1996 Chevrolet Express Owners Manual

Service Manuals Service manuals contain diagnostic and repair information for all chassis and body systems. They may be useful for owners who wish to get a greater understanding of their vehicle. They are also useful for owners with the appropriate skill level or training who wish to perform “do-it-yourself’ service. These are authentic General Motors service manuals meant for professional, qualified technicians. Service Bulletins Service bulletins covering various subjects are regularly sent to all General Motors dealerships. GM monitors product performance in the field. When service methods are found which promote better service on GM vehicles, bulletins are created to help the technician perform better service. Service bulletins may involve any

number of vehicles. Some will describe inexpensive service; others will describe expensive service. Some will advise of new or unexpected conditions, and others may help avoid future costly repairs. Service bulletins are meant for qualified technicians. In some cases bulletins refer to service manuals, specialized tools, equipment and safety procedures necessary to service the vehicle. Since these bulletins are issued throughout the model year and beyond, an index is required and published quarterly to help identify specific bulletins. Subscriptions are available. You can order an index at the toll-free numbers listed previously, or ask a GM dealer to see an index or individual bulletin. Owner Publications Owner’s manuals, warranty folders and various owner assistance booklets provide owners with general operation and maintenance information.

8-10

Section 9 Index

1.23. 2.47

Adjustable Mast Antenna ........................ 3-29 AirBag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 Adding Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-26 How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27 What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-25 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-25 Aircleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-68 Air Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Alignment and Balance. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-57 Antenna. Adjustable Mast ........................ 3-29 Antenna. Power ................................ 3-29 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49. 4-6 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 6-50

Appearancecare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appearance Care Materials ....................... Arbitration Program .............................. Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transmission Transmission Check ........................... 7-44 Transmission Fluid ............................ 6-16 Transmission Operation ........................ 2-17 Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 Transmission Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 2-20 6-19

Axle. Locking Rear ............................. Axle.Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-59 8-7 2-42 3-9

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 Jump Starting ................................. 5-2 Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2.5-3 BBB Auto Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .................... 4-20 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

9-1

Brake

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master Cylinder .............................. Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PedalTravel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing System Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Warning Light ......................... Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transmission Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brakes, Anti-Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Braking i n Emergencies .......................... .......................... Break-In, New Vehicle Brightness Control .............................. BTSICheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-29 6-27 6-27 2-20 6-29 6-30 2-48 4-33 7-45 6-28 . 4-6 . 4-5 . 4-8 2-13 2-36 7-45 6-3 1

Canadian Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25.4-25, Cassette Deck Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 1 1. Cassette Tape Player Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center High-Mounted Stoplamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center Passenger Position ........................ Center Rear Passenger Position .................... Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificationnire Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chains. Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. 8-6 6-65 4-34 7-44 3-13 3-28 2-56 1-33 1-33 4-26 4-26 4-33

9-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chains. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-20 Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-48 Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39 Securing in the Center Front Seat Position . . . . . . . . . 1-41 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-41 Securing in the Center Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41 Securing in the Passenger Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-42 TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38 1-37. 1-38 Where to Put Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 Circuit Breakers and Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62 Cleaner. Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Inside of Your GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53 Outside of Your GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Special Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53 Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Climate Control. Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 1 Clock. Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- I Compact Disc Care ............................. 3-28 Compact Disc Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 17. 3- I9 Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 I Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-40 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 RecoveryTank ............................... 5-13 Cooling System ................................ 5- 12 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-6 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 Customer Assistance Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-57 Damage. Sheet Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Daytime Running Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Dead Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Defects. Reporting Safety Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 1 Defogger . Rear Window .......................... 3-8 Defogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2, 3-4 Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2, 3-4 Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Door

Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-3

2-8 2-41 2-41 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 1-13

Sliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage ..................................... Storagepocket ............................... Swing-Out Side ............................... Drive Position. Automatic Transmission DriverPosition ................................. Driving City ........................................ 4-18 Defensive .................................... 4-1 Drunken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Freeway .................................... 4-19 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-24 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4 IntheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 Night ...................................... 4-13 On Curves .................................... 4-8 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 .................... 4-21 On Hill and Mountain Roads OnSnowandIce ............................. 4-23 Throughwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 WetRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 Winter ...................................... 4-23 With a Trailer ................................ 4-34 Drunken Driving ................................ 4-2 ............................. Dual Tire Operation 6-45

Electrical Equipment. Adding .................... 6-61 Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 Electronic Road Speed Governor (Gasoline Engines) . . . 2-55

9-3

Engine ........................................ 6-8 Coolant ..................................... 6-20 Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-43 Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2-54 Cooling System .............................. 6-66 Exhaust ..................................... 2-24 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60. 6-65 OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-43 Overheating ................................. 5- 10 Running While Parked ......................... 2-25 StartingYour ................................ 2-14 Engineoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Adding ..................................... 6-11 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Checking ................................... 6-11 Pressure Gage ................................ 2-52 Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Whentochange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Exhaust, Engine ................................ 2-24

Fabric Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 I Fan Control, Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 FillingYourTank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Filter, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15 Finish Care .................................... 6-56 Finish Damage ................................. 6-57 First Gear, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- I9 Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-1 Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-20 Fluid Capacities ................................ 6-65 Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Foreign Countries, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 9-4

...........................

.. French Language Manual 11 Front Parkingflurn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . 6-34 Front Storage Area .............................. 2-41 FrontTowing ................................... 5-8 Fuel .................. . . .. .. . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . . . . 6-2 Canada ...................................... 6-3 Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-4 Gage ....................................... 2-53 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4 Tank Capacity ............................... 6-67 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-62

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-54 Engine Oil Pressure ........................... 2-52 Fuel ....................................... 2-53 Speedometer ................................. 2-45 Voltmeter ................................... 2-55 GAWR ....................................... 4-27 Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-27 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-26 .. Guide en Franpis 11 GVWR ....................................... 4-26

.................................

Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-31 Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1 Head Restraints ................................. 1-5 Headlamps .................................... 2-35 Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-31 HighLow Beam Changer ...................... 2-30 OnReminder ................................ 2-36 Wiring ..................................... 6-61

Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 High-Beam Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30 Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21 Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21 Hitches. Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 Hood Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Prop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- I7

Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 13 Inflation. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 7-48 7-47 7-47 7-48 7-47 7-47 7-47 2-36 6-51 2-44 6-62 2-38

Brakesystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhaust Systems ............................. Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... RearAxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Throttle Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brightness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jack. Ere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

K e y Lock Cylinders Service ..................... Keyless Entry System ............................ Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-44 2-5 2-1

Labels

Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Certificationflire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Service Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-26 Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 OnReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Onwarning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Underhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-23 2-42 Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23. 2-47

Air Bag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.49. 4.6 Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Safety Belt Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23. 2-46 Service Engine Soon .......................... 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26

Loading Your Vehicle

9-5

Locks

Cylinders ................................... 7-44 Door ........................................ 2-3 Key Lock Cylinder Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44 PowerDoor .................................. 2-3 Rear Door Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Sliding Door Child Security ...................... 2-4 Steering Column Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 LossofControl ................................ 4-12 Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-49 Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-44

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65 Maintenance Record ............................ 7-5 I Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- I Long Tripmighway Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Long Tripmighway Intervals ..................... 7-6 Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Short Trip/City Definition ....................... 7-4 Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-4 Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-58 Maintenance When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-50 ManualFrontSeat ............................... 1-1 Manual Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Convex Outside .............................. 2-39

Recovery

Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-39 Manual ..................................... 2-40 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-39 Visor Vanity ................................. 2-42 MMT ......................................... 6-3 Model Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-29

Neutral. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 New Vehicle Break-In ........................... 2-13 Nightvision ................................... 4-14 Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

