2010 Chevrolet Express Owners Manual

Download PDF Manual
with any of its wheels on the ground.

Dolly Towing Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground) Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Use the following procedure to tow the vehicle from the rear: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the

dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.

5-28

3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on

page 3-36 for more information. 4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the

manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for

towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked into the straight position.

7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven for six weeks or more, remove the battery cable from the negative terminal (post) of the battery to prevent the battery from draining while towing.

All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

The vehicle was not designed to be towed with two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground. Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground.

5-29

Towing a Trailer If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information.

{ WARNING:

The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even at all. The driver and passengers could be seriously injured. The vehicle may also be damaged; the resulting repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only if all the steps in this section have been followed. Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Notice: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage the vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section and see your dealer/retailer for important information about towing a trailer with the vehicle. To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. The following information has many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before pulling a trailer.

5-30

Pulling A Trailer Here are some important points: • There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police.

• Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later

in this section.

• Do not tow a trailer at all during the ﬁrst 500 miles

(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

• Then, during the ﬁrst 500 miles (800 km) that a

trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

• Vehicles with an automatic transmissions can tow in

D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.

Three important considerations have to do with weight: • The weight of the trailer • The weight of the trailer tongue • The weight on the vehicle’s tires Also see Tow/Haul later in this section for information about the Tow/Haul button and the Tow/Haul indicator light. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.

5-31

Use the following chart to determine how much the vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and options.

Vehicle G1500 Cargo Van 2WD

4.3L V6

5.3L V8

H1500 Cargo Van AWD

5.3L V8

G1500 Passenger Van 2WD

5.3L V8

H1500 Passenger Van AWD

5.3L V8

Axle Ratio

Maximum Trailer Weight

GCWR*

3.42
3.42
3.73

3.42

3.73

3.73

4,400 lbs (1 996 kg)

6,700 lbs (3 039 kg)

9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)

6,500 lbs (2 948 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)

6,200 lbs (2 812 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)

6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)

G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase

4.8L V8

6.0L V8

3.73
4.10
3.73
4.10

G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase

3.73
4.10
3.73
4.10

4.8L V8

6.0L V8

5-32

6,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 7,400 lbs (3 357 kg) 8,400 lbs (3 810 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)

6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 8,200 lbs (3 719 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

Vehicle G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase

Axle Ratio

Maximum Trailer Weight

6.0L V8
6.0L V8

3.73
4.10

7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 9,600 lbs (4 355 kg)

G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase

4.8L V8

6.0L V8

3.73
4.10
3.73
4.10

G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase

4.8L V8

6.0L V8

3.73
4.10
3.73
4.10

6,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 7,400 lbs (3 295 kg) 8,400 lbs (3 810 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)

6,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 7,100 lbs (3 221 kg) 8,200 lbs (3 719 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)

GCWR*

14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase

6.0L V8

3.73

7,600 lbs (3 447 kg)

14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase

6.0L V8

3.73

7,300 lbs (3 311 kg)

14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

*The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo equipment and conversion. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be exceeded.

Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices on page 8-6
for more information.

5-33

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) 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 Loading the Vehicle on page 5-19 for more information about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

5-34

The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up to a maximum of 400 lbs (181 kg) with a weight carrying hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up to a maximum of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 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.

Consider the following example: A vehicle model base weight is 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg); 2,800 lbs (1 270 kg) at the front axle and 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) at the rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg), a RGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:

Expect tongue weight to be at least 10 percent of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) and because the weight is applied well behind the rear axle, the effect on the rear axle is greater than just the weight itself, as much as 1.5 times as much. The weight at the rear axle could be 850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg). Since the rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg), adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to 3,975 lbs (1 803 kg). This is very close to, but within the limit for RGAWR as well. The vehicle is set to trailer up to 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).

5-35

It is important that the vehicle does not exceed any of its ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer Rating or Tongue 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’s 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’s door or see Loading the Vehicle on page 5-19. 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. 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.

If the vehicle has many options and there is a front seat passenger and two rear seat passengers with some luggage and gear in the vehicle as well. 300 lbs (136 kg) could be added to the front axle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear axle weight. The vehicle now weighs:

Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and you might think 700 additional pounds (318 kg) should be subtracted from the trailering capacity to stay within GCWR limits. The maximum trailer would only be 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You may go further and think the tongue weight should be limited to less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) to avoid exceeding GVWR. But the effect on the rear axle must still be considered. Because the rear axle now weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), 900 lbs (408 kg) can be put on the rear axle without exceeding RGAWR. The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the actual weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves only 600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight that can be handled. Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent of total loaded trailer weight, expect that the largest trailer the vehicle can properly handle is 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).

