CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2008 1.G Owners Manual

When the headlamps are turned on while the vehicle is
on, the headlamps will turn off automatically 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned off. When the headlamps are
turned on while the vehicle is off, the headlamps will
continue to stay on. To prevent the battery from being
drained, turn the control to the off position.
A warning chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the ignition switch is off and the headlamps are on.
To change the headlamps from low beam to high
beam, push the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
the instrument panel.
Headlamps on Reminder
If a door is open, a reminder chime sounds when the
headlamps or parking lamps are manually turned on and
the key is out of the ignition. To turn off the chime,
turn the headlamp switch to off or auto and then back
on, or close and re-open the door. In the auto mode, the
headlamps turn off once the ignition is in LOCK/OFF
or may remain on until the headlamp delay ends,
if enabled in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
“Exit Lighting” underDIC Vehicle Customization on
page 3-60.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will come on in daylight when the
following conditions are met:
•The ignition is on.
•The exterior lamps control is in the AUTO position.
•The shift lever is not in PARK (P).
•The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, only the DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker, and other lamps will not
be on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp control to the
off position and then release it. For vehicles first sold in
Canada, the transmission must be in the PARK (P)
position, before the DRL can be turned off.
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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the headlamp switch
is in AUTO, the automatic headlamp system will turn on
the headlamps at the normal brightness along with other
lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps,
roof marker lamps, and the instrument panel lights. The
radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then
release. For vehicles first sold in Canada, the
transmission must be in the PARK (P) position, before
the automatic headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel. Be sure it is not covered, or the
system will be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street
lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
automatic headlamp system will only be affected when
the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting
longer than the delay.If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
30 seconds for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
the instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-16.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob for this feature is located next to the exterior
lamps control.
D(Instrument Panel Lights):Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten or dim
the instrument panel lights and the radio display.
This only works if the headlamps or parking lamps
are on.
To turn on the dome lamps, with the vehicle doors
closed, turn the knob all the way clockwise.
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Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located next to
the exterior lamps control, clockwise to the farthest
position. In this position, the dome lamps remain
on whether a door is opened or closed.
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the
exterior lamps control.
The dome lamp override is used to set the dome lamps
to remain off or come on automatically when a door
is opened.
E(Dome Lamp Override):Press the button in and
the dome lamps remain off when a door is opened.
Press the button again to return it to the extended
position so that the dome lamps come on when a door
is opened.
Entry/Exit Lighting
Your vehicle has an illuminated entry/exit feature.
When a door is opened or the key is removed from the
ignition, the dome lamps will come on if the dome
override button is in the out position.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps, press the button
located next to each lamp to turn it on or off.
Your vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn each one on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp. The lamps cannot be adjusted.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
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When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When the
state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage
or voltage display on the Driver Information Center (DIC),
you may see the voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, rear
window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they are left on
for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is in LOCK.
This will help prevent the battery from running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Your vehicle may have two accessory power outlets
located on the instrument panel.
To use the outlet lift the cover. The spring cap cover
closes by itself when the outlet is empty.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power plugs.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-18

