engine oil CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2017 1.G User Guide

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
114 Instruments and Controls
conditioning compressor turns backon. You can continue to drive thevehicle.
If this message continues to appear,have the system repaired by yourdealer as soon as possible to avoiddamage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when theengine coolant temperature is toohot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Gauge098.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chimesounds if the engine cooling systemreaches unsafe temperatures foroperation. Stop and turn off thevehicle as soon as it is safe to do soto avoid severe damage. Thismessage clears when the enginehas cooled to a safe operatingtemperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when theengine oil needs to be changed.When you change the engine oil, besure to reset the CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message. SeeEngineOil Life System0221forinformation on how to reset themessage. SeeEngine Oil0219andMaintenance Schedule0297.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If the vehicle has an oil level sensor,this message displays if the oil levelin the vehicle is low. Check the oillevel and correct it as necessary.Yo u m a y n e e d t o l e t t h e v e h i c l e c o o lor warm up and cycle the ignition tobe sure this message clears. SeeEngine Oil0219.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oilpressure levels occur. Stop thevehicle as soon as safely possibleand do not operate it until the causeof the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon aspossible and have the vehicleserviced by your dealer. SeeEngineOil0219.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chimesounds when the cooling systemtemperature gets too hot and theengine further enters the enginecoolant protection mode. SeeEngine Overheating0230forfurther information.
This message also displays whenthe engine power is reduced.Reduced engine power can affectthe vehicle's ability to accelerate.If this message is on, but there is noreduction in performance, proceedto your destination. Theperformance may be reduced thenext time the vehicle is driven. Thevehicle may be driven at a reducedspeed while this message is on, butacceleration and speed may bereduced. Anytime this message

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
178 Driving and Operating
Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow theoil to warm up and lubricate allmoving parts.
When the Low Fuel warninglamp is on and the FUELLEVEL LOW message isdisplayed in the DriverInformation Center (DIC), theComputer-Controlled CrankingSystem is disabled to preventpossible vehicle componentdamage. When this happens,hold the ignition switch in theSTART position to continueengine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not startafter 5-10 seconds, especiallyin very cold weather (below✓18 °C or 0 °F), it could beflooded with too muchgasoline. Try pushing theaccelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there asyou hold the key in START forup to 15 seconds. Wait at least15 seconds between each try,to allow the cranking motor tocool down. When the enginestarts, let go of the key andaccelerator. If the vehicle startsbriefly but then stops again, dothe same thing. This clears theextra gasoline from the engine.Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.Operate the engine andtransmission gently until the oilwarms up and lubricates allmoving parts.
Fast Idle System
If equipped, this feature is availableonly with cruise control. The manualfast idle switch is operated using thecruise control buttons on the leftside of the steering wheel.
This system can be used toincrease engine idle speedwhenever the following conditionsare met:
.The parking brake is set.
.The brake pedal is not pressed.
.The vehicle must not be movingand the accelerator must not bepressed.
To c o n t r o l t h e f a s t i d l e :
.To e n a b l e t h e F a s t I d l e S y s t e m ,press and release the cruisecontrol on/off button and ensurethat the switch indicator lightis lit.
.Press and release the cruisecontrol SET- button. Enginespeed will be held atapproximately 1200 rpm.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 199
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel containing metals suchas methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl(MMT), which can damagethe emissions controlsystem and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emission
control system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehiclemay not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)0102.Ifthisoccurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico postfuel octane ratings in anti-knockindex (AKI). For fuel not to use in aforeign country, see“ProhibitedFuels”inFuel0198.
Fuel Additives
To k e e p f u e l s y s t e m s c l e a n , T O PTIER Detergent Gasoline isrecommended. SeeFuel0198.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline isnot available, one bottle of GM FuelSystem Treatment Cleaner added tothe fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner is the onlygasoline additive recommended byGeneral Motors. It is available atyour dealer.
If your vehicle is able to use E85 orFlexFuel, GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner - FlexFuel is theonly recommended additive for use.Do not use any other additives withan E85 or FlexFuel vehicle. SeeE85 or FlexFuel0199.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap canuse either unleaded gasoline or fuelcontaining up to 85% ethanol (E85).All other vehicles should use onlythe unleaded gasoline as describedinFuel0198.
The use of E85 or FlexFuel isencouraged when the vehicle isdesigned to use it. E85 or FlexFuelis made from renewable sources.
To h e l p l o c a t e f u e l s t a t i o n s t h a tcarry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.Department of Energy has an