5-36

Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight Carrying Hitches

A: Body to Ground Distance

B: Front of Vehicle When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must be adjusted so the distance (A) 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 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg), 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 not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the engine’s exhaust can get into the vehicle as well as dirt and water. See “Carbon Monoxide” under Engine Exhaust on page 3-40. Safety Chains Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

5-37

Tow/Haul Mode

Pressing this button at the end of the shift lever turns on and off the tow/haul mode.

This indicator light on the instrument panel 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. See Tow/Haul Mode on page 3-34 for more information.

5-38

Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” later in the section. 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. Trailer Brakes A loaded trailer that weighs more than 1,500 lbs (680 kg) needs to have its own brake system that is adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly.

Driving with a Trailer

{ WARNING:

When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. To maximize safety when towing a trailer:

• Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks and make necessary repairs before starting a trip.

• Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or

rear-most window open.

• Fully open the air outlets on or under the

instrument panel.

• Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 3-40

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection at the same time. During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane.

5-39

Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. Making Turns Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer The arrows on the instrument panel ﬂash whenever signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also ﬂash, telling other drivers the vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel ﬂash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. For this reason you may think other drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine Overheating on page 6-35.

5-40

Parking on Hills

{ WARNING:

Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached can be dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a ﬂat surface.

If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift the

transmission into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.

2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer

wheels.

3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the

brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking

brake and shift into P (Park).

5. Release the brake pedal.

Leaving After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:

• start the engine, • shift into a gear, and • release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the

chocks.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule or Index for more information. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission ﬂuid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and during the trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

5-41

Trailer Wiring Harness The optional heavy-duty trailer wiring package includes a wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector at the rear of the vehicle and a four-wire harness assembly under the driver side of the instrument panel. The four-wire harness assembly comes without a connector. If the vehicle does not have a trailer hitch, the seven-wire harness assembly with connector is taped together and located in a frame pocket at the driver side rear left corner of the frame. If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, the seven-wire harness assembly with connector is attached to a bracket on the hitch platform. In both cases, the seven-wire harness has a connector and includes a 30-amp feed wire. The seven-wire harness connector contains the following trailer circuits: • Light Green: Back-up Lamps (10A fuse)** • White: Ground • Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal • Dark Green: Right Rear Stop and Turn Signal*

• Red/Black Stripe: Battery Feed (30A Fuse) • Brown: Trailer Park Lamp Supply Voltage

(15A fuse)**

• Yellow: Left Rear Stop and Turn Signal * The four-wire harness (without connector) contains the following circuits: • Black: Ground • Red/White: Battery Feed • Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal • Light Blue: CHMSL/Stoplamp Supply Voltage * 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.

5-42

Section 6

Service and Appearance Care

Service ............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modiﬁcations ..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning .....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements .....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work .........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of

the Vehicle .................................................6-5
Fuel ................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane ............................................6-6
Gasoline Speciﬁcations ....................................6-6
California Fuel ...............................................6-6
Additives .......................................................6-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) ..................................6-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries ...............................6-9
Filling the Tank ............................................6-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .....................6-12
Checking Things Under the Hood ....................6-12
Hood Release ..............................................6-13
Engine Compartment Overview .......................6-14
Engine Oil ...................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System ..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ................................6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid

(4-Speed Transmission) ..............................6-21

Automatic Transmission Fluid

(6-Speed Transmission) ..............................6-24

Cooling System ............................................6-28
Engine Coolant .............................................6-29
Engine Overheating .......................................6-35
Engine Fan Noise .........................................6-37
Power Steering Fluid .....................................6-38
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................6-39
Brakes ........................................................6-40
Battery ........................................................6-43
Jump Starting ...............................................6-44
All-Wheel Drive ..............................................6-49
Rear Axle .......................................................6-50
Front Axle ......................................................6-50
Noise Control System .....................................6-51

Tampering with Noise Control System

Prohibited .................................................6-51
Bulb Replacement ..........................................6-53
Halogen Bulbs ..............................................6-53
Headlamps ..................................................6-53
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and

