these instructions:
these instructions: To change the time default setting
1. Press H and then the softkey 1. Press the MENU button. Once from 12 hours to 24 hours or change
located under the forward arrow the date default setting from month/
the H option displays, press the
that is currently displayed on day/year to day/month/year.
softkey located under that tab.
the radio screen until the time To change the time or date default
The HR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY
12H (hour) and 24H (hour), and settings, follow these instructions:
(hour, minute, month, day, and
the date MM/DD (month and
year) displays. 1. Press the MENU button.
day) and DD/MM (day and
month) are displayed. 2. Press the softkey located under Once the H option displays,
any one of the tabs to change. press the softkey located
2. Press the softkey located under
Every time the softkey is under the forward arrow that
the desired option.
pressed again, the time or the is currently displayed on the
3. Press H again to apply the date if selected, increases radio screen until the 12H (hour)
selected default, or let the by one. and 24H (hour), and the date
screen time out. Another way to increase the time MM/DD (month and day) and
DD/MM (day and month)
or date, is to press SEEK or
displays.
\ FWD (forward).
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
Instrument Cluster
{ WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check
English the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
The oil pressure gauge shows the
engine oil pressure in psi (pounds
Metric
per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals) Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
when the engine is running. maintenance can damage the
Oil pressure may vary with engine engine. The repairs would not be
speed, outside temperature and oil covered by the vehicle warranty.
viscosity, but readings above the Always follow the maintenance
low pressure zone indicate the schedule for changing engine oil.
normal operating range.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
Metric
It also provides an indicator of how
hard the vehicle is working. During a
majority of the operation, the gauge
wil read 100C (210F) or less.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
Voltmeter Gauge Readings in the low warning zone Safety Belt Reminders
may occur when a large number of
electrical accessories are operating Driver Safety Belt Reminder
in the vehicle and the engine is left Light
at an idle for an extended period.
There is a driver safety belt
This condition is normal since the
reminder light on the instrument
charging system is not able to
panel cluster.
provide full power at engine idle.
As engine speeds are increased,
this condition should correct itself as
higher engine speeds allow the
charging system to create maximum
power.
The vehicle can be only driven for a
short time with the reading in either When the vehicle is started, this
When the engine is not running, but
warning zone. If it must be driven, light flashes and a chime may come
the ignition is on, this gauge shows
turn off all unnecessary on to remind the driver to fasten
the battery's state of charge in
accessories. their safety belt. Then the light stays
DC volts.
Readings in either warning zone on solid until the belt is buckled.
When the engine is running, the
indicate a possible problem in the This cycle may continue several
gauge shows the condition of the
electrical system. Have the vehicle times if the driver remains or
charging system. Readings between
serviced as soon as possible. becomes unbuckled while the
the low and high warning zones
vehicle is moving.
indicate the normal operating range.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
If the word ON or the on symbol is The light should go out once the
lit on the passenger airbag status WARNING (Continued) engine starts. If it stays on,
indicator, it means that the right or comes on while driving, there
front passenger frontal airbag is To help avoid injury to yourself or could be a problem with the
enabled, and may inflate. others, have the vehicle serviced charging system. A charging system
If the word OFF or the off symbol is right away. See Airbag Readiness message in the Driver Information
lit on the airbag status indicator, it Light on page 517 for more Center (DIC) can also appear.
means that the passenger sensing information, including important See Battery Voltage and Charging
system has turned off the right front safety information. Messages on page 533 for more
passenger frontal airbag. information. This light could indicate
that there are problems with a
If, after several seconds, both status Charging System Light generator drive belt, or that there is
indicator lights remain on, or if there an electrical problem. Have it
are no lights at all, there may be a checked right away. If the vehicle
problem with the lights or the must be driven a short distance with
passenger sensing system. the light on, turn off accessories,
See your dealer for service. such as the radio and air
conditioner.
{ WARNING
This light comes on briefly when the
If the airbag readiness light ever ignition key is turned to START, but
comes on and stays on, it means the engine is not running, as a
that something may be wrong check to show it is working.
with the airbag system.
If it does not, have the vehicle
(Continued) serviced by your dealer.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
If one or more of these conditions Emissions Inspection and The vehicle may not pass
occurs, change the fuel brand used. Maintenance Programs inspection if:
It will require at least one full tank of . The malfunction indicator lamp
the proper fuel to turn the light off. Some state/provincial and local
governments may have programs is on with the engine running,
See Recommended Fuel on to inspect the on-vehicle emission or if the light does not come on
page 940. control equipment. For the when the ignition is turned to
If none of the above have made the inspection, the emission system ON/RUN while the engine is off.
light turn off, your dealer can check test equipment is connected to . The critical emission control
the vehicle. The dealer has the the vehicles Data Link systems have not been
proper test equipment and Connector (DLC). completely diagnosed by the
diagnostic tools to fix any system. This can happen if
mechanical or electrical problems the battery has recently been
that might have developed. replaced or if the battery has
run down. The diagnostic system
evaluates critical emission
control systems during
normal driving. This can take
The DLC is under the instrument several days of routine driving.
panel to the left of the steering If this has been done and the
wheel. See your dealer if vehicle still does not pass the
assistance is needed. inspection, your dealer can
prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
Antilock Brake System If the regular brake system warning StabiliTrak Indicator
light is not on, the vehicle still has
(ABS) Warning Light brakes, but not antilock brakes.
Light
If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, the vehicle does not
have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
See Brake System Warning Light on
page 524.
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake Tow/Haul Mode Light For vehicles with the StabiliTrak
System (ABS), this light comes on system, this light comes on or
briefly when the engine is started. flashes.
If it does not, have the vehicle For more information, see
serviced by your dealer. If the StabiliTrak System on page 934.
system is working normally the Three chimes sound if the light turns
indicator light then goes off. on and one chime if the light
If the ABS light stays on, turn the turns off.
ignition off. If the light comes on For vehicles with the Tow/Haul
Mode feature, this light comes on If this light remains on steady, the
while driving, stop as soon as it is vehicle needs to be taken in for
safely possible and turn the ignition when the Tow/Haul Mode has been
activated. service.
off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the ABS light For more information, see Tow/Haul
stays on, or comes on again while Mode on page 931.
driving, the vehicle needs service.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (26,1)
This light should could come on This light comes on when the The cruise control light comes on
briefly when the vehicle is started high-beam headlamps are in use. whenever the cruise control is set.
and then it goes out. If it does not, See Headlamp High/Low-Beam The light goes out when the cruise
see your dealer for service. Changer on page 63 for more control is turned off. See Cruise
For information regarding this light information. Control on page 937 for more
and the vehicle's security system, information.
see Immobilizer Operation on
page 213.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
Information Displays If the vehicle has these features, DIC Operation and Displays
the DIC also displays the compass
The DIC has different displays
direction and the outside air
Driver Information temperature when viewing the
which can be accessed by pressing
Center (DIC) the DIC buttons located on the
trip and fuel information. The
instrument panel, next to the
compass direction appears on the
This vehicle has a Driver instrument panel cluster.
top right corner of the DIC display.
Information Center (DIC).
The outside air temperature DIC Buttons
All messages will appear in the automatically appears in the bottom
DIC display located at the bottom right corner of the DIC display.
of the instrument panel cluster. If there is a problem with the system
The DIC buttons are located on that controls the temperature
the instrument panel, next to the display, the numbers will be
instrument panel cluster. replaced with dashes. If this occurs,
The DIC comes on when the ignition have the vehicle serviced by your
is on. After a short delay, the DIC dealer.
will display the information that was If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
last displayed before the engine see the Duramax diesel
was turned off. supplement for more information.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and
vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system The buttons are the trip/fuel,
problem is detected. vehicle information, customization,
and set/reset buttons. The button
functions are detailed in the
following pages.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (29,1)
3 (Trip/Fuel): Press this Trip/Fuel Menu Items The trip odometer has a feature
button to display the odometer, called the retro-active reset. This
3 (Trip/Fuel): Press this
can be used to set the trip odometer
trip odometers, fuel range, average button to scroll through the following
economy, fuel used, timer, average to the number of kilometers (miles)
menu items:
speed, and digital tachometer. driven since the ignition was last
Odometer turned on. This can be used if the
T (Vehicle Information): trip odometer is not reset at the
Press this button to display the Press 3 until XX km (mi) beginning of the trip.
oil life, units, tire pressure readings displays. This display shows the
for vehicles with the Tire Pressure distance the vehicle has been To use the retro-active reset feature,
Monitor System (TPMS), engine driven in either kilometers (km) or press and hold V for at least
hours, Tire Pressure Monitor miles (mi). four seconds. The trip odometer
System (TPMS) programming for will display the number of
vehicles with the TPMS and without Trip Odometers kilometers (km) or miles (mi) driven
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Press 3 until A or B displays. since the ignition was last turned on
transmitter, and compass zone and and the vehicle was moving. Once
This display shows the current
compass calibration on vehicles the vehicle begins moving, the trip
distance traveled in either
with this feature. kilometers (km) or miles (mi) since odometer will accumulate mileage.
U (Customization): Press this the last reset for each trip odometer. For example, if the vehicle was
button to customize the feature Both trip odometers can be used at driven 8 km (5 miles) before it is
settings on the vehicle. See Vehicle the same time. started again, and then the
Personalization on page 542 for retro-active reset feature is
Each trip odometer can be reset to activated, the display will show
more information.
zero separately by pressing V while 8 km (5 miles). As the vehicle
V (Set/Reset): Press this button to the desired trip odometer is begins moving, the display will
set or reset certain functions and to displayed. then increase to 8.1 km (5.1 miles),
turn off or acknowledge messages 8.2 km (5.2 miles), etc.
on the DIC.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
If the retro-active reset feature is number may change even though Fuel Used
activated after the vehicle is started, the same amount of fuel is in the
but before it begins moving, the fuel tank. This is because different Press 3 until FUEL USED
display will show the number of driving conditions produce different displays. This display shows the
kilometers (km) or miles (mi) that fuel economies. Generally, freeway number of liters (L) or gallons (gal)
were driven during the last ignition driving produces better fuel of fuel used since the last reset of
cycle. economy than city driving. this menu item. To reset the fuel
used information, press and hold V
Fuel Range If the vehicle is low on fuel, the
FUEL LEVEL LOW message will be while FUEL USED is displayed.
Press 3 until FUEL RANGE displayed. See FUEL LEVEL LOW Timer
displays. This display shows the under Fuel System Messages on
approximate number of remaining page 536 for more information. Press 3 until TIMER displays.
kilometers (km) or miles (mi) the This display can be used as a timer.
vehicle can be driven without Average Economy
refueling. The display will show To start the timer, press V while
Press 3 until AVG ECONOMY TIMER is displayed. The display will
LOW if the fuel level is low. displays. This display shows the show the amount of time that has
The fuel range estimate is based on approximate average liters per passed since the timer was last
an average of the fuel economy 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles reset, not including time the ignition
over recent driving history and the per gallon (mpg). This number is is off. Time will continue to be
amount of fuel remaining in the fuel calculated based on the number of counted as long as the ignition is
tank. This estimate will change if L/100 km (mpg) recorded since the on, even if another display is being
driving conditions change. For last time this menu item was reset. shown on the DIC. The timer will
example, if driving in traffic and To reset AVG ECONOMY, press and record up to 99 hours, 59 minutes
making frequent stops, this display hold V. The display will return and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after
may read one number, but if the to zero. which the display will return to zero.
vehicle is driven on a freeway, the
To stop the timer, press V briefly
while TIMER is displayed.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (31,1)
To reset the timer to zero, press and Vehicle Information Menu See CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
hold V while TIMER is displayed. Items under Engine Oil Messages on
page 535. You should change the
Average Speed T (Vehicle Information): oil as soon as possible. See Engine
Press this button to scroll through Oil on page 107. In addition to the
Press 3 until AVERAGE SPEED the following menu items: engine oil life system monitoring the
displays. This display shows the oil life, additional maintenance is
average speed of the vehicle in Oil Life
recommended in the Maintenance
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles Press T until OIL LIFE Schedule in this manual. See
per hour (mph). This average is REMAINING displays. This display Scheduled Maintenance on
calculated based on the various shows an estimate of the oil's page 113 for more information.
vehicle speeds recorded since the remaining useful life. If you see
last reset of this value. To reset Remember, you must reset the
99% OIL LIFE REMAINING on the
the value, press and hold V. OIL LIFE yourself after each oil
display, that means 99% of the
change. It will not reset itself. Also,
The display will return to zero. current oil life remains. The engine
be careful not to reset the OIL LIFE
oil life system will alert you to
Digital Tachometer accidentally at any time other than
change the oil on a schedule
when the oil has just been changed.
Press 3 until consistent with your driving
It cannot be reset accurately until
Tachometer ##00 RPM displays. conditions.
the next oil change. To reset the
This display shows the engine When the remaining oil life is low, engine oil life system, see Engine
speed in revolutions per the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON Oil Life System on page 1010.
minute (RPM). message will appear on the display.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (32,1)
Units See Tire Pressure on page 1060 Rotation on page 540 and Tire
and Tire Messages on page 540 for Messages on page 540 for more
Press T until UNITS displays. more information. information.
This display allows you to select
between metric or English units of If the tire pressure display shows Change Compass Zone
measurement. Once in this display, dashes instead of a value, there
may be a problem with the vehicle. The vehicle may have this feature.
press V to select between METRIC To change the compass zone
If this consistently occurs, see your
or ENGLISH units. dealer for service. through the DIC, see Compass on
page 55.
Tire Pressure Engine Hours
Calibrate Compass
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), the Press T until ENGINE HOURS The vehicle may have this feature.
pressure for each tire can be viewed displays. This display shows the The compass can be manually
in the DIC. The tire pressure will be total number of hours the engine calibrated. To calibrate the compass
shown in either kilopascals (kPa) or has run. through the DIC, see Compass on
pounds per square inch (psi). Relearn Tire Positions page 55.
Press T until the DIC displays Blank Display
The vehicle may have this display.
FRONT TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## To access this display, the vehicle This display shows no information.
RIGHT ##. Press T again until must be in P (Park). If the vehicle
the DIC displays REAR TIRES has the Tire Pressure Monitor
PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. System (TPMS), after rotating the
If a low tire pressure condition is tires or after replacing a tire or
detected by the system while sensor, the system must re-learn the
driving, a message advising you to tire positions. To re-learn the tire
check the pressure in a specific tire positions, see Tire Pressure Monitor
will appear in the display. System on page 1062. See Tire
Inspection on page 1066, Tire
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (33,1)
Door Ajar Messages Stop and turn off the vehicle, check Engine Cooling System
the door for obstructions, and close
CARGO DOOR OPEN the door again. Check to see if the
Messages
This message displays and a chime message still appears on the DIC. ENGINE HOT A/C
sounds if the cargo door is open PASSENGER DOOR OPEN (Air Conditioning) OFF
while the ignition is in ON/RUN. This message displays when the
Turn off the vehicle and check the This message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger door is not engine coolant becomes hotter than
cargo door. Restart the vehicle the normal operating temperature.
and check for the message on the fully closed and the vehicle is in a
drive gear. Stop and turn off the See Engine Coolant Temperature
DIC display. Gauge on page 515. To avoid
vehicle, check the door for
DRIVER DOOR OPEN obstructions, and close the door added strain on a hot engine,
again. Check to see if the message the air conditioning compressor
This message displays and a chime automatically turns off. When the
sounds if the driver door is not fully still appears on the DIC.
coolant temperature returns to
closed and the vehicle is in a drive RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN normal, the air conditioning
gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle, compressor turns back on. You can
check the door for obstructions, and On some vehicles, this message
displays and a chime sounds if the continue to drive the vehicle.
close the door again. Check to see
if the message still appears on passenger side rear door is not fully If this message continues to appear,
the DIC. closed and the vehicle is in a drive have the system repaired by your
gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle, dealer as soon as possible to avoid
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN check the door for obstructions, and damage to the engine.
On some vehicles, this message close the door again. Check to see
displays and a chime sounds if the if the message still appears on
driver side rear door is not fully the DIC.
closed and the vehicle is in a
drive gear.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (35,1)
STABILITRAK OFF There are several conditions that TRACTION CONTROL OFF
can cause this message to appear.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when you turn off . One condition is overheating, message displays when the Traction
StabiliTrak, or when the stability which could occur if StabiliTrak Control System (TCS) is turned off.
control has been automatically activates continuously for an Adjust your driving accordingly.
disabled. To limit wheel spin and extended period of time. See StabiliTrak System on
realize the full benefits of the . The message also displays if the page 934 for more information.
stability enhancement system, you brake system warning light is on.
should normally leave StabiliTrak See Brake System Warning Airbag System Messages
on. However, you should turn Light on page 524.
StabiliTrak off if the vehicle gets SERVICE AIR BAG
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow
. The message could display if
the stability system takes longer This message displays if there is a
and you want to rock the vehicle problem with the airbag system.
to attempt to free it, or if you are than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to Have your dealer inspect the
driving in extreme off-road system for problems. See Airbag
conditions and require more wheel driving conditions.
Readiness Light on page 517 and
spin. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck on . The message displays if an Airbag System on page 325 for
page 911. To turn the StabiliTrak engine or vehicle related more information.
system on or off, see StabiliTrak problem has been detected and
System on page 934. the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer.
The message turns off as soon as
the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (39,1)
Tire Messages The DIC also shows the tire TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
pressure values. See Driver
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE or If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Information Center (DIC) on
Monitor System (TPMS), this
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE page 528.
message displays when the system
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure SERVICE TIRE MONITOR is re-learning the tire positions on
Monitor System (TPMS), this SYSTEM the vehicle. See Driver Information
message displays when the Center (DIC) on page 528 for more
pressure in one or more of the tires If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure information. The tire positions must
is low. The low tire pressure warning Monitor System (TPMS), this be re-learned after rotating the tires
light will also come on. See Tire message displays if a part on the or after replacing a tire or sensor.
