overheating CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSANGER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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.
3-19

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
If you have the
StabiliTrak®system, this
light will be on or flashing,
according to the
description table for the
StabiliTrak
®system.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-5.
You will hear three chimes if the light turns on and one
chime if the light turns off.
If this light remains on steady, your vehicle needs to be
taken in for service.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. It also
provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
will read 210°F (100°C) or less. If you are pulling a load
or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
fluctuate and approach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the
gage reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27.
United StatesCanada
3-36

ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message
displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the oil
level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let the
vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure
this message clears. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
on page 5-15for additional information.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27
for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-36.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27
for more information.This message displays and a chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for
operation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating
temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine
further enters the engine coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 5-27for further information.
This message also displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays if the fuel level is low. Refuel as
soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-43and
Fuel on page 5-5for more information.
3-54

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message may
display and the StabiliTrak®indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the
vehicle and exceeding 20 mph (32 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak
®system is not functional until the
light has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-5for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays
when you turn off StabiliTrak®, or when the stability
control has been automatically disabled. To limit wheel
spin and realize the full benefits of the stability
enhancement system, you should normally leave
StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak®
off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or
snow and you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to
free it, or if you are driving in extreme off-road conditions
and require more wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-19. To turn
the StabiliTrak
®system on or off, seeStabiliTrak®
System on page 4-5.There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
•One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
•The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-34.
•The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
•The message displays if an engine or vehicle
related problem has been detected and the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
•The message also displays if the vehicle is shifted
into 4LO.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
3-58

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays along with a chime if the
transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with
the transmission fluid temperature high can cause
damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This message clears
and the chime stops when the fluid temperature reaches
a safe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
WAIT TO START
This message displays briefly when the theft-deterrent
system has initially found incorrect conditions within
the vehicle and is making a double check. If your vehicle
does not start soon after, try to start it again. If it still
does not start, have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that
allow you to program certain features to one preferred
setting. Customization features can only be programmed
to one setting on the vehicle and cannot be programmed
to a preferred setting for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
To change customization preferences, use the following
procedure.
3-60

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or a lower gear under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet. Then turn your wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-40

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)..........................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Cooling System............................................5-29
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Noise Control System.....................................5-48
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-52
Taillamps.....................................................5-53
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-54
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission fluid while it
is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If
the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a
hot check. It does not take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, 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 5-27.
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.
5-24

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on
hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are
hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot
engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-29.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator pressure cap is located near the
center of the engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage
on your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-36for more information.
5-27

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty
booklet for details.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much exing. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20.
Underinated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a
pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if
your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into the
sidewall. The following illustrations are examples
of a typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall.
5-56