Fluid CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2007 1.G User Guide

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering fluid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick
with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at
the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the COLD FILL mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring
the level up to the mark.
To prevent contamination of brake fluid, never
check or fill the power steering reservoir with
the brake master cylinder cover off.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 415.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the
proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses
and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure
to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below freezing,
use a fluid that has sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid
until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 302
for reservoir location.
324

Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer
uid. Water can cause the solution to
freeze and damage your washer uid tank
and other parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as well
as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for uid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
the vehicle’s windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is
filled with DOT-3 brake
fluid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 302for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid
level in the reservoir might go down. The first
is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable
level during normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back
up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of
the brake system. If it is, you should have the
brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later the brakes will not work well.
So, it is not a good idea to top off the brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak.
325

If you add fluid when the linings are worn, then
you will have too much fluid when you get
new brake linings. You should add or remove
brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can
spill on the engine and/or fuel operated
heater parts, if equipped. If your vehicle
has a diesel engine and a fuel operated
heater, see “Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)”
in the diesel engine supplement. The uid
will burn if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake
Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to check the brake fluid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 405.
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking
off the cap.
Look at the brake fluid
reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN.
If it is not, have the brake
system checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not
over the MAX mark.
326

What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3
brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 415.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake system can
damage brake system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint nish can
be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 386.
327

All-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to
these vehicles. However, there are two additional
systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to check the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 405.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug
hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add
enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of
the filler plug hole. Use care not to overtighten
the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 415.
336

Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to check the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 405.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.If you have the 1500 Series, the proper level
is from 5/8 inch (15 mm) to 1 5/8 inch (40 mm)
below the bottom of the filler plug hole. The
proper level for the 2500 and 3500 Series is
from 0 to 1/4 (6 mm) below the bottom of the
filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to reach
the proper level.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 415.
337

Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to check the lubricant and when
to change it. SeeScheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 405.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should
be on a level surface.
If the level is below the
bottom of the filler plug
hole, you may need
to add some lubricant.When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level to 3/8 inch (10 mm) below the
filler plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 415.
Noise Control System
Tampering with Noise Control
System Prohibited
The following information relates to compliance
with federal noise emission standards for vehicles
with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of
more than 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg). The Maintenance
Schedule provides information on maintaining
the noise control system to minimize degradation
of the noise emission control system during
the life of your vehicle. The noise control system
warranty is given in your warranty booklet.
338

Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used
to remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning
is necessary, a clean soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can be used to gently
remove dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces. Many commercial
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect soft plastic surfaces may permanently
change the appearance and feel of your interior
and are not recommended. Do not use silicone or
wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss
on your instrument panel. The increase in
gloss may cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult to see
through the windshield under certain conditions.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you
do, it may severely weaken them. In a
crash, they might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During
very cold, damp weather frequent application may
be required. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 415.
385

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 415for more information. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate
level or as recommended in this manual.
See refrigerant charge label under the hood for charge capacity information and requirements.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant
charge amount, see the refrigerant
caution label located under the hood.
See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System
4300 V6 11.0 qt 10.4 L
4800 V8, 5300 V8, 5300 V8 Flexible Fuel 13.4 qt 12.7 L
6000 V8 14.8 qt 14.0 L
Cooling System with Rear Heat
4300 V6 14.0 qt 13.2 L
4800 V8, 5300 V8, 5300 V8 Flexible Fuel 16.4 qt 15.5 L
6000 V8 17.8 qt 17.0 L
398

Maintenance Schedule................................ 402
Introduction............................................... 402
Maintenance Requirements........................ 402
Your Vehicle and the Environment............ 402
Using the Maintenance Schedule............... 403
Scheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine).................................. 405
Additional Required Services
(Gasoline Engine).................................. 408
Maintenance Footnotes
(Gasoline Engine).................................. 409Owner Checks and Services..................... 411
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000 km).................. 411
At Each Fuel Fill....................................... 412
At Least Once a Month............................. 412
At Least Once a Year............................... 413
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants........ 415
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts................................. 417
Engine Drive Belt Routing......................... 418
Maintenance Record.................................. 419
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
401