Pressure Light on page 526. system is not working properly. See Tire Inspection on page 1066,
This message will also indicate The tire pressure light also flashes Tire Rotation on page 1066, Tire
which tire needs to be checked. and then remains on during the Pressure Monitor Operation on
You can receive more than one tire same ignition cycle. See Tire page 1063, and Tire Pressure on
pressure message at a time. To Pressure Light on page 526. page 1060 for more information.
read the other messages that may Several conditions may cause this
have been sent at the same time, message to appear. See Tire
press the set/reset button. If a tire Pressure Monitor Operation on
pressure message appears on the page 1063 for more information.
DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have If the warning comes on and stays
the tire pressures checked and set on, there may be a problem with the
to those shown on the Tire Loading TPMS. See your dealer.
Information label. See Tires on
page 1052, Vehicle Load Limits on
page 912, and Tire Pressure on
page 1060.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (41,1)
ALL IN PARK (default): All of the Press U until REMOTE DOOR NO CHANGE: No change will be
doors will unlock when the vehicle is LOCK appears on the DIC display. made to this feature. The current
shifted into P (Park). setting will remain.
Press V once to access the settings
NO CHANGE: No change will be for this feature. Then press U to To select a setting, press V while
made to this feature. The current the desired setting is displayed on
scroll through the following settings:
setting will remain. the DIC.
OFF: There will be no feedback
To select a setting, press V while REMOTE DOOR UNLOCK
when you press Q on the
the desired setting is displayed on
RKE transmitter. This feature allows you to select the
the DIC.
LIGHTS ONLY: The exterior lamps type of feedback you will receive
REMOTE DOOR LOCK when unlocking the vehicle with the
will flash when you press Q on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
This feature allows you to select the RKE transmitter.
type of feedback you will receive transmitter. You will not receive
when locking the vehicle with the HORN ONLY: The horn will sound feedback when unlocking the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) on the second press of Q on the vehicle with the RKE transmitter if
transmitter. You will not receive RKE transmitter. the doors are open. See Remote
feedback when locking the vehicle Keyless Entry (RKE) System
HORN & LIGHTS (default): The Operation on page 23 for more
with the RKE transmitter if the doors exterior lamps will flash when you
are open. See Remote Keyless information.
Entry (RKE) System Operation on press Q on the RKE transmitter, and
page 23 for more information. the horn will sound when Q is
pressed again within five seconds of
the previous command.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (45,1)
Press U until REMOTE DOOR feature will delay locking the doors To select a setting, press V while
UNLOCK appears on the DIC until five seconds after the last door the desired setting is displayed on
is closed. You will hear three chimes
display. Press V once to access the the DIC.
to signal that the delayed locking
settings for this feature. Then press feature is in use. The key must be EXIT LIGHTING
U to scroll through the following out of the ignition for this feature to
settings: This feature allows you to select
work. You can temporarily override the amount of time you want
LIGHTS OFF: The exterior lamps delayed locking by pressing the the exterior lamps to remain on
will not flash when you press K on power door lock switch twice or when it is dark enough outside.
the RKE transmitter. Q on the RKE transmitter twice. This happens after the key is turned
See Delayed Locking on page 28 from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF.
LIGHTS ON (default): The exterior for more information.
lamps will flash when you press K Press U until EXIT LIGHTING
on the RKE transmitter. Press U until DELAY DOOR appears on the DIC display. Press
LOCK appears on the DIC display. V once to access the settings for
NO CHANGE: No change will be
Press V once to access the settings this feature. Then press U to scroll
made to this feature. The current
setting will remain. for this feature. Then press U to through the following settings:
scroll through the following settings: OFF: The exterior lamps will not
To select a setting, press V while
OFF: There will be no delayed turn on.
the desired setting is displayed on
locking of the vehicle's doors. 10 SECONDS (default):
the DIC.
ON (default): The doors will not The exterior lamps will stay on for
DELAY DOOR LOCK lock until five seconds after the last 10 seconds.
This feature allows you to select door is closed. 1 MINUTE: The exterior lamps will
whether or not the locking of the NO CHANGE: No change will be stay on for one minute.
doors will be delayed. When locking made to this feature. The current
the doors with the power door lock 2 MINUTES: The exterior lamps will
setting will remain. stay on for two minutes.
switch and a door is open, this
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (46,1)
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Lighting 6-1
6-2 Lighting
2 (Headlamps): Turns on the To prevent the battery from being Exterior Lamps Off
headlamps together with the drained, turn the control to
Reminder
following lamps listed below. the O position.
If a door is open, a reminder chime
. Parking Lamps A warning chime sounds if the sounds when the headlamps or
. Instrument Panel Lights driver door is opened while the parking lamps are manually turned
ignition switch is off and the on and the key is out of the ignition.
. Taillamps headlamps are on. To turn off the chime, turn the
. License Plate Lamps To change the headlamps from headlamp switch to O or AUTO and
If the headlamps are turned on low beam to high beam, push the then back on, or close and reopen
while the vehicle is on, the turn signal/multifunction lever the door. In the auto mode, the
headlamps turn off automatically toward the instrument panel. headlamps turn off once the ignition
10 minutes after the ignition is is in LOCK/OFF or may remain on
turned off. If the headlamps are until the headlamp delay ends,
turned on while the vehicle is off, if enabled in the Driver Information
the headlamps will continue to Center (DIC). See Exit Lighting
stay on. under Vehicle Personalization on
page 542.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Lighting 6-3
6-4 Lighting
Lighting 6-5
Hazard Warning Flashers Turn and Lane-Change The lever returns to its starting
position when released.
Signals
If after signaling a turn or lane
change the arrow flashes rapidly or
does not come on, a signal bulb
may be burned out.
Have the bulbs replaced. If the bulb
is not burned out, check the fuse.
See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 1045.
G : An arrow on the instrument Turn Signal On Chime
panel cluster flashes in the direction
of the turn or lane change. If the turn signal is left on for more
than 1.2 km (3/4 mi), a chime
To signal a turn, move the lever all
sounds at each flash of the turn
| (Hazard Warning Flashers): the way up or down.
signal and the message TURN
Press this button located on top of To signal a lane change, raise or SIGNAL ON also appears in the
the steering column, to make the lower the lever until the arrow Driver Information Center (DIC).
front and rear turn signal lamps starts to flash. The turn signal See Lamp Messages on page 537.
flash on and off. This warns others automatically flashes three times To turn off the chime and message,
that you are having trouble. Press and if the towhaul mode is active move the turn signal lever to the
again to turn the flashers off. it flashes six times. Holding the off position.
When the hazard warning flashers turn signal lever for more than
are on, the vehicle's turn signals will one second causes the turn signals
not work. to flash continually until the lever
is released.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
6-6 Lighting
Lighting 6-7
E DOME OFF: Press this button Lighting Features When the battery's state of charge
in and the dome lamps remain off is low, the voltage is raised slightly
when a door is opened. Press the to quickly bring the charge back up.
button again to return it to the
Entry/Exit Lighting When the state of charge is high,
extended position so that the dome The vehicle has an illuminated the voltage is lowered slightly to
lamps come on when a door is entry/exit feature. prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
opened. has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
The dome lamps come on if the display on the Driver Information
E button is in the out position, Center (DIC), you may see the
Reading Lamps when a door is opened or the key is voltage move up or down. This is
For vehicles with reading lamps, removed from the ignition. normal. If there is a problem, an
press the button located next to alert will be displayed.
each lamp to turn it on or off. Battery Load
The battery can be discharged at
The vehicle may also have reading Management idle if the electrical loads are very
lamps in other locations. The lamps The vehicle may have Electric high. This is true for all vehicles.
cannot be adjusted. Power Management (EPM) that This is because the generator
estimates the battery's temperature (alternator) may not be spinning fast
and state of charge. It then adjusts enough at idle to produce all the
the voltage for best performance power that is needed for very high
and extended life of the battery. electrical loads.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
6-8 Lighting
A high electrical load occurs when Normally, these actions occur in Battery Power Protection
several of the following are on, such steps or levels, without being
as: headlamps, high beams, fog noticeable. In rare cases at the This feature shuts off the dome
lamps, rear window defogger, highest levels of corrective action, lamps if they are left on for more
climate control fan at high speed, this action may be noticeable to the than 10 minutes when the ignition is
heated seats, engine cooling fans, driver. If so, a Driver Information in LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent
trailer loads, and loads plugged into Center (DIC) message might be the battery from running down.
accessory power outlets. displayed, such as SERVICE
EPM works to prevent excessive BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
discharge of the battery. It does this If this messages displays, it is
by balancing the generator's output recommended that the driver reduce
and the vehicle's electrical needs. the electrical loads as much as
It can increase engine idle speed to possible. See Battery Voltage and
generate more power, whenever Charging Messages on page 533.
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
To minimize taking your eyes off the Notice: The chime signals related Theft-Deterrent Feature
road while driving, do the following to safety belts, parking brake, and
while the vehicle is parked: other functions of the vehicle TheftLock is designed to
operate through the radio/ discourage theft of the radio.
. Become familiar with the The feature works automatically by
operation and controls of the entertainment system. If that
equipment is replaced or learning a portion of the Vehicle
audio system. Identification Number (VIN). If the
additional equipment is added to
. Set up the tone, speaker the vehicle, the chimes may not radio is moved to a different vehicle,
adjustments, and preset radio work. Make sure that replacement it does not operate and either LOC
stations. or additional equipment is or LOCKED displays.
For more information, see Defensive compatible with the vehicle When the radio and vehicle are
Driving on page 92. before installing it. See turned off, there may be a blinking
Accessories and Modifications on red light to indicate TheftLock is
Notice: Contact your dealer page 103. armed.
before adding any equipment.
The vehicle has Retained With TheftLock activated, the radio
Adding audio or communication Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, does not operate if stolen.
equipment could interfere with the audio system can be played
the operation of the engine, radio, even after the ignition is turned off.
or other systems, and could See Retained Accessory Power
damage them. Follow federal (RAP) on page 921 for more
rules covering mobile radio and information.
telephone equipment.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Operation
AM-FM Radio
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
3. Adjust the setting by doing To quickly adjust all tone and Adjusting the Speakers
one of the following: speaker controls to the middle (Balance/Fade) (AM-FM Radio
. Turn the f knob clockwise position, press the f knob for and AM-FM Radio with CD)
or counterclockwise. more than two seconds until a To adjust the balance or fade:
beep sounds.
. Press the SEEK, EQ (Equalization): Press this 1. Press ` or press the f knob
or SEEK. button to choose bass and treble until the speaker control tab
equalization settings designed for displays.
. Press the \ FWD, different types of music. Selecting 2. To adjust the setting, do one of
or s REV. MANUAL, or changing bass or the following:
treble, returns the EQ to the manual
If a station's frequency is weak or if . Turn the f knob.
bass and treble settings.
there is static, decrease the treble.
To quickly adjust bass, midrange,
Unique EQ settings can be saved . Press either SEEK,
for each source. or SEEK.
or treble to the middle position,
press the softkey positioned under If the radio has a Bose audio
the BASS, MID, or TREB tab for system, the EQ settings are
. Press either \ FWD,
more than two seconds. A beep either MANUAL or TALK. or s REV.
sounds and the level adjusts to the
middle position.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
4. Press and hold one of the Press the FAV button to go through The number of favorites pages can
six numbered softkeys for up to six pages of favorites, each be setup using the MENU button.
three seconds until a beep having six favorite stations available To setup the number of favorites
sounds. When that softkey is per page. Each page of favorites pages:
pressed and released, the can contain any combination of 1. Press the MENU button to
station that was set, returns. AM and FM stations. display the radio setup menu.
5. Repeat the Steps 2 through 4 for The balance/fade and tone settings 2. Press the softkey located below
each softkey. that were previously adjusted, are the FAV 1-6 tab.
stored with the favorite stations.
Storing a Radio Station as a 3. Select the desired number of
Favorite To store a station as a favorite: favorites pages by pressing the
Drivers are encouraged to set up 1. Tune to the desired radio station. softkey located below the
their radio station favorites while the 2. Press the FAV button to display displayed page numbers.
vehicle is parked. Tune to favorite the page where the station is to 4. Press the FAV button, or let the
stations using the presets, favorites be stored. menu time out, to return to the
button, and steering wheel controls, original main radio screen
3. Press and hold one of the
if the vehicle has this feature. showing the radio station
six softkeys until a beep sounds.
See Defensive Driving on page 92. frequency tabs and to begin the
When that softkey is pressed
FAV (Favorites): If the vehicle and released, the station that process of programming your
has a FAV button, a maximum of was set, returns. favorites for the chosen amount
36 stations can be programmed as of numbered pages.
4. Repeat the steps for each
favorites using the six softkeys
softkey radio station you want
positioned below the radio station
stored as a favorite.
frequency tabs and by using
the radio favorites page button
(FAV button).
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
Satellite Radio To scan stations, press and hold Setting Preset Stations
either arrow for two seconds until a
Finding a Category (CAT) If the radio does not have a
beep sounds. The radio goes to a
FAV button, up to 18 stations
Station station, plays for a few seconds,
(six FM1, six FM2, and six AM),
then goes to the next station.
CAT (Category): The CAT button is can be programmed on the
For AM-FM Radio and Radio with
used to find XM stations while the six numbered softkeys, by
CD (Base), the station frequency
radio is in the XM mode. performing the following steps:
flashes while the radio is in the scan
XM is a satellite radio service that mode. Press either arrow again to 1. Turn the radio on.
is based in the United States and stop scanning. 2. Press BAND to select FM1,
Canada only.
The radio seeks and scans stations FM2, or AM.
Finding a Station only with a strong signal that are in 3. Tune in the desired station.
the selected band.
BAND: Press to switch between 4. Press and hold one of the
FM1, FM2, AM, and XM. For AM-FM Radio and Radio with six numbered softkeys for
The selection displays. CD (Base), scan presets within the three seconds until a beep
current selected band by pressing
f (Tune): Turn clockwise or and holding either SEEK arrow for
sounds. When that softkey is
counterclockwise to increase or pressed and released, the
four seconds until a double beep station that was set, returns.
decrease the station frequency. sounds. The radio goes to a stored
SEEK : Press the arrows to go preset, plays for a few seconds if a 5. Repeat the Steps 2 through 4 for
to the previous or to the next station strong signal is present, then goes each softkey.
and stay there. to the next stored preset. The
station frequency flashes while the
radio is in the scan mode.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
Storing a Radio Station as a Press the FAV button to go through The number of favorites pages can
Favorite up to six pages of favorites, each be setup using the MENU button.
having six favorite stations available To setup the number of favorites
Drivers are encouraged to set up per page. Each page of favorites pages:
their radio station favorites while the can contain any combination of
vehicle is parked. Tune to favorite 1. Press the MENU button to
AM and FM stations. display the radio setup menu.
stations using the presets, favorites
button, and steering wheel controls, The balance/fade and tone settings 2. Press the softkey located below
if the vehicle has this feature. that were previously adjusted, are the FAV 1-6 tab.
See Defensive Driving on page 92. stored with the favorite stations.
3. Select the desired number of
FAV (Favorites): If the vehicle To store a station as a favorite: favorites pages by pressing the
has a FAV button, a maximum of 1. Tune to the desired radio station. softkey located below the
36 stations can be programmed as displayed page numbers.
favorites using the six softkeys 2. Press the FAV button to display
positioned below the radio station the page where the station is to 4. Press the FAV button, or let the
frequency tabs and by using be stored. menu time out, to return to the
the radio favorites page button 3. Press and hold one of the original main radio screen
(FAV button). six softkeys until a beep sounds. showing the radio station
When that softkey is pressed frequency tabs and to begin the
and released, the station that process of programming your
was set, returns. favorites for the chosen amount
of numbered pages.
4. Repeat the steps for each
softkey radio station you want
stored as a favorite.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
Audio Players While using the CD player, use side of a CD while handling it; this
only CDs in good condition could damage the surface. Pick up
without any label, load one CD at CDs by grasping the outer edges or
CD Player a time, and keep the CD player the edge of the hole and the
Care of the CD Player and the loading slot free of outer edge.
foreign materials, liquids, If the surface of a CD is soiled,
Do not add any label to a CD. and debris.
It could get caught in the CD. If a clean it with a soft, lintfree cloth or
CD is recorded on a personal If an error displays, see CD Player dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild,
computer and a description label is Messages later in this section. neutral detergent solution mixed
needed, try labeling the top of the with water. Make sure the wiping
Care of CDs process starts from the center to
recorded CD with a marking pen.
If playing a CD-R, the sound quality the edge.
The use of CD lens cleaners can be reduced due to CD-R or
is not advised, due to the risk of CD-RW quality, the method of Inserting a CD
contaminating the lens of the recording, the quality of the music (Single CD Player)
CD optics with lubricants internal that has been recorded, and the Insert a CD partway into the slot,
to the CD player mechanism. way the CD-R or CD-RW has been label side up. The player pulls it in
Notice: If a label is added to a handled. Handle them carefully. and the CD should begin playing.
CD, more than one CD is inserted Store CD-Rs or CD-RWs in their
into the slot at a time, or an original cases or other protective Ejecting a CD
attempt is made to play scratched cases and away from direct sunlight (Single CD Player)
or damaged CDs, the CD player and dust. The CD player scans the Z EJECT: Press and release to
could be damaged. bottom surface of the disc. If the eject the disc. Remove the CD
surface of a CD is damaged, such when Remove Disc displays. If the
as cracked, broken, or scratched, disc is not removed, after several
the CD does not play properly or seconds the disc is automatically
not at all. Do not touch the bottom pulled back into the player.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
Empty Folder When the last track of the last These playlists are treated as
Folders that do not contain files are folder has played, play continues special folders containing
skipped, and the player advances to from the first track of the compressed audio song files.
the next folder that contains files. first folder. Playlists that have an .m3u or
File System and Naming .pls file extension and are stored
Order of Play on a USB device may be supported
Compressed audio files are The song name that displays is the by the radio with a USB port.
accessed in the following order: song name that is contained in the
ID3 tag. If the song name is not Playlists can be changed by using
. Playlists (Px). present in the ID3 tag, then the the softkeys below the S c and
. Files stored in the root directory. radio displays the file name without c T tabs, the f knob, the
. Files stored in folders in the
the extension (such as .mp3) as SEEK button, or the SEEK
the track name. button. An MP3 CD-R or CD-RW
root directory.