Parking Lamps ..........................................6-55
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) .........6-56
Taillamps .....................................................6-56
License Plate Lamp ......................................6-58
Replacement Bulbs .......................................6-58
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ..............6-59

6-1

Section 6

Service and Appearance Care

Tires ..............................................................6-60
Tire Sidewall Labeling ...................................6-61
Tire Terminology and Deﬁnitions .....................6-65
Inﬂation - Tire Pressure .................................6-68
Dual Tire Operation .......................................6-70
Tire Pressure Monitor System .........................6-70
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .....................6-72
Tire Inspection and Rotation ...........................6-75
When It Is Time for New Tires .......................6-78
Buying New Tires .........................................6-79
Different Size Tires and Wheels ......................6-80
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..........................6-81
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ..................6-82
Wheel Replacement ......................................6-82
Tire Chains ..................................................6-84
If a Tire Goes Flat ........................................6-85
Changing a Flat Tire .....................................6-86
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................6-87
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the

Spare Tire ................................................6-90
Secondary Latch System ...............................6-97
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ...........6-100
Spare Tire .................................................6-101
Appearance Care ..........................................6-102
Interior Cleaning .........................................6-102
Fabric/Carpet ..............................................6-103

6-2

Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic

Surfaces .................................................6-104
Care of Safety Belts ....................................6-104
Weatherstrips .............................................6-105
Washing Your Vehicle ..................................6-105
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................6-105
Finish Care ................................................6-106
Windshield and Wiper Blades .......................6-106
Aluminum Wheels .......................................6-107
Tires .........................................................6-107
Sheet Metal Damage ...................................6-107
Finish Damage ...........................................6-108
Underbody Maintenance ...............................6-108
Chemical Paint Spotting ...............................6-108
Vehicle Identiﬁcation .....................................6-109
Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) ................6-109
Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label ...................6-109
Electrical System ..........................................6-109
Add-On Electrical Equipment .........................6-109
Headlamp Wiring ........................................6-110
Windshield Wiper Fuses ...............................6-110
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ..........................6-110
Floor Console Fuse Block ............................6-111
Engine Compartment Fuse Block ...................6-112
Capacities and Speciﬁcations ........................6-116

Service For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer. You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:

Accessories and Modiﬁcations When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability, ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Some of these accessories could even cause malfunction or damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Damage to vehicle components resulting from the installation or use of non-GM certiﬁed parts, including control module modiﬁcations, is not covered under the terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining warranty coverage for affected parts. GM Accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/ retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that GM-trained and supported service technicians will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories. Also, see Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-79.

6-3

California Proposition 65 Warning Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems, many ﬂuids, and some component wear by-products contain and/or emit these chemicals.

California Perchlorate Materials Requirements Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries contained in remote keyless transmitters, may contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may be necessary. For additional information, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

6-4

Doing Your Own Service Work

{ WARNING:

You can be injured and the vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it.

• Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,

experience, the proper replacement parts, and tools before attempting any vehicle maintenance task.

• Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and

other fasteners. English and metric fasteners can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners are used, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.

If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 8-17. This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-78.

Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Record on page 7-16.

Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the airﬂow around it. This can cause wind noise and can affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance. Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment to the outside of the vehicle. Fuel For diesel engine vehicles, see “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System” in the DURAMAX® Diesel manual. For vehicles with gasoline engines, please read this. Gasoline Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance, we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.

Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets enhanced detergency standards developed by auto companies. A list of marketers providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be found at www.toptiergas.com.

The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) shows the code letter or number that identiﬁes the vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the instrument panel. See Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) on page 6-109.

6-5

If the vehicle has the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A), the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4), or the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code G) and the N15 ﬂexible fuel option, you can use either regular unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel E85
(85% Ethanol) on page 6-8. For all other gasoline engines, use only regular unleaded gasoline.

Gasoline Octane Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, an audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark knock, might be heard when driving. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If heavy knocking is heard when using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engine needs service.

Gasoline Speciﬁcations At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM speciﬁcation D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of gasolines containing MMT. See Additives on page 6-7
for additional information.

California Fuel If the vehicle is certiﬁed to meet California Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California speciﬁcations. See the underhood emission control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal speciﬁcations, but emission control system performance might be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the vehicle might fail a smog-check test. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-30. If this occurs, return to your authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

6-6

Additives To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that help prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing the emission control system to work properly. In most cases, nothing should have to be added to the fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS is the only gasoline additive recommended by General Motors. Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines, if they comply with the speciﬁcations described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels. Notice: This vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system could be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service.

