coolant level CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2019 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Introduction 3
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P: Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
H:Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R: Fuse Block Cover Lock
Location
+: Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
104 Instruments and Controls
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.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how
hard the vehicle is working. During a
majority of the operation, the gauge
will read 100 °C (210 °F) or less.
If the vehicle is pulling a load or
going up hills, it is normal for the
temperature to fluctuate and
approach the 122 °C (250 °F) mark.
If the gauge reaches the 125 °C
(260 °F) mark, it indicates that the
cooling system is working beyond
its capacity.
See Engine Overheating 0248.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Driving and Operating 213
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
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, see
Engine Overheating
0248.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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 235
1.Battery - North America 0253.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0244.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System 0244.
4. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) 0238 or
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(8-Speed Transmission) 0241.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0235.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 244.
8. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0242.
9. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid 0250. 10.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0264.
11. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 252.
12. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 250.
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:
. 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 0237.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0232 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 245
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion. .
Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant recovery tank, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
246 Vehicle Care
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at or above the
COLD FILL mark. If it is not, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to a dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank for Gasoline
Engines
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant recovery tank.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Vehicle Care 247
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator, but
be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. Remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is
no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise until it first
stops. Do not press down while
turning the pressure cap.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that
to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn
it. Remove the pressure cap.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper mixture, up to the base of the
filler neck. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0327 for
more information about the
proper coolant mixture.
4. Remove the coolant recovery
tank cap and fill to the COLD
FILL mark.
5. Reinstall the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure
cap off.
6. Start the engine and let it run until the upper radiator hose
can be felt getting hot. Watch
out for the engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
248 Vehicle Care
mixture through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base
of the filler neck.
8. Replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of
the filler neck, reinstall the
pressure cap.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the vehicle's
instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0104.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
but instead get service help right
away, see Roadside Assistance
Program 0339.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine and have
the vehicle serviced.
See if the engine cooling fan speed
increases when idle speed is
doubled by pushing the accelerator
pedal down. If it does not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off the
engine.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146162) - 2019 - crc - 11/26/18
Service and Maintenance 319
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0235.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures, including the spare.
See Tire Pressure 0278.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0283.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 250.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0237.
Power Take Off (PTO) and
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the
PTO equipment or used in a way
that requires extended idle time,
one hour of use shall be deemed
the same as 53 km (33 mi). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0114 for hourmeter.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0283.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0235 and
Engine Oil Life System 0237.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0244.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0250.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0278.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0283.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 242.