Track names longer than that has been recorded without
Tracks are played in the following 32 characters or four pages are using file folders can be played.
order: shortened. The display does not If a CD-R or CD-RW contains more
. Play begins from the first track in show parts of words on the last than the maximum of 50 folders,
the first playlist and continues page of text and the extension of 15 playlists, and 512 folders and
sequentially through all tracks in the file name is not displayed. files, the player allows access and
each playlist. When the last navigates up to the maximum, but
Preprogrammed Playlists all items over the maximum are
track of the last playlist has
played, play continues from the CDs that have preprogrammed not accessible.
first track of the first playlist. playlists reated using WinAmp,
MusicMatch, or Real Jukebox
. Play begins from the first track in software can be accessed; however,
the first folder and continues there is no playlistediting capability
sequentially through all tracks in using the radio.
each folder.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
Auxiliary Devices To use a portable audio player, BAND: Press to listen to the radio
connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable to when a portable audio device is
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack the radio's front auxiliary input jack. playing. The portable audio device
Radios with an auxiliary input jack When a device is connected, press continues playing.
located on the lower right side of the the radio CD/AUX button to begin CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to
faceplate can connect to an external playing audio from the device over play a CD when a portable audio
audio device such as an iPod, the vehicle speakers. device is playing. Press again and
MP3 player, or CD player, for use as For optimal sound quality, increase the system begins playing audio
another source for audio listening. the portable audio device's volume from the connected portable audio
This input jack is not an audio to the loudest level. player. If a portable audio player is
output; do not plug headphones into not connected, No Input Device
It is always best to power the
the front auxiliary input jack. Found displays.
portable audio device through its
Drivers are encouraged to set up own battery while playing.
any auxiliary device while the O (Power/Volume): Turn clockwise
vehicle is in P (Park). See
or counterclockwise to increase or
Defensive Driving on page 92 for
decrease the volume of the
more information on driver portable player. Additional volume
distraction.
adjustments might have to be made
from the portable device if the
volume is not loud or soft enough.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
Using the USB Port USBSupported Devices USBSupported File and Folder
. USB flash drive Structure
Radios with a USB port can control
a USB storage device or an iPod . Portable USB hard drive The radio supports:
using the radio buttons and knobs. . Up to 700 folders
See Playing an MP3 in CD Player
. Fifth generation or later iPod
on page 713 for information about . iPod nano
. Up to 8 folders in depth
how to connect and control a . Up to 65,535 files.
USB storage device or an iPod.
. iPod touch
. iPod classic
. Folder and file names up to
USB Support 64 bytes
Not all iPods and USB drives are
compatible with the USB port.
. Files with an .mp3 or
.wma file extension
Make sure the iPod has the latest
firmware from Apple for proper
. AAC files stored on an iPod
operation. iPod firmware can . FAT16
be updated using the latest . FAT32
iTunes application.
See www.apple.com/itunes. Connecting a USB Storage
For help with identifying the iPod, go Device or iPod
to www.apple.com/support. The USB port can be used to
Radios that have a USB port can control an iPod or a USB storage
play .mp3 and .wma files that are device.
The USB connector is located on stored on a USB storage device as To connect a USB storage device,
the instrument panel and uses the well as AAC files that are stored on connect the device to the USB port
USB 2.0 standard. an iPod. located in the center console or on
the instrument panel.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
To connect an iPod, connect one Using the Radio to Control a \ FWD (Fast Forward):
end of the USB cable that came USB Storage Device or iPod Press and hold to advance playback
with the iPod to the iPods dock quickly. Sound is heard at a reduced
connector and connect the other The radio can control a USB
storage device or an iPod using the volume. Release \ FWD to
end to the USB port located in the
radio buttons and knobs, and resume playing. The elapsed time
center console or on the instrument
display song information on the of the file displays.
panel. If the vehicle is on and the
USB connection works, OK to radios display. 4 (Information): Press to display
disconnect and a GM logo may f (Tune): Turn to select files. additional information about the
appear on the iPod, and iPod selected track.
appears on the radio display.
SEEK: Press to go to the start of
the track, if more than 10 seconds Using Softkeys to Control a
The iPod music appears on the
have played. Press and hold or USB Storage Device or iPod
radios display and begins playing.
press multiple times to continue
The iPod charges while it is moving backward through tracks. The five softkeys below the radio
connected to the vehicle if the display are used to control the
vehicle is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
SEEK: Press to go to the next functions listed below.
track. Press and hold or press
or ON/RUN position. When the To use the softkeys:
multiple times to continue moving
vehicle is turned off, the iPod
forward through tracks. 1. Press the first or fifth softkey
automatically powers off and will
not charge or draw power from the s REV (Reverse): Press and below the radio display to
vehicle's battery. hold to reverse playback quickly. display the functions listed
Sound is heard at a reduced below, or press the softkey
If you have an older iPod model below the function if it is
that is not supported, it can still volume. Release s REV to currently displayed.
be used by connecting it to the resume playing. The elapsed time
auxiliary input jack using a standard of the file displays. 2. Press the softkey below the
3.5 mm (1/8 in) stereo cable. See tab with the function on it to
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack use that function.
earlier for more information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
j (Pause): Press the softkey 3. Press f to select the desired h (Music Navigator): Press the
below j to pause the track. folder. If there is more then one softkey below h to view and
The tab appears raised when pause folder, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until select a file on an iPod, using
is being used. Press the softkey the desired folder is reached. the iPod's menu system.
below j again to resume playback. 4. Turn f to scroll through the files Files are sorted by:
. Playlists
Back: Press the softkey below the in the selected folder.
back tab to go back to the main 5. Press f to select the desired file
. Artists
display screen on an iPod, or the
to be played. . Albums
root directory on a USB storage
device. To skip through large lists, the . Genres
five softkeys can be used to
c (Folder View): Press the navigate in the following order:
. Songs
softkey below c to view the . Composers
contents of the current folder on
. First softkey, first item in the list.
To select files:
the USB drive. To browse and . Second softkey, 1% through
select files: the list each time the softkey is 1. Press the softkey below h.
pressed.
1. Press the softkey below c. 2. Turn f to scroll through the
. Third softkey, 5% through the list
2. Turn f to scroll through the list list of menus.
each time the softkey is pressed.
of folders. . Fourth softkey, 10% through the 3. Press f to select the
list each time the softkey is desired menu.
pressed.
. Fifth softkey, end of the list.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
4. Turn f to scroll through the Repeat Functionality > (Shuffle Off): Press the
folders or files in the To use Repeat: softkey below 2 to turn shuffle
selected menu. off. This is the default mode when
Press the softkey below " or ' a USB storage device or iPod is
5. Press f to select the desired file to select between Repeat All and first connected.
to be played. Repeat Track.
2 (Shuffle All Songs/
To skip through large lists, the " (Repeat All): Press the softkey Shuffle Songs): Press the softkey
five softkeys can be used to below " to repeat all tracks. The
navigate in the following order: below = or < to shuffle all
tab appears lowered when Repeat songs on the USB storage device
. First softkey, first item in the list. All is being used. This is the default or iPod.
. Second softkey, 1% through mode when a USB storage device
or iPod is first connected. < (Shuffle Album): Press the
the list each time the softkey is
pressed. ' (Repeat Track): Press the softkey below > to shuffle all
songs in the current album on
. Third softkey, 5% through the list softkey below ' to repeat one
an iPod.
each time the softkey is pressed. track. The tab appears raised when
Repeat Track is being used. = (Shuffle Folder): Press the
. Fourth softkey, 10% through the
softkey below > to shuffle all
list each time the softkey is Shuffle Functionality
songs in the current folder on a
pressed. To use Shuffle: USB storage device.
. Fifth softkey, end of the list.
Press the softkey below >, 2,
<, or = to select between
Shuffle Off, Shuffle All Songs/
Shuffle Songs, Shuffle Album,
or Shuffle Folder.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
Pairing a Phone 5. Locate the device named Listing All Paired and Connected
Your Vehicle in the list on Phones
1. Press and hold b / g for the cell phone. Follow the
two seconds. The system can list all cell phones
instructions on the cell phone to paired to it. If a paired cell phone is
2. Say Bluetooth. enter the PIN that was provided also connected to the vehicle, the
in Step 3. After the PIN is system responds with is connected
3. Say Pair. The system successfully entered, the system
responds with instructions and after that phone name.
prompts you to provide a name
a fourdigit Personal
Identification Number (PIN).
for the paired cell phone. This 1. Press and hold b / g for
name will be used to indicate two seconds.
The PIN is used in Step 5. which phones are paired and
4. Start the pairing process on the connected to the vehicle. 2. Say Bluetooth.
cell phone that you want to pair. See Listing All Paired and 3. Say List.
For help with this process, see Connected Phones later in this
the cell phone manufacturer's section for more information.
user guide. 6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to pair
additional phones.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (27,1)
Deleting a Paired Phone Connecting to a Different Phone Storing and Deleting Phone
If the phone name you want to To connect to a different cell phone, Numbers
delete is unknown, see Listing All the Bluetooth system looks for the The system can store up to
Paired and Connected Phones. next available cell phone in the 30 phone numbers as name tags in
order in which all the available the HandsFree Directory that is
1. Press and hold b / g for cell phones were paired. Depending shared between the Bluetooth and
two seconds. on which cell phone you want to OnStar systems, if equipped.
2. Say Bluetooth. connect to, you may have to use
this command several times. The following commands are used
3. Say Delete. The system asks to delete and store phone numbers.
which phone to delete. 1. Press and hold b / g for Store: This command will store a
4. Say the name of the phone you two seconds. phone number, or a group of
want to delete. 2. Say Bluetooth. numbers as a name tag.
3. Say Change phone. Digit Store: This command allows
a phone number to be stored as a
. If another cell phone is
name tag by entering the digits
found, the response will be
one at a time.
<Phone name> is now
connected. Delete: This command is used to
delete individual name tags.
. If another cell phone is not
found, the original phone Delete All Name Tags:
remains connected. This command deletes all stored
name tags in the HandsFree
Calling Directory and the OnStar
TurnbyTurn Destinations Directory,
if equipped.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
Using the Store Command 3. Say each digit, one at a time, To delete all name tags:
that you want to store. After
1. Press and hold b / g for each digit is entered, the system 1. Press and hold b / g for
two seconds. repeats back the digit it heard two seconds.
2. Say Store. followed by a tone. After the 2. Say Delete all name tags.
last digit has been entered, say
3. Say the phone number or group Store, and then follow the Listing Stored Numbers
of numbers you want to store all directions given by the system to
at once with no pauses, then The list command will list all stored
save a name tag for this number. numbers and name tags.
follow the directions given by the
system to save a name tag for Using the Delete Command Using the List Command
this number.
1. Press and hold b / g for 1. Press and hold b / g for
Using the Digit Store Command two seconds. two seconds.
If an unwanted number is 2. Say Delete. 2. Say Directory.
recognized by the system, say
Clear at any time to clear the 3. Say the name tag you want 3. Say HandsFree Calling.
last number. to delete.
4. Say List.
To hear all of the numbers Using the Delete All Name Tags
Command Making a Call
recognized by the system, say
Verify at any time. This command deletes all stored Calls can be made using the
name tags in the HandsFree following commands.
1. Press and hold b / g for Calling Directory and the OnStar
two seconds. Dial or Call: The dial or call
TurnbyTurn Destinations Directory, command can be used
2. Say Digit Store. if equipped. interchangeably to dial a phone
number or a stored name tag.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (29,1)
Digit Dial: This command allows a If an unwanted number is Using the Redial Command
phone number to be dialed by recognized by the system, say
entering the digits one at a time. Clear at any time to clear the 1. Press and hold b / g for
last number. two seconds.
Redial: This command is used to
dial the last number used on the To hear all of the numbers 2. After the tone, say Redial.
cell phone. recognized by the system, say Once connected, the person called
Verify at any time. will be heard through the audio
Using the Dial or
speakers.
Call Command 1. Press and hold b / g for
1. Press and hold b / g for two seconds. Receiving a Call
two seconds. 2. Say Digit Dial. When an incoming call is received,
3. Say each digit, one at a time, the audio system mutes and a ring
2. Say Dial or Call.
that you want to dial. After each tone is heard in the vehicle.
3. Say the entire number without digit is entered, the system
pausing, or say the name tag.
. Press b / g to answer the call.
repeats back the digit it heard
Once connected, the person called followed by a tone. After the . Press c / x to ignore a call.
will be heard through the audio last digit has been entered,
speakers. say Dial.
Using the Digit Dial Command Once connected, the person called
will be heard through the audio
The digit dial command allows a
speakers.
phone number to be dialed by
entering the digits one at a time.
After each digit is entered, the
system repeats back the digit it
heard followed by a tone.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
Transferring Audio to the 3. Say Voice. The system Clearing the System
Bluetooth System from a responds OK, accessing
Unless information is deleted out of
Cell Phone <phone name>.
the invehicle Bluetooth system, it
During a call with the audio on the The cell phone's normal prompt will be retained indefinitely. This
cell phone, press b / g. The audio messages will go through their cycle includes all saved name tags in the
transfers to the vehicle. If the audio according to the phone's operating phone book and phone pairing
does not transfer to the vehicle, use instructions. information. For information on how
the audio transfer feature on the to delete this information, see the
Dual Tone Multi-Frequency previous section Deleting a Paired
cell phone. See your cell phone
(DTMF) Tones Phone and the previous sections
manufacturer's user guide for
more information. The Bluetooth system can send on deleting name tags.
numbers and the numbers stored as
Voice Pass-Thru name tags during a call. You can
Other Information
Voice passthru allows access to the use this feature when calling a The Bluetooth word mark and
voice recognition commands on the menudriven phone system. logos are owned by the Bluetooth
cell phone. See your cell phone Account numbers can also be SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks
manufacturer's user guide to see if stored for use. by General Motors is under license.
the cell phone supports this feature. Other trademarks and trade names
Sending a Number or Name Tag are those of their respective owners.
To access contacts stored in the During a Call
cell phone:
1. Press b / g. The system
1. Press and hold b / g for responds Ready, followed by
two seconds. a tone.
2. Say Bluetooth. The system 2. Say Dial.
responds Bluetooth ready, 3. Say the number or name tag
followed by a tone. to send.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (32,1)
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Temperature Control: Turn the 6 (Floor): Air is directed to the 1 (Defrost): This mode clears
knob clockwise or counterclockwise floor outlets with some air directed the windshield of fog or frost more
to increase or decrease the to the windshield and side windows. quickly. Air is directed to the
temperature inside the vehicle. windshield, with some to the floor
- (Defog): This mode clears outlets and front side windows.
Air Delivery Mode Control: the windows of fog or moisture.
Turn the knob clockwise or Outside air is directed to the floor The air conditioning compressor
counterclockwise to change the and defroster outlets. Adjust the might turn on in this setting to
current airflow mode. temperature knob for warmer or dehumidify the air.
H (Vent): Air is directed to the cooler air. The air conditioning Do not drive the vehicle until all
instrument panel outlets. compressor might turn on in this the windows are clear.
setting to dehumidify the air.
) (Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets, with some air directed
toward the windshield.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Rear Window Defogger < (Rear Window Defogger): Notice: Do not use a razor blade
Press to turn the rear window or sharp object to clear the inside
For vehicles with a rear window
defogger on or off. rear window. Do not adhere
defogger, a warming grid is used to
anything to the defogger grid
remove fog or frost from the rear The rear window defogger turns off lines in the rear glass. These
window. several minutes after the button is actions may damage the rear
It only works when the ignition is pressed. If turned on again, the defogger. Repairs would not be
in ON/RUN. defogger will run for several more covered by your warranty.
minutes before turning off. The
defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
Air Delivery Mode Control: Be sure to keep the area under the Air Vents
Turn clockwise or counterclockwise front seats clear of any objects so
to change the direction of the airflow that the air inside of the vehicle can Use the outlets located near the
in the rear seating area. circulate effectively. center and on the sides of the
instrument panel to change the
To change the current mode, select For information on how to use
direction of airflow.
one of the following: the main climate control system,
H (Vent): Air is directed to the see Climate Control Systems on Operation Tips
upper outlets, with some directed to page 81. For information on
ventilation, see Air Vents on
. Clear away any ice, snow or
the floor outlets. leaves from the air inlets at
page 88.
2 (Floor): Air is directed to the the base of the windshield that
floor outlets. may block the flow of air into
the vehicle.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
collision. Then steer around the The fact that such emergency Ease off the accelerator and then,
problem, to the left or right situations are always possible is a if there is nothing in the way, steer
depending on the space available. good reason to practice defensive so that the vehicle straddles the
driving at all times and wear safety edge of the pavement. Turn the
belts properly. steering wheel 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 in),
about one-eighth turn, until the right
Off-Road Recovery front tire contacts the pavement
edge. Then turn the steering wheel
The vehicle's right wheels can drop to go straight down the roadway.
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when the
three control systems brakes,
steering, and acceleration do not
have enough friction where the tires
An emergency like this requires meet the road to do what the driver
close attention and a quick decision. has asked.
If holding the steering wheel at the In any emergency, do not give up.
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock Keep trying to steer and constantly
positions, it can be turned a full seek an escape route or area of
180 degrees very quickly without less danger.
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once If the level of the shoulder is only
you have avoided the object. slightly below the pavement,
recovery should be fairly easy.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
WARNING (Continued)
Other Rainy Weather Tips Highway Hypnosis
Besides slowing down, other wet Always be alert and pay attention to
If this happens, you and other weather driving tips include: your surroundings while driving.
vehicle occupants could drown. . Allow extra following distance. If you become tired or sleepy, find a
Do not ignore police warnings safe place to park the vehicle
and be very cautious about trying
. Pass with caution. and rest.
to drive through flowing water. . Keep windshield wiping Other driving tips include:
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Hydroplaning . Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Keep interior temperature cool.
