parking brake CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2003 User Guide

To get the right reading, the uid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), drive the vehicle
in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold uid check can be made 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 ve minutes if outside temperatures are
50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the uid
level be low during this cold check, you must check the
uid hot before adding uid. Checking the uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the uid level.Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
5-20

Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
5-39

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning ashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured or even killed. Find a level place to
change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart
while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in
the vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
To be even more certain the vehicle will not
move, you should put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire, on the
other side, at the opposite end of the vehicle.
When you have a at tire, use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement of wheel blocks.
The following information will tell you next how to use
the jack and change a tire.
5-68

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage and rear driveline center splines.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap
and cleaning the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, hood
prop rod pivot, hood latch assembly, secondary
latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, latches, locks, fuel door hinge and
any moving seat hardware. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
6-8

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the
regular brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-24
if necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked
on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-24if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench dealer
for service.
6-11

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service
is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service
is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-12

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
6-13

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-40
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-40
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-71
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-72
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Battery..........................................................5-37
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-7
Parking......................................................2-24
System Warning Light..................................3-29
Brakes..........................................................5-34
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-7
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-49
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-48Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamps.................................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps....................................................5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-97
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-27, 4-24, 4-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-85
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-72
Your CD Player...........................................3-74
Your CDs ...................................................3-74
Cargo Door Relocking....................................... 2-8
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-49
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.......1-23, 1-24
Chains, Tire...................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-28
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Gages Warning Light...................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-89
2

Headlamps (cont.)
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Heater...........................................................3-18
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-37
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-33
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-58
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-4
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-38
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labelling, Tire Sidewall....................................5-53
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-16
Dome........................................................3-15
Dome Lamp Override...................................3-15
Exterior......................................................3-13
Reading.....................................................3-16
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-51
Light
Airbag Off..................................................3-26
Airbag Readiness........................................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-30
6

Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Manual Mirror..................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-30
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Noise Control System, Tampering......................5-45
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-15
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Gage............................................3-34
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System.............................................2-31
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20Outside
Camper-Type Mirrors....................................2-29
Convex Mirror.............................................2-30
Heated Mirrors............................................2-31
Manual Mirror.............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-30
Owner Checks and Services.............................6-10
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-25
Shifting Out of............................................2-26
Parking
Brake........................................................2-24
Over Things That Burn.................................2-27
Passing.........................................................4-12
Passlock
®......................................................2-18
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-37
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-19
Seat............................................................ 1-4
Steering Fluid.............................................5-32
Windows....................................................2-16
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-30
8