6-7

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) shows the code letter or number that identiﬁes the vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the instrument panel. See Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) on page 6-109. If the vehicle has the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A), the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4), or the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code G) and the N15 ﬂexible fuel option, you can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel on page 6-5. For all other gasoline engines, use only the unleaded gasoline described under Gasoline Octane on page 6-6. Only vehicles that have the 4.8L V8 engine (VIN Code A), the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4) or the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code G) and the N15 ﬂexible fuel option can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage the use of E85 in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from renewable sources such as corn and other crops.

Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump available. The U.S. Department of Energy has an alternative fuels website (www.eere.energy.gov/ afdc/infrastructure/locator.html) that can help you ﬁnd E85 fuel. Those stations that do have E85 should have a label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content is greater than 85%. At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM Speciﬁcation D 5798. By deﬁnition, this means that fuel labeled E85
will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%. Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meet ASTM speciﬁcations can affect driveability and could cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on. To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel must be formulated properly for your climate according to ASTM speciﬁcation D 5798. If you have trouble starting on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is not properly formulated for your climate. If this happens, switching to gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tank can improve starting. For good starting and heater efficiency below 0°C (32°F), the fuel mix in the fuel tank should contain no more than 70% ethanol. It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85.

6-8

If you do switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as possible — do not add less than 11 L (three gallons) when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least 11 km (seven miles) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in ethanol concentration. E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you will need to reﬁll the fuel tank more often when using E85
than when you are using gasoline. See Filling the Tank on page 6-10. Notice: Some additives are not compatible with E85 fuel and can harm the vehicle’s fuel system. Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused by additives would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Notice: This vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty.

Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard to ﬁnd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you will be driving.

6-9

The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel door on the driver side of the vehicle.

If the vehicle has E85 fuel capability, the fuel cap will be yellow and state that E85 or gasoline can be used. See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 6-8. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise. While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the hook on the fuel door.

Filling the Tank

{ WARNING:

Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel ﬁre can cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others, read and follow all the instructions on the fuel pump island. Turn off the engine when refueling. Do not smoke near fuel or when refueling the vehicle. Do not use cellular phones. Keep sparks, ﬂames, and smoking materials away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended when refueling the vehicle. This is against the law in some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle while pumping fuel. Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump fuel.

6-10

{ WARNING:

{ WARNING:

Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overﬁll the tank and wait a few seconds after you have ﬁnished pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See Washing Your Vehicle on page 6-105. When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-30.

If a ﬁre starts while you are refueling, do not remove the nozzle. Shut off the ﬂow of fuel by shutting off the pump or by notifying the station attendant. Leave the area immediately.

If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get

Notice: the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not ﬁt properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and emissions system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-30.

6-11

Checking Things Under the Hood

{ WARNING:

Things that burn can get on hot engine or fuel operated heater (FOH) parts and start a ﬁre. These include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake ﬂuid, windshield washer and other ﬂuids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine or fuel operated heater (FOH).

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

{ WARNING:

Never ﬁll a portable fuel container while it is in the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

• Dispense fuel only into approved containers. • Do not ﬁll a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or on any surface other than the ground.

• Bring the ﬁll nozzle in contact with the inside of the ﬁll opening before operating the nozzle. Contact should be maintained until the ﬁlling is complete.

• Do not smoke while pumping fuel. • Do not use a cellular phone while

pumping fuel.

6-12

Hood Release To open the hood:

1. Pull the handle with

this symbol on it. It is located in front of the driver’s side door frame near the ﬂoor.

2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift up the secondary hood release, which is located underneath the middle of the hood.

3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its

retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.

If your vehicle has an underhood lamp, it will automatically come on and stay on until the hood is closed. Before closing the hood, be sure all of the ﬁller caps are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer. Let the hood down and close it ﬁrmly.

6-13

Engine Compartment Overview If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX® Diesel manual. When the hood is lifted:

6-14

A. Battery. See Battery on page 6-43. B. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on

page 6-28.

C. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System on

page 6-28.

D. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the Fluid Level” under Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on page 6-21 or Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on page 6-24.

E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”

under Engine Oil on page 6-15.

F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”

under Engine Oil on page 6-15.

G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air

Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.