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's . Have good tires with proper
. Keep your eyes moving scan
tires so they actually ride on the tread depth. See Tires on the road ahead and to the sides.
water. This can happen if the road is page 1052. . Check the rearview mirror and
wet enough and you are going fast . Turn off cruise control. vehicle instruments often.
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
Winter Driving Try not to break the fragile traction. Blizzard Conditions
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
Driving on Snow or Ice Being stuck in snow can be a
wheels will spin and polish the
serious situation. Stay with the
Drive carefully when there is snow surface under the tires even more.
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
or ice between the tires and the The Antilock Brake System (ABS) If possible, use the Roadside
road, creating less traction or grip. on page 933 improves vehicle Assistance Program (U.S. and
Wet ice can occur at about 0C stability during hard stops on a Canada) on page 138 or Roadside
(32F) when freezing rain begins to slippery roads, but apply the brakes Assistance Program (Mexico) on
fall, resulting in even less traction. sooner than when on dry pavement. page 1310. To get help and keep
Avoid driving on wet ice or in Allow greater following distance on everyone in the vehicle safe:
freezing rain until roads can be
any slippery road and watch for . Turn on the hazard warning
treated with salt or sand.
slippery spots. Icy patches can flashers.
Drive with caution, whatever the occur on otherwise clear roads in
condition. Accelerate gently so
. Tie a red cloth to an
shaded areas. The surface of a
traction is not lost. Accelerating too outside mirror.
curve or an overpass can remain icy
quickly causes the wheels to spin when the surrounding roads are
and makes the surface under the clear. Avoid sudden steering
tires slick, so there is even less maneuvers and braking while
traction. on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped,
on slippery surfaces.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
the front and rear axle. See there will be five 150 lb
Certification/Tire Label later in passengers in your vehicle,
this section. the amount of available cargo
Steps for Determining Correct
and luggage load capacity is
Load Limit 650 lbs (1400 750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lbs).
1. Locate the statement
The combined weight of 5. Determine the combined
occupants and cargo should weight of luggage and cargo
never exceed XXX kg or being loaded on the vehicle.
XXX lbs on your vehicle's That weight may not safely
placard. exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity Example 1
2. Determine the combined calculated in Step 4. A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
weight of the driver and Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
passengers that will be 6. If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, the load from your B. Subtract Occupant Weight @
riding in your vehicle.
trailer will be transferred to 68 kg (150 lbs) 2 =
3. Subtract the combined your vehicle. Consult this 136 kg (300 lbs)
weight of the driver and manual to determine how this C. Available Occupant and Cargo
passengers from XXX kg or reduces the available cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs)
XXX lbs. and luggage load capacity of
4. The resulting figure equals your vehicle. See Trailer
the available amount of cargo Towing on page 948 for
and luggage load capacity. important information on
For example, if the XXX towing a trailer, towing safety
amount equals 1400 lbs and rules and trailering tips.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
Example 2 Example 3
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for A. Maximum Vehicle Capacity
Example 2 = Weight for Example 3 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs) 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @ B. Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) 5 = 91 kg (200 lbs) 5 =
136 kg (750 lbs) 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
C. Available Cargo Weight = C. Available Cargo Weight =
113 kg (250 lbs) 0 kg (0 lbs)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
3. Come to a complete stop, shift and turn it only with your hand. A warning tone will sound when the
to P (Park), and turn the ignition If the key cannot be turned by driver door is opened, the ignition is
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with hand, see your dealer. in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
an automatic transmission, the B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This is the and the key is in the ignition.
shift lever must be in P (Park) to position in which you can operate
turn the ignition switch to the things like the radio and the Starting the Engine
LOCK/OFF position. windshield wipers when the engine If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
4. Set the parking brake. See is off. see the Duramax diesel supplement
Parking Brake on page 934. C (ON/RUN): This position can for more information.
be used to operate the electrical To place the transmission in the
{ WARNING accessories and to display some proper gear:
instrument panel cluster warning
Turning off the vehicle while and indicator lights. The switch Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
moving may cause loss of power stays in this position when the N (Neutral). The engine will not start
assist in the brake and steering engine is running. in any other position. To restart the
systems and disable the airbags. engine when the vehicle is already
While driving, only shut the If you leave the key in the ACC/ moving, use N (Neutral) only.
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
vehicle off in an emergency. Starting Procedure
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to 1. With your foot off the accelerator
5. If the vehicle must be shut off start the vehicle if the battery is pedal, turn the ignition key to
while driving, turn the ignition to allowed to drain for an extended START. When the engine starts,
ACC/ACCESSORY. period of time. let go of the key. The idle speed
Notice: Using a tool to force the D (START): This is the position that will go down as your engine gets
key to turn in the ignition could starts the engine. When the engine warm. Do not race the engine
cause damage to the switch or starts, release the key. The ignition immediately after starting it.
break the key. Use the correct switch returns to ON/RUN for
key, make sure it is all the way in, driving.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
Operate the engine and When the Low Fuel warning as you hold the key in START
transmission gently to allow the lamp is on and the FUEL LEVEL for up to 15 seconds. Wait at
oil to warm up and lubricate all LOW message is displayed in least 15 seconds between each
moving parts. the Driver Information Center try, to allow the cranking motor
The vehicle has a (DIC), the ComputerControlled to cool down. When the engine
Computer-Controlled Cranking Cranking System is disabled starts, let go of the key and
System. This feature assists in to prevent possible vehicle accelerator. If the vehicle starts
starting the engine and protects component damage. When this briefly but then stops again, do
components. If the ignition key is happens, hold the ignition switch the same thing. This clears the
turned to the START position, in the START position to extra gasoline from the engine.
and then released when the continue engine cranking. Do not race the engine
engine begins cranking, the Notice: Cranking the engine for immediately after starting it.
engine will continue cranking long periods of time, by returning Operate the engine and
for a few seconds or until the the key to the START position transmission gently until the oil
vehicle starts. If the engine does immediately after cranking has warms up and lubricates all
not start and the key is held in ended, can overheat and damage moving parts.
START for many seconds, the cranking motor, and drain the Notice: The engine is designed to
cranking will be stopped after battery. Wait at least 15 seconds work with the electronics in the
15 seconds to prevent cranking between each try, to let the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
motor damage. To prevent gear cranking motor cool down. or accessories, you could change
damage, this system also 2. If the engine does not start after the way the engine operates.
prevents cranking if the engine 510 seconds, especially in very Before adding electrical
is already running. Engine cold weather (below 18C equipment, check with your
cranking can be stopped by or 0F), it could be flooded with dealer. If you do not, the engine
turning the ignition switch to too much gasoline. Try pushing might not perform properly. Any
the ACC/ACCESSORY or the accelerator pedal all the way resulting damage would not be
LOCK/OFF position. to the floor and holding it there covered by the vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
Fast Idle System When the fast idle is active the Engine Heater
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
If the vehicle has this feature it is display FAST IDLE ON. If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
available only with cruise control. see the Duramax diesel supplement
The manual fast idle switch is One of the following actions will for more information.
operated using the cruise control turn off the fast idle:
The engine coolant heater can
buttons located on the left hand side . Pressing the brake. provide easier starting and better
of the steering wheel. fuel economy during engine
. Selecting the Cruise Control
This system can be used to Cancel button. warmup in cold weather conditions
increase engine idle speed at or below 18C (0F). Vehicles
. Releasing the Parking Brake.
whenever the following conditions with an engine coolant heater
are met: . The transmission shifter is should be plugged in at least four
. The park brake is set. moved out of P (Park) or hours before starting. An internal
N (Neutral). thermostat in the plug-end of the
. The brake pedal is not pressed. cord may exist which will prevent
. Selecting the Cruise Control
. The vehicle must not be moving On/Off button when it was engine coolant heater operation at
and the accelerator must not previously on. temperatures above 18C (0F).
be pressed. . Pressing the Cruise Control Set
To control the fast idle: switch a second time.
. To enable the Fast Idle System, . Pressing the accelerator greater
press and release the Cruise than a quarter of the down.
Control On/Off button and . Turning the ignition switch to the
ensure that the switch LED is lit.
LOCK/OFF position.
. Press and release the Cruise
Control Set switch. Engine
speed will be held at
approximately 1200 RPM.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
Shifting Into Park 3. Turn the ignition key to parking brake is firmly set before
LOCK/OFF. you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular
{ WARNING 4. Remove the key and take it with
you. If you can leave the vehicle brake pedal down. Then, see if you
It can be dangerous to get out of with the ignition key in your can move the shift lever away from
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park). P (Park) without first pulling it toward
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
you. If you can, it means that the
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can
Leaving the Vehicle With the shift lever was not fully locked into
Engine Running P (Park).
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move Torque Lock
suddenly. You or others could be { WARNING If you are parking on a hill and you
injured. To be sure the vehicle will do not shift the vehicle into P (Park)
It can be dangerous to leave the
not move, even when you are on properly, the weight of the vehicle
vehicle with the engine running.
fairly level ground, use the steps may put too much force on the
The vehicle could move suddenly
that follow. If you are pulling a parking pawl in the transmission.
if the shift lever is not fully in
trailer, see Driving Characteristics You may find it difficult to pull the
P (Park) with the parking brake
and Towing Tips on page 945. shift lever out of P (Park). This is
firmly set. And, if you leave the
called torque lock. To prevent torque
vehicle with the engine running,
1. Hold the brake pedal down and lock, set the parking brake and then
it could overheat and even catch shift into P (Park) properly before
set the parking brake. See fire. You or others could be
Parking Brake on page 934. you leave the driver seat. To find out
injured. Do not leave the vehicle how, see Shifting Into Park
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) with the engine running. previously in this section.
by pulling the shift lever toward
you and moving it up as far as When you are ready to drive, move
If you have to leave the vehicle with the shift lever out of P (Park) before
it will go. the engine running, be sure the you release the parking brake.
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
If the shift stabilization feature settings for a particular shift or going down a steep hill. See Range
determines that a current vehicle condition. Shift quality will improve Selection Mode under Manual
speed cannot be maintained, the with continued driving. Mode on page 930.
transmission does not upshift and When temperatures are very cold, 2 (Second): This position reduces
instead holds the current gear. the transmission's gear shifting vehicle speed even more than
In some cases, this could appear to could be delayed providing more 3 (Third) without using the brakes.
be a delayed shift, however the stable shifts until the engine warms You can use 2 (Second) on hills.
transmission is operating normally. up. Shifts could be more noticeable It can help control vehicle speed as
The transmission uses adaptive with a cold transmission. This you go down steep mountain roads,
shift controls. Adaptive shift controls difference in shifting is normal. but then you would also want to use
continually compares key shift M (Manual Mode): This position the brakes off and on. See Range
parameters to pre-programmed lets drivers select the range of Selection Mode under Manual
ideal shifts stored in the gears appropriate for current driving Mode on page 930.
transmissions computer. The conditions. If the vehicle has this If you manually select 2 (Second) in
transmission constantly makes feature, see Range Selection an automatic transmission, the
adjustments to improve vehicle Mode under Manual Mode on transmission will start in
performance according to how the page 930. second gear. You can use this
vehicle is being used, such as with feature for reducing the speed of the
a heavy load or when temperature 3 (Third): This position is also used
for normal driving. It reduces vehicle rear wheels when you are trying to
changes. During this adaptive shift start the vehicle from a stop on
control process, shifting might feel speed more than D (Drive) without
using the brakes. You might choose slippery road surfaces.
different as the transmission
determines the best settings. 3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when
driving on hilly, winding roads, when
The shift quality of a new vehicle towing a trailer, so there is less
may not be ideal because the shifting between gears and when
Adaptive Shift Control process may
not have determined the best
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
You should use 3 (Third) (or a lower Notice: Spinning the tires To use this feature, do the following:
gear as needed) when towing a or holding the vehicle in one 1. Move the shift lever to
trailer to minimize heat build-up and place on a hill using only the M (Manual Mode).
extend the life of the transmission. accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will 2. Press the +/ buttons, located
2 (Second): This position reduces on the steering column shift
vehicle speed even more than not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not lever, to select the desired range
3 (Third) without using the brakes. of gears for current driving
You can use 2 (Second) on hills. spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the conditions.
It can help control vehicle speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, vehicle in place. When M (Manual Mode) is selected
but then you would also want to use a number displays in the DIC next to
the brakes off and on. Manual Mode the M indicating the current gear.
You may use this feature for Range Selection Mode This number is the highest gear that
reducing torque to the rear wheels can be used. However, the vehicle
when you are trying to start the can automatically shift to lower
vehicle from a stop on slippery road gears as it adjusts to driving
surfaces. conditions. This means that all
gears below that number are
1 (First): This position reduces available. When 5 (Fifth) is selected,
vehicle speed even more than 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are
2 (Second) without using the brakes. automatically shifted by the vehicle,
You can use it on very steep hills, The vehicle may have a Range but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until
or in deep snow or mud. If the shift Selection Mode. The Range the +/ button located on the
lever is put in 1 (First) while the Selection Mode helps control the steering column lever is used to
vehicle is moving forward, the vehicle's transmission and vehicle change to the gear.
transmission will not shift into speed while driving down hill or
first gear until the vehicle is going towing a trailer by letting you select
slowly enough. a desired range of gears.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (31,1)
Grade Braking is not available when Tow/Haul Mode Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and off
Range Selection Mode is active. by pressing the button, located to
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 931. the right of the steering wheel on
While using Range Selection Mode, the instrument panel. When tow/
Cruise Control and the Tow/Haul haul is on, a light on the instrument
Mode can be used. panel cluster will come on.
Grade Braking is only active while Cruise Grade Braking Drive Systems
the Tow/Haul Mode is selected and (Six Speed Automatic
you are not in the Range Selection Transmission)
Mode. See Tow/Haul Mode listed All-Wheel Drive
previously and Manual Mode on Cruise Grade Braking operates only If the vehicle has this feature,
page 930 for more information on while Cruise Control is engaged in engine power is sent to all four
the Range Selection Mode. Grade Tow/Haul Mode. Cruise Grade wheels when extra traction is
Braking assists in maintaining Braking assists in maintaining needed. This is like four-wheel
desired vehicle speeds when driving desired vehicle speeds when driving drive, but there is no separate lever
on downhill grades by automatically on downhill grades in cruise control or switch to engage or disengage
shifting to lower gears when the by automatically shifting to lower the front axle. It is fully automatic,
driver desires to slow the vehicle by gears when the cruise set speed is and adjusts itself as needed for
applying the brake. This reduces exceeded. road conditions.
wear on the braking system and While in the Range Selection Mode,
increases control of the vehicle. Cruise Grade Braking is not
Also see Trailer Towing on available.
page 948 for more information. See Manual Mode on page 930.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (33,1)
Brakes If driving safely on a wet road and it suddenly slows or stops. Always
becomes necessary to slam on the leave enough room up ahead to
brakes and continue braking to stop, even with ABS.
Antilock Brake avoid a sudden obstacle, a
System (ABS) computer senses that the wheels Using ABS
are slowing down. If one of the Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
wheels is about to stop rolling, the the brake pedal down firmly and
System (ABS), an advanced
computer will separately work the let ABS work. You might hear the
electronic braking system that helps
brakes at each wheel. ABS pump or motor operating and
prevent a braking skid.
ABS can change the brake pressure feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this
When the engine is started and the is normal.
to each wheel, as required, faster
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
than any driver could. This can help Braking in Emergencies
checks itself. A momentary motor or
the driver steer around the obstacle
clicking noise might be heard while ABS allows the driver to steer and
while braking hard.
this test is going on, and it might brake at the same time. In many
even be noticed that the brake As the brakes are applied, the emergencies, steering can help
pedal moves a little. This is normal. computer keeps receiving updates more than even the very best
on wheel speed and controls braking.
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
If there is a problem with ABS, this there will not be enough time to
warning light stays on. See Antilock apply the brakes if that vehicle
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 525.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (34,1)
StabiliTrak System Operation The StabiliTrak system may also TCS may activate on dry or rough
turn off automatically if it determines roads or under conditions such as
The StabiliTrak system is normally
that a problem exists with the heavy acceleration while turning or
on, except when the system is
system. If the problem does not abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
initializing or has been disabled
clear itself after restarting the transmission. When this a reduction
with the StabiliTrak button. The
vehicle, see your dealer for service. in acceleration may be noticed, or a
StabiliTrak system will automatically
noise or vibration may be heard.
activate to assist the driver in Traction Control Operation This is normal.
maintaining vehicle directional
control in most driving conditions. TCS is part of the StabiliTrak Adding nondealer accessories can
When activated, the StabiliTrak system. TCS limits wheel spin by affect the vehicle's performance.
system may reduce engine power to reducing engine power to the See Accessories and Modifications
the wheels and apply braking to wheels and by applying brakes to on page 103 for more information.
individual wheels as necessary to each individual wheel as
necessary .
assist the driver with vehicle Locking Rear Axle
directional control. If cruise control If the brake-traction control system
activates constantly or if the brakes Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
is being used when StabiliTrak
have heated up due to high speed give more traction on snow, mud,
activates, the cruise control
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
automatically disengages. The braking, the brake-traction control
standard axle most of the time, but
cruise control can be re-engaged will be automatically disabled.
The system will come back on after when traction is low, this feature will
when road conditions allow.
allow the rear wheel with the most
See Cruise Control on page 937. the brakes have cooled. This can
traction to move the vehicle.
take up to two minutes or longer
depending on brake usage.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (37,1)
Cruise control can be dangerous If the vehicle has StabiliTrak and the
system begins to limit wheel spin,
on slippery roads. On such roads,
cruise control will automatically
fast changes in tire traction can
disengage. See StabiliTrak System
cause excessive wheel slip, and on page 934. When road conditions
I (On/Off): Press to turn the
you could lose control. Do not use system on or off. The indicator light
allow the cruise control to be safely is on when cruise control is on and
cruise control on slippery roads. used again, it can be turned turns off when cruise control is off.
back on.
+RES (Resume/Accelerate):
Press briefly to make the vehicle
resume to a previously set speed,
or press and hold to accelerate.
