service CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSANGER 2012 1.G Owner's Guide

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-37
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message. SeeEngine
Oil Life System on page 10‑10 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑7 andMaintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3 for more
information.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If the vehicle has an oil level sensor,
this message displays if the oil level
in the vehicle is low. Check the oil
level and correct it as necessary.
You may need to let the vehicle cool
or warm up and cycle the ignition to
be sure this message clears. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7 for
additional information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
STOP ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure is
low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑7 for more information.
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑7.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
sounds when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 10‑22
for further information.
This message also displays when
the engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
5-38 Instruments and Controls
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel
as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gauge on page 5‑14 andFuel on
page 9‑40 for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the fuel
cap is not tightened properly. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑21. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 9‑44. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs to
be replaced in the transmitter.
See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Lamp Messages
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned off.
See Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1 for more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned on.
SeeExterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1 for more information.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime
sounds if a turn signal is left on for
1.2 km (3/4 of a mile). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the
off position.
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®and
this message displays, it means
there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this
message, try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes
on, it means there is a problem. You
should see your dealer for service.
The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-39
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when there is a
problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message
displays, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See your dealer for
service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑35 for more information.
STABILITRAK INITIALIZING
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message may display and the
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak light on the instrument
panel cluster may be on after first
driving the vehicle and exceeding
32 km/h (20 mph) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak system is not
functional until the light has turned
off. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑35 for more information.
TRACTION XX
STABILITRAK XX
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when the traction
control and/or StabiliTrak systems
have been turned on or off. Adjust
your driving accordingly. To limit
wheel spin and realize the full
benefits of the stability
enhancement system, you should
normally leave StabiliTrak on.
However, you should turn
StabiliTrak off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow
and you want to rock the vehicle to
attempt to free it, or if you are
driving in extreme off-road
conditions and require more wheel
spin. SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9‑10. To turn the StabiliTrak
system on or off, see StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑35.
STABILITRAK OFF may also
display when the stability control
has been automatically disabled. There are several conditions that
can cause this message to appear.
.One condition is overheating,
which could occur if StabiliTrak
activates continuously for an
extended period of time.
.The message also displays if the
brake system warning light is on.
See
Brake System Warning
Light on page 5‑23.
.The message could display if the
stability system takes longer
than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving
conditions.
.The message displays if an
engine or vehicle related
problem has been detected and
the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer.
The message turns off as soon as
the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
5-40 Instruments and Controls
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑18 and
Airbag System on page 3‑18 for
more information.
Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation on page 2‑12 for more
information.
WAIT TO START
This message displays briefly when
the theft-deterrent system has
initially found incorrect conditions
within the vehicle and is making a
double check. If your vehicle does
not start soon after, try to start it
again. If it still does not start, have
your vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE A/C SYSTEM
This message displays when the
electronic sensors that control the
air conditioning and heating
systems are no longer working.
Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you notice
a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a
non-emissions related malfunction
occurs. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED
SERVICE THROTTLE
This message displays if the starting
of the engine is disabled due to the
electronic throttle control system.
Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
This message only appears while
the ignition is in ON/RUN, and will
not disappear until the problem is
resolved.
This message cannot be
acknowledged.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-41
Tire Messages
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE or
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the tires
is low. The low tire pressure warning
light will also come on. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 5‑26. This
message will also indicate which tire
needs to be checked. You can
receive more than one tire pressure
message at a time. To read the
other messages that may have been
sent at the same time, press the
set/reset button. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop
as soon as you can. Have the tire
pressures checked and set to those
shown on the Tire Loading
Information label. See Tires on
page 10‑49, Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑11, and Tire Pressure on
page 10‑56. The DIC also shows the tire
pressure values. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑28.SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
system is not working properly. The
tire pressure light also flashes and
then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure
Light on page 5‑26. Several
conditions may cause this message
to appear. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 10‑59 for
more information. If the warning
comes on and stays on, there may
be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the system
is re-learning the tire positions on
the vehicle. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑28 for more
information. The tire positions must
be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor.
See Tire Inspection on page 10‑62,
Tire Rotation on page 10‑62, Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 10‑59, and Tire Pressure on
page 10‑56 for more information.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
5-42 Instruments and Controls
Transmission Messages
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer for service.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle
while the transmission fluid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, you can damage the
transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty. Do not
drive the vehicle with overheated
transmission fluid or while the
transmission temperature
warning is displayed. This message displays along with a
chime if the transmission fluid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears and the chime
stops when the fluid temperature
reaches a safe level.