H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering

Fluid on page 6-38.

I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”

under Brakes on page 6-40.

J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding

Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6-39.

Engine Oil For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil” in the DURAMAX® Diesel manual. Checking Engine Oil It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel ﬁll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick. 1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.

6-15

When to Add Engine Oil

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14
for the location of the engine oil ﬁll cap.

If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Speciﬁcations on page 6-116. Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.

Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when through.

6-16

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Look for three things:

• GM6094M

Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.

• SAE 5W-30

SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.

• American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol

Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certiﬁed by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Notice: Use only engine oil identiﬁed as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American Petroleum Institute Certiﬁed For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Cold Temperature Operation If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. Always use an oil that meets the required speciﬁcation, GM6094M. See “What Kind of Engine Oil to Use” for more information.

6-17

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil Flushes Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection. Engine oil system ﬂushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Engine Oil Life System When to Change Engine Oil This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and ﬁlter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-44. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and ﬁlter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service people who will perform this work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level. If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.

6-18

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and ﬁlter based on vehicle use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where the oil is changed prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message being turned on, reset the system. To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message: 1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off. 2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal

slowly three times within ﬁve seconds.

3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. If the message comes back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure. If it still does not reset, see your dealer/retailer for service.

What to Do with Used Oil Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the ﬁlter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.

6-19

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter If your vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX Diesel manual for more information.

When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Inspect the air cleaner/ﬁlter at the Maintenance II intervals and replace it at the ﬁrst oil change after each 50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3 for more information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the ﬁlter at each engine oil change. How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter To inspect the air cleaner/ﬁlter, remove the ﬁlter from the vehicle and lightly shake the ﬁlter to release loose dust and dirt. If the ﬁlter remains caked with dirt, a new ﬁlter is required. Never use compressed air to clean the ﬁlter.

The engine air cleaner/ﬁlter is located near the center of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for more information on location.

6-20

To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter, do the following: 1. Unhook the retainer clips and remove the cover. 2. Lift the ﬁlter out of the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible.

3. Clean the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter housing. 4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter.

Make sure that the ﬁlter ﬁts properly into the housing.

5. Reinstall the cover and fasten the retaining clips.

{ WARNING:

Operating the engine with the air cleaner/ﬁlter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop ﬂames if the engine backﬁres. If it is not there and the engine backﬁres, you could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/ﬁlter off.

If the air cleaner/ﬁlter is off, a backﬁre

Notice: can cause a damaging engine ﬁre. And, dirt can easily get into the engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/ﬁlter in place when you are driving.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) If your vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX Diesel manual for more information. When to Check and Change Automatic Transmission Fluid A good time to check your automatic transmission ﬂuid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change the ﬂuid and ﬁlter at the intervals listed in Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3, and be sure to use the transmission ﬂuid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.

6-21

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 miles) when outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), drive the vehicle in D (DRIVE) until the engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes. A cold ﬂuid check can be made after the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for ﬁve minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the ﬂuid level be low during this cold check, you must check the ﬂuid hot before adding ﬂuid. Checking the ﬂuid hot will give you a more accurate reading of the ﬂuid level.

How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Notice: Too much or too little ﬂuid can damage your 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 you check your 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.

6-22

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for more information on location. 1. Flip the handle up and then 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

then pull it back out again.

Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: 1. Park your 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, follow these steps:

The transmission dipstick is located near the center of the engine compartment and will be labeled with the graphic shown.

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The ﬂuid level must be in the COLD area for a cold check or in the HOT or cross-hatched area for a hot check. 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.

6-23

Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) When to Check and Change Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check the transmission ﬂuid level. The only reason for ﬂuid loss is a transmission leak or overheating the transmission. If a small leak is suspected, use the following procedures to check the ﬂuid level. However, if there is a large leak, then it may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a dealer/retailer service department and have it repaired before driving the vehicle further. Change the ﬂuid and ﬁlter at the intervals listed in Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3, and be sure to use the transmission ﬂuid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.

How to Add Automatic Transmission Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission ﬂuid to use. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12. Using a funnel, add ﬂuid down the transmission dipstick tube only after checking the transmission ﬂuid while it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the ﬂuid level is low, add only enough of the proper ﬂuid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It does not take much ﬂuid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Do not overﬁll. Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission ﬂuid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the automatic transmission ﬂuid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12. • After adding ﬂuid, recheck the ﬂuid level as described under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.

