power steering CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2012 User Guide

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
Driving and Operating 9-15
This position locks the ignition and
transmission.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9-29.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
{Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This is the
position in which you can operate
things like the radio and the
windshield wipers when the engine
is off.
3 (ON/RUN): This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
9-16 Driving and Operating
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.
4 (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.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement. 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.
{Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9-54.
{Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
{Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
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.
When the Low Fuel warning
lamp is on and the FUEL LEVEL
LOW message is displayed in
the Driver Information Center

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
9-18 Driving and Operating
.Selecting the cruise control on/
off button when it was
previously on.
.Pressing the cruise control SET-
button a second time.
.Pressing the accelerator more
than one-quarter of the
way down.
.Turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
Engine Heater
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
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−18°C (0°F). 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
−18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The cord for the engine coolant
heater is located on the driver
side of the engine compartment
and is attached to the hose for
the power steering reservoir.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do not
use it. See your dealer for a
replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an electric
shock.
.Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension cord
in good operating condition,
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
(Continued)

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 10-8
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-12
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-20
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Noise Control System . . . . . . 10-25
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-26
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-27
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . 10-32
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-33
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
10-6 Vehicle Care
1.Battery on page 10-24.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10-14.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System on page 10-14.
4. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on
page 10-9.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10-6.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10-6.
7. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10-12.
8. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10-20.
9. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid on
page 10-23. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10-21.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10-8.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10-5 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
10-20 Vehicle Care
If there is still no sign of steam,
push down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still on, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood, get service help right away.
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or makingextra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when
starting the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5
for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
Vehicle Care 10-21
The level should be at the COLD
FILL 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
{Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may
damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11.
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-11. Always
use the proper fluid. Failure to use
the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the 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. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5 for reservoir location.
{Caution
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
Vehicle Care 10-37
Mini Fuse Usage14 Windshield Washer
16 Horn
17 Transmission
18 Air Conditioning Compressor
19 Engine Control Module Battery
20 Spare
21 Left Stop/Turn Trailer
22 Spare
23 Spare
24 Fuel Pump
25 Auxiliary Power Outlet
26 Body Control Module 3
27 Special Equipment Option
28 Airbag Mini Fuse Usage
29 Steering Wheel Sensor
30 Engine Control Module Ignition/
Glow Plug Module
31 Transmission Control Module
Ignition
32 Transmission Control Module
Battery
33 Rear Parking Aid Module
34 Spare
35 Fuel Operated Heater Module
36 Fuel System Control Module
Battery
51 Left High-Beam Headlamp Mini Fuse Usage
52 Right High-Beam Headlamp
53 Left Low-Beam Headlamp
54 Right Low-Beam Headlamp
55 Wiper
56 Canister Vent Solenoid
58 Body Control Module 2
59 Body Control Module 1
61 Spare
62 Oxygen Sensor 2 (Post), EV Fan
(Diesel)
63 Spare
64 Mass Air Flow/ Canister Vent

Black plate (84,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
10-84 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
For 2500/3500 Series vehicles, at
least every other engine oil change
lubricate the upper and lower
control arm ball joints.For 2500/3500 Series vehicles
equipped with steering linkage, at
least every other engine oil change
lubricate the tie rod ball joints, idler
arm pivot shaft bearings, idler arm
socket, and pitman arm socket.
{Caution
Lubrication of applicable Steering/
Suspension points should not be
done unless temperature is -12°C
(10°F) or higher, or damage could
result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, Spring and
Fall, use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707481) - 2015 - CRC - 4/30/14
11-6 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Lubricate the steering linkage (7).@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (1)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (2)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with
AWD. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)@
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition. (2)
Or every four years, whichever
comes first.
(3) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the
seals and contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer
case and should be replaced.
(4)
Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on
page 10-14.