SET (Set/Coast): Press to set the
speed and activate cruise control or
press and hold to decelerate.
[ (Cancel): Press to disengage
cruise control without erasing the
set speed from memory.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (38,1)
Setting Cruise Control Resuming a Set Speed Reducing Speed While Using
If the cruise button is on when not in If the cruise control is set at a Cruise Control
use, it could get bumped and go into desired speed and then the brakes If the cruise control system is
cruise when not desired. Keep the are applied, the cruise control is already activated,
cruise control switch off when cruise disengaged without erasing the set . Press and hold the SET button
is not being used. speed from memory. on the steering wheel until the
The cruise control light on the Once the vehicle speed reaches desired lower speed is reached,
instrument panel cluster comes on about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more, then release it.
after the cruise control has been set press the +RES button on the . To slow down in small amounts,
to the desired speed. steering wheel. The vehicle returns press the SET button on the
to the previous set speed and steering wheel briefly. Each time
1. Press the I button. stays there. this is done, the vehicle goes
2. Get up to the desired speed. Increasing Speed While Using about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower.
3. Press the SET button located Cruise Control Passing Another Vehicle While
on the steering wheel and If the cruise control system is Using Cruise Control
release it. already activated, Use the accelerator pedal to
4. Take your foot off the . Press and hold the +RES button increase the vehicle speed. When
accelerator. on the steering wheel until the you take your foot off the pedal, the
desired speed is reached, then vehicle will slow down to the
release it. previous set cruise speed.
. To increase vehicle speed in Using Cruise Control on Hills
small amounts, press the +RES
How well the cruise control will
button. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h work on hills depends upon the
(1 mph) faster. vehicle speed, load, and the
steepness of the hills.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (39,1)
Agency regulations. To help keep Gasolines containing oxygenates, Some gasolines that are
fuel injectors and intake valves such as ethers and ethanol, and not reformulated for low
clean and avoid problems due to reformulated gasolines might be emissions can contain an
dirty injectors or valves, look for available in your area. We octane-enhancing additive called
gasoline that is advertised as recommend that you use these methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. gasolines, if they comply with the tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
Look for the TOP TIER label on the specifications described earlier. where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets However, E85 (85% ethanol) and fuel contains MMT. We recommend
enhanced detergency standards other fuels containing more than against the use of such gasolines.
developed by the auto companies. 10% ethanol must not be used in Fuels containing MMT can reduce
A list of marketers providing vehicles that were not designed spark plug life and affect emission
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can for those fuels. control system performance. The
be found at www.toptiergas.com. Notice: This vehicle was not malfunction indicator lamp might
For customers who do not use designed for fuel that contains turn on. If this occurs, return to
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline methanol. Do not use fuel your dealer for service.
regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel containing methanol. It can
System Treatment PLUS, added to corrode metal parts in the fuel
the fuel tank at every engine oil system and also damage plastic
change, can help clean deposits and rubber parts. That damage
from fuel injectors and intake would not be covered under
valves. GM Fuel System Treatment the vehicle warranty.
PLUS is the only gasoline additive
recommended by General Motors.
It is available at your dealer.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (42,1)
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) At a minimum, E85 should meet If you do switch fuels, it is
ASTM Specification D 5798. By recommended that you add as
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge definition, this means that fuel much fuel as possible do not
and a yellow fuel cap can use either labeled E85 will have an ethanol add less than 11 L (3 gal) when
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel content between 70% and 85%. refueling. You should drive the
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). Filling the fuel tank with fuel vehicle immediately after refueling
For all other vehicles, use only the mixtures that do not meet ASTM for at least 11 km (7 mi) to allow the
unleaded gasoline described under specifications can affect driveability vehicle to adapt to the change in
Recommended Fuel on page 940. and could cause the malfunction ethanol concentration.
We encourage the use of E85 in indicator lamp to come on. E85 has less energy per liter
vehicles that are designed to use it. To ensure quick starts in the (gallon) than gasoline, so you will
The ethanol in E85 is a renewable wintertime, the E85 fuel must be need to refill the fuel tank more
fuel, meaning it is made from formulated properly for your climate often when using E85 than when
renewable sources such as corn according to ASTM specification you are using gasoline. See Filling
and other crops. D 5798. If you have trouble starting the Tank on page 943.
Many service stations will not have on E85, it could be because the Notice: Some additives are not
an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump E85 fuel is not properly formulated compatible with E85 fuel and can
available. The U.S. Department of for your climate. If this happens, harm the vehicle's fuel system.
Energy has an alternative fuels switching to gasoline or adding Do not add anything to E85.
website (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ gasoline to the fuel tank can Damage caused by additives
locator/stations/) that can help you improve starting. For good starting would not be covered by the
find E85 fuel. Those stations that do and heater efficiency below 0C vehicle warranty.
have E85 should have a label (32F), the fuel mix in the fuel tank
indicating ethanol content. Do not should contain no more than
use the fuel if the ethanol content is 70% ethanol. It is best not to
greater than 85%. alternate repeatedly between
gasoline and E85.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (43,1)
Notice: This vehicle was not If the vehicle has E85 fuel capability,
designed for fuel that contains WARNING (Continued) the fuel cap will be yellow and state
methanol. Do not use fuel that E85 or gasoline can be used.
containing methanol. It can Do not leave the fuel pump See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
corrode metal parts in the fuel unattended when refueling the page 942.
system and also damage plastic vehicle. This is against the law in To remove the fuel cap, turn it
and rubber parts. That damage some places. Do not re-enter the slowly counterclockwise.
would not be covered under the vehicle while pumping fuel. Keep
vehicle warranty. children away from the fuel pump; While refueling, hang the tethered
never let children pump fuel. fuel cap from the hook on the
Filling the Tank fuel door.
{ WARNING { WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a Fuel can spray out on you if you
fuel fire can cause bad injuries. open the fuel cap too quickly.
To help avoid injuries to you and If you spill fuel and then
others, read and follow all the something ignites it, you could be
instructions on the fuel pump badly burned. This spray can
island. Turn off the engine when happen if the tank is nearly full,
refueling. Do not smoke near fuel and is more likely in hot weather.
or when refueling the vehicle. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait
Do not use cellular phones. for any hiss noise to stop. Then
Keep sparks, flames, and unscrew the cap all the way.
smoking materials away from fuel. The tethered fuel cap is located
(Continued) behind a hinged fuel door on the
driver side of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (44,1)
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not Notice: If you need a new fuel
top off or overfill the tank and wait a cap, be sure to get the right type. WARNING (Continued)
few seconds after you have finished Your dealer can get one for you.
pumping before removing the If you get the wrong type, it may To help avoid injury to you
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted not fit properly. This may cause and others:
surfaces as soon as possible. See the malfunction indicator lamp to . Dispense fuel only into
Exterior Care on page 1096. light and may damage the fuel approved containers.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it tank and emissions system.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp . Do not fill a container while it
clockwise until it clicks. Make sure is inside a vehicle, in a
the cap is fully installed. The on page 521.
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
diagnostic system can determine if or on any surface other than
the fuel cap has been left off or Filling a Portable Fuel
the ground.
improperly installed. This would Container .
allow fuel to evaporate into the Bring the fill nozzle in contact
with the inside of the fill
atmosphere. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 521.
{ WARNING opening before operating the
Never fill a portable fuel container nozzle. Contact should be
{ WARNING while it is in the vehicle. Static maintained until the filling is
complete.
electricity discharge from the
If a fire starts while you are container can ignite the fuel . Do not smoke while
refueling, do not remove the vapor. You can be badly burned pumping fuel.
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel and the vehicle damaged if . Do not use a cellular phone
by shutting off the pump or by this occurs. while pumping fuel.
notifying the station attendant.
(Continued)
Leave the area immediately.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (45,1)
Passing shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees the brakes might have to be used so
or other objects. Avoid jerky or much that they would get hot and no
More passing distance is needed
sudden maneuvers. Signal well longer work well.
when towing a trailer. Because the
in advance. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed Turn Signals When Towing a Shift the transmission to a lower
vehicle before returning to the lane. Trailer gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
Backing Up The arrows on the instrument panel conditions.
Hold the bottom of the steering flash whenever signaling a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up, When towing at high altitude on
wheel with one hand. Then, to move steep uphill grades, consider the
the trailer to the left, move that hand the trailer lamps also flash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning, following: Engine coolant will boil at
to the left. To move the trailer to the a lower temperature than at normal
right, move your hand to the right. changing lanes or stopping.
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
Always back up slowly and, When towing a trailer, the arrows on immediately after towing at high
if possible, have someone the instrument panel flash for turns altitude on steep uphill grades, the
guide you. even if the bulbs on the trailer are vehicle may show signs similar to
burned out. For this reason you may engine overheating. To avoid this,
Making Turns think other drivers are seeing the let the engine run while parked,
Notice: Making very sharp turns signal when they are not. It is preferably on level ground, with the
while trailering could cause the important to check occasionally automatic transmission in P (Park)
trailer to come in contact with the to be sure the trailer bulbs are for a few minutes before turning the
vehicle. The vehicle could be still working. engine off. If the overheat warning
damaged. Avoid making very comes on, see Engine Overheating
sharp turns while trailering.
Driving on Grades
on page 1024.
When turning with a trailer, make Reduce speed and shift to a
wider turns than normal. Do this lower gear before starting down a
so the trailer will not strike soft long or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down,
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (48,1)
Parking on Hills 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
apply the parking brake and shift lubricant, belts, cooling system and
{ WARNING into P (Park). brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
5. Release the brake pedal.
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trip.
the trailer attached can be Leaving After Parking on a Hill Check periodically to see that all
dangerous. If something goes 1. Apply and hold the brake pedal hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
wrong, the rig could start to move. while you:
People can be injured, and both
1.1. Start the engine. Trailer Towing
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always 1.2. Shift into a gear. If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
park the rig on a flat surface. 1.3. Release the parking brake. supplement for more information.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
If parking the rig on a hill:
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is { WARNING
1. Press the brake pedal, but do clear of the chocks.
not shift the transmission into The driver can lose control when
P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels 4. Stop and have someone pick up pulling a trailer if the correct
into the curb if facing downhill or and store the chocks. equipment is not used or the
into traffic if facing uphill. Maintenance When Trailer vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too
2. Have someone place chocks Towing
heavy, the brakes may not work
under the trailer wheels. The vehicle needs service more well or even at all. The driver
3. When the wheel chocks are in often when pulling a trailer. See this and passengers could be
place, release the brake pedal manual's Maintenance Schedule or seriously injured.
until the chocks absorb the load. Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in (Continued)
trailer operation are automatic
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (49,1)
Ask your dealer for our trailering See Vehicle Load Limits on Do not exceed the maximum
information or advice, or write us at page 912 for more information allowable tongue weight for the
our Customer Assistance Offices. about the vehicle's maximum load vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
See Customer Assistance Offices capacity. extension that will position the hitch
(U.S. and Canada) on page 135 or ball closest to the vehicle. This will
Customer Assistance Offices help reduce the effect of trailer
(Mexico) on page 136 for more tongue weight on the rear axle.
information. After loading the trailer, weigh the
Weight of the Trailer Tongue trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is proper. If they are not, adjustments
an important weight to measure might be made by moving some
because it affects the total gross items around in the trailer.
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the Trailering may be limited by the
curb weight of the vehicle, any vehicle's ability to carry tongue
cargo carried in it, and the people weight. Tongue weight cannot cause
who will be riding in the vehicle. the vehicle to exceed the GVWR
The trailer tongue weight (A) should (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
If there are a lot of options,
be 10 percent to 15 percent of the the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
equipment, passengers or cargo in
total loaded trailer weight (B), up to Weight Rating). The effect of
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
a maximum of 181 kg (400 lbs) with additional weight may reduce the
weight the vehicle can carry, which
a weight carrying hitch. The trailer trailering capacity more than the
will also reduce the trailer weight the
tongue weight (A) should be total of the additional weight.
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
10 percent to 15 percent of the total
the tongue load must be added to
loaded trailer weight (B), up to a
the GVW because the vehicle will
maximum of 454 kg (1,000 lbs) with
be carrying that weight, too.
a weight distributing hitch.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (53,1)
Will any holes need to be made in Safety Chains Trailer Wiring Harness
the body of the vehicle when a
Always attach chains between the The optional heavy-duty trailer
trailer hitch is installed?
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the wiring package includes a wiring
If using the wiring provided with the safety chains under the tongue of harness, with a seven-pin connector
factory-installed trailering package, the trailer to help prevent the at the rear of the vehicle and a
no holes need to be made in the tongue from contacting the road if it four-wire harness assembly under
body of the vehicle. However, if an becomes separated from the hitch. the driver side of the instrument
aftermarket hitch is installed, holes Always leave just enough slack so panel. The four-wire harness
may need to be made in the body. the rig can turn. Never allow safety assembly comes without a
If holes are made in the body, then chains to drag on the ground. connector.
be sure to seal the holes later when Trailer Brakes If the vehicle does not have a trailer
the hitch is removed. If the holes are hitch, the seven-wire harness
not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide A loaded trailer that weighs more assembly with connector is taped
(CO) from the engine's exhaust can than 680 kg (1,500 lbs) needs to together and located in a frame
get into the vehicle as well as dirt have its own brake system that is pocket at the driver side rear left
and water. See Carbon Monoxide adequate for the weight of the corner of the frame.
under Engine Exhaust on trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the
page 924.
so they are installed, adjusted and seven-wire harness assembly with
maintained properly. connector is attached to a bracket
on the hitch platform. In both cases,
the seven-wire harness has a
connector and includes a
30-amp feed wire.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (55,1)
The seven-wire harness connector The four-wire harness (without Tow/Haul Mode
contains the following trailer circuits: connector) contains the following
This button is on the instrument
. Light Green: Back-up Lamps circuits:
panel, to the right of the steering
(10A fuse)** . Black: Ground wheel.
. White: Ground . Red/White: Battery Feed Pressing this button turns on and off
. Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal . Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal the tow/haul mode.
. Dark Green: Right Rear Stop . Light Blue: CHMSL/Stoplamp
and Turn Signal* Supply Voltage
. Red/Black Stripe: Battery Feed * If the vehicle is a cutaway with
(30A Fuse) trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
. Brown: Trailer Park Lamp be shared for both left/stop trailer
Supply Voltage (15A fuse)** turn and right/stop trailer turn
signals. However, the cutaway This indicator light on the instrument
. Yellow: Left Rear Stop and lighting connector will have a panel cluster comes on when the
Turn Signal * 10 amp fuse for each signal. tow/haul mode is on.
** If the vehicle is a cutaway with Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will when pulling a heavy trailer or a
be shared for trailer park lamps and large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul
cutaway rear lighting connector park Mode on page 931 for more
lamps. Also, a 10 amp fuse will be information.
shared for trailer back-up lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector
back-up lamps.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (56,1)
2. Go to the front of the vehicle 3. Lift the hood, release the hood
and lift up the secondary hood prop from its retainer and put
release, which is located the hood prop into the slot in
underneath the middle of the hood.
the hood.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
4.3 L V6 Engine Shown (4.8 L V8 Engine, 5.3 L V8 Engine and 6.0 L V8 Engine Similar)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Checking Engine Oil When to Add Engine Oil area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
It is a good idea to check the engine
be damaged. You should drain
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
out the excess oil or limit driving
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
of the vehicle and seek a service
must be on level ground. The
professional to remove the
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow
excess amount of oil.
loop. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 106 for the See Engine Compartment Overview
location of the engine oil dipstick. If the oil is below the cross-hatched on page 106 for the location of the
area at the tip of the dipstick, add engine oil fill cap.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential: 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil Add enough oil to put the level
and then recheck the level. See somewhere in the proper operating
1. If the engine has been running Selecting the Right Engine Oil in range. Push the dipstick all the way
recently, turn off the engine and this section for an explanation of back in when through.
allow several minutes for the oil what kind of oil to use. For engine
to drain back into the oil pan. oil crankcase capacity, see Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Checking the oil level too soon Capacities and Specifications on
after engine shutoff will not Selecting the right engine oil
page 122. depends on both the proper oil
provide an accurate oil level
reading. Notice: Do not add too much oil. specification and viscosity grade:
Oil levels above or below the Specification
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it acceptable operating range
with a paper towel or cloth, then shown on the dipstick are harmful Use and ask for engine oils with
push it back in all the way. to the engine. If you find that you the dexos certification mark. Oils
Remove it again, keeping the have an oil level above the meeting the requirements of the
tip down, and check the level. operating range, i.e., the engine vehicle should have the dexos
has so much oil that the oil level certification mark on the container.
gets above the cross-hatched
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
This certification mark indicates that If you are unsure whether the
the oil has been approved to the oil is approved to the dexos
dexos specification. specification, ask your service
provider.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if
dexos is unavailable: In the event
that dexosapproved engine oil is
not available at an oil change or for
maintaining proper oil level, you
may use substitute engine oil
This vehicle was filled at the factory displaying the API Starburst symbol
with dexosapproved engine oil. and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.
Use of oils that do not meet the
Notice: Use only engine oil dexos specification, however, may
that is approved to the dexos result in reduced performance
specification or an equivalent under certain circumstances.
engine oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade. Engine oils Viscosity Grade
approved to the dexos SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity
specification will show the grade for the vehicle. Do not use
dexos symbol on the container. other viscosity oils such as
Failure to use the recommended SAE 10W30, 10W40, or 20W-50.
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
Cold Temperature Operation: In an What to Do with Used Oil Engine Oil Life System
area of extreme cold, where the
Used engine oil contains certain When to Change Engine Oil
temperature falls below 29C
elements that can be unhealthy for
(20F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should This vehicle has a computer system
your skin and could even cause
be used. An oil of this viscosity that indicates when to change the
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
grade will provide easier cold engine oil and filter. This is based
your skin for very long. Clean your
starting for the engine at extremely on a combination of factors which
skin and nails with soap and water,
low temperatures. When selecting include engine revolutions, engine
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
an oil of the appropriate viscosity temperature, and miles driven.
properly dispose of clothing or rags
grade, be sure to always select an Based on driving conditions, the
containing used engine oil. See the
oil that meets the required mileage at which an oil change is
manufacturer's warnings about the
specification, dexos. See indicated can vary considerably.
use and disposal of oil products.
