CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2007 Owners Manual

The automatic headlamp system automatically switches
from DRL to the headlamps depending on the
darkness of the surroundings.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior lamp control to the
off position and then release it. For vehicles first sold
in Canada, the transmission must be in the P (Park)
position, before the DRL can be turned off.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the headlamp
switch is in AUTO, the automatic headlamp system turns
on the headlamps, along with the taillamps, sidemarker,
parking lamps, roof marker lamps, and the instrument
panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then
release. For vehicles first sold in Canada, the
transmission must be in the P (Park) position, before
the automatic headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor or the
system will come on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage or tunnel.There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights
does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic
headlamp system is only affected when the light sensor
sees a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
30 seconds for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay, the
instrument panel cluster may not be as bright as usual.
Make sure the instrument panel brightness control is in
the full bright position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 4-11.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob for this feature is located next to the exterior
lamps control.
D(Instrument Panel Lights):Push the knob to
extend and then turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the instrument panel lights and the radio
display. This only works if the headlamps or parking
lamps are on.
To turn on the dome lamps, with the vehicle doors
closed, turn the knob all the way clockwise.
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Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened
or closed.
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the
exterior lamps control.
The dome lamp override sets the dome lamps to remain
off or come on automatically when a door is opened.
E(Dome Lamp Override):Press the button in and the
dome lamps remain off when a door is opened. Press the
button again to return it to the extended position so that
the dome lamps come on when a door is opened.
4-12

Entry/Exit Lighting
The vehicle has an illuminated entry/exit feature.
The dome lamps come on if the dome override button is
in the out position, when a door is opened or the key
is removed from the ignition.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps, press the button
located next to each lamp to turn it on or off.
The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. The lamps cannot be adjusted.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-44.
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Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they are left on
for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent the battery from
running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets
located on the instrument panel.
To use the accessory power outlet lift the cover. The
spring cap cover closes by itself when the outlet is
empty.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power plugs.Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug because the power outlets
are designed for accessory power plugs only.
4-14

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
For vehicles with an ashtray it is located in the center
console or on the instrument panel. Pull up on the
ashtray door to open it if it is in the console or pull the
door open it if it is on the instrument panel.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage the vehicle. Never put ammable items
in the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it out from the console or
from the slide out door. To reinstall the ashtray,
slide it back to the original position.
To use the cigarette lighter, if the vehicle has one, push
it in all the way, and let go. When it is ready for use,
it will pop back out by itself.
Do not use the lighter to plug in accessory devices.
Use the power outlets provided.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
9(Off):Turns the system off.
Temperature Control:Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.Vehicles Without Air Conditioning
4-15

Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the current airflow mode.
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets, with some air directed toward the
windshield.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield and side windows.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Outside air is directed to the floor and
defroster outlets. Adjust the temperature knob for
warmer or cooler air. The air conditioning compressor
might turn on in this setting to dehumidify the air.
1(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield, with
some to the floor outlets and front side windows. The air
conditioning compressor might turn on in this setting to
dehumidify the air.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.A. Fan Control
B. Temperature ControlC. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
needed for the vehicle to cool down and the system
operates more efficiently.
#(Air Conditioning):Cools and dehumidifies the air
inside of the vehicle.
V(Maximum Air Conditioning):Cools the air inside
the vehicle faster, by recirculating the inside air.Vehicles With Air Conditioning
4-16

Rear Window Defogger
For vehicles with a rear window defogger, a warming
grid is used to remove fog or frost from the rear window.
It only works when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger turns off several minutes
after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger will run for several more minutes before turning
off. The defogger can also be turned off by turning off
the engine.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the outlets located near the center and on the sides
of the instrument panel to change the direction of airflow.
Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into your vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
4-17

Rear Heating System
For vehicles with a rear heating system, it lets you adjust
the amount of air flowing into the rear of the vehicle, from
the front-seating area. This feature works with the main
climate-control system in the vehicle.
AUX:The thumbwheel for this system is located in the
switchbank below the audio system.
9(Fan):Turn the thumbwheel up or down to increase
or decrease the amount of heated air sent to the
rear-seating area.
Q(High):This position supplies the most amount of
heat to the rear-seating area.
c(Medium):This position supplies half the amount of
heat to the rear-seating area.
R(Low):This position supplies the least amount of
heat to the rear-seating area.
9(Off):Turns the rear heating system off.
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System
For vehicles with a rear heating and air-conditioning
system, it maintains the temperature, fan speed and air
delivery for the rear-seat passengers only. It also works
with the main climate-control system in the vehicle.
4-18

Use this control panel to maintain a separate
temperature setting. Adjust the direction of the airflow or
adjust the fan speed for the rear seat passenger(s).
A. Fan Control
B. Air Delivery Mode Control
C. Temperature ControlIf the vehicle has a 343 cm (135 inch) wheelbase, a
rear control panel for this system is located in the
second row behind the driver in the rear of the vehicle.
The temperature, air delivery mode, and the fan
speed can be adjusted for the rear seating area by a
rear seat passenger.
AUX (Auxiliary):Turn the fan knob on the front climate
control panel to AUX to let rear seat passengers use
the control panel in the rear seating area. This disables
the front control panel. To return control to the front
panel, move the fan knob out of AUX.
9:Turns the system off.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed in the
rear-seating area.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature in the rear-seating area.
The air-conditioning system on the main climate control
panel must be turned on to direct cooled air to the
rear of the vehicle. If it is not on, then the temperature
in the rear of the vehicle remains at cabin temperature. Front Climate Control Panel
Rear Climate Control Panel
4-19

Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow
in the rear seating area.
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the upper outlets, with
some directed to the floor outlets.
2(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets.
Be sure to keep the area under the front seats clear of
any objects so that the air inside of the vehicle can
circulate effectively.
For information on how to use the main climate control
system, seeClimate Control System on page 4-15.
For information on ventilation, seeOutlet Adjustment on
page 4-17.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there might be or there is
a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there might be or there is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to indicate a problem
with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
could be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
4-20