~~

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Odometer . . . . . . 2-45 Odometer. Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Off-Road 4-10 Oil. Engine .................................... 6-11 Overheating Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-43 Owner Publications. Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park

6-58 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

9-6

Parking

AtNight .................................... 2-12 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-46 Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 ........................ Over Things That Burn 2-24 With a Trailer ................................ 4-36 Passenger Position .............................. 1-29 Passenger Temperature Control ..................... 3-5 Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 Power Antenna Mast Care ............................ 3-29 DoorLocks ................................... 2-3 Option Fuses ................................ 6-61 Remote Control Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Steering ..................................... 4-8 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-24 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Power Seat Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-29 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications. Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 16 Radiator Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23 Radio Reception ................................ 3-26 Radios ......................... 3-9.3-11.3-13. 3-19 Rain. Driving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 15 Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38

Rear

Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 Door Security Locks ........................... 2-4 Outside Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30 Seat Passengers .............................. 1-29 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41 Towing ...................................... 5-9 Window Defogger ............................. 3-8 Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-39 Reclining Front Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5-13 Refrigerants. Air Conditioning .................... 6-68 ..................... 3-17 Remote Compact Disc Player Removing the Rear Seat ........................... 1-6 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheel ...................................... Replacing Safety Belts ........................... Replacing the Rear Seat ........................... Reporting Safety Defects .......................... Restraints Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-48 Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-48 System Check ................................ 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 Reverse. Automatic Transmission Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-29 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-4 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36 Rocking Your Vehicle Rotation. Tires ................................. 6-43

6-69 6-65 6-48 1-48 1-7 8-8

9-7

Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Column Lock Check .......................... 7-46 In Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Wheel. Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 StorageAreas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-30 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . 5-35 SunVisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 1 Symbols, Vehicle ..................................

Taillamp Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-36 Tape Player Care ............................... 3-28 Temperature Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . 3- 1 Temperature Control. Passenger .................... 3-5 Theft ......................................... 2-12 Theft-Deterrent Feature .......................... 3-23 Thermostat .................................... 6-24 Third Gear. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 19 Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Time. Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 TireLoading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-48 Buying New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-20 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54

Dual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42 Inflation Check ............................... 7-44 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-43 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-46 Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-48 ....................... 6-44 When It's Time for New TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38 TorqueLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 Torque. Wheel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65 Torque. Wheel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32 TowingaTrailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Towing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Trailer Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Driving on Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 Driving with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 Maintenance When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37 Parking on Hills .............................. 4-36 Safety Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Tongueweight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31 Total Weight on Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Turnsignals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Wiring Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

9-9

Transmission Fluid Automatic ................................... 6- 16 Transmitters. Keyless Entry ........................ 2-5 Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-45 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-3 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30 Turn SignalA4ultifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35

Underbody Maintenance ........................ UnderhoodLamp ...............................

6-58 2-38

Vehicle

..............................

Control ...................................... 4-5 iv Damage Warnings Identification Number ......................... 6-60 Loading .................................... 4-26 Storage ..................................... 6-30 Ventilation System ............................... 3-8 Visor Vanity Mirrors ............................ 2-42 Visors, Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41

w a r n i n g Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................ 6-25 ........................... Washing Your Vehicle 6-55 Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Wheel Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 NutTorque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65 NutTorque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32 Replacement ................................. 6-48 Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 SideLatches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Swing-Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Windshield Washer ............................. 2-32 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-326-25 FluidLevelCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31 Blade Replacement ........................... 6-39 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23 Wiring. Headlamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 WreckerTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Wrench. Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Windshield Wiper

9-10

I

Supplement to the 1996 Express and Savana uwner’s Manual

This supplement includes the latest inforrnation at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes in the

product afer that time withoutfirther notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name

“General Motors of Canada ”for General Motors wherever it appears in this manual.

