check engine CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2002 Owner's Guide

6-21
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick has a red handle and is located
near the center of the engine compartment. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then 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
then 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 area,
below the cross
-hatched area, for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross
-hatched area for a hot check.
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.

6-23
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate
reading, the vehicle
should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids
and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 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, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.

6-25
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located near the center
of the engine compartment. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for more information
on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD, or a little higher.

6-26
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
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. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see
ªCooling Systemº in the Index.

6-28 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
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
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 contamination of brake fluid, never check or
fill the power steering reservoir with the brake master
cylinder cover off.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until
the tank is full.

6-30
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 ªtop offº 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.
CAUTION:
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. See ªChecking Brake Fluidº
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.

6-70 Wheel Nut Torque
MODEL TORQUE
All
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
Cooling System Capacity
ENGINE VIN QTY Without Rear Heater QTY With Rear Heater
ªVORTECº 4300 V6 W 11.0 quarts (10.4 L) 14.0 quarts (13.2 L)
ªVORTECº 5000 V8 M 17.0 quarts (16.0 L) 20.0 quarts (18.9 L)
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 17.0 quarts (16.0 L) 20.0 quarts (18.9 L)
ªVORTECº 8100 V8 G 23.0 quarts (21.8 L) 26.0 quarts (24.6 L)
After refill, the level MUST be checked as outlined under ªEngine Cooling Systemº in Section 5.
Engine Oil Capacity
ENGINE VIN Quantity
ªVORTECº 4300 V6 W 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
ªVORTECº 5000 V8 M 5.0 quarts (4.8 L)
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 5.0 quarts (4.8 L)
ªVORTECº 8100 V8 G 6.5 quarts (6.15 L)

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
taxi or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule
if you operate your vehicle under any of these
conditions is that these conditions cause engine oil
to break down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
At 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Drive Axle Service
(2500 and 3500 Series with locking differential only).
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 Fluid Check.
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Diesel Engine Only:
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in
dusty conditions. Drive Axle Service When Towing
(2500 and 3500 Series only). Gasoline Engine Only:
Noise Shields Inspection (GVWR above 10,000 lbs.
only). Diesel Engine Only: Shields and Underhood
Insulation Inspection. Diesel Engine Only:
Thermostatically Controlled Engine Cooling Fan
Check (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Diesel Engine Only: Air Intake System Inspection.
Front Wheel Bearing Repack (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first).

Scheduled Maintenance
7-6
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 24,000 Miles (40 000 km): Diesel Engine Only:
Fuel Cap Replacement, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Diesel Engine
Only: Engine 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 or equipped with
diesel engine).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. If Equipped: Exhaust Gas
Recirculation System Inspection. Gasoline Engine
Only: Evaporative Control System Inspection. Diesel
Engine Only: Crankcase Depression Regulator Valve
(CDRV) System Check.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Gasoline Engine
Only: Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Gasoline Engine
Only: Spark Plug Replacement. Gasoline Engine
Only: Automatic Transmission Service (normal
conditions). Gasoline Engine Only (Except 8.1L V8):
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-7
Long Trip/Highway Definition
Follow this scheduled maintenance only if none of
the conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty
area or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions will cause engine oil to break
down slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Drive Axle Service
(2500 and 3500 Series with locking differential only).
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Drive Axle Fluid Check. Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Gasoline Engine
Only: Noise Shields Inspection (GVWR above
10,000 lbs. only). Diesel Engine Only: Shields
and Underhood Insulation Inspection. Diesel Engine
Only: Thermostatically Controlled Engine Cooling
Fan Check (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Diesel Engine Only: Air Intake
System Inspection.