ignition CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2016 User Guide

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
42 Seats and Restraints
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors (if equipped
with power door locks), turn on the interior
lamps and hazard warning flashers, and shut
off the fuel system after the airbags inflate.
The feature may also activate, without
airbag inflation, after an event that exceeds
a predetermined threshold. After turning the
ignition off and then on again, the fuel
system will return to normal operation; the doors can be locked, the interior lamps can
be turned off, and the hazard warning
flashers can be turned off using the controls
for those features. If any of these systems
are damaged in the crash they may not
operate as normal.
{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 front
outboard 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. See
Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0268 and
Event Data Recorders 0268.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Airbag On-Off Switch
If the instrument panel has one of the
switches pictured in the following
illustrations, the vehicle has an airbag on-off
switch that you can use to manually turn
on or off the front outboard passenger
airbag. No other airbag is affected by the
airbag on-off switch.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15555951) - 2022 - CRC - 1/27/22
44 Seats and Restraints
United States
Canada and MexicoTo turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, insert the ignition key into
the airbag on-off switch, push in, and move
the switch to the OFF position.
The airbag OFF light will come on and stay
on to let you know the front outboard
passenger airbag is off. See
Airbag On-Off
Light 076. The front outboard passenger
airbag will remain off until you turn it back
on again.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. For example, the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag could inflate
even though the airbag on-off switch is
turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 075 for more
information, including important safety
information.United States
Canada and Mexico

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Seats and Restraints 45
To turn the front outboard passenger airbag
on again, insert the ignition key into the
airbag on-off switch, push in, and move the
switch to the ON position.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag
is now enabled, and may inflate. SeeAirbag
On-Off Light 076.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0266.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see
Different Size Tires and Wheels 0218 for
additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0260.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 075.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
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Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 71
The 110/120 volt power outlet is on the
instrument panel.
An indicator light on the outlet turns on to
show it is in use. The light comes on when
the ignition is on, equipment requiring less
than 150 watts is plugged into the outlet,
and no system fault is detected.
The indicator light does not come on when
the ignition is off, or if the equipment is not
fully seated into the outlet.
If equipment is connected using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a
protection circuit shuts off the power supply
and the indicator light turns off. To reset
the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back
in or turn the Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0133.
The power outlet is not designed for the
following, and may not work properly if
they are plugged in:
.Equipment with high initial peak wattage,
such as compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools
.Other equipment requiring an extremely
stable power supply, such as
microcomputer-controlled electric blankets
and touch sensor lamps
.Medical equipment
Cigarette Lighter
If equipped with a cigarette lighter, to heat,
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.
Caution
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.
Ashtrays
If equipped with a removable ashtray, it can
be placed into the front floor console
cupholder. Open the cover to use.
Caution
If papers, pins, or other flammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or
other smoking materials could ignite
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
them and possibly damage the vehicle.
Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges 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 gauges could prevent
injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate they are
working. When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gauges shows there
may be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly and even dangerous.

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Instruments and Controls 73
English
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:
.It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little
more, or less than half the tank's capacity
to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner, speeding up or braking.
.The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Metric
English
The oil pressure gauge shows the engine oil
pressure in psi (pounds per square inch)
or kPa (kilopascals) when the engine is
running.
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but
readings above the low pressure zone
indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the low pressure zone may be
caused by a dangerously low oil level or
other problem causing low oil pressure.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 75
When the engine is not running, but the
ignition is on, this gauge shows the
battery's state of charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gauge
shows the condition of the charging system.
Readings between the low and high warning
zones indicate the normal operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur
when a large number of electrical
accessories are operating in the vehicle and
the engine is left at an idle for an extended
period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full
power at engine idle. As engine speeds are
increased, this condition should correct itself
as higher engine speeds allow the charging
system to create maximum power.
The vehicle can be only driven for a short
time with the reading in either warning
zone. If it must be driven, turn off all
unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a
possible problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a seat belt reminder light on the
instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to remind
the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the
light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several times if the
driver remains or becomes unbuckled while
the vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the
light nor the chime comes on.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. It is
located in the instrument cluster. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s),
the airbag on-off switch, the pretensioners
(if equipped), the airbag modules, thewiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag
system, see
Airbag System 037.
The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 77
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. SeeIgnition Positions 0130.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0173.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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78 Instruments and Controls
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.A loose or missing fuel cap may cause
the light to come on. See Filling the Tank
0 154. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0153.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 171. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on while the engine is off.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
When the vehicle is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. The light stays on if
the parking brake does not fully release. If it

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Instruments and Controls 81
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the vehicle is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 210.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 212.Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
English Shown, Metric Similar
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on, and a chime sounds when
the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The
light turns off when fuel is added. If it does
not, have the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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82 Instruments and Controls
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. SeeImmobilizer
Operation 016.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use. See
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
0 92.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when the cruise control
is set.
This light goes out when the cruise control
is canceled. See Cruise Control0144.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
This vehicle has a DIC.
All messages will appear in the DIC display
at the bottom of the instrument cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on.
After a short delay, the DIC will display the
information that was last displayed before
the engine was turned off. The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle
system information, and warning messages
if a system problem is detected.
If the vehicle has these features, the DIC
also displays the compass direction and the
outside air temperature when viewing the
trip and fuel information. The compass
direction appears on the top right corner of
the DIC display. The outside air temperature
automatically appears in the bottom right
corner of the DIC display. If there is a
problem with the system that controls the
temperature display, the numbers will be
replaced with dashes. If this occurs, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be
accessed by pressing the DIC buttons on the
instrument panel, next to the instrument
cluster.