Specification earlier in this section For the oil life system to work
for more information. Used oil can be a threat to the
properly, the system must be reset
environment. If you change your every time the oil is changed.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
Oil Flushes from the filter before disposal. Never When the system has calculated
Do not add anything to the oil. The dispose of oil by putting it in the that oil life has been diminished,
recommended oils with the dexos trash or pouring it on the ground, it indicates that an oil change is
specification and displaying the into sewers, or into streams or necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
dexos certification mark are all that bodies of water. Recycle it by taking OIL SOON message comes on.
is needed for good performance and it to a place that collects used oil. See Engine Oil Messages on
engine protection. page 535. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next
Engine oil system flushes are not 1 000 km (600 mi).
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
It is possible that, if driving under How to Reset the Engine Oil Automatic Transmission
the best conditions, the oil life Life System
system might indicate that an oil
Fluid (4-Speed
change is not necessary for up Reset the system whenever the Transmission)
to a year. The engine oil and filter engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
must be changed at least once a see the Duramax diesel supplement
year and, at this time, the system engine oil change. To reset the
system: for more information.
must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will 1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN When to Check and Change
perform this work and reset the with the engine off. Automatic Transmission Fluid
system. It is also important to check
2. Fully press and release the A good time to check the automatic
the oil regularly over the course of
accelerator pedal slowly three transmission fluid level is when the
an oil drain interval and keep it at
times within five seconds. engine oil is changed.
the proper level.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. Change the fluid and filter at the
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON intervals listed in Scheduled
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) message comes back on when the Maintenance on page 113 and be
since the last oil change. vehicle is started, the engine oil life sure to use the transmission fluid
Remember to reset the oil life system has not reset. Repeat the listed in Recommended Fluids and
system whenever the oil procedure. Lubricants on page 118.
is changed.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
How to Check Automatic Wait at least 30 minutes before A cold fluid check can be made
Transmission Fluid checking the transmission fluid level after the vehicle has been sitting
if you have been driving: for eight hours or more with the
Because this operation can be a engine off, but this is used only as
little difficult, it may be decided to . When outside temperatures are
above 32C (90F). a reference. Let the engine run at
have this done at the dealer service idle for five minutes if outside
department. . At high speed for quite a while. temperatures are 10C (50F) or
If not taken to the dealer, be sure . In heavy traffic especially in more. If it is colder than 10C
to follow all the instructions here hot weather. (50F), the engine may have to idle
or a false reading on the dipstick longer. Should the fluid level be low
could result.
. While pulling a trailer. during this cold check, the fluid must
To get the right reading, the fluid be checked hot before adding fluid.
Notice: Too much or too
should be at normal operating Checking the fluid hot will give a
little fluid can damage the
temperature, which is 82C to 93C more accurate reading of the
transmission. Too much can
(180F to 200F). fluid level.
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine Get the vehicle warmed up by
parts or exhaust system parts, driving about 24 km (15 mi) when
starting a fire. Too little fluid outside temperatures are above
could cause the transmission 10C (50F). If it is colder than 10C
to overheat. Be sure to get an (50F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third)
accurate reading if checking the until the engine temperature gauge
transmission fluid. moves and then remains steady for
10 minutes.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (13,1)
How to Check Automatic Wait at least 30 minutes with the Warm or Hot before adding fluid.
Transmission Fluid engine Off, before checking the If the outside temperature is colder
transmission fluid level if the vehicle than 15C (60F) or hotter than
Because this operation can be has been driven: 32C (90F), a cold check cannot
difficult, it is recommended to have be performed.
. In hot weather, when outside
this check done at the dealer
service department, which can temperatures are above A warm fluid level check can be
monitor the transmission 32C (90F). performed by driving the vehicle
temperature. The transmission fluid . The vehicle is heavily loaded. under lightly loaded conditions and
level increases with temperature. outside temperatures between 10C
To obtain a highly accurate fluid
. At high speed for quite a while in to 27C (50F to 80F). The vehicle
level check, the transmission hot weather. should be driven for at least 24 km
temperature must be measured. . In heavy traffic and hot weather. (15 mi) before performing a warm
check. Checking the fluid Warm or
If it is decided to check the fluid . While pulling a trailer. Hot will give a more accurate
level, be sure to follow all the reading of the fluid level than a
After driving under these conditions,
instructions here, or a false reading cold check.
a hot check can be performed. The
on the dipstick may occur.
fluid should be Hot, which is 71C to Because the vehicle is equipped
Notice: Too much or too 93C (160F to 200F). with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
little fluid can damage the cooler, the transmission fluid
A cold fluid level check can be
transmission. Too much can temperature may not reach the
performed after the vehicle has
mean that some of the fluid could required Hot fluid level checking
been sitting for eight hours or more
come out and fall on hot engine temperature under normal lightly
with the engine off, but this is used
parts or exhaust system parts, loaded driving vehicle conditions.
only as a reference. Let the engine
starting a fire. Too little fluid
run at idle for five minutes if outside
could cause the transmission
temperatures is between 15C to
to overheat. Be sure to get an
32C (60F to 90F). Should the
accurate reading if checking
fluid level be low during this cold
the transmission fluid.
check, the fluid must be checked
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
4. If the fluid level is in the Using a funnel, add fluid down the Notice: Use of the incorrect
acceptable range, push the transmission dipstick tube only after automatic transmission fluid may
dipstick back in all the way; then checking the transmission fluid damage the vehicle, and the
flip the handle down to lock the while it is warm or hot. A cold check damages may not be covered by
dipstick in place. is used only as a reference. If the the vehicle warranty. Always use
fluid level is low, add only enough of the automatic transmission fluid
How to Add Automatic the proper fluid to bring the level up listed in Recommended Fluids
Transmission Fluid to the middle of the WARM (A) or and Lubricants on page 118.
Refer to Recommended Fluids and HOT (B) range depending on the . After adding fluid, recheck the
Lubricants on page 118 to ambient temperature and prior fluid level as described under
determine what kind of transmission driving conditions. Refer to How to How to Check Automatic
fluid to use. Check Automatic Transmission Transmission Fluid, earlier
Fluid, earlier in this section for in this section.
instructions on driving to achieve
warm or hot transmission fluid. . When the correct fluid level is
It does not take much fluid, obtained, push the dipstick back
generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt). in all the way; then flip the
Do not overfill. handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
A. WARM Range
B. HOT Range
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter When to Inspect the Engine Air To inspect or replace the engine air
Cleaner/Filter cleaner/filter, do the following:
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the 1. Unhook the retainer clips and
for more information. scheduled maintenance intervals remove the cover.
and replace it at the first oil change 2. Lift the filter out of the engine air
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi) cleaner/filter housing. Care
interval. See Scheduled should be taken to dislodge as
Maintenance on page 113 for more little dirt as possible.
information. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each 3. Clean the engine air cleaner/
engine oil change. filter housing.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air
How to Inspect the Engine Air cleaner/filter. Make sure that the
Cleaner/Filter filter fits properly into the
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, housing.
remove the filter from the vehicle 5. Reinstall the cover and fasten
and lightly shake the filter to release the retaining clips.
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is
remains covered with dirt, a new
located near the center of the
filter is required. Never use { WARNING
engine compartment. See Engine
compressed air to clean the filter. Operating the engine with the air
Compartment Overview on
page 106 for more information cleaner/filter off can cause you or
on location. others to be burned.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
damaged. The costly repairs If No Steam is Coming from 3. In heavy traffic, let the engine
would not be covered by the the Engine Compartment idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
vehicle warranty. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
If an engine overheat warning is road, shift to P (Park) or
If Steam is Coming from the displayed but no steam can be seen N (Neutral) and let the
Engine Compartment or heard, the problem may not be engine idle.
too serious. Sometimes the engine
If the temperature overheat gauge is
{ WARNING can get a little too hot when the
vehicle: no longer in the overheat zone or an
Steam from an overheated engine .
overheat warning no longer
Climbs a long hill on a hot day. displays, the vehicle can be driven.
can burn you badly, even if you . Stops after high-speed driving. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
just open the hood. Stay away
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
from the engine if you see or hear . Idles for long periods in traffic.
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
steam coming from it. Just turn it . Tows a trailer. See Driving on front. If the warning does not come
off and get everyone away from Grades under Trailer Towing on back on, continue to drive normally.
the vehicle until it cools down. page 948.
Wait until there is no sign of If the warning continues, pull over,
If the overheat warning is displayed stop, and park the vehicle
steam or coolant before you
with no sign of steam: right away.
open the hood.
1. Turn the air off. If there is still no sign of steam,
If you keep driving when the
2. Turn the heater on to the highest push down the accelerator until the
engine is overheated, the liquids engine speed is about twice as fast
in it can catch fire. You or others temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as as normal idle speed for at least
could be badly burned. Stop the three minutes while you are parked.
engine if it overheats, and get out necessary.
If the warning is still on, turn off the
of the vehicle until the engine engine until it cools down.
is cool.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood, get service help right away.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (26,1)
Brake Fluid Do not top off the brake fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
Adding fluid does not correct a leak. to determine when to check the
If fluid is added when the linings are brake fluid. See Scheduled
worn, there will be too much fluid Maintenance on page 113.
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid, Checking Brake Fluid
as necessary, only when work is Check brake fluid by looking at the
done on the brake hydraulic system. brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See { WARNING page 106.
Engine Compartment Overview on If too much brake fluid is added,
page 106 for the location of the
it can spill on the engine and/or
reservoir.
fuel operated heater parts,
There are only two reasons why the if equipped. If the vehicle has a
brake fluid level in the reservoir diesel engine and a fuel operated
might go down: heater, see Fuel Operated
. The brake fluid level goes down Heater (FOH) in the diesel
because of normal brake lining engine supplement. The fluid will
wear. When new linings are burn if the engine is hot enough.
installed, the fluid level goes You or others could be burned,
back up. and the vehicle could be
. A fluid leak in the brake damaged. Add brake fluid only
hydraulic system can also cause when work is done on the brake The fluid level should be above
a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic system. See Checking MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a Brake Fluid in this section. hydraulic system checked to see if
leak means that sooner or later there is a leak.
the brakes will not work well.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
Among those acts presumed to Exhaust: 2. Firmly apply both the parking
constitute tampering are the acts . Removal of the muffler and/or brake and the regular brake.
listed below. resonator. See Parking Brake on
page 934.
Insulation: . Removal of the exhaust pipes
and exhaust pipe clamps. Do not use the accelerator
. Removal of the noise shields or pedal, and be ready to turn off
any underhood insulation. Fuel Operated Heater (FOH) the engine immediately if it
Engine: Diesel Engine: starts.
. Removal or rendering engine . Removal of the muffler. 3. Try to start the engine in each
speed governor, if the vehicle gear. The vehicle should start
has one, inoperative so as to Starter Switch Check only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
allow engine speed to exceed If the vehicle starts in any other
manufacturer specifications. { WARNING position, contact your dealer
for service.
Fan and Drive:
When you are doing this
. Removal of fan clutch, if the inspection, the vehicle could
vehicle has one, or rendering move suddenly. If the vehicle
clutch inoperative. moves, you or others could
. Removal of the fan shroud, if be injured.
the vehicle has one.
Air Intake: 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
. Removal of the air cleaner
around the vehicle.
silencer.
. Modification of the air cleaner.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (35,1)
Park Brake and P (Park) Park on a fairly steep hill, with the Wiper Blade Replacement
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
Mechanism Check your foot on the regular brake, set Windshield wiper blades should be
the parking brake. inspected for wear and cracking.
{ WARNING . To check the parking brake's
See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 113 for more information on
When you are doing this check, holding ability: With the engine wiper blade inspection.
the vehicle could begin to move. running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot Replacement blades come in
You or others could be injured different types and are removed in
pressure from the regular brake
and property could be damaged. different ways. To remove the type
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
Make sure there is room in front with a release clip, do the following:
held by the parking brake only.
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular . To check the P (Park) 1. Lift the wiper arm until it locks
mechanism's holding ability: into a vertical position.
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move. With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (37,1)
Headlamps
Composite Headlamp
A. HighBeam Headlamp 2. Remove the two bolts from the 5. Disconnect the electrical
headlamp assembly. connector.
B. LowBeam Headlamp
3. Lift the headlamp assembly to 6. Turn the bulb counterclockwise
To remove the headlamp assembly release the lower tabs from the one quarter turn to remove it
from the vehicle and access the radiator support. from the headlamp assembly.
bulbs:
4. Turn the headlamp forward and
1. Open the hood. See Hood on upward to remove it from the
page 104 for more information. grille.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (39,1)
Front Turn Signal, To replace the front turn signal, 6. Turn the bulb socket clockwise
sidemarker, and/or parking lamp to reinstall it in the lamp
Sidemarker, and bulb(s): assembly.
Parking Lamps 7. Reinstall the lamp assembly into
the grille until the outboard clip
snaps into place.
Taillamps
To replace a taillamp/turn signal
lamp or backup lamp bulb:
1. Use a small tool to unlatch the
outboard clip on the lamp by
pushing inboard and prying the
A. Front Parking and Turn lamp assembly forward.
Signal Lamp 2. Remove the lamp from the grille.
B. Front Sidemarker Lamp 3. Turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise one quarter
turn and remove it from the lamp
assembly.
4. Remove the bulb from the
socket by pulling it straight out.
5. Replace the bulb.
1. Remove the two inboard nuts
from the inside of the taillamp
assembly.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (41,1)
4. Remove the third nut (C) from 7. Remove the bulb by pulling it
the upper outboard side of straight out.
the lamp. 8. Push the new bulb into the
5. Remove the taillamp assembly socket.
from the vehicle. 9. Reinstall the bulb socket by
turning it clockwise into the
lamp assembly.
10. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to
reinstall the taillamp assembly
and applique.
(B) TPC Spec (D) Tire Identification (F) Uniform Tire Quality
(Tire Performance Criteria Number (TIN): The letters and Grading (UTQG):
Specification): numbers following the DOT code Tire manufacturers are
Original equipment tires are the Tire Identification required to grade tires based
designed to GM's specific tire Number (TIN). The TIN shows on three performance factors:
performance criteria have a the manufacturer and plant treadwear, traction, and
TPC specification code molded code, tire size, and date the tire temperature resistance. For
onto the sidewall. GM's TPC was manufactured. The TIN is more information, see Uniform
specifications meet or exceed all molded onto both sides of the Tire Quality Grading on
federal safety guidelines. tire, although only one side may page 1072.
(C) DOT (Department of have the date of manufacture. (G) Maximum Cold Inflation
Transportation): (E) Tire Ply Material : The type Load Limit: Maximum load
The Department of of cord and number of plies in that can be carried and the
Transportation (DOT) code the sidewall and under the tread. maximum pressure needed
indicates that the tire is in to support that load. For
compliance with the U.S. information on recommended
Department of Transportation tire pressure see Tire Pressure
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. on page 1060 and Vehicle Load
Limits on page 912.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (55,1)
(F) Tire Ply Material : The type Tire Designations (B) Tire Width: The threedigit
of cord and number of plies in number indicates the tire section
the sidewall and under the tread. Tire Size width in millimeters from
(G) Single Tire Maximum The following examples show sidewall to sidewall.
Load: Maximum load that can the different parts of a tire size. (C) Aspect Ratio: A twodigit
be carried and the maximum number that indicates the tire
pressure needed to support that heighttowidth measurements.
load when used as a single. For For example, if the tire size
information on recommended aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
tire pressure see Tire Pressure item C of the illustration, it would
on page 1060 and Vehicle Load mean that the tire's sidewall is
Limits on page 912. Passenger (PMetric) Tire 75 percent as high as it is wide.
(A) Passenger (PMetric) Tire: (D) Construction Code:
The United States version of a A letter code is used to indicate
metric tire sizing system. The the type of ply construction in
letter P as the first character in the tire. The letter R means
the tire size means a passenger radial ply construction; the
vehicle tire engineered to letter D means diagonal or
standards set by the U.S. Tire bias ply construction; and the
and Rim Association. letter B means beltedbias ply
construction.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (57,1)
(E) Rim Diameter : Diameter of (B) Tire Width: The threedigit (E) Rim Diameter : Diameter of
the wheel in inches. number indicates the tire section the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description: These width in millimeters from (F) Load Range: Load Range.
characters represent the load sidewall to sidewall.
(G) Service Description:
index and speed rating of the (C) Aspect Ratio: A twodigit The service description indicates
tire. The load index represents number that indicates the tire the load index and speed rating
the load carrying capacity a tire heighttowidth measurements. of a tire. If two numbers are
is certified to carry. The speed For example, if the tire size given as in the example,
rating is the maximum speed a aspect ratio is 75, as shown 120/116, then this represents
tire is certified to carry a load. in item C of the light truck the load index for single versus
(LTMetric) tire illustration, it dual wheel usage (single/dual).
would mean that the tire's The speed rating is the
sidewall is 75 percent as maximum speed a tire is
high as it is wide. certified to carry a load. This
(D) Construction Code: does not apply to Goodyear
A letter code is used to indicate LT225/75R16 G949 RSA and
Light Truck (LTMetric) Tire the type of ply construction in Goodyear LT225/75R16
(A) Light Truck (LTMetric) the tire. The letter R means G933 RSD commercial truck
Tire: The United States version radial ply construction; the tires; see the dual tire and single
of a metric tire sizing system. letter D means diagonal or tire maximum load and load
The letters LT as the first two bias ply construction; and the range letter designations on the
characters in the tire size mean letter B means beltedbias tire sidewall.
a light truck tire engineered to ply construction.
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (58,1)
Tire Terminology and Bead: The tire bead contains DOT Markings: A code
Definitions steel wires wrapped by steel molded into the sidewall of a
cords that hold the tire onto tire signifying that the tire is in
Air Pressure: The amount of the rim. compliance with the U.S.
air inside the tire pressing Department of Transportation
outward on each square inch Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at (DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
of the tire. Air pressure is Standards. The DOT code
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of includes the Tire Identification
or psi (pounds per square inch). Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
the tread.