• When the correct ﬂuid level is obtained, push the

dipstick back in all the way; then ﬂip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.

6-24

How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Because this operation can be difficult, it is recommended to have this check done at the dealer/retailer service department, 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 your 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 you check your 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 outside temperatures 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 15 miles before performing a warm check. Checking the ﬂuid Warm or 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.

6-25

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 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:

The transmission dipstick is located near the center of the engine compartment and will be labeled with the graphic shown.

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for more information on location. 1. Flip the handle up and then 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

then pull it back out again.

6-26

A. COLD Range B. WARM Range C. HOT Range

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The ﬂuid level must be in the COLD (A) range for a cold check, transmission temperature 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F), between the COLD (A) and HOT (C) range for a WARM (B) check, 50°C to 60°C (122°F to 140°F) or in the HOT (C) 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.

How to Add Automatic Transmission Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission ﬂuid to use. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12.

A. WARM Range B. HOT Range Using a funnel, add ﬂuid down the transmission dipstick tube only after checking the transmission ﬂuid while it is warm or hot. A cold check is used only as a reference.

If the ﬂuid level is low, add only enough of the proper ﬂuid to bring the level up to the middle of the WARM (A) or HOT (B) range depending on the ambient temperature and prior driving conditions. Refer to “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid”, earlier in this section for instructions on driving to achieve warm or hot transmission ﬂuid. It does not take much ﬂuid, generally less than 0.5 L (one pint). Do not overﬁll. Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission ﬂuid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the automatic transmission ﬂuid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12. • After adding ﬂuid, recheck the ﬂuid level as described under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.

• When the correct ﬂuid level is obtained, push the

dipstick back in all the way; then ﬂip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.

6-27

Cooling System If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Van Models” under “Cooling System” in the DURAMAX® Diesel Supplement. The Cooling System allows the engine to maintain the correct working temperature.

{ WARNING:

An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

{ WARNING:

Heater, fuel operated heater (FOH), radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you can be burned.

WARNING:

(Continued)

A. Radiator Pressure Cap B. Coolant Recovery Tank C. Engine Cooling Fan(s)

6-28

Engine Coolant The cooling system in the vehicle is ﬁlled with DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for ﬁve years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs ﬁrst. The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating on page 6-35.

WARNING:

(Continued)

Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine ﬁre, and you could be burned. Get any leak ﬁxed before you drive the vehicle.

Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL may cause premature engine, heater core, radiator and fuel operated heater (FOH) corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs ﬁrst. Any repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.

6-29

If an improper coolant mixture is used,

• Protects against rust and corrosion. • Will not damage aluminum parts. • Helps keep the proper engine temperature. Notice: the engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts. Notice: in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12 for more information.

If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used

What to Use

{ WARNING:

Adding only plain water to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch ﬁre and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.

Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else needs to be added. This mixture: • Gives freezing protection down to −34°F (−37°C),

outside temperature.

• Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),

engine temperature.

6-30

Checking Coolant The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level. Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above the COLD FILL mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant at the coolant recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the COLD FILL mark. If it is not, there could be a leak in the cooling system. If the coolant is low, add the coolant or take the vehicle to a dealer/retailer for service.

How to Add Coolant to the Recovery Tank for Gasoline Engines If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank” under “Van Models” in the Cooling System section of the DURAMAX® Diesel Supplement for the proper coolant ﬁll procedure.

{ WARNING:

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.

Notice: This vehicle has a speciﬁc coolant ﬁll procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause the engine to overheat and be severely damaged. If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.

6-31

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “How to Add Coolant to the Radiator” under “Van Models” in the Cooling System section of the DURAMAX® Diesel Supplement for the proper radiator ﬁll procedure.

{ WARNING:

An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

{ WARNING:

Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

If coolant is needed, add the proper mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.

6-32

1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when

the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it ﬁrst stops. Do not press down while turning the pressure cap. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push

down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL®

coolant mixture, up to the base of the ﬁller neck. See Engine Coolant on page 6-29 for more information about the proper coolant mixture.

6-33

4. Then ﬁll the coolant recovery tank to the

COLD FILL mark.

5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but

leave the radiator pressure cap off.

6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the

upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan.

6-34

7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator ﬁller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture through the ﬁller neck until the level reaches the base of the ﬁller neck.

8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during

this procedure if coolant begins to ﬂow out of the ﬁller neck, reinstall the pressure cap.

