warning CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Express Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Seats and Restraints
. . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-42 Lighting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
iv Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Dangerindicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning orCaution indicates a
hazard that could result in
injury or death.
{WARNING
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it
is a safety symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: This symbol is shown when
you need to see the owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
*: This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®
J: Brake System
Warning Light
": Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
i: Top Tether Anchors for
Child Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_: Tow/Haul Mode
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak®
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑8.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑28.
C. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5 (Out of View).
E. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑12.
F. Shift Lever. See Starting the
Engine on page 9‑18.
Manual Mode on page 9‑31
(If Equipped).
G. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
H. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1. J.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
Dome Lamp Override. See
Dome Lamps on page 6‑6.
K. Cruise Control on page 9‑37
(If Equipped).
Fast Idle System (If Equipped).
See the Duramax diesel
supplement for more
information.
L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2 (If Equipped).
M. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑21.
N. Horn on page 5‑4.
O. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 (If Equipped).
P. Tow/Haul Mode Button. See “Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing
Equipment on page 9‑55.
Q. Power Outlets on page 5‑10. R.
StabiliTrak®System on
page 9‑35 (If Equipped).
S. Passenger Airbag On‐Off Switch (If Equipped). See
Airbag On-Off Switch on
page 3‑26.
T. Front Storage on page 4‑1
(If Equipped).
U. Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5‑20
(If Equipped).
OnStar
®System Button
(If Equipped). See OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.
V. Rear Heating System on
page 8‑5 (If Equipped).
W. USB Port (If Equipped). See Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑19.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-5
Remote Vehicle Start
With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter atthe vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
/until
the turn signal lamps flash.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then
back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5.
Door Locks
Manual Door Locks
Lock and unlock the door from the
outside using the key or the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if available. From the inside, slide
the manual lever on the door up
or down.
See Door Locks on page 2‑7.
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door locks,
the switches are located on the
doors.
T:Press to lock and unlock
the doors.
See Power Door Locks on page 2‑7.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-21
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑11. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑58.Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds. 3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑10.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑42. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑40.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.Notice:
If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out.
Always carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,
call the Roadside Assistance
Center. See Roadside Assistance
Program (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑8 orRoadside Assistance
Program (Mexico) on page 13‑10.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
3. Immediately press and hold/
until the turn signal lamps flash.
If you cannot see the vehicle's
lamps, press and hold for
four seconds.
When the engine starts, the
parking lamps will turn on and
remain on while the engine is
running. The doors will be
locked. The airbag readiness
light will be on during a remote
start. It should turn off when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 5‑18 for more information.
The engine will continue to run
for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps
for a 10-minute time extension.
Remote start can be extended
only once.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle. The maximum number of remote
starts between ignition cycles with
the key is two.
If the remote start procedure is used
again before the first 10 minute time
frame has ended, the first
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
After the engine has been remote
started two times, the ignition switch
must be turned to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF using the key
before the remote start procedure
can be used again.
To cancel a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then
back off. The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
.The key is in the ignition.
.The hood is open.
.The hazard warning flashers
are on.
.There is an emission control
system malfunction. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑21.
.The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts have
already been provided.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7
Door Locks
{WARNING
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.
.Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from
happening.
To lock the door from the inside,
slide the manual lever on the
door down. To unlock the door,
slide the manual lever up. From the outside, use the key.
If the vehicle is equipped with
keyless entry, see
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door
locks, the switches are located
on the doors.
T: Press to lock and unlock
the doors.
When a door is locked, the inside
door handle will not work.
Cargo Door Relocking
If the cargo door is open when the
lock button is pressed on the door
or the RKE transmitter, all doors will
lock except the cargo door. The
cargo door will lock when it is
closed or when the delayed locking
feature functions.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11
Rear Doors
{WARNING
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from
happening.
To open the rear doors from the
outside, pull the handle toward you
to open the passenger side rear
door first.To open the driver side rear door,
pull the latch release at the inside
edge of the door.
To close the rear doors, close the
driver side rear door first. Then
close the passenger side rear door.
Check to make sure both doors are
completely closed.