Accessory Weight: designator which can also
The combined weight of optional Cold Tire Pressure: identify the tire manufacturer,
accessories. Some examples The amount of air pressure production plant, brand, and
of optional accessories are in a tire, measured in date of production.
automatic transmission, power kPa (kilopascal) or psi (pounds
per square inch) before a tire GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
steering, power brakes, power Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
windows, power seats, and air has built up heat from driving.
See Tire Pressure on on page 912.
conditioning.
page 1060. GAWR FRT: Gross Axle
Aspect Ratio: The relationship Weight Rating for the front axle.
of a tire's height to its width. Curb Weight: The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and See Vehicle Load Limits on
Belt: A rubber coated layer of optional equipment including the page 912.
cords that is located between maximum capacity of fuel, oil, GAWR RR: Gross Axle
the plies and the tread. Cords and coolant, but without Weight Rating for the rear axle.
may be made from steel or other passengers and cargo. See Vehicle Load Limits on
reinforcing materials. page 912.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (59,1)
Overinflated tires, or tires that How the vehicle is loaded Remove the valve cap from the
have too much air, can affects vehicle handling and ride tire valve stem. Press the tire
result in: comfort. Never load the vehicle gauge firmly onto the valve to
. Unusual wear. with more weight than it was get a pressure measurement.
designed to carry. If the cold tire inflation pressure
. Poor handling. matches the recommended
When to Check
. Rough ride. pressure on the Tire and
Check the tires once a month Loading Information label, no
. Needless damage from or more. further adjustment is necessary.
road hazards. If the inflation pressure is low,
Do not forget the spare tire,
The Tire and Loading if the vehicle has one. add air until the recommended
Information label on the vehicle SeeFull-Size Spare Tire on pressure is reached. If the
indicates the original equipment page 1088 for additional inflation pressure is high, press
tires and the correct cold tire information. on the metal stem in the center
inflation pressures. The of the tire valve to release air.
recommended pressure is the How to Check
Re-check the tire pressure with
minimum air pressure needed to Use a good quality pocket-type the tire gauge.
support the vehicle's maximum gauge to check tire pressure.
load carrying capacity. Proper tire inflation cannot be Return the valve caps on the
determined by looking at the tire. valve stems to prevent leaks
For additional information and keep out dirt and moisture.
regarding how much weight Check the tire inflation pressure
the vehicle can carry, and an when the tires are cold, meaning
example of the Tire and Loading the vehicle has not been driven
Information label, see Vehicle for at least three hours or no
Load Limits on page 912. more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (62,1)
Tire Pressure Monitor low tire pressure telltale when one The TPMS malfunction indicator is
or more of your tires is significantly combined with the low tire pressure
System underinflated. telltale. When the system detects a
The Tire Pressure Monitor System Accordingly, when the low tire malfunction, the telltale will flash for
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor pressure telltale illuminates, you approximately one minute and then
technology to check tire pressure should stop and check your tires as remain continuously illuminated.
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor soon as possible, and inflate them This sequence will continue upon
the air pressure in your tires and to the proper pressure. Driving on a subsequent vehicle startups as
transmit tire pressure readings to a significantly underinflated tire long as the malfunction exists.
receiver located in the vehicle. causes the tire to overheat and can When the malfunction indicator is
Each tire, including the spare lead to tire failure. Underinflation illuminated, the system may not be
(if provided), should be checked also reduces fuel efficiency and tire able to detect or signal low tire
monthly when cold and inflated to tread life, and may affect the pressure as intended. TPMS
the inflation pressure recommended vehicle's handling and stopping malfunctions may occur for a variety
by the vehicle manufacturer on the ability. of reasons, including the installation
vehicle placard or tire inflation Please note that the TPMS is of replacement or alternate tires or
pressure label. (If your vehicle has not a substitute for proper tire wheels on the vehicle that prevent
tires of a different size than the size maintenance, and it is the driver's the TPMS from functioning properly.
indicated on the vehicle placard or responsibility to maintain correct tire Always check the TPMS malfunction
tire inflation pressure label, you pressure, even if underinflation has telltale after replacing one or more
should determine the proper tire not reached the level to trigger tires or wheels on your vehicle to
inflation pressure for those tires.) illumination of the TPMS low tire ensure that the replacement or
pressure telltale. alternate tires and wheels allow
As an added safety feature,
the TPMS to continue to function
your vehicle has been equipped Your vehicle has also been properly.
with a tire pressure monitoring equipped with a TPMS malfunction
system (TPMS) that illuminates a indicator to indicate when the See Tire Pressure Monitor
system is not operating properly. Operation on page 1063 for
additional information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (63,1)
5. Place the relearn tool against 9. Turn the ignition switch to . The tire has a bump, bulge,
the tire sidewall, near the valve LOCK/OFF. or split.
stem. Then press the button to 10. Set all four tires to the . The tire has a puncture, cut,
activate the TPMS sensor. recommended air pressure
A horn chirp confirms that the or other damage that cannot
level as indicated on the Tire be repaired well because of
sensor identification code has and Loading Information label.
been matched to this tire and the size or location of the
wheel position. damage.
Tire Inspection
6. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire, and repeat the We recommend that the tires, Tire Rotation
procedure in Step 5. including the spare tire, if the Tires should be rotated
vehicle has one, be inspected every 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
7. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire, and repeat the for signs of wear or damage at See Scheduled Maintenance on
procedure in Step 5. least once a month. page 113.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear Replace the tire if: Tires are rotated to achieve
tire, and repeat the procedure in . The indicators at three or a uniform wear for all tires.
Step 5. The horn sounds two more places around the tire The first rotation is the most
times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
can be seen. important.
matched to the driver side rear . There is cord or fabric Any time unusual wear is
tire, and the TPMS sensor showing through the tire's noticed, rotate the tires as soon
matching process is no longer rubber. as possible and check the wheel
active. The TIRE LEARNING alignment. Also check for
ACTIVE message on the DIC . The tread or sidewall is
damaged tires or wheels.
display screen goes off. cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord
or fabric.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (67,1)
See When It Is Time for New Adjust the front and rear tires
Tires on page 1068 and Wheel to the recommended inflation { WARNING
Replacement on page 1074. pressure on the Tire and Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
Loading Information label after parts to which it is fastened, can
the tires have been rotated. make wheel nuts become loose
See Tire Pressure on after time. The wheel could come
page 1060 and Vehicle Load off and cause an accident. When
Limits on page 912. changing a wheel, remove any
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor rust or dirt from places where the
System. See Tire Pressure wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
Monitor Operation on
towel can be used; however, use
page 1063.
a scraper or wire brush later to
Check that all wheel nuts are remove all rust or dirt.
properly tightened. See Wheel
Nut Torque under Capacities Lightly coat the center of the
Use this rotation pattern when and Specifications on
rotating the tires. wheel hub with wheel bearing
page 122. grease after a wheel change or
If the vehicle has a compact tire rotation to prevent corrosion
spare tire, do not include it in the or rust build-up. Do not get
tire rotation. grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (68,1)
Dual Tire Rotation The outer tire on a dual wheel When It Is Time for
setup generally wears faster than
When the vehicle is new, the inner tire. Tires last longer and
New Tires
or whenever a wheel, wheel bolt, wear more evenly if they are Factors such as maintenance,
or wheel nut is replaced, check rotated. See Tire Inspection on temperatures, driving speeds,
the wheel nut torque after page 1066 and Tire Rotation on vehicle loading, and road conditions
160, 1 600, and 10 000 km page 1066. Also see Scheduled affect the wear rate of the tires.
(100, 1,000, and 6,000 m) of driving. Maintenance on page 113.
For proper wheel nut tightening
information, see Removing the Flat
Tire and Installing the Spare Tire { WARNING
later in this section, under If a Tire If the vehicle is operated with a
Goes Flat on page 1076. Also see tire that is underinflated, the tire
Wheel Nut Torque under
can overheat. An overheated tire
Capacities and Specifications on
can lose air suddenly or catch
page 122.
fire. You or others could be
injured. Properly inflate all tires,
including the spare.
Some commercial truck tires, Tires will typically need to be Buying New Tires
including Goodyear LT225/75R16 replaced due to wear before
G949 RSA and Goodyear LT225/ they may need to be replaced GM has developed and matched
75R16 G933 RSD, may not have due to age. Consult the tire specific tires for the vehicle. The
treadwear indicators. If the tires do manufacturer for more information original equipment tires installed
not have treadwear indicators, on when tires should be replaced. were designed to meet General
replace the tires when the tread Motors Tire Performance Criteria
depth is down to 3.2 mm (1/8 in) for Vehicle Storage Specification (TPC Spec) system
the front tires, or 1.6 mm (1/16 in) for Tires age when stored normally rating. When replacement tires are
the rear tires. See Tire Inspection mounted on a parked vehicle. needed, GM strongly recommends
on page 1066 and Tire Rotation on Park a vehicle that will be stored for buying tires with the same TPC
page 1066 for additional at least a month in a cool, dry, clean Spec rating.
information. area away from direct sunlight to GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
The rubber in tires ages over time. slow aging. This area should be considers over a dozen critical
This also applies to the spare tire, free of grease, gasoline or other specifications that impact the
if the vehicle has one, even if it is substances that can deteriorate overall performance of the
never used. Multiple conditions rubber. vehicle, including brake system
including temperatures, loading Parking for an extended period can performance, ride and handling,
conditions, and inflation pressure cause flat spots on the tires that traction control, and tire pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging may result in vibrations while monitoring performance. GM's TPC
takes place. driving. When storing a vehicle for Spec number is molded onto the
at least a month, remove the tires or tire's sidewall near the tire size.
raise the vehicle to reduce the If the tires have an allseason tread
weight from the tires. design, the TPC Spec number will
be followed by MS for mud and
snow. See Tire Sidewall Labeling on
page 1053 for additional
information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (70,1)
If the vehicle tires must be replaced Different Size Tires and WARNING (Continued)
with a tire that does not have a TPC
Spec number, make sure they are
Wheels
the same size, load range, speed If wheels or tires are installed that This increases the chance of
rating, and construction (radial) as are a different size than the original a crash and serious injury. Only
the original tires. equipment wheels and tires, vehicle use GM specific wheel and tire
Vehicles that have a tire pressure performance, including its braking, systems developed for the
monitoring system could give an ride and handling characteristics, vehicle, and have them properly
inaccurate lowpressure warning if stability, and resistance to rollover installed by a GM certified
nonTPC Spec rated tires are may be affected. If the vehicle has technician.
installed. See Tire Pressure Monitor electronic systems such as antilock
System on page 1062. brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability See Buying New Tires on
The Tire and Loading Information control, the performance of these page 1069 and Accessories and
label indicates the original systems can also be affected. Modifications on page 103 for
equipment tires on the vehicle. additional information.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 912 for the label location
{ WARNING
and more information about the If different sized wheels are used,
Tire and Loading Information label. there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety
if tires not recommended for
those wheels are selected.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (72,1)
Wheel Replacement Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel Notice: The wrong wheel can
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor also cause problems with bearing
Replace any wheel that is bent, System (TPMS) sensors with new life, brake cooling, speedometer
cracked, or badly rusted or GM original equipment parts. or odometer calibration,
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming headlamp aim, bumper height,
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced. { WARNING vehicle ground clearance, and
tire or tire chain clearance to
If the wheel leaks air, replace it. Using the wrong replacement the body and chassis.
Some aluminum wheels can be wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
repaired. See your dealer if any of See If a Tire Goes Flat on
nuts can be dangerous. It could page 1076 for more information.
these conditions exist.
affect the braking and handling of
Your dealer will know the kind of the vehicle. Tires can lose air, Used Replacement Wheels
wheel that is needed. and cause loss of control, causing
Each new wheel should have the a crash. Always use the correct { WARNING
same load-carrying capacity, wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
diameter, width, offset, and be nuts for replacement. Replacing a wheel with a used
mounted the same way as the one is dangerous. How it has
one it replaces. been used or how far it has
been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause
a crash. When replacing wheels,
use a new GM original equipment
wheel.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (75,1)
Tire Chains Notice: Use tire chains only For Cutaway models with
where legal and only when you LT245/75R16, LT225/75R16 or
must. Use chains that are the LT215/85R16 size single or dual
{ WARNING proper size for the tires. Install rear tires, use Low Profile Z-Chain
Tire chains used on a vehicle them on the tires of the rear axle. or SAE Class S cables.
Do not use chains on the tires of For Cargo or Passenger models
without the proper amount of
the front axle. Tighten them as with P245/70R17, LT225/75R16 or
clearance can cause damage to
tightly as possible with the LT245/75R16 size tires, use
the brakes, suspension, or other ends securely fastened. Drive
vehicle parts. The area damaged Low Profile Z-Chain cables.
slowly and follow the chain SAE Class S chains are not
by the tire chains could cause you manufacturer's instructions.
to lose control of the vehicle and recommended.
If you can hear the chains
you or others may be injured in a contacting the vehicle, stop and If the vehicle has dual rear tires,
crash. To help avoid damage to retighten them. If the contact do not use individual tire chains.
the vehicle, drive slowly, readjust, continues, slow down until it Use tire chains that fit across both
or remove the device if it is stops. Driving too fast or dual tires.
contacting the vehicle. Do not spinning the wheels with chains
spin the vehicle's tires. Follow the on will damage the vehicle.
manufacturer's instructions.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (76,1)
WARNING (Continued)
When the vehicle has a flat tire (B), Tire Changing
use the following example as a
guide to assist in the placement of Removing the Spare Tire and
To help prevent the vehicle from the wheel blocks (A). Tools
moving:
If you have a cargo van or a
1. Set the parking brake firmly. passenger van, the equipment you
2. Put an automatic will need is located in the passenger
transmission in P (Park) or a side rear corner of the vehicle.
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do
not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
A. Wheel Block
4. Do not allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle. B. Flat Tire
5. Place wheel blocks on both The following information explains
sides of the tire at the how to repair or change a tire.
opposite corner of the tire
being changed.
If you have a van with the To lower the spare tire from
15passenger seating arrangement, the vehicle:
the equipment you will need is
secured on the rear floor of the
passenger side of the vehicle.
Front Position
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (81,1)
{ WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
6. Remove all the wheel nuts. 8. Remove any rust or dirt from the
a scraper or wire brush later to
7. Take flat tire off of the mounting wheel bolts, mounting surfaces
remove all rust or dirt. and spare wheel.
surface.
{ WARNING
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (83,1)
spare tire and turn the handle Turn the wheel wrench
clockwise to raise the jack until it counterclockwise to lower the
lifts the secondary latch spring. spare the rest of the way.
5. Keep raising the jack until the 8. Tilt the retainer at the end of the
spare tire stops moving upward cable and pull it through the
and is held firmly in place. This wheel opening. Pull the tire out
3. Attach the jack handle/jack lets you know that the secondary from under the vehicle.
handle extension and wheel latch has released. The spare Notice: If you drive away
wrench to the jack. tire is now balancing on the jack. before the spare tire or secondary
6. Lower the jack by turning the latch system cable has been
wheel wrench counterclockwise. reinstalled, you could damage the
Keep lowering the jack until the vehicle. Always reinstall this
spare tire slides off the jack or is cable before driving the vehicle.
hanging by the cable. 9. If the cable is hanging under the
7. Disconnect the jack handle from vehicle, turn the wheel wrench in
the jack and carefully remove the hoist shaft hole in the
the jack. Use one hand to push bumper clockwise to raise the
against the spare while firmly cable back up.
pulling the jack out from under Have the hoist assembly inspected
the spare tire with the as soon as you can. You will not be
other hand. able to store a spare or flat tire
If the spare tire is hanging from using the hoist assembly until it has
4. Place the jack under the vehicle,
the cable, assembly the wheel been repaired or replaced.
ahead of the rear bumper.
wrench onto the hoist extension
Position the center lift point of
and insert the chisel end of the
the jack under the center of the
hoist extension into the hoist
shaft hole above the bumper.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (88,1)
To continue changing the flat tire, After installing the spare tire on the Jump Starting
return to Step 4 of Storing a Flat or vehicle, you should stop as soon as
Spare Tire and Tools under Tire possible and make sure the spare is For more information about the
Changing on page 1077. correctly inflated. The spare tire is vehicle battery, see Battery on
made to perform well at speeds up page 1030.
Full-Size Spare Tire to 112 km/h (70 mph) at the If the vehicle battery has run down,
recommended inflation pressure, so you may want to use another
This vehicle, when new, may have you can finish your trip.
had a fully-inflated spare tire. vehicle and some jumper cables to
A spare tire may lose air over time, Have the damaged or flat road tire start your vehicle. Be sure to use
so check its inflation pressure repaired or replaced as soon as you the following steps to do it safely.
regularly. See Tire Pressure on can and installed back onto the
page 1060 and Vehicle Load Limits vehicle. This way, a spare tire will
on page 912 for information be available in case you need it
regarding proper tire inflation and again. Do not mix tires and wheels
loading the vehicle. For instruction of different sizes, because they will
on how to remove, install or store a not fit. Keep the spare tire and its
spare tire, see Removing the Flat wheel together.
Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
and Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools under Tire Changing on
page 1077.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (89,1)
3. Firmly set the parking brake. Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive
See Parking Brake on page 934 the Ground) AllWheelDrive vehicle with all four wheels on the
for more information. Vehicles ground, or even with only two of
4. Put the transmission in P (Park). its wheels on the ground, will
damage drivetrain components.
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly Do not tow an all-wheel-drive
following the manufacturer's vehicle with any of its wheels on
instructions. the ground.
