brake CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2010 Owner's Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
If the vehicle has the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A), the
5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4), or the 6.0L V8 engine
(VIN Code G), and the N15 flexible fuel option you can
use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on page 6-5.In
all other engines, use only the unleaded gasoline
described underGasoline Octane on page 6-6.
Vehicles that have the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A),
the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4), or the 6.0L V8 engine
(VIN Code G) and the N15 flexible fuel option have a
yellow fuel cap and can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85).
SeeFuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 6-8.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
•When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
•Combine several trips into a single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.:1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872)
TTY Users:1-888-889-2438
Canada:1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet, you are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides technically trained advisors who are
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, minor repair
information or towing arrangements.
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service
that includes online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner manual, special
privileges and more.
Sign up today at:www.gmownercenter.com/chevrolet
(U.S.) orwww.gm.ca(Canada).
1-18

{WARNING:
A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may
have also damaged important functions in the
vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may
be concealed damage that could make it difficult
to safely operate the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to restart the
engine after a crash has occurred.In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.•Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect you in
another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
•The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
SeeVehicle Data Recording and Privacy on
page 8-18andEvent Data Recorders on page 8-18.
•Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
2-69

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

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

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

Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Automatic Transmission)
Vehicles with a six speed automatic transmission
have a shift position indicator within the instrument panel
cluster.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily. When parked on a
hill, especially when the vehicle has a heavy load, you
might notice an increase in the effort to shift out of
P (Park). See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
underShifting Into Park on page 3-37for more
information.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 3-37. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-30.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice,
or sand without damaging the transmission, seeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 5-18.
3-27

N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
•Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next
gear and has more power.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load or driving on steep hills. You might want
to shift the transmission to a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding. See Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 5-10.
3-28

The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that adjusts
the transmission shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid upshifts and
downshifts. This shift stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the engine is
able to maintain vehicle speed by analyzing things such
as vehicle speed, throttle position, and vehicle load.
If the shift stabilization feature determines that a current
vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission
does not upshift and instead holds the current gear.
In some cases, this could appear to be a delayed shift,
however the transmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptive shift controls. Adaptive
shift controls continually compares key shift parameters
to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the
transmissions computer. The transmission constantly
makes adjustments to improve vehicle performance
according to how the vehicle is being used, such as with
a heavy load or when temperature changes. During this
adaptive shift control process, shifting might feel different
as the transmission determines the best settings.
The shift quality of a new vehicle may not be ideal
because the Adaptive Shift Control process may not
have determined the best settings for a particular shift or
condition. Shift quality will improve with continued
driving.When temperatures are very cold, the transmission’s
gear shifting could be delayed providing more stable
shifts until the engine warms up. Shifts could be more
noticeable with a cold transmission. This difference
in shifting is normal.
M (Manual Mode):This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If the vehicle has this feature, see Range
Select Mode later in this section.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal driving.
It reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive) without
using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third) instead of
D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads, when
towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears
and when going down a steep hill. See Range Select
Mode later in this section.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You
can use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle
speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but
then you would also want to use the brakes off and on.
See Range Select Mode later in this section.
If you manually select 2 (Second) in an automatic
transmission, the transmission will start in second gear.
You can use this feature for reducing the speed of
the rear wheels when you are trying to start the vehicle
from a stop on slippery road surfaces.
3-29

1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed without
using the brakes. You can use it for major/severe
downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise
accelerate due to steepness of grade. When you shift to
1 (First) it provides the lowest gear appropriate to
current road speed and continues to downshift as the
vehicle slows, eventually downshifting to 1 (First)
gear. The transmission can be held in 1 (First) gear
using Range Select Mode or the shift lever. See Range
Select Mode later in this section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Range Selection Mode
The vehicle may have a Range Selection Mode. The
Range Selection Mode helps control the vehicle’s
transmission and vehicle speed while driving down hill
or towing a trailer by letting you select a desired range of
gears.
3-30