engine oil CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2007 1.G User Guide

Service........................................................ 290
Accessories and Modifications................... 290
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 291
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 291
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 292
Fuel............................................................. 292
Gasoline Octane........................................ 293
Gasoline Specifications.............................. 293
California Fuel........................................... 293
Additives................................................... 294
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)............................ 295
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 296
Filling the Tank......................................... 297
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 299
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 300
Hood Release........................................... 300
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 302
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine).................... 303
Engine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine).................................. 306
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 308
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 309
Engine Coolant.......................................... 312Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 315
Engine Overheating................................... 315
Cooling System......................................... 317
Engine Fan Noise..................................... 323
Power Steering Fluid................................. 323
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 324
Brakes...................................................... 325
Battery...................................................... 329
Jump Starting............................................ 330
All-Wheel Drive........................................... 336
Rear Axle.................................................... 337
Front Axle................................................... 338
Noise Control System................................. 338
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.............................................. 338
Bulb Replacement....................................... 340
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 340
Headlamps................................................ 340
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps....................................... 342
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ... 342
Taillamps................................................... 343
Replacement Bulbs................................... 344
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
287

Checking Things
Under the Hood
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine or
fuel operated heater (FOH) parts and start a
re. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to
drop or spill things that will burn onto a
hot engine or fuel operated heater (FOH).
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the handle with
this symbol on it.
It is located in front
of the driver’s
side door frame
near the floor.
300

A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 329.
B. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure
Cap on page 315.
C. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 317.
D. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 309.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 303.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 303.
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 308.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 323.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 325.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 324.Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine
Oil” in the DURAMAX®Diesel Engine Supplement.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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 handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 302
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. 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.
303

When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the
tip of the dipstick, you need to add at least
one quart/liter of oil. But you must use the right
kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specications on page 398.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the
engine has so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that shows
the proper operating range, the engine
could be damaged.SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 302for
the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when
you are through.
304

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
•GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting
GM Standard GM6094M. Look for and use
only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
•SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30
is best for your vehicle.These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.
•Oils meeting these
requirements should
have the starburst
symbol on the
container. This
symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
Look for this information on the oil container, and
use only those oils that are identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst
symbol on the front of the oil container.
Notice:Use only engine oil identied as
meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum Institute Certied
For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure
to use the recommended oil can result in
engine damage not covered by your warranty.
305

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide
easier cold starting and better protection for
the engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all you need for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine)
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and filter.
This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change
will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil
life system to work properly, you must reset the
system every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A change engine oil light will come on.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 183. Change
the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the oil life system might
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over
a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will perform this work
using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
your last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
306

How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle
use. Anytime the oil is changed, reset the
system so it can calculate when the next oil
change is required. If a situation occurs where you
change the oil prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the change engine oil light:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal
slowly three times within five seconds.
3. If the Change Engine Oil light flashes for
five seconds, the system is reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when
you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system
has not reset. Repeat the procedure. If it still does
not reset, see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 183.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can
be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very
long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all
the oil from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it
on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of used oil, ask
your dealer/retailer, a service station, or a local
recycling center for help.
307

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine,
see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more
information.
The engine air cleaner/filter is located near the
center of the engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 302for more
information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the first oil change
after each 50,000 mile (85 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline Engine)
on page 405for more information. If you are
driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter
at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter
from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to
release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains
caked with dirt, a new filter is required. Never use
compressed air to clean the filter.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter,
do the following:
1. Unhook the retainer clips and remove
the cover.
2. Lift the filter out of the engine air cleaner/filter
housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as
little dirt as possible.
308

3. Clean the engine air cleaner/filter housing.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
Make sure that the filter fits properly into the
housing.
5. Reinstall the cover and fasten the
retaining clips.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/
lter off can cause you or others to be
burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the
air; it helps to stop ames if the engine
backres. If it is not there and the engine
backres, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on
the engine with the air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/lter
in place when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine,
see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more
information.
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission
fluid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services (Gasoline Engine)
on page 408, and be sure to use the transmission
fluid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 415.
309

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission fluid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 415.
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission
dipstick tube only after checking the transmission
fluid while it is hot. A cold check is used only
as a reference. If the fluid level is low, add only
enough of the proper fluid to bring the level up to
the HOT area for a hot check. It does not take
much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L).
Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission uid may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the automatic
transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 415.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push
the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine,
see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more
information.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for five years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever
occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL
®
extended 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, seeEngine
Overheating on page 315.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
312