engine CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2010 User Guide

Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Automatic Transmission)............3-27
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Four Speed Automatic Transmission)..........3-32
Tow/Haul Mode ............................................3-34
Parking Brake..............................................3-36
Shifting Into Park..........................................3-37
Shifting Out of Park......................................3-38
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................3-39
Engine Exhaust............................................3-40
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................3-41Mirrors...........................................................3-42
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................3-42
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................3-42
Outside Towing Mirrors..................................3-42
Outside Power Mirrors...................................3-43
Outside Convex Mirror...................................3-43
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................3-44
Storage Areas................................................3-44
Section 3 Features and Controls
3-2

The horn may chirp whenQis pressed again within
five seconds. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on
page 4-52for additional information.
K(Unlock):Press to unlock the driver door. IfKis
pressed again within five seconds, all remaining
doors unlock.
The interior lamps come on and stay on for 20 seconds
or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled through
the DIC, the parking lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 4-52for additional information.
j(Cargo Door):Press to unlock only the cargo
doors.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):For vehicles with this
feature, press
Qand then press and hold/within
five seconds to start the engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle Start
on page 3-7for additional information.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate the vehicle. The turn signal lamps flash and
the horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
Lfor more than two seconds to
activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds.
The alarm turns off when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
Lis pressed again. The ignition must be
in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to the
Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will
work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement
can be purchased and programmed through your
dealer/retailer. When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to the vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be programmed. Any lost or stolen transmitters
no longer work once the new transmitter is programmed.
Each vehicle can have up to four transmitters
programmed to it. See “Relearn Remote Key” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 4-37for instructions on
how to match RKE transmitters to your vehicle.
3-5

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems. SeeClimate Control System on
page 4-15for additional information.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 3-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This button will be on the
RKE transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the engine using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the remote
vehicle start button for four seconds or until the
vehicle’s turn signal lamps flash.
When the vehicle’s engine starts, the parking lamps
will turn on and remain on while the engine is
running. The vehicle’s doors will be locked. The
airbag readiness light will be on during a remote
start. It should turn off when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 4-23for more information.
3. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the
ignition switch and turned to ON/RUN.
3-7

The maximum number of remote starts between ignition
cycles with the key is two.
If the remote start procedure is used again before the
first 10 minute time frame has ended, the first
10 minutes will immediately expire and the second
10 minute time frame will start.
After your vehicle’s engine has been started two times
using the remote start button, the vehicle’s ignition
switch must be turned to ON/RUN and then back to
LOCK/OFF using the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
To manually shut off the engine after a remote start:
•Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and
press the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
•Turn on the hazard warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
•Insert the vehicle’s key into the ignition switch and
turn the switch to ON/RUN and then back to
LOCK/OFF.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:
•The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
•The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
•The vehicle’s hood is open
•The hazard warning flashers are on.
•There is an emission control system malfunction.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-30.
•The engine coolant temperature is too high.
•The oil pressure is low.
•Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided.
3-8

PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-20for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.The security light will come on if there is a problem with
arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security message
comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the instrument panel PASS
KEY fuse. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the first key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 6-110.
3-20

It is possible for the PASS-Key®III+ decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up
to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. This
procedure is for learning additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost or do not operate,
you must see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new key:
1. Verify the new key has
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key into the
ignition lock cylinder and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your dealer/retailer
for service.3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
ON/RUN within 10 seconds of removing the
previous key.
The security message will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that
the security message went on due to how quickly
the key is programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key
®III+ key, see your
dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
3-21

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 5-30for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
and the regular brake pedal applied.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. You will only be able to remove the key
when the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it
is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand.
If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your
dealer/retailer.
3-22

B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate things like the radio and the windshield
wipers when the engine is off.
C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The
switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
•Audio System
•Power Windows (if equipped)
These features will work when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned
from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, power to the radio will
continue to work 10 minutes or until the driver door is
opened. The power windows will continue to work for up
to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
To place the transmission in the proper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The
engine will not start in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
3-23

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let
go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
3-24

Fast Idle System
Fast Idle System with Switch
If the vehicle has this feature it is available only with
cruise control. The manual fast idle switch is operated
using the cruise control buttons located on the left
hand side of the steering wheel.
This system can be used to increase engine idle speed
whenever the following conditions are met:
•The park brake is set.
•The brake pedal is not pressed.
•The vehicle must not be moving and the accelerator
must not be pressed.
To control the fast idle:
•To Enable the Fast idle, press and release the
Cruise Control On/Off button and ensure that
the LED is lit.
•For the preset Fast Idle, press and release the
cruise set switch. This will set the preset fast
idle speed.
•For the variable fast idle, press and hold the
accelerator at the desired RPM, then press
and release the cruise control cruise set switch to
set the desired idle speed.When the fast idle is active the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display “FAST IDLE ON.”
One of the following actions will turn off the fast idle:
•Pressing the brake.
•Selecting the Cancel button.
•Releasing the Parking Brake.
•The transmission shifter is moved out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral).
•Selecting the cruise control on/off button when it
was previously on.
Engine Coolant Heater
If the vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the
DURAMAX Diesel manual for more information.
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged
in at least four hours before starting. An internal
thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist which
will prevent engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
3-25