check transmission fluid CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2003 1.G Owners Manual

Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean cassette tape player. Cleaning should be done
every 50 hours of tape play. SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-40for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-84.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to
the correct tire in¯ation pressure, make sure that
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.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-18.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-19. A ¯uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
6-12

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under
the Hood......................................................5-9
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-17
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-21
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-24
Engine Overheating.......................................5-24Cooling System............................................5-26
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Noise Control System.....................................5-49
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps..................................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps.....................................................5-52
Taillamps.....................................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Battery
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
D. Transmission Fluid Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Reservoir
J. Brake Master Cylinder
K. Windshield Washer Fluid
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick has
a yellow handle and is
located near the center of
the engine compartment.
See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for more information
on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter every 50,000 miles
(83,000 km) if the vehicle's GVWR is over 8,600 or if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
·In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·When doing frequent trailer towing.
·Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If your vehicle's GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions,
change the ¯uid and ®lter every 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to 200ÉF
(82ÉC to 93ÉC).
5-19

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50ÉF
(10ÉC). If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), drive the vehicle
in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold ¯uid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for ®ve minutes if outside temperatures are
50ÉF (10ÉC) or more. If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the ¯uid
level be low during this cold check, you
mustcheck the
¯uid hot before adding ¯uid. Checking the ¯uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the ¯uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
·Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
·With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
·With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
·Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick
is located near the center
of the engine compartment
and will be labeled with
this graphic shown.
See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
·Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
·Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
5-20

·Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid level must be in the COLD area for
a cold check or in the HOT area or cross-hatched
area for a hot check.
·If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-18.
Using a funnel, add ¯uid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission ¯uid while it
is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If the
¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper ¯uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-24.
5-21

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with CD............................................3-44
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-59
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-41
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-40
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-73
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-73
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-12
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-14
Automatic Transmission...................................5-19
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-24
B
Backing Up....................................................4-42
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-17
Battery..........................................................5-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-20
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-13
Brake............................................................2-26
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-17Brake (cont.)
System Warning Light..................................3-31
Brake Adjustment............................................5-39
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-39
Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headlamps.................................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-54
Taillamps....................................................5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-60C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-97
Capacities......................................................5-98
Carbon Monoxide...........................4-24, 4-31, 2-30
2

F
Filter.............................................................5-17
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finding a PTY Station.............................3-52, 3-63
Finding a Station....................3-42, 3-44, 3-49, 3-60
Finish Care....................................................5-84
Finish Damage...............................................5-86
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-75
Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-9
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-65
Flat Tire........................................................5-64
Floor Console Fuse Block................................5-92
Fluid.............................................................5-19
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
FM ...............................................................3-73
Following Distance..........................................4-41
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Fuel Regulator................................................2-22
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9Fuel (cont.)
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-39
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
System Inspection.......................................6-16
Fuses...........................................................5-92
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-92
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage............................................................3-38
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-32
Fuel..........................................................3-39
Oil Pressure...............................................3-36
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-30
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
6

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-5
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-91
Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-39
Hood.............................................................. 5-9
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-28
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-31
How to Add Fluid............................................5-21
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-47
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-35
How to Check........................................5-19, 5-57
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL Light....................................................5-16
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydroplaning..................................................4-16
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-25
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-24
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-34
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-35
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-32
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-26
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-14
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-36
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-56
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror......................2-31
Inspection......................................................6-17
Brake System.............................................6-17
Engine Cooling System................................6-16
Exhaust System..........................................6-16
Fuel System...............................................6-16
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-16
7

Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Manual Mirror..................................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-33
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-32
Model Reference................................................ vi
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-20
Noise Control System, Tampering......................5-49
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-100
O
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil ................................................................3-37
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-37
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Gage............................................3-36
Older Children, Restraints................................1-34
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-36
OnStaržServices............................................2-35
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-35
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-36
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6Outside.........................................................2-32
Camper-Type Mirrors....................................2-32
Convex Mirror.............................................2-34
Heated Mirrors............................................2-34
Manual Mirror.............................................2-31
Power Mirrors.............................................2-33
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-32
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-10
P
Park (P)........................................................2-26
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Shifting Out of............................................2-29
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-15
Parking on Hills..............................................4-43
Parking.........................................................2-26
Brake........................................................2-26
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-11
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-16
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-18
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-20
10