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
If your vehicle has this feature it is located in the center
console or on the instrument panel. Pull up on the
ashtray door to open it if it is in the console or pull the
door open it if it is on the instrument panel.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it out from the console or
from the slide out door. To reinstall the ashtray,
slide it back to the original position.
To use the cigarette lighter, if the vehicle has one, push
it in all the way, and let go. When it is ready for use,
it will pop back out by itself.
Do not use the lighter to plug in accessory devices. Use
the power outlets provided.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for your vehicle
can be controlled with this system.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control:Turn the middle knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airflow inside of the vehicle.
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To change the current mode, select one of the following:
9(Off):This turns the system off.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs about half of the air
to the instrument panel outlets, then directs most of
the remaining air to the floor outlets. Some air may be
directed toward the windshield.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets with some air directed to the outboard
outlets (for the side windows) and some air directed to
the windshield.
The right knob can also be used to select the defrost
and defog modes. Information on defogging and
defrosting can be found later in this section.If your vehicle has air conditioning, your heating/air
conditioning controls will look like this:
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
needed for the vehicle to cool down and the system
operates more efficiently.
#(Air Conditioning):This setting will begin to cool
and dehumidify the air inside of the vehicle.
V(Maximum Air Conditioning):Turn the right knob to
Vfor maximum cooling. This setting cools the air the
fastest, by recirculating the inside air.
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Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control is used properly.
There are two modes to clear fog or frost from the
windshield and side windows.
Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or
moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost
mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield more
quickly in extremely cold conditions. For best results,
clear all snow and ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
Turn the knob on the right of the climate control panel
to select the defog or defrost mode. The temperature
knob should be in the red area and the fan control
toward high.
-(Defog):With this setting, the outside air comes
out of both the floor and defroster outlets. Adjust
the temperature knob for warmer or cooler air. The air
conditioning compressor may operate in this setting
to dehumidify the air.
1(Defrost):This setting operates the defroster.
Most of the air comes out near the windshield,
with some going to the floor outlets and front side
windows. The air conditioning compressor may operate
in this setting to dehumidify the air.Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
Some vehicles may have a rear window defogger.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to
turn the rear window defogger on or off. Be sure to clear
as much snow from the window as possible.
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window and only works
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
The rear window defogger turns off several minutes
after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger will run for several more minutes before turning
off. The defogger can also be turned off by pressing
the button again or by turning off the engine.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear window. Do not
adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the
rear glass. These actions may damage the rear
defogger. Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.
3-21

Outlet Adjustment
Use the outlets located near the center and on the sides
of the instrument panel to change the direction of
airflow.
Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into your 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 your vehicle more
effectively.
Rear Heating System
Your vehicle may have a rear heating system that
allows you to adjust the amount of air flowing into the
rear of the vehicle, from the front-seating area. This
feature works with the main climate-control system in
your vehicle.AUX:The thumbwheel for this system is located in the
switchbank below the audio system.9(Fan):Turn the thumbwheel up or down to increase
or decrease the amount of heated air sent to the
rear-seating area.
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Q(High):Turn the thumbwheel to this position to
supply the most amount of heat to the rear-seating area.
c(Medium):Turn the thumbwheel to this position
to supply half the amount of heat to the rear-seating
area.
R(Low):Turn the thumbwheel to this position to
supply the least amount of heat to the rear-seating area.
9(Off):Turn the thumbwheel to this position to
turn the rear heating system off.
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System
Your vehicle may have a rear heating and
air-conditioning system. This system regulates the
temperature, the fan speed and the air delivery for the
rear-seat passengers only. It also works with the
main climate-control system in your vehicle.Use this control panel when you would like to maintain
a separate temperature setting. Adjust the direction
of the airflow or adjust the fan speed for the rear seat
passenger(s).
If your vehicle has a 135 inch (343 cm) wheelbase, a
rear control panel for this system is located in the
second row behind the driver in the rear of your vehicle.Front Climate Control Panel
Rear Climate Control Panel
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A rear seat passenger can use this control panel to
personally adjust the temperature, the direction of the
airflow and the fan speed for the rear seating area.
The fan knob located on the front climate control panel
must be turned to AUX (Auxiliary) to let a rear seat
passenger use the control panel in the rear seating area.
Performing this action disables the front control panel.
To return control to this panel, move the fan knob out
of AUX.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed
in the rear-seating area.
9:This position turns the system off.
Mode Control:Turn the center knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow
in the rear seating area.To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the upper outlets,
with a little air directed to the floor outlets.
2(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets.
Temperature Control:Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature in the rear-seating area.
The air-conditioning system on the main climate control
panel must be turned on to direct cooled air to the
rear of the vehicle. If it is not on, then the temperature
in the rear of the vehicle remains at cabin temperature.
Be sure to keep the area under the front seats clear
of any objects so that the air inside of your vehicle can
circulate effectively.
For information on how to use the main climate control
system, seeClimate Control System on page 3-19.
For information on ventilation, seeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-22.
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