check engine light CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2004 1.G User Guide

Check Gages Warning Light
This light will come on briey when you are starting the
engine.
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
check your coolant temperature and engine oil
pressure gages to see if they are in the warning zones.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about
how much fuel you have left in your tank.
The gage will rst indicate empty before you are out of
fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as
possible. United States
Canada
United StatesCanada
3-41

Anti-lock Brake System
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-32.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
4-7

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can not see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery (or batteries) charged. You will
need a well-charged battery (or batteries) to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your
headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
4-30

Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting GM
Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage not covered by your
warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil
Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A Change Engine Oil light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine GM
parts and reset the system. It is also important to check
your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-16

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Using a funnel, add uid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission uid while it
is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If the
uid level is low, add only enough of the proper uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn’t take much uid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L).Don’t overll.
Notice:We recommend you use only uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, because uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by uid other than DEXRON
®-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-22

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, hood
prop rod pivot, hood latch assembly, secondary
latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, latches, locks, fuel door hinge and
any moving seat hardware. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.(g)Vehicles with GVWR above 10,000 lbs. 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.
6-8

Cargo Vans with a Passenger Air Bag and
without an Air Bag Off Switch........................1-40
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-58
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-58
CD Messages................................3-50, 3-61, 3-72
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp.........................3-16
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-24, 1-25
Chains, Tire...................................................5-74
Charging System Light....................................3-30
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-34
Gages Warning Light...................................3-41
Check Engine Light.........................................3-34
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-40
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-98
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-43
Infants and Young Children...........................1-36
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-53
Older Children.............................................1-34
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System......................1-55, 1-56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Seat Position...................................1-61, 1-62
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-58Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-65
Top Strap...................................................1-50
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-51
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-46
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-75
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-92
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-95
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-98
Weatherstrips..............................................5-95
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-97
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-96
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-92
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-94
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-94
Cleaning Leather............................................5-94
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-94
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.........5-97
Cleaning Tires................................................5-97
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-94
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-22
Rear Heating System...................................3-22
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-101
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-102
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-101
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-101
Electronic Road-Speed Governor.......................3-26
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-37
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-42
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-34
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Fan Noise..................................................5-36
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Reduced Power Light...................................3-40
Starting......................................................2-21
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.....................5-103
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10Exit Lighting...................................................3-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-33
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station.......3-54, 3-64
Finding a Station....................3-44, 3-46, 3-51, 3-62
Finish Care....................................................5-96
Finish Damage...............................................5-98
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-75
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Floor Console Fuse Block..............................5-102
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM ...............................................................3-73
Following Distance..........................................4-48
Front Axle......................................................5-50
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
5

Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuel Regulator................................................2-22
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-102
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-101
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-34
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-37
Speedometer..............................................3-26
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-30
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer.................... 3-9
Headlamp Wiring...........................................5-101
Headlamps....................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-25
Hitches..........................................................4-46
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-30
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-33
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydroplaning..................................................4-20
6

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-35
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-36
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-29
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-31
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-39
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-36
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-66
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror......................2-32
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-25
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-16
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-16
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-25
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-15
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-53
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System......................1-55, 1-56
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running......2-28
Light
Air Bag Off .................................................3-28
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-32
Brake System Warning.................................3-31
Change Engine Oil......................................3-38
Charging System.........................................3-30
Check Gages Warning.................................3-41
Cruise Control.............................................3-39
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator..................3-40
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-34
Reduced Engine Power................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-27
Security.....................................................3-39
Stabilitrak
®Indicator.....................................3-33
Stabilitrak®Not Ready..................................3-33
7