tow CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1999 Owner's Manual

2-33
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time,
but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the
other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Horn
Press the horn symbol in the middle of the steering
wheel to sound the horn.

2-35 Turn and Lane Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the turn
or lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
at twice the normal rate, a signal bulb may be burned
out and other drivers may not see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned
-out bulbs and a blown
fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index).
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high
to low, pull the multifunction lever all the way toward
you. Then release it.
When the high beams
are on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
also will be on.

2-45 Reading Lamps (Option)
If your vehicle has reading lamps, press the button next
to the lamp to turn the lamp on or off.
Mirrors
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
Pull the tab under the mirror toward you to reduce
glare from headlamps behind you after dark. Push the
tab away from you to restore the mirror to the
original position.
Outside Mirrors
Adjust your outside mirrors so you can see a little of
the side of your vehicle, and have a clear view of objects
behind you. Some mirrors can be folded in to enter
narrow passageways.

2-48
1. To adjust the mirrors
when towing a trailer,
turn the mirror by
pushing the mirror
head toward the
front of the vehicle.2. Turn the mirror
head so that it swings
further outboard and
adjust the mirror
surface as needed.

2-59 Brake System Warning Light
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on when you set your parking brake. The light
will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release fully.
If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released,
it means you have a brake problem.
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
United States CanadaThis light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's
a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.

2-63
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:

Reducing vehicle speed.

Avoiding hard accelerations.

Avoiding steep uphill grades.

If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,
see ªIf the Light Is On Steadyº following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see ªIf the Light
Is On Steadyº following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. See ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

2-65 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine Soon Light) (Check Engine Light)
(8.1L Gasoline Engine -- Except California)
United States Canada
If this light comes on or flashes while you are driving,
two things may happen.
First, you won't notice any difference in engine
performance, but your tail pipe emissions may increase.
Second, your engine may not run properly or may stall
without warning. If either of these things happen, drive
or tow your vehicle to your dealer for service.This light should come on when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is
working. If it does not come on at all, have it repaired.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
Reduced Engine Power
The REDUCED ENGINE
POWER light will come
on when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot
and the engine further
enters the engine coolant
protection mode.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index for
further information.

3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you.
With these systems, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle.
System Controls
If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, your
controls will look like this.Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the system control panel
regulates the fan speed. The knob has four speed
positions. To increase airflow, turn the knob toward HI.
To decrease airflow, turn it toward LO. To turn the fan
off, turn the mode knob on the far right to OFF.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel regulates the
temperature of the air flowing into the passenger area of
your vehicle. This knob will allow you to adjust the
relative air temperature independently of the function
knob setting. Turn the knob toward the red area for
warmer air. Turn the knob toward the blue area for
cooler air.

3-4
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the control panel regulates
the fan speed. The knob has four speed positions. To
increase airflow, turn the knob toward HI. To decrease
airflow, turn it toward LO. To turn the fan off, turn the
mode knob on the far right to OFF.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select
the temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
compartment of your vehicle. This knob will allow you
to adjust the air temperature independently of the
function knob setting. Turn the knob toward the red
area for warmer air. Turn the knob toward the blue
area for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel changes the
heater/air conditioning setting.
MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning): Turn the
right knob to MAX A/C for maximum cooling. This
setting puts the system in the recirculation mode and
helps to maximize your air conditioner's performance
and your vehicle's fuel economy. This setting also coolsthe air the fastest. After the vehicle's interior reaches a
comfortable temperature, turn the knob clockwise to
place the air conditioning system in the A/C mode.
A/C (Air Conditioning): This setting is used for normal
cooling on hot days. It cools outside air and directs it
through the instrument panel outlets.
(Bi-Level Air Conditioning): This setting divides
airflow between the floor vents and instrument panel
vents. The air conditioning compressor will cycle
continuously in this setting as long as the outside air
temperature is warm enough to activate the compressor.
(Vent): This setting directs air through the
instrument panel vents.
(Floor): This setting directs air through the
floor vents.
(Floor/Defrost): This setting divides airflow
between the floor vents and the windshield. In the
blended position, the air conditioning compressor is
automatically activated to dehumidify the air.
(Defrost): This setting directs air through the
windshield defroster vents. It is useful when you have
fog or ice on the windshield.

3-5 Rear Heater (Without Air Conditioning)
(If Equipped)
If you have a rear heater (without rear air conditioning),
the thumbwheel for this feature is located on the
instrument panel.
To increase and decrease the flow of heated air to the
rear floor vents, turn the thumbwheel marked HEAT to
the desired fan speed.
The thumbwheel has three positions. To increase the
flow of heated air, turn the thumbwheel toward HIGH.
To turn the fan off, turn the thumbwheel to OFF.
Rear Air Conditioning and Rear Heater
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has a rear air conditioning and rear
heater system combination, controls are provided
to regulate the temperature, location and speed of
the airflow.
Front Passenger Control
To adjust the air temperature, turn the temperature knob
on the right side of the control panel.