light CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
70 Instruments and Controls
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) 0138.
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
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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
72 Instruments and Controls
Fuel Gauge
Metric
EnglishWhen 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

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
74 Instruments and Controls
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. The system
check includes the airbag sensor(s), the
pretensioners (if equipped), the airbag
modules, the wiring, and the crash sensingand diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System
036.
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 display.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 75
Airbag On-Off Light
When the front outboard passenger airbag
is manually turned off using the airbag
on-off switch on the instrument panel,
if equipped, the indicator light OFF or the
off symbol will come on and stay on as a
reminder that the airbag has been turned
off. This light will go off when the airbag
has been turned on. SeeAirbag On-Off
Switch 042 for more information, including
important safety information.
United States
Canada and Mexico
{Warning
If the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag is turned off for a person who is
not in a risk group identified by the
national government, that person will not
have the extra protection of an airbag. In
a crash, the airbag will not be able to
inflate and help protect the person sitting
there. Do not turn off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag unless the
person sitting there is in a risk group
identified by the national government.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
SeeAirbag On-Off Switch 042 for more
information, including important safety
information.
{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 074 for more
information, including important safety
information.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is enabled, and may inflate.
See Airbag On-Off Switch 042 for more
information, including important safety
information.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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76 Instruments and Controls
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 0135.
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 0178.
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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Instruments and Controls 77
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
0 158. 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 0158.
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
0 176. 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
The vehicle brake system consists of two
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not
working, the remaining circuit can still work
to stop the vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to be
working.
If the warning light comes on, there could
be a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away.
MetricEnglish

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
78 Instruments and Controls
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 ignition is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. SeeParking Brake
0 146 for more information. The light stays
on if the parking brake does not fully
release. If it stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, it means the vehicle has a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The pedal might
be harder to push, or the pedal might go
closer to the floor. It could take longer to
stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle
0 240.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 077.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode
feature, this light comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode has been activated.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0145.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 79
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Light
This light is green if LDW is on and ready to
operate.
This light changes to amber and flashes to
indicate that the lane marking has been
crossed without using a turn signal in that
direction.
SeeLane Departure Warning (LDW) 0157.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber
when you are following a vehicle ahead
much too closely. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 154.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.
If the StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the
system does not assist in controlling the
vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/
ESC systems and the warning light turns off.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0147.
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on.
If the light 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 is on and not flashing, the TCS
and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system
are not fully operational and may not assist
in maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly. If the condition persists, see
your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may
display.
The light flashes when the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0147.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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80 Instruments and Controls
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine 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
0 217.
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
0 218.
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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Instruments and Controls 81
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 017.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use. See
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
0 91.
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 Control0149.
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.