check transmission fluid CHEVROLET CITY EXPRESS 2017 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 169
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0190.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes
should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
0188.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise

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Driving and Operating 205
If parking the rig on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the 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 brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0298.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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214 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 215
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 215
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 221
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 225
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 232
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Battery - North America . . . . . . 236
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 237
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 238
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 239Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 242
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 244
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 244
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 245
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 246 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 250
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 271

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Vehicle Care 219
1.Battery - North America 0236.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0226.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System 0226.
4. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid 0222.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0219.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0219.
7. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0225.
8. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid 0232.
9. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 234.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 233.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0221.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0218 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when

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222 Vehicle Care
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Turn the ignition key to ON/ RUN with the engine off. 2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal slowly three
times within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, use the following
procedures to check the fluid level.
However, if there is a large leak, it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further. Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in
Maintenance
Schedule 0298, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0306.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid
level increases with temperature. To
obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur.
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care 223
Caution (Continued)
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the
engine off, before checking the
transmission fluid level if the vehicle
has been driven:
. In hot weather, when outside
temperatures are above 32 °C
(90 °F).
. The vehicle is heavily loaded.
. At high speed for quite a while in
hot weather.
. In heavy traffic and hot weather.
. While pulling a trailer.
After driving under these conditions,
a hot check can be performed. The
fluid should be hot, which is 71 °C to
93 °C (160 °F to 200 °F). A cold fluid level check can be
performed after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more
with the engine off, but this is used
only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if the
outside temperature is between 15 °
C to 32 °C (60 °F to 90 °F). Should
the fluid level be low during this cold
check, the fluid must be checked
warm or hot before adding fluid.
If the outside temperature is colder
than 15 °C (60 °F) or hotter than 32 °
C (90 °F), a cold check cannot be
performed.
A warm fluid level check can be
performed by driving the vehicle
under lightly loaded conditions and
outside temperatures between 10 °C
to 27 °C (50 °F to 80 °F). The
vehicle should be driven for at least
24 km (15 mi) before performing a
warm check. Checking the fluid
warm or hot will give a more
accurate reading of the fluid level
than a cold check.
Because the vehicle is equipped
with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
cooler, the transmission fluid
temperature may not reach therequired hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly
loaded driving vehicle conditions.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With a foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through
each gear range, pausing for
about three seconds in each
range. When M is reached,
move the selector from M1
through M3. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for two minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.

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224 Vehicle Care
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 218 for more information on
location.
1. COLD Range
2. WARM Range
3. HOT Range
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the dipstick, and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and pull it back
out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in
the COLD (1) range for a cold
check, transmission
temperature 27 °C to 32 °C
(80 °F to 90 °F); between the
COLD (1) and HOT (3) range
for a WARM (2) check, 50 °C to
60 °C (122 °F to 140 °F); or in
the HOT (3) cross-hatched
range for a hot check, 71 °C to
93 °C (160 °F to 200 °F). Be
sure to keep the dipstick
pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0306 to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use.
1. WARM Range
2. HOT Range
Using a funnel, add fluid down the
transmission dipstick tube only after
checking the transmission fluid
while it is warm or 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 middle of the WARM (1) or
HOT (2) range depending on the
ambient temperature and prior
driving conditions. Refer to “How to
Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid” earlier in this section for
instructions on driving to achieve
warm or hot transmission fluid.

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Vehicle Care 225
It does not take much fluid,
generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt). Do
not overfill.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0306.
. 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 Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on
the front of the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 218.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0298.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
filter housing open. Before removing
the engine air filter, make sure that
the engine air filter housing and
nearby components are free of dirt
and debris. Remove the engine air
filter. Lightly tap and shake the
engine air filter (away from the
vehicle) to release dust and dirt.
Inspect the engine air filter for
damage, and replace if damaged.
Do not clean the engine air filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
6.0L V8 Engine Shown, 4.8L V8 Engine Similar
1. Retaining Clips
2. Housing Base
3. Housing Cover
To inspect and replace the filter:
1. Unlock the two retaining clips (1) on the sides of the
housing cover (3) and on the
housing base (2) and pull the
cover off.
2. Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing base. Take
care to dislodge as little dirt as
possible.

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232 Vehicle Care
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when
starting the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0218 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
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. 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.

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Service and Maintenance 299
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0221.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0265.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0219 and
Engine Oil Life System 0221. .
Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0227.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0233.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0288. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 239.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0260.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0265.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 225.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0288. .
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0288.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 054.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0288.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0238.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0238.