trailer CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO 2021 User Guide

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
144 Driving and Operating
constantly makes adjustments to improve
vehicle performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy
load or when the 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 :This position lets drivers select the
range of gears appropriate for current
driving conditions. If the vehicle has this
feature, see “Range Selection Mode” under
Manual Mode 0144.
1 : 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 Selection Mode or the shift
lever. See
“Range Selection Mode” under
Manual Mode 0144.
Caution
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 the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
This mode is enabled when the vehicle is
started, but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in maintaining
desired vehicle speeds when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine and
transmission to slow the vehicle. The first
time the system activates for each ignition
key cycle. To disable or enable Normal Mode Grade
Braking within the current ignition key cycle,
press and hold the Tow/Haul button for
three seconds.
For other forms of grade braking, see
Tow/
Haul Mode 0145 and
Cruise Control 0149.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Mode helps
control the vehicle's transmission and vehicle
speed while driving downhill or towing a
trailer by letting you select a desired range
of gears.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the +/− buttons on the shift lever
to select the desired range of gears for
current driving conditions.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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146 Driving and Operating
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. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 078.
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 077.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0160.
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.
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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 147
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
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 126.
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) 0175.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0131 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

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148 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The appropriate message will display in the
DIC. To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the StabiliTrak/ESC
OFF light
gcomes on and stays on in the
instrument cluster, then release. The
appropriate message will display in the DIC.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The StabiliTrak/ESC OFF
light
gin the instrument cluster turns off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn back
on if the vehicle exceeds 32 km/h (20 mph).
TCS will remain off until
gis pressed or the
ignition is cycled off then on.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature and a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature.
See Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0175 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0147.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0178.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give
more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most

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Driving and Operating 153
Park Assist
If equipped, the Rear Park Assist (RPA)
system uses sensors on the rear bumper to
assist with parking and avoiding objects
while in R (Reverse).
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects below the bumper or that are
too close or too far from the vehicle. It is
not available at speeds greater than
8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with Park Assist,
always check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before backing.
How the System Works
RPA comes on automatically when the shift
lever is moved into R (Reverse). A single
beep sounds to indicate the system is
working.
RPA operates only at speeds less than
8 km/h (5 mph).An obstacle detection is indicated by beeps.
The time between beeps gets shorter as the
vehicle approaches the obstacle. Repeated
beeps are heard when the distance is less
than 30 cm (12 in).
To be detected, objects must be at least
25 cm (10 in) off the ground and below rear
door level. Objects must also be within 2.5 m
(8 ft) from the rear bumper. This distance
may be less during warmer or humid
weather.
Turning the System On and Off
The system can be disabled through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
“Park
Assist” underDriver Information Center (DIC)
0 81.
RPA defaults to the on setting each time the
vehicle is started.
Turn RPA off when towing a trailer.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The following messages may be displayed
on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST : If this message
occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer for
repair. PARK ASSIST OFF :
This message occurs if
the driver disables the system or if the
vehicle is driven above 8 km/h (5 mph) in
R (Reverse).
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE OWNERS
MANUAL : This message can occur under the
following conditions:
.The sensors are not clean. Keep the rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush,
and frost. The message may not clear
until frost or ice has melted all around
and inside the sensor.
.A trailer is attached to the vehicle, or a
bicycle or an object hanging out of the
rear door during the current or last drive
cycle. RPA will return to normal operation
after it is determined the object is
removed. This could take a few drive
cycles.
.A tow bar is attached to the vehicle.
Other conditions may affect system
performance, such as vibrations from a
jackhammer or the compression of air
brakes on a very large truck.

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156 Driving and Operating
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
This zone starts at approximately the middle
of the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft).
How the System Works
The SBZA symbol lights up in the side
mirrors when the system detects a moving
vehicle in the next lane over that is in the
side blind zone. This indicates it may be
unsafe to change lanes. Before making a
lane change, check the SBZA display, check
mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use
the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror SBZA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right side mirror display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind zone. If the
turn signal is activated in the same direction
of a detected vehicle, this display will flash
as an extra warning not to change lanes.
SBZA can be disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) 081. If SBZA is
disabled by the driver, the SBZA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
SBZA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, or for a stopped
vehicle. SBZA may alert to objects attached
to the vehicle, such as a bicycle, or object
extending out to either side of the vehicle.
This is normal system operation; the vehicle
does not need service.
SBZA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the side blind zone, especially in
wet conditions. The system does not need
to be serviced. The system may light up due
to guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service. SBZA may not operate when the SBZA
sensors in the left or right corners of the
rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt,
snow, ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms.
For cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0242. If the DIC
displays the system unavailable message
after cleaning both sides of the vehicle
toward the rear corners of the vehicle, see
your dealer.
If the SBZA displays do not light up when
vehicles are in the blind zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
When SBZA is disabled for any reason other
than the driver turning it off, the Side Blind
Zone Alert On option will not be available
on the personalization menu.
Driving with a Trailer
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed.
Use caution while changing lanes when
towing a trailer.
Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0273.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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160 Driving and Operating
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The wrong
type of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may turn on the malfunction indicator
lamp, and could damage the fuel system
and emissions system. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 076.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see Towing the
Vehicle 0240. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0240.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.

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Driving and Operating 161
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0145. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0144.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer. If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0141.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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162 Driving and Operating
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0172. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
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 0194.

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Driving and Operating 163
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)
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.