towing CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that
the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
4-49

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy-duty turn signal flasher (included
in the optional trailering package).
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or a lower gear under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do
get the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-25.
4-50

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet. Then turn your 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, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
•start your engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•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.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system and
brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-51

If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
•Climb a long hill on a hot day.
•Stop after high-speed driving.
•Idle for long periods in traffic.
•Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-37.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least three minutes while
you are parked. If you still have the warning, turn off the
engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Cooling System
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Van Models”
under “Cooling System” in the DURAMAX®Diesel
Supplement.
5-26

Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages,
so you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and the clutch
partially disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located in the
engine compartment
on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-32

(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts,
signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings, and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)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 airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, hood
prop rod pivot, hood latch assembly, secondary
latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, latches, locks, fuel door hinge,
and any moving seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
above 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for
damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as required.
This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to
vehicles sold in the United States and recommended
for vehicles sold in Canada.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
-In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
-In hilly or mountainous terrain.
-When doing frequent trailer towing.
-Uses such as found in taxi, police, or
delivery service.
6-8

•If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
•Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
•Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
•If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy
of the report for a nominal fee. In some states with
“no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
•Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a
private collision repair facility to fix the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with
their work for a long time.
•Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by your
GM vehicle warranty.
7-14

Reading Lamps..............................................3-16
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.........3-21
Rear Axle......................................................5-44
Locking........................................................ 4-8
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-8
Rear Doors....................................................2-12
Rear Heating System......................................3-21
Rear Outside Passenger Positions,
Safety Belts................................................1-26
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-28
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-7
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-29
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-29
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-35
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-41
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-72Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-51
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-16
General Motors...........................................7-16
United States Government............................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-83
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-84
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-19
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-24
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-30
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-28
S
Safety Belt
Passenger Reminder Light............................3-26
Pretensioners..............................................1-30
Reminder Light............................................3-26
11

Starting Your Engine.......................................2-19
Steering........................................................4-11
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas................................................2-34
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-29
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Swing-Out Side Door, 60/40.............................2-11
Swing-Out Windows........................................2-16
T
Taillamps.......................................................5-50
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-76
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Passlock
®...................................................2-17
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-53
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-90
Buying New Tires........................................5-64
Chains.......................................................5-69
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-71
Cleaning....................................................5-90
Different Size..............................................5-65
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-61
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-70
Inflation - Tire Pressure................................5-59Tires (cont.)
Inspection and Rotation................................5-61
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-75
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-72
Secondary Latch System..............................5-80
Spare Tire..................................................5-84
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-82
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Definitions....................5-57
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-66
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-67
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-63
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-42
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-35
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-37
Your Vehicle...............................................4-35
Traction
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-9
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-22
Trip Odometer................................................3-25
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
13