maintenance CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1996 1.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine cooling system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is
a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and ,wipe
the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to
the mark.
To prevent brake fluid contamination, never check or fill
the power steering reservoir with the master cylinder
cover off.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants’’ in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
6-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brakes
Brake Fluid
I
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
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 norrnal 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 your brake
system fixed, since
a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct
a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll
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.
-- I
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid
will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work
is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”
in the Index.
6-26

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 7. With the door open, turn the bulb to the left to
remove
it. Install the new bulb.
5. Reverse the above steps to reinstall the lamp.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
See “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the
Index for the proper type
of replacement blade.
6-39

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear. If
unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New
Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” later in this section for
more information. If your vehicle has dual rear wheels,
also see “Dual Tire Operation’’ later in this section.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle: The first
rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
I FRT FRT
If your vehicle has single rear wheels, always use one of
the correct rotation patterns shown here when rotating
your tires.
II
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, always use one of
the correct rotation patterns shown here when rotating
your tires.
When you install dual wheels, be sure the vent holes in
the inner and outer wheels on each side are lined
up.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the
Certificationmire label. Make certain that all wheel nuts
are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque’’ in
the Index.
6-43

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control
can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on the underbody
parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust
system even though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or
an underbody vehicle washing system
can do this for
you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces
on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched
into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in
the paint job causes this, GM will
repair, at
no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new
vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
This applies only
to materials manufactured and sold by
General Motors. Bodies, body conversions
or equipment
not made or sold by General Motors are not covered.
6-58

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Capacities and Specifications
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing,
and are subject to change.
If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was
built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM truck dealer.
These specifications are for information
only. If you have any questions, see the service manual for the chassis or
refer to the body manufacturer’s publications.
Engine Identification -- Gasoline Engines
Type V6 V8
Engine
“VORTEC” 4300
“VORTEC” 5000
VIN Code w M
Fuel System SFI’ SFI
Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection
Wheel Nut Torque
MODEL TORQUE
All 122 ft-lb ( 165 N-m)
“VORTEC” 5700
V8
R
SFI’
2Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection “VORTEC”
7400
V8
J
SFI~
L LC

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
,EVEL AND CHANGE A:
RECOMMENDED
This section covers the maintenance required for your
vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.
GP” m
Protection
Plan
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See your
Wurranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
GM dealer for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle
in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase
the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and
to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain
your vehicle properly.
7-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have
the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center
do these jobs.
kerformmg maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous.
In trying to do some jobs, YOU can
be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have
a qualified
technician do the work.
If you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information
GM publishes. See “Service and Owner
Publications’’ in the Index.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever
you stop for fuel. It also
explains what
you can easily do to help keep your
vehicle
in good condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains
important inspections that your
GM dealer’s service
department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products
GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for
you
to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be
sure to write it down
in this part. This will help you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed
to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
7-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are 1iste.d in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these.
All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the
vehicle.
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a
few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances
all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or
you may drive
it to work, to do errands or in many
other ways.
Because of all the different ways people. use their GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you‘ll find
in the schedules in this section. So please read this
section and note how
you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle
in good
condition, see
your GM dealer.
This part tells you
the maintenance services you should
have done and when
you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts.
I nese schedules are for vehicles that:
0 carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You
will find these limits on your vehicle’s
CertificatiodTire label. See “Loading Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
0 are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
0 use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel“ in the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule
to follow:
Gasoline engine vehicles and diesel engine vehicles
have different maintenance requirements.
If you have a
diesel engine, follow
a schedule designated for diesel
engine vehicles only.
See the Diesel Engine Supplement for diesel engine
maintenance schedules.
7-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition -- Gasoline Engines
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
I
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle. (With some models, you should never
tow a trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in
the Index.)
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
your vehicle.
One of the reasons you should
follow this schedule (f
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cuuse engine oil to break
down soonex
Short Trip/City Intervals -- Gasoline Engines
Every
3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Drive
Axle Service (or 3 months, whichever
occurs first).
1
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles
(20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection,
if driving in dusty conditions. Shields and
Underhood Insulation Inspection (GVWR above
8,500 Ibs. only). Thermostatically Controlled Engine
Cooling Fan Check (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first). Front Wheel Bearing Repack (or at each
brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (vehicles over
8600 GVWR
or driven under severe conditions only).