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold
enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
Vehicle
Personalization
This vehicle may have
customization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to
one preferred setting. Customization
features can only be programmed to
one setting on the vehicle and
cannot be programmed to a
preferred setting for two different
drivers.
All of the customization options may
not be available on your vehicle.
Only the options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the
customization features were set
when the vehicle left the factory, but
may have been changed from their
default state since then.
The customization preferences are
automatically recalled.
To change customization
preferences, use the following
procedure.

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
6-8 Lighting
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on,
such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as SERVICE
BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
If this messages displays, it is
recommended that the driver reduce
the electrical loads as much as
possible. See
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages on page 5‑34.Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome
lamps if they are left on for more
than 10 minutes when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent
the battery from running down.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
Infotainment System 7-7
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade) (AM-FM Radio
and AM-FM Radio with CD)
To adjust the balance or fade:
1. Press
`or press thefknob
until the speaker control tab
displays.
2. To adjust the setting, do one of the following:
.Turn thefknob.
.Press either¨SEEK,
or
©SEEK.
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade) (All Except
AM-FM Radio and AM-FM
Radio with CD)
BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade):
To adjust the balance or fade:
1. Press the
fknob until the
speaker control tabs display.
2. Highlight the desired speaker control tab by doing one of the
following:
.Press thefknob.
.Press the softkey under the
desired tab.
3. Adjust the setting by doing one of the following:
.Turn thefknob clockwise
or counterclockwise.
.Press¨SEEK or©SEEK.
.Press\FWD orsREV. To quickly adjust all speaker and
tone controls to the middle position,
press the
fknob for more than
two seconds.
If the Rear Seat Audio (RSA) is
turned on, the radio disables FADE
and mutes the rear speakers.
Radio Messages
Calibration Error: The audio
system has been calibrated for the
vehicle from the factory.
If Calibration Error displays, it
means that the radio has not been
configured properly for the vehicle
and it must be returned to your
dealer for service.
VIN or NO VIN: One of these
messages will display when the
TheftLock system has locked up the
radio. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if
an error cannot be corrected,
contact your dealer.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
7-10 Infotainment System
Satellite Radio
Finding a Category (CAT)
Station
CAT (Category):The CAT button is
used to find XM™ stations while the
radio is in the XM mode.
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the United States and
Canada only.
Finding a Station
BAND: Press to switch
between FM1, FM2, AM, and XM.
The selection displays.
f(Tune): Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the station frequency.
©SEEK or¨SEEK:
Press
©SEEK to go to the
previous or
¨SEEK to go to the
next station and stay there. To scan stations, press and hold
either button for two seconds until a
beep sounds. The radio goes to a
station, plays for a few seconds,
then goes to the next station. For
AM-FM Radio and Radio with CD,
the station frequency flashes while
the radio is in the scan mode. Press
either button again to stop scanning.
The radio seeks and scans stations
only with a strong signal that are in
the selected band.
For AM-FM Radio and Radio with
CD, scan presets within the current
selected band by pressing and
holding either SEEK button for
four seconds until a double beep
sounds. The radio goes to a stored
preset, plays for a few seconds if a
strong signal is present, then goes
to the next stored preset. The
station frequency flashes while the
radio is in the scan mode.
Setting Preset Stations
If the radio does not have a
FAV button, up to 18 stations
(six FM1, six FM2, and six AM),
can be programmed on the six
numbered softkeys, by performing
the following steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1,
FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered softkeys for
three seconds until a beep
sounds. When that softkey is
pressed and released, the
station that was set, returns.
5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for each softkey.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012
7-12 Infotainment System
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power
outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the
day, and then reduce these levels
during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try
reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound, but
FM signals reach only about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Tall buildings or
hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound to fade in
and out.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause
interference with the radio. This
interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls,
charging the phone's battery,
or simply having the phone on.
This interference causes an
increased level of static while
listening to the radio. If static is
received while listening to the radio,
unplug the cellular phone and turn
it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
(Multi-Band)
The multi-band antenna is located
on the roof of the vehicle. The
antenna is used for OnStar and theXM Satellite Radio Service System
if the vehicle has these features.
Keep the antenna clear of
obstructions for clear reception.
Make sure there is sufficient
clearance when entering garages
or parking structures.
Fixed Mast
Antenna (Care)
The fixed mast antenna can
withstand most car washes without
being damaged as long as it is
securely attached to the base. If the
mast becomes slightly bent,
straighten it out by hand. If the mast
is badly bent, replace it.
Make sure there is sufficient
clearance when entering garages or
parking structures.
Occasionally check to make sure
the antenna is tightened to its base.
If tightening is required, tighten
by hand.