coolant CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2003 Owner's Manual

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kiloPascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-58.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identication Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
5-56

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.An Emission
Control Service.••
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.An Emission Control
Service. See footnotes † and (l).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-52.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Inspect shields, vehicles with GVWR above 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only.See
footnote (g).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (m).•
6-5

(g)Vehicles with GVWR above 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
only: Inspect shields for damage or looseness. Adjust or
replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control
Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold in the
United States.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-22for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition.
Check that the purge valve works properly (if equipped).
Replace as needed.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
6-9

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At the First 100, 1,000 and
6,000 Miles (160, 1 600
and 10 000km)
For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut
torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities and
Specications on page 5-97.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-52for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to turn the spare tire. If
it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-68.
6-10

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
6-13

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-49
Older Children.............................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Center Seat Position.........................1-53, 1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Outside Seat Position........................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-55
Top Strap...................................................1-46
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-47
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-74
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-88
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-86
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-86
Glass Surfaces............................................5-85
Instrument Panel.........................................5-85
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-85
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vinyl..........................................................5-85Cleaning (cont.)
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-86
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-87
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-21
Rear Heating System...................................3-20
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-28
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-31
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-36
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-37
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-15
Dome Lamps.................................................3-15
Door
60/40 Swing-Out Side Door...........................2-12
Cargo Door Relocking.................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-8
Rear Doors.................................................2-13
Sliding Side Door........................................2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-28
Winter........................................................4-24
Dual Tire Operation.........................................5-59
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-92
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-94
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-92
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-92
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-37
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-31
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-27
Fan Noise..................................................5-32
Fuel Regulator............................................2-20
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-24
Reduced Power Light...................................3-37
Speed Limiter.............................................3-24
Starting......................................................2-20
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-16
4

Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-74
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-67
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-68
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-80
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-32
Windshield Washer......................................5-33
Front Axle......................................................5-44
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-38
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Regulator...................................................2-20Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-94
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-92
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-31
Fuel..........................................................3-38
Oil Pressure...............................................3-34
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-28
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-92
Headlamps....................................................5-47
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-46
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
5