tow CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSANGER 2013 1.G Workshop Manual

Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
Driving and Operating 9-53
Ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or
Customer Assistance Offices
(Mexico) on page 13‑5 for more
information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑10
for more information about the
vehicle's maximum load capacity.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10 percent to 15 percent of the
total loaded trailer weight (2), up to a
maximum of 181 kg (400 lbs) with a
weight carrying hitch. The trailer
tongue weight (1) should be
10 percent to 15 percent of the total
loaded trailer weight (2), up to a
maximum of 454 kg (1,000 lbs) with
a weight distributing hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer
tongue weight on the rear axle.
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Trailering may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or
the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating). The effect of
additional weight may reduce the
trailering capacity more than the
total of the additional weight.
It is important that the vehicle
does not exceed any of its
ratings
—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue

Black plate (54,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
9-54 Driving and Operating
Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings
is to weigh the vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle tires are inflated
to the upper limit for cold tires.
These numbers can be found on the
Certification label at the rear edge of
the driver door, or seeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑10. Make sure not
to go over the GVW limit for the
vehicle, or the GAWR, including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight distributing hitch, make
sure not to go over the rear axle
limit before applying the weight
distribution spring bars.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why the right hitch is
needed.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches
1. Body to Ground Distance
2. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the hitch must be adjusted so
the distance (1) remains the same
both before and after coupling the
trailer to the tow vehicle.
If a step-bumper hitch will be used,
the bumper could be damaged in
sharp turns. Make sure there is ample room when turning to avoid
contact between the trailer and the
bumper.
If the loaded trailer being pulled
will weigh more than 2 270 kg
(5,000 lbs), be sure to use a
properly mounted weight-distributing
hitch and sway control of the proper
size. This equipment is very
important for proper vehicle loading
and good handling when driving.
Always use a sway control if the
trailer will weigh more than these
limits. Ask a hitch dealer about sway
controls.
Will any holes need to be made in
the body of the vehicle when a
trailer hitch is installed?
If using the wiring provided with the
factory-installed trailering package,
no holes need to be made in the
body of the vehicle. However, if an
aftermarket hitch is installed, holes
may need to be made in the body.
If holes are made in the body, then
be sure to seal the holes later when
the hitch is removed. If the holes are

Black plate (56,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
9-56 Driving and Operating
* If the vehicle is a cutaway with
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
be shared for both left/stop trailer
turn and right/stop trailer turn
signals. However, the cutaway
lighting connector will have a
10 amp fuse for each signal.
** If the vehicle is a cutaway with
trailer provisions, a 15 amp fuse will
be shared for trailer park lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector park
lamps. Also, a 10 amp fuse will be
shared for trailer back-up lamps and
cutaway rear lighting connector
back-up lamps.
Tow/Haul Mode
This button is on the instrument
panel, to the right of the steering
wheel.
Pressing this button turns on and off
the Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
cluster comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. SeeTow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑29.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” inTrailer
Towing on page 9‑49. Tow/Haul is
most useful under the following
driving conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through
rolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in stop and
go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to the
selection of Tow/Haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
10-2 Vehicle Care
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-46
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62 Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-64
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-65
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-68
Secondary Latch System . . . 10-75
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-77
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Towing
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Recreational Vehicle
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-87
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-90
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
10-8 Vehicle Care
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{WARNING
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
Notice: 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. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Specification
Use and ask for licensed engine oils
with the dexos1
®approved
certification mark. Engine oils
meeting the requirements for the
vehicle should have the dexos1
approved certification mark. This
certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos1
specification.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
Vehicle Care 10-11
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
.When outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
.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 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 24 km (15 mi) when
outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third) until the engine temperature gauge
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 10°C (50°F) or
more. If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), the engine may have to idle
longer. Should the fluid level be low
during this cold check, the fluid must
be checked hot before adding fluid.
Checking the fluid hot will give a
more accurate reading of the fluid
level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park). 3. With your foot on the brake
pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6.
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the dipstick, and wipe it with a clean
rag or paper towel.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
Vehicle Care 10-13
vehicle towed to a dealer and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inMaintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3, and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be
difficult, it is recommended to have
this check done at your dealer,
which can monitor the transmission
temperature. The transmission fluid
level increases with temperature. To
obtain a highly accurate fluid level
check, the transmission temperature
must be measured.
If it is decided to check the fluid
level, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or a false reading
on the dipstick may occur. Notice:
Too much or too little
fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes with the
engine off, before checking the
transmission fluid level if the vehicle
has been driven:
.In hot weather, when outside
temperatures are above 32°C
(90°F).
.The vehicle is heavily loaded.
.At high speed for quite a while in
hot weather.
.In heavy traffic and hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer. After driving under these conditions,
a hot check can be performed. The
fluid should be hot, which is 71°C to
93°C (160°F to 200°F).
A cold fluid level check can be
performed 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 the
outside temperature is between
15°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F). Should
the fluid level be low during this cold
check, the fluid must be checked
warm or hot before adding fluid.
If the outside temperature is colder
than 15°C (60°F) or hotter than
32°C (90°F), a cold check cannot be
performed.
A warm fluid level check can be
performed by driving the vehicle
under lightly loaded conditions and
outside temperatures between 10°C
to 27°C (50°F to 80°F). The vehicle
should be driven for at least 24 km
(15 mi) before performing a warm
check. Checking the fluid warm or

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
10-14 Vehicle Care
hot will give a more accurate
reading of the fluid level than a cold
check.
Because the vehicle is equipped
with a high-efficiency air-to-oil
cooler, the transmission fluid
temperature may not reach the
required hot fluid level checking
temperature under normal lightly
loaded driving vehicle conditions.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle:
1. Park the vehicle on a levelplace. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With a foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through
each gear range, pausing for
about three seconds in each
range. When M is reached,
move the selector from M1
through M3. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park). 4. Let the engine run at idle for
two minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the
engine, use the steps that follow.
The transmission dipstick is near
the center of the engine
compartment and will be labeled
with the graphic shown.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for more information
on location.
1. COLD Range
2. WARM Range 3. HOT Range
1. Flip the handle up, pull out the
dipstick, and wipe it with a clean
rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and pull it back
out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The
fluid level must be in the
COLD (1) range for a cold
check, transmission temperature
27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F);
between the COLD (1) and
HOT (3) range for a WARM (2)
check, 50°C to 60°C (122°F to
140°F); or in the HOT (3)
cross-hatched range for a hot
check, 71°C to 93°C (160°F to
200°F). Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
10-22 Vehicle Care
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer. See“Driving on
Grades” underTrailer Towing on
page 9‑49.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no
longer displays, the vehicle can be
driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a
safe vehicle distance from the
vehicle in front. If the warning does
not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam,
push down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still on, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood, get service help right away.
Engine Fan
The vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when
starting the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch partially
disengages.

Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2013 - 1stPrintReady - 6/19/12
Vehicle Care 10-59
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
If the vehicle has a compact
spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See
Tire Pressure on page 10‑53
andVehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑10. Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See
Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on
page 10‑55.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
{WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
Dual Tire Rotation
When the vehicle is new,
or whenever a wheel, wheel bolt,
or wheel nut is replaced, check
the wheel nut torque after 160,
1 600, and 10 000 km (100,
1,000, and 6,000 mi) of driving.
For proper wheel nut tightening
information, see “Removing the Flat
Tire and Installing the Spare Tire”
under Tire Changing on page 10‑68.
Also see “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
The outer tire on a dual wheel setup
generally wears faster than the
inner tire. Tires last longer and wear
more evenly if they are rotated. See