CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSANGER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift up
the secondary hood release, which is located
underneath the middle of the hood.
3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its
retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in
the hood.If your vehicle has an underhood lamp, it will
automatically come on and stay on until the hood
is closed.
Before closing the hood, be sure all of the filler caps
are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve
pressure on the hood prop. Remove the hood prop
from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its
retainer. Let the hood down and close it firmly.
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Engine Compartment Overview
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more
information.
When you lift the hood, here is what you will see:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer
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 parts 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 fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are
above 90°F (32°C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.To get the right reading, the fluid should be
at normal operating temperature, which is
180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
drive the vehicle in DRIVE (D) until the engine
temperature gage moves and then remains
steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid 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 five minutes if
outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more.
If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have
to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be
low during this cold check, you must check the
fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid
hot will give you a more accurate reading of
the fluid level.
310