ABS CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2016 User Guide

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Driving and Operating 125
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0142.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0141.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Driving and Operating 141
For other forms of grade braking, see
Automatic Transmission0137.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 079.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake:
1. Hold the regular brake pedal down. 2. Firmly push the parking brake
pedal down.
3. The brake system warning light will come on, if the ignition is on. See Brake
System Warning Light 078.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0156.
To release the parking brake: 1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull the handle with the parking brake symbol located just above the parking
brake pedal.
3. The brake system warning light will turn off, if the ignition is on.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
142 Driving and Operating
Driving with the parking brake applied will
cause a warning chime to sound and a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may display. Release the parking brake or
stop the vehicle.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 121.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path. Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically
when the vehicle is started. See Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) 0170.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
158 Driving and Operating
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, seeEngine
Overheating 0187.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Driving and Operating 159
Warning (Continued)
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
3. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
4. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer. 5. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the
parking brake and shift into P (Park).
6. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer from the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0245. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0187.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Vehicle Care 191
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 078.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0245.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0251.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0176 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. Always wear
eye protection. See Jump Starting - North
America 0230 for tips on working
around a battery without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Vehicle Care 199
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The fuse block is in the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle.
Vehicles with Upfitter Content
See www.gmupfitter.com for upfitter
provisions and best practices.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may damage
it. Always keep the covers on any
electrical component.
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown.Fuses Usage
1 ABS Motor Fuses Usage
2 ABS Module

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Vehicle Care 225
3. Assemble the jack and tools:Front Flat: Assemble the jack (1) together
with the jack handle (5), one or two
extension(s) (3), and the wheel
wrench (4).
Rear Flat: Assemble the jack (1) together
with the jack handle (5), two
extensions (3), and the wheel wrench (4).
Front Position
Front Position
Rear Position
Rear Alternative Position (Diesel Vehicles)
4. Position the jack under the vehicle, as shown.
The front position jacking point is on the
frame. The rear position jacking point is
on the rear axle.
If the exhaust system interferes with the
jack location in the rear axle, such as in
Diesel vehicles, place the jack (1) on the
rear axle between the axle housing and
the shock absorber bracket in order to
avoid any interference with the exhaust
pipe (2).

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
Vehicle Care 235
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle should not be towed with all
four wheels on the ground.
Dolly TowingCaution
Do not tow this vehicle with two wheels
on the ground, or vehicle damage could
occur. This damage would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
The vehicle was neither designed nor
intended to be towed with any of its wheels
on the ground. If the vehicle must be
towed, see Towing the Vehicle 0233.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0251.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
278 Index
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 249
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 116
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 41
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 41
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 40
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 45
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 45
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 193
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103