@Copyright 1996 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. GENERAL MOTORS and the names EXPRESS and SAVANA are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

PART NUMBER 15029395

This information replaces the “Removing the Rear Seat and “Replacing the Rear Seat” portion located in Section 1 in your owner’s manual. Removing the Rear Seat

’’

c’

2. Lift the carpedmat flap at the inboard side of the seat

base in the rear.

1. Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed. To do this, press the tip of a key into the release hole of the safety belt buckle while pulling up on the safety belt.

3. Locate the red handle on the inboard side of the seat

base, rotate the red handle up.

5. Stow the locking pin on the rear of the seat base in

the hole that is provided.

4. Once the red handle is rotated up, pull the handle to

remove the locking pin.

6. Repeat this procedure for the other seat base. 7. Remove the seat from the vehicle. 8. Install the trim covers to the floor rails.

The 1996 Chevrolet Express Owner’s Manual

2-1

1-1

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR’ system. FeaturesandControls .................................................................. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. ProblemsontheRoad .................................................................. 5-1 This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated Service and Appearance Care ............................................................ 6-1 engine, etc. Maintenanceschedule .................................................................. 7-1 Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ 8-1 Index ................................................................................ 9-1

This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8.

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

4-1

3-1

Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

u

CHEVROLET

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name EXPRESS are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. C9614 B First Edition

ii

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriktaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franGais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T IC7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1996 All Rights Reserved

How to Use this Manual Many people W d their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

iii

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.’’

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

1 NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

iv

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

,\I/,

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

SIGNALS e e

TURN

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

-0 # 0

VENTILATING FAN

DAYTIME RUNNING

LAMPS - *

FOG LAMPS

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE t

COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

LIGHTER

(0) HORN )tr SPEAKER b e,

FUEL

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Passenger Van

1 Cab and Chassis

Cargo Van

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Manual Front Seats

Here you'll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should nut do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, take them out and put them back in. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks.

1-1

’

The bucket seats can be adjusted forward or rearward with the lever at the front of the seat. To adjust the seat, pull the lever up to release the seat bottom and slide the seat where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

A CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Power Seat (Option)

If your vehicle has a power seat on the driver or passenger’s side, you can adjust it with this switch at the front center cushion of the seat.

1-2

Reclining Seatbacks

You can use these switches to move the seat where you want it. To raise the seat, move the center knob up. To lower the. seat, move the center knob down. To move the seat forward, move the center knob toward the right. To move the seat rearward, move the center knob toward the left. You can raise and lower the front and rear of the seat. To raise the front of the seat, move the right lever up. To lower it, move the right lever down. To raise the rear of the seat, move the left lever up. To lower it, move the left lever down.

To adjust the seatback, lift the front of this lever which is located a t the inner edge of the. seat cushion. Move the seatback with your body and release the lever to lock the seatback where yo11 want it. Ixan forward and pull up on the front o f ' the lever and the seatback will go to an upright position.

1-3

A CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

1-4

Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed OB some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Rear Seats

' A CAUTION:

I A CAUTION:

A safety belt that is twisted or not properly attached won't provide the protection needed in 1 a crash. The person wearing the belt could be i seriously injured. After installing the seat, always i check to be sure that the safety belts are not

' twisted and are'properly attached.

rn

~~

A seat that isn't locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

..

1-5

Removing the Rear Seat

I . Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed. To do this, press the tip of a key into the release hole of the safety belt end release buckle while pulling up on the safety belt.

2. At the floor, remove the plastic trim covers in front

of and behind the seat supports.

3. Lift up on the latch lever located at the front of

each seat support. The latch lever will stay in the up position.

4. Roll the scat toward the open slots in both rails. Lift

the seat up and out of both rails.

5. Remove the seat from the vehicle. 6. Install long trim covers to the front portion of the

floor rails.

Replacing the Rear Seat

1. Position the seat into the open slots in both rails.

Make sure that the latch levers at the front of the seat are in the up position.