6. Use an adequate clamping
device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
If the tow vehicle will not be
started or driven for six weeks or
more, remove the battery cable The vehicle was not designed to be
from the negative terminal (post) towed with two wheels on the
of the battery to prevent the ground. To properly tow these
battery from draining while vehicles, they should be placed on
towing. a platform trailer with all four wheels
off the ground.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (96,1)
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/ Notice: Machine compounding or Exterior painted surfaces are
Lenses aggressive polishing on a subject to aging, weather and
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish chemical fallout that can take their
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a may damage it. Use only toll over a period of years. To help
soft cloth and a car washing soap to non-abrasive waxes and polishes keep the paint finish looking new,
clean exterior lamps and lenses. that are made for a basecoat/ keep the vehicle garaged or
Follow instructions under Washing clearcoat paint finish on the covered whenever possible.
the Vehicle. vehicle.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Finish Care Foreign materials such as calcium Parts
Occasional waxing or mild polishing chloride and other salts, ice melting
Bright metal parts should be
of the vehicle by hand may be agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
cleaned regularly to keep their
necessary to remove residue from bird droppings, chemicals from
luster. Washing with water is all that
the paint finish. Approved cleaning industrial chimneys, etc., can
is usually needed. However, chrome
products can be obtained from your damage the vehicle's finish if they
polish may be used on chrome or
dealer. remain on painted surfaces. Wash
stainless steel trim, if necessary.
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/ If necessary, use non-abrasive Use special care with aluminum
clearcoat paint finish, the clearcoat cleaners that are marked safe for trim. To avoid damaging protective
gives more depth and gloss to the painted surfaces to remove trim, never use auto or chrome
colored basecoat. Always use foreign matter. polish, steam or caustic soap to
waxes and polishes that are clean aluminum. A coating of
non-abrasive and made for a wax, rubbed to high polish, is
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish. recommended for all bright
metal parts.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (98,1)
Windshield and Wiper Blades Aluminum Wheels The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
Clean the outside of the windshield Notice: Using strong soaps,
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
with glass cleaner. chemicals, abrasive polishes,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
Clean the rubber blades using a cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
lint free cloth or paper towel soaked that contain acid on aluminum or
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
with windshield washer fluid or a chrome-plated wheels, could
on them because they could
mild detergent. Wash the windshield damage the surface of the
damage the surface. Do not use
thoroughly when cleaning the wheel(s). The repairs would not
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only approved Notice: Driving the vehicle
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
cleaners on aluminum or through an automatic car wash
treatments may cause wiper
chrome-plated wheels. that has silicone carbide tire
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
cleaning brushes, could damage
if they are worn or damaged. Keep the wheels clean using a
the aluminum or chrome-plated
Wipers can be damaged by: soft clean cloth with mild soap and
wheels. The repairs would not be
water. Rinse with clean water. After
. Extreme dusty conditions. covered by the vehicle warranty.
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft
Never drive a vehicle that has
. Sand and salt. clean towel. A wax may then be
aluminum or chrome-plated
applied.
. Heat and sun. wheels through an automatic car
Notice: Using chrome polish on wash that uses silicone carbide
. Snow and ice, without proper aluminum wheels could damage tire cleaning brushes.
removal. the wheels. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (99,1)
If the locally cleaned area gives any Many commercial cleaners and Notice: Air fresheners contain
impression that a ring formation may coatings that are sold to preserve solvents that may cause damage
result, clean the entire surface. and protect soft plastic surfaces to plastics and painted surfaces.
After the cleaning process has been may permanently change the Follow the manufacturers
completed, a paper towel can be appearance and feel of the interior instructions when using air
used to blot excess moisture from and are not recommended. Do not fresheners in the vehicle. If air
the fabric or carpet. use silicone or wax-based products, freshener comes in contact with
or those containing organic solvents paint or a plastic surface, blot
Instrument Panel, Vinyl and to clean the interior because they immediately with a soft cloth.
other Plastic Surfaces can alter the appearance by Damage caused by using air
increasing the gloss in a fresheners would not be
A soft cloth dampened with non-uniform manner. covered by the vehicle warranty.
water may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is Some commercial products may
necessary, a clean soft cloth increase gloss on the instrument
dampened with a mild soap solution panel. The increase in gloss may
can be used to gently remove dust cause annoying reflections in the
and dirt. Never use spot lifters or windshield and even make it difficult
removers on plastic surfaces. to see through the windshield under
certain conditions.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (103,1)
Care of Safety Belts Floor Mats Use the following guidelines for
proper floor mat usage.
Keep belts clean and dry.
{ WARNING . The original equipment floor
{ WARNING If a floor mat is the wrong size or
mats were designed for the
vehicle. If the floor mats need
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. is not properly installed, it can replacing, it is recommended
It may severely weaken them. In interfere with the accelerator that GM certified floor mats be
a crash, they might not be able to pedal and/or brake pedal. purchased. Non-GM floor mats
provide adequate protection. Interference with the pedals can may not fit properly and may
Clean safety belts only with mild cause unintended acceleration interfere with the accelerator or
soap and lukewarm water. and/or increased stopping brake pedal. Always check that
distance which can cause a crash the floor mats do not interfere
and injury. Make sure the floor with the pedals.
mat does not interfere with the . Use the floor mat with the
accelerator or brake pedal. correct side up. Do not turn
it over.
. Do not place anything on top of
the driver side floor mat.
. Use only a single floor mat on
the driver side.
. Do not place one floor mat on
top of another.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (104,1)
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
First Engine Oil Change After During any maintenance, if a First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles power washer is used to Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
. Automatic transmission fluid clean mud and dirt from the . Engine cooling system drain,
change (normal service). underbody, care should be taken flush, and refill (or every
See Automatic Transmission to not directly spray the transfer five years, whichever occurs
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on case output seals. High pressure first). See Engine Coolant on
page 1011 or Automatic water can overcome the seals page 1020. An Emission
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed and contaminate the transfer Control Service.
Transmission) on page 1014. case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the . Engine drive belts inspection
. Allwheel drive only: Transfer transfer case and should for fraying, excessive cracks,
case fluid change (normal be replaced. or obvious damage (or every
service). Check vent hose at 10 years, whichever occurs
transfer case for kinks and
. Spark plug replacement and first). Replace, if needed.
proper installation. Check to be spark plug wires inspection.
sure vent hose is unobstructed, An Emission Control Service.
clear, and free of debris.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Key Lock Cylinders
(GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
Chassis Lubrication
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Wheel bearing lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category GC or
Front Wheel Bearings
GC-LB (GM Part No. 1051344, in Canada 993037).
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant
Front and Rear Axle
(GM Part No. 89021677, in Canada 89021678).
Transfer Case DEXRONVI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
One-Piece Propshaft Slip Yoke
Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
Spline, Two-Piece Propshaft
(GM Part No. 12345879, in Canada 10953511).
Slip-in-Tube Spline
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Hood Hinges
(GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or
Weatherstrip Conditioning
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 992887).
Synthetic Grease with Teflon, Superlube
Weatherstrip Squeaks
(GM Part No. 12371287, in Canada 10953437).
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
Maintenance Records
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
Odometer
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement for more information.
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 118 for more information.
Capacities
Application
Metric English
For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a amount, see the refrigerant label located under
the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System without Rear Heat
4.3L V6 9.5 L 10.0 qt
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8 11.8 L 12.4 qt
6.0L V8 13.1 L 13.8 qt
Cooling System with Rear Heat
4.3L V6 12.3 L 13.0 qt
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8 14.6 L 15.4 qt
6.0L V8 16.1 L 17.0 qt
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Capacities
Application
Metric English
Engine Oil with Filter
4.3L V6 4.3 L 4.5 qt
4.8L V8, 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Fuel Tank
Cutaway (Optional Tank)* 215.7 L 57.0 gal
Cutaway (Standard Tank) 124.9 L 33.0 gal
Passenger and Cargo 117.3 L 31.0 gal
* 4 039 mm (159 inch) wheelbase or 4 496 mm (177 inch) wheelbase only
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement)
4-SPD 4L60-E 4.7 L 5.0 qt
6-SPD 6L90 6.0 L 6.3 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y 140 ft lb
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 X Automatic 1.52 mm (0.060 in)
4.8L V8 A Automatic 1.02 mm (0.040 in)
5.3L V8 4 Automatic 1.02 mm (0.040 in)
6.0L V8 G Automatic 1.02 mm (0.040 in)
V8 Engines
V6 Engines If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
40 days. If you do not agree with the STEP THREE Canadian For further information concerning
decision given in your case, you Owners: In the event that you do eligibility in the Canadian Motor
may reject it and proceed with any not feel your concerns have been Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),
other venue for relief available addressed after following the call toll-free 1-800-207-0685, or call
to you. procedure outlined in Steps One the General Motors Customer
You may contact the BBB Auto Line and Two, General Motors of Canada Communication Centre,
Program using the toll-free Limited wants you to be aware of its 1-800-263-3777 (English),
telephone number or write them at participation in a no-charge 1-800-263-7854 (French),
the following address: Mediation/Arbitration Program. or write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited The Mediation/Arbitration Program
BBB Auto Line Program has committed to binding arbitration
Council of Better Business c/o Customer Communication
of owner disputes involving Centre
Bureaus, Inc. factory-related vehicle service
4200 Wilson Boulevard General Motors of Canada Limited
claims. The program provides for Mail Code: CA1-163-005
Suite 800 the review of the facts involved by
Arlington, VA 22203-1838 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
an impartial third party arbiter, and Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100 may include an informal hearing
www.dr.bbb.org/goauto before the arbiter. The program is Your inquiry should be accompanied
designed so that the entire dispute by the Vehicle Identification
This program is available in all settlement process, from the time Number (VIN).
50 states and the District of you file your complaint to the final
Columbia. Eligibility is limited by decision, should be completed in
vehicle age, mileage, and other about 70 days. We believe our
factors. General Motors reserves impartial program offers advantages
the right to change eligibility over courts in most jurisdictions
limitations and/or discontinue its because it is informal, quick, and
participation in this program. free of charge.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
Mexico, Central America, and Customer Assistance United States and Canada
Caribbean Islands/Countries Offices (Mexico) 1-866-466-8190
(Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands) To contact the Customer Assistance Costa Rica
Center (CAC), use the phone
General Motors de Mexico, S. numbers listed in this section. 00-800-052-1005
de R.L. de C.V. Customer assistance is available Guatemala
Customer Assistance Center Monday through Friday, 08:00 to
Av. Ejercito Nacional #843 20:00 hours, and Saturdays from 1-800-999-5252
Col. Granada 08:00 to 15:00 hours.
C.P. 11520, Mexico, D.F.
Panama
All e-mail inquiries to the Customer 00-800-052-0001
01-800-466-0800 Assistance Center (CAC) should be
Long Distance: 011-52-53 29 0800 sent to: cac.chevrolet@gm.com. Dominican Republic
Mexico 1-888-751-5301
From Mexico City El Salvador
5329-0811 800-6273
From Other Mexico Locations Honduras
01-800-466-0811 800-0122-6101
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Recycled original equipment parts Aftermarket parts are not covered Many insurance policies provide
may also be used for repair. These by the GM New Vehicle Limited reduced protection to the GM
parts are typically removed from Warranty, and any vehicle failure vehicle by limiting compensation
vehicles that were total losses in related to such parts is not covered for damage repairs by using
prior crashes. In most cases, the by that warranty. aftermarket collision parts. Some
parts being recycled are from insurance companies will not
undamaged sections of the vehicle. Repair Facility specify aftermarket collision parts.
A recycled original equipment GM GM also recommends that you When purchasing insurance, we
part may be an acceptable choice to choose a collision repair facility that recommend that you ensure that the
maintain the vehicle's originally meets your needs before you ever vehicle will be repaired with GM
designed appearance and safety need collision repairs. Your dealer original equipment collision parts.
performance; however, the history of may have a collision repair center If such insurance coverage is not
these parts is not known. Such parts with GM-trained technicians and available from your current
are not covered by the GM New stateoftheart equipment, or be insurance carrier, consider
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any able to recommend a collision switching to another insurance
related failures are not covered by repair center that has GM-trained carrier.
that warranty. technicians and comparable If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
Aftermarket collision parts are also equipment. company may require you to have
available. These are made by Insuring The Vehicle insurance that ensures repairs with
companies other than GM and may Genuine GM Original Equipment
not have been tested for the vehicle. Protect your investment in the Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
As a result, these parts may fit GM vehicle with comprehensive Genuine Manufacturer replacement
poorly, exhibit premature durability/ and collision insurance coverage. parts. Read the lease carefully, as
corrosion problems, and may There are significant differences in you may be charged at the end of
not perform properly in subsequent the quality of coverage afforded by the lease for poor quality repairs.
collisions. various insurance policy terms.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
If a Crash Occurs Gather the following information: Managing the Vehicle Damage
If there has been an injury, call . Driver name, address, and Repair Process
emergency services for help. telephone number. In the event that the vehicle requires
Do not leave the scene of a crash . Driver license number. damage repairs, GM recommends
until all matters have been taken that you take an active role in its
. Owner name, address, and
care of. Move the vehicle only if its repair. If you have a pre-determined
position puts you in danger, or telephone number. repair facility of choice, take the
you are instructed to move it by a . Vehicle license plate number. vehicle there, or have it towed there.
police officer. Specify to the facility that any
. Vehicle make, model, and
Give only the necessary information required replacement collision parts
model year.
to police and other parties involved be original equipment parts, either
in the crash.
. Vehicle Identification new Genuine GM parts or recycled
Number (VIN). original GM parts. Remember,
For emergency towing see recycled parts will not be covered
Roadside Assistance Program
. Insurance company and
policy number. by the GM vehicle warranty.
(U.S. and Canada) on page 138 or
Roadside Assistance Program . General description of the Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
(Mexico) on page 1310. damage to the other vehicle. but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
Choose a reputable repair facility your insurance company may
that uses quality replacement parts. initially value the repair using
See Collision Parts earlier in aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
this section. the repair professional, and insist on
If the airbag has inflated, see What Genuine GM parts. Remember,
Will You See after an Airbag if the vehicle is leased, you may be
Inflates? on page 331. obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
If another party's insurance Each bulletin contains instructions Current and Past Models
company is paying for the repairs, to assist in the diagnosis and
Technical Service Bulletins and
you are not obligated to accept a service of the vehicle.
Manuals are available for current
repair valuation based on that
Owner Information and past model GM vehicles.
insurance company's collision policy
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models.
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Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
Reporting Safety Defects Vehicle Data These modules may store data to
help your dealer technician service
to General Motors Recording and the vehicle. Some modules may
In addition to notifying NHTSA also store data about how you
(or Transport Canada) in a situation
Privacy operate the vehicle, such as rate of
like this, notify General Motors. This GM vehicle has a number of fuel consumption or average speed.
sophisticated computers that record These modules may also retain the
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
information about the vehicles owners personal preferences, such
Chevrolet Motor Division performance and how it is driven. as radio pre-sets, seat positions,
Chevrolet Customer For example, the vehicle uses and temperature settings.
Assistance Center computer modules to monitor and
P.O. Box 33170 control engine and transmission
Detroit, MI 48232-5170 performance, to monitor the
In Canada, call conditions for airbag deployment
1-800-263-3777 (English) or and deploy airbags in a crash, and,
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write: if so equipped, to provide antilock
braking to help the driver control
General Motors of Canada Limited the vehicle.
Customer Communication Centre,
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
INDEX i-1
i-2 INDEX
INDEX i-3
i-4 INDEX
E Engine (cont.) F
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . .12-4
E85 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42 Fan
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-24
Electrical Equipment, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56 Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20
Electrical System Filter,
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . .5-14
Engine Compartment Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45 Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-36
Floor Console Fuse Block . . 10-50 Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-5
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Fuses and Circuit Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Running While Parked . . . . . . . .9-24
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-18
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44 Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-103
Engine Oil
Engine Fluid
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18 Automatic
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-35
Check and Service Engine Transmission . . . . . . . 10-11, 10-14
Enhanced Technology
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Compartment Overview . . . . . . .10-6 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20 Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Coolant Temperature Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-18
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15 Front Seats
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19 Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Cooling System Messages . . .5-34 Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-2
Front Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
INDEX i-5
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 G H
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-40
Gasoline Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . .9-42
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-40 Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-5
Filling a Portable Fuel
Gauges Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-44
Engine Coolant Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-43
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15 Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . .9-40
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . .5-14 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . .9-40
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13 Daytime Running
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12 Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-40
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12 Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Requirements, California . . . . .9-40
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . .5-27
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-36
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16 High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Fuel Economy
Warning Lights and Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10 Heater
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-88
General Information Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20
Fuses
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1 Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 8-1
Engine Compartment
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-45 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2 Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Floor Console Fuse Block . . 10-50
Glass, Enhanced Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-8
Fuses and Circuit Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
GM Mobility Reimbursement Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8 How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
i-6 INDEX
I L Lights
Airbag On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Idle System Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-53
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20 Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Antilock Brake System
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17 Lamps
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25
Ignition Transmission Lock Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-3
Brake System Warning . . . . . . .5-24
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35 Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Infants and Young Children, Exterior Lamps Off
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45 Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11 Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . .5-21
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . .5-16
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
J Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
StabiliTrak Indicator . . . . . . . . .5-25
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88 LATCH System
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Replacing Parts after a
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-58
K LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-37 Locks
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-52
Keyless Entry Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3 Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Lighting
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Entry/Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
INDEX i-7
i-8 INDEX
P Power R
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Park Radio Frequency
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Shifting into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-22 Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . . 13-19
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Shifting out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-23 Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Parking Radios
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . .9-21
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-34 AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Brake and P (Park) Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-36 Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . .9-23 Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Pregnancy, Using Safety
Parking Lamps Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-40 Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-36
Privacy
Passenger Airbag Status Rear Climate Control System . . . 8-6
Radio Frequency
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-19
Passenger Sensing System . . . 3-35 Rear Heating System . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Program
Perchlorate Materials Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Courtesy Transportation . . . . .13-11
Requirements, California . . . . . 10-3 Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Proposition 65 Warning,
Personalization Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-42 Recommended
Phone Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-40
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-24 Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
INDEX i-9
i-10 INDEX
INDEX i-11
i-12 INDEX
W Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Enhanced Technology
Warning
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . .5-24
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Warning Lights, Gauges,
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Swing-out Windows . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Windshield
Cautions and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Winter
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Wheels
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 10-36
Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-73
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-71
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-68
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . 3-50