maintenance CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2003 1.G Owner's Guide

Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on page 6-4.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the
bottom of the ®ller plug
hole, you may need to
add some lubricant.When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to
raise the level to 3/8 inch (10 mm) below the ®ller
plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-18.
5-48

Noise Control System
Tampering with Noise Control
System Prohibited
The following information relates to compliance with
federal noise emission standards for vehicles with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg). The Maintenance Schedule
provides information on maintaining the noise control
system to minimize degradation of the noise emission
control system during the life of your vehicle. The noise
control system warranty is given in your warranty
booklet.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold in the
United States.
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof:
1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance,
repair or replacement, of any device or element of
design incorporated into any new vehicle for
the purpose of noise control, prior to its sale or
delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in
use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inoperative
by any person.Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
Insulation:
·
Removal of the noise shields or any underhood
insulation.
Engine:
·
Removal or rendering engine speed governor
(if equipped) inoperative so as to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer speci®cations.
Fan and Drive:
·
Removal of fan clutch (if equipped) or rendering
clutch inoperative.
·Removal of the fan shroud (if equipped).
Air Intake:
·
Removal of the air cleaner silencer.
·Modi®cation of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
·
Removal of the muffler and/or resonator.
·Removal of the exhaust pipes and exhaust pipe
clamps.
5-49

·Bad wear
·Bad handling
·Bad fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (overin¯ation), you
can get the following:
·Unusual wear
·Bad handling
·Rough ride
·Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly in¯ated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly in¯ated even when they're underin¯ated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, or whenever a wheel, wheel
bolt or wheel nut is replaced, check the wheel nut torque
after 100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km) of driving. For proper torque and wheel nut
tightening information, see ªTightening the Wheel
Nutsº later in this section.
The outer tire on a dual wheel setup generally wears
faster than the inner tire. Your tires will wear more
evenly and last longer if you rotate the tires periodically.
See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº earlier in this
section. Also see ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in
the Index for scheduled rotation intervals
{CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is
badly underin¯ated, the tire can overheat. An
overheated tire can lose air suddenly or catch
®re. You or others could be injured. Be sure all
tires (including the spare) are properly in¯ated.
See ªTiresº and ªIn¯ation ± Tire Pressureº in the Index
for more information on proper tire in¯ation.
5-57

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-59andWheel Replacement
on page 5-62for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves,
use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-65.
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, also see
Dual Tire
Operation on page 5-57.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The ®rst rotation
is the most important. See ªPart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services,º in Section 6, for scheduled
rotation intervals.If your vehicle has single rear wheels, always use one
of the correct rotation patterns shown here when rotating
your tires.
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, always use one of
the correct rotation patterns shown here when rotating
your tires.
5-58

If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblowoutº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the ¯at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel ®rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a ¯at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a ¯at tire.
If a tire goes ¯at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a ¯at tire safely.
5-64

Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, ¯oor pan
and exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, ¯ush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being ¯ushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM will
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs ®rst.
5-87

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing,
and are subject to change. If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was
built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM dealer.
These speci®cations are for information only. If you have any questions, see the service manual for the chassis or
refer to the body manufacturer's publications.
VIN Code W V T U
Oil Filter* PF47 PF44 PF44 PF44
Engine Air Cleaner /Filter* A1621C A1621C A1621C A1621C
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Kit**52485513 52485513 52485513 52485513
PCV Valve* CV 769±C CV 2001±C CV 2001±C CV 2001±C
Spark Plugs 41±932 41±974 41±974 41±974
Fuel Filter* 6F6Z6 GF626 GF626 GF626
Wiper Blades** 15153642 15153642 15153642 15153642
Wiper Blade Type ITTA ITTA ITTA ITTA
Wiper Blade Length22 inches
(56.0 cm)22 inches
(56.0 cm)22 inches
(56.0 cm)22 inches
(56.0 cm)
* ACDelco
žpart number
** GM part number
5-100

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-74
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-36
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-91
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-31
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade).....3-43, 3-46,
3-51, 3-62
Air Bag System..............................................1-63
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-74
Air Bag Off Switch.......................................1-70
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-68
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-73
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-68
What Will You See After an Air
Bag In¯ates?...........................................1-68
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-67
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-65
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-68
Air Bag .........................................................3-28
Off Light.....................................................3-28
Readiness Light..........................................3-27Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................2-26
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-46
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-41
AM ...............................................................3-73
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-75
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-32
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-6
Appearance Care............................................5-80
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-83
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-87
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-80
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-83
Finish Damage............................................5-86
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-86
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-88
Weatherstrips..............................................5-83
Ashtrays........................................................3-18
Audio System(s).............................................3-40
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-41
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-74
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-75
Care of Your CDs........................................3-75
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-75
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-75
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-48
1

Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.........5-85
Cleaning Tires................................................5-86
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-82
Cleaning........................................................5-80
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-80
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-83
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-21
Rear Heating System...................................3-20
Compact Disc Messages.................3-48, 3-59, 3-70
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant.........................................................3-32
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-32
Heater, Engine............................................2-23
Low Warning Light.......................................3-33
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control Light........................................3-38
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-10
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-7
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors...... 7-9Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government.............................................. 7-8
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information......... 7-9
D
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-38
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-22
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-16
Dome Lamps.................................................3-17
Door.............................................................2-13
60/40 Swing-Out Side Door...........................2-13
Cargo Door Relocking.................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-8
Rear Doors.................................................2-14
Sliding Side Door........................................2-11
Driver............................................................1-16
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Driving On Grades..........................................4-42
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-24
4

Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-17
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-17
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-41
Driving..........................................................4-13
At Night.....................................................4-13
City...........................................................4-18
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-19
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-15
Winter........................................................4-24
Dual Stage Air Bags........................................1-67
Dual Tire Operation.........................................5-57
E
Electrical System............................................5-91
Add-On Equipment......................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-91
Electronic Road-Speed Governor.......................3-26
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-35Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-94
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-11
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-15
Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-5
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-11
Engine..........................................................5-17
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-40
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-37
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-33
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-32
Coolant......................................................5-21
Cooling System Inspection............................6-16
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Fan Noise..................................................5-34
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-22
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-33
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
5