2. Roll the seat to the set location and lock into place. '

3. Lower the latch lever by lifting up on the release located at the mid-position of each seat support. Check that both sides of the seat are locked securely by trying to move the seat forward and backward. A click should be heard when the seat is locked in place.

4. At the floor, replace the plastic trim covers in front

of and behind the seat supports.

5. Connect the quick release latch plates for the lap shoulder belts by inserting the latch plates into the buckles attached at the outboard positions of the bench seat.

1-7

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system.

CAUTION:

, / 1 \

’ Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

1-8

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

1-9

I

. .. ... .

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

1-10

or the instrument panel . . .

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

1-11

@ If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

wear safety belts?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is ~?zuch greater if you are belted. &= If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work ~:ith safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

1-12

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

3.

4.

Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-13

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

1-14

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. ,

To move it down, push in at the word PRESS and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

1-15

What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

1-16

Q z What's wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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&, CAb I’ION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

&: What’s wrong with this?

.-.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTICU:

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

1-19

&.’ What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system.

If it says SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel and there’s a right front passenger seat, your vehicle has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger.

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

If it says SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel but there is no right front passenger seat, your vehicle has an air bag for the driver only. If it doesn’t say SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel, your vehicle doesn’t have air bags. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

CAUTION: 0

Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver,

not there’s an air bag for that person.

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if

have an air bag. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. The air bag is only a “supplemental restraint.” That is, it works with safety belts but doesn’t replace them. CAUTION: (Continued)

I A

C1”’ L ION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for an air bag inflation in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with an air bag. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

1-22

If your vehicle has an air bag for the right front passenger, please read this:

A CAUTION:

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

AIR BAG

The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where is the air bag? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

1-24

Don’t put anything on, or attach anything to, the steering wheel or instrument panel. Also, don’t put anything (such as pets or objects) between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. And don’t hang anything from the assist handle on the passenger’s side of the instrument panel. If something is between an performance of the air bag -- or worse, it could occupant and an air bag, it could affect the cause injury.

When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 1 1 to 16 mph ( 1 8 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that

it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one indication of this. What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules packed inside the steering wheel and in the instrument pane! in front of the right front passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time. The part of the bag that comes into contact with you may be warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag

inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

The air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

1-26

0

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your GM dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

NOTICE:

If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, they may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag covers.

For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

1 37

@ Is there anything I might add to the front of the

vehicle that could keep the air bags from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag sensors. If you have any question about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. (The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See “Customer Satisfaction Procedure” in the Index.)

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle &.” If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the

front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly?

A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is

attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash.

1-28

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

...I

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

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1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.

Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely to slide under the lap belt, If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

1-31

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash. - - A CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

is

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt If your vehicle has rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

1-33

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies (Except Cargo Vans with Passt-- r Air B

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. -Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-34

r heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a

crash. During a crash a baby will become so

CAUTION: (Continued)

Smaller Children and Babies (Cargo Vans with Passenger Air Bags)

A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child restraint. However, infants, who should be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint, cannot ride safely in this vehicle. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, be sure the child is always properly restrained while riding in this vehicle.

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A CAUTION: vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a

crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTIOPT. ipontinuedi

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold.

Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint (Except Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models) Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle has a front

passenger air bag, neuer put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

I A CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. If your vehicle has a right front passenger’s air bag, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Or, secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child -estraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

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Where to. Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models) The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, never- put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here's why:

r"

Top Strap

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the passenger's air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle' -- even when no child is in it. 1-38

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your GM dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your 'dealer can tell you how to do it.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of

the retractor to set the lock.

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

I .

2.

3.

Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say.

1-41

4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push

down on the child restraint.

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If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, n.ever put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

I A CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. If your vehicle is a passenger van, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle is a cargo van, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, always

move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.)

2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

4. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of