CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2006 Owners Manual

Turn the tow/haul mode on and off by pressing the
button, located to the right of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel. When tow/haul is on, a light on
the instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 4-35for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer on
page 5-30for more information.
Grade Braking (Six Speed Automatic
Transmission)
The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated by
pressing the tow/haul button on the dash. While
in Range Selection Mode, Grade Braking is deactivated
allowing the driver to select a desired range of gears.
Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Mode is
selected and you are not in the Range Selection
Mode. See “Tow/Haul Mode listed previously and
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed Automatic
Transmission) on page 3-27orAutomatic Transmission
Operation (Four Speed Automatic Transmission) on
page 3-32for more information on the Range Selection
Mode. Grade Braking assists in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on downhill grades
by automatically shifting to lower gears when the driver
desires to slow the vehicle by applying the brake.
This reduces wear on the braking system and increases
control of the vehicle.
Also seeTowing a Trailer on page 5-30for more
information.
3-35

Cruise Grade Braking (Six Speed
Automatic Transmission)
Cruise Grade Braking operates only while cruise control
is engaged in Tow/Haul mode. Cruise Grade Braking
assists in maintaining desired vehicle speeds when
driving on downhill grades in cruise control by
automatically shifting to lower gears when the cruise set
speed is exceeded.
While in the Range Selection Mode (RSM) mode, cruise
grade braking is not available.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed
Automatic Transmission) on page 3-27orAutomatic
Transmission Operation (Four Speed Automatic
Transmission) on page 3-32.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal,
then push down the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on.
3-36

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above
the parking brake pedal, with the parking brake symbol,
to release the parking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-30.Shifting Into Park
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 5-30.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-36
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift
lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
3-37

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you move
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away
from P (Park) without first pulling it toward you. If
you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked
into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
vehicle into P (Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle
may put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of P (Park). This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift
into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver
seat. To find out how, seeShifting Into Park on
page 3-37.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply the brakes before
you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Automatic Transmission) on page 3-27or
Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed
Automatic Transmission) on page 3-32.
3-38

The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
•Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in P (Park).
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is always functional except
in the case of a dead battery or low voltage (less
than 9 V) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 6-44for more information.
To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park)
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have the
vehicle serviced.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{WARNING:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
3-39

Engine Exhaust
{WARNING:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
•The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).
•The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
•The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
•The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modified, damaged or improperly repaired.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modifications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
•Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
•Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
3-40

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-40.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 3-37.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 5-30.
3-41

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for
a clearer view behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Push the tab
forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
If you have a cargo van without the rear door glass, the
vehicle may not have an inside rearview mirror.
Outside Manual Mirrors
Adjust the mirrors by pressing the mirror up and down
and left and right so you can see a little of the side of your
vehicle, and have a clear view of objects behind you.
The mirrors can be manually folded in or out.
On the lower portion of each mirror is an auxiliary
convex mirror. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so
you can see more from the driver seat. The auxiliary
convex mirrors can be adjusted manually by pressing
the mirror.
Outside Towing Mirrors
Vehicles with towing
mirrors can be adjusted
manually for a clear view of
the objects behind you.
On the lower portion of each mirror there is an auxiliary
convex mirror that can be adjusted manually to
provide an extended field of view.
The mirrors can be manually folded in or out.
3-42

Outside Power Mirrors
Vehicles with outside
power mirrors have
controls located on the
driver side door.
Select each mirror by turning the knob clockwise for the
passenger side mirror or counterclockwise for the
driver side mirror. The center position is neutral.
Then, adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob in the
desired direction. The auxiliary convex mirrors can
only be adjusted manually.
Outside Convex Mirror
{WARNING:
A convex mirror can make things, like other
vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If
you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
3-43

Outside Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
<(Rear Defogger):Press to heat the mirrors.
An indicator light in the button lights when the outside
heated mirrors are activated.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underClimate Control
System on page 4-15for more information.
Storage Areas
Your 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.
3-44