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
204 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is neededwhen towing a trailer. Thecombination will not accelerate asquickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much fartherbeyond the passed vehicle beforereturning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, makewider turns than normal. Do this sothe trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,or other objects. Avoid jerky orsudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burnout, the arrows on the instrumentcluster will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergearbeforestarting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might get hot and no longerwork well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shiftthe transmission to a lower gear ifthe transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used ifthe transmission shifts too often.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0187.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, consider thefollowing: Engine coolant will boil atalowertemperaturethanatnormalaltitudes. If the engine is turned offimmediately after towing at highaltitude on steep uphill grades, thevehicle may show signs similar toengine overheating. To avoid this,let the engine run while parked,preferably on level ground, with thetransmission in P (Park) for a fewminutes before turning the engineoff. If the overheat warning comeson, seeEngine Overheating0230.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/6/16
Driving and Operating 205
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regularbrakes until the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule0297.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
214 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 215California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 215Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 221Automatic TransmissionFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 225Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 230Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 232Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Battery - North America . . . . . . 236Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 237Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 238Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 239Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 239
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 240Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 242Ta i l l a m p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 3Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . 244License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 244Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 245Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 246
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246Floor Console Fuse Block . . . . 249
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 254Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . 266When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 271

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 219
1.Battery - North America0236.
2. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System0226.
3. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System0226.
4. Automatic Transmission FluidDipstick. See“Checking theFluid Level”underAutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n F l u i d0222.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“Whento Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0219.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0219.
7.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0225.
8. Power Steering FluidReservoir. SeePower SteeringFluid0232.
9. Brake Master CylinderReservoir. SeeBrakeFluid0234.
10. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See“Adding WasherFluid”underWasherFluid0233.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Engine Oil”in the Duramax dieselsupplement.
To e n s u r e p r o p e r e n g i n eperformance and long life, carefulattention must be paid to engine oil.Following these simple, butimportant steps will help protectyour investment:
.Use engine oil approved to theproper specification and of theproper viscosity grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil levelregularly and maintain theproper oil level. See“CheckingEngine Oil”and“When to AddEngine Oil”in this section.
.Change the engine oil at theappropriate time. SeeEngine OilLife System0221.
.Always dispose of engine oilproperly. See“What to Do withUsed Oil”in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly(every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0218for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center(DIC) message displays, check theoil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves when

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
220 Vehicle Care
checking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0309.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., 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. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0218for the location of the engineoil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the levelsomewhere in the proper operatingrange. Push the dipstick all the wayback in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oildepends on both the proper oilspecification and viscosity grade.SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0305.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils thatmeet the dexos1™specification.Engine oils that have beenapproved by GM as meeting thedexos1 specification are markedwith the dexos1 approved logo. Seewww.gmdexos.com.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
Vehicle Care 221
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity gradeengine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In anarea of extreme cold, where thetemperature falls below✓29 °C(✓20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may beused. An oil of this viscosity gradewill provide easier cold starting forthe engine at extremely lowtemperatures. When selecting an oilof the appropriate viscosity grade, itis recommended to select an oil ofthe correct specification. See“Specification”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. Therecommended oils meeting thedexos1 specification are all that isneeded for good performance andengine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are notrecommended and could causeengine damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certainelements that can be unhealthy foryour skin and could even causecancer. Do not let used oil stay onyour skin for very long. Clean yourskin and nails with soap and water,or a good hand cleaner. Wash orproperly dispose of clothing or ragscontaining used engine oil. See themanufacturer's warnings about theuse and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to theenvironment. If you change yourown oil, be sure to drain all the oilfrom the filter before disposal. Neverdispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,into sewers, or into streams orbodies of water. Recycle it by takingit to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer systemthat indicates when to change theengine oil and filter. This is basedon a combination of factors whichinclude engine revolutions, enginetemperature, and miles driven.Based on driving conditions, themileage at which an oil change isindicated can vary considerably. Forthe oil life system to work properly,the system must be reset every timethe oil is changed.
When the system has calculatedthat oil life has been diminished, itindicates that an oil change isnecessary. A CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message comes on. SeeEngine Oil Messages011 4.Change the oil as soon as possiblewithin the next 1 000 km (600 mi).It is possible that, if driving underthe best conditions, the oil life

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
222 Vehicle Care
system might indicate that an oilchange is not necessary for up to ayear. The engine oil and filter mustbe changed at least once a yearand, at this time, the system mustbe reset. Your dealer has trainedservice people who will perform thiswork and reset the system. It is alsoimportant to check the oil regularlyover the course of an oil draininterval and keep it at the properlevel.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever theengine oil is changed so that thesystem can calculate the nextengine oil change. To reset thesystem:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release theaccelerator pedal slowly threetimes within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage comes back on when thevehicle is started, the engine oil lifesystem has not reset. Repeat theprocedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. If a small leak issuspected, use the followingprocedures to check the fluid level.However, if there is a large leak, itmay be necessary to have thevehicle towed to a dealer and haveit repaired before driving the vehiclefurther.
Change the fluid and filter at theintervals listed inMaintenanceSchedule0297,andbesuretousethe transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0305.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can bedifficult, it is recommended to havethis check done at your dealer,which can monitor the transmissiontemperature. The transmission fluidlevel increases with temperature. Toobtain a highly accurate fluid levelcheck, the transmission temperaturemust be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluidlevel, be sure to follow all theinstructions here, or a false readingon the dipstick may occur.
Caution
To o m u c h o r t o o l i t t l e f l u i d c a n
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
(Continued)