If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,

Notice: coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.

Engine Overheating If your vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX Diesel manual for more information. The vehicle has an indicator to warn of engine overheating. You will ﬁnd an engine coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-29 for more information.

You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning appears, but instead get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 8-8. If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If they are not, do not continue to run the engine and have the vehicle serviced. See if the engine cooling fan speed increases when idle speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal down. If it does not, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine. Notice: Engine damage from running the engine without coolant is not covered by the warranty. Notice: driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

If the engine catches ﬁre because of being

6-35

If Steam Is Coming From The Engine Compartment

{ WARNING:

Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch ﬁre. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.

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” under

Towing a Trailer on page 5-30.

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.

6-36

If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from the car in front of you. 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 you are parked. If you still have the warning, turn off the engine until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

Engine Fan Noise Your 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 you may hear an increase in fan noise. 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. You may also hear this fan noise when you start the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially disengages.

6-37

Power Steering Fluid

The power steering ﬂuid reservoir is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for reservoir location.

When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering ﬂuid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A ﬂuid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.

How to Check Power Steering Fluid To check the power steering ﬂuid, do the following: 1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment

cool down.

2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean. 3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a

clean rag.

4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. 5. Then remove the cap again and look at the ﬂuid

level on the dipstick.

The level should be at the COLD FILL mark. If necessary, add only enough ﬂuid to bring the level up to the mark. To prevent contamination of brake ﬂuid, never check or ﬁll the power steering reservoir with the brake master cylinder cover off. What to Use To determine what kind of ﬂuid to use, see Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12. Always use the proper ﬂuid. Failure to use the proper ﬂuid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

6-38

Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer ﬂuid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a ﬂuid that has sufficient protection against freezing. Adding Washer Fluid

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer ﬂuid until the tank is full. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for reservoir location.

Notice: (cid:129) When using concentrated washer ﬂuid, follow the

manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.

(cid:129) Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer ﬂuid.

Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer ﬂuid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water does not clean as well as washer ﬂuid. Fill the washer ﬂuid tank only three-quarters full when it is very cold. This allows for ﬂuid expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full.

(cid:129) Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s windshield washer system and paint.

6-39

(cid:129) Brakes Brake Fluid

The brake master cylinder reservoir is ﬁlled with DOT 3 brake ﬂuid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for the location of the reservoir.

There are only two reasons why the brake ﬂuid level in the reservoir might go down: • The brake ﬂuid level goes down because of normal

brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the ﬂuid level goes back up.

• A ﬂuid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also

cause a low ﬂuid level. Have the brake hydraulic system ﬁxed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will not work well.

6-40

Do not top off the brake ﬂuid. Adding ﬂuid does not correct a leak. If ﬂuid is added when the linings are worn, there will be too much ﬂuid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove brake ﬂuid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

{ WARNING:

If too much brake ﬂuid is added, it can spill on the engine and/or fuel operated heater parts, if equipped. If the vehicle has a diesel engine and a fuel operated heater, see “Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)” in the diesel engine supplement. The ﬂuid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake ﬂuid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to check the brake ﬂuid. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3.

Checking Brake Fluid Check brake ﬂuid by looking at the brake ﬂuid reservoir. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14.

{ WARNING:

The ﬂuid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have the brake hydraulic system checked to see if there is a leak.

After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the MAX mark. What to Add Use only new DOT 3 brake ﬂuid from a sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-12. Always clean the brake ﬂuid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

With the wrong kind of ﬂuid in the brake hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake ﬂuid.

Notice: (cid:129) Using the wrong ﬂuid can badly damage brake

hydraulic system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not let someone put in the wrong kind of ﬂuid. If brake ﬂuid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint ﬁnish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake ﬂuid on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See Washing Your Vehicle on page 6-105.

6-41

(cid:129) Brake Wear This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal ﬁrmly.

{ WARNING:

The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an accident. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.

Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are ﬁrst applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque speciﬁcations in Capacities and Speciﬁcations on page 6-116. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required. Brake Adjustment Every brake stop, the brakes adjust for wear.

6-42

Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts. When parts of the braking system are replaced — for example, when the brake linings wear down and new ones are installed — be sure to get new approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front and rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed.

Battery Refer to the replacement number on the original battery label when a new battery is needed. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-14 for battery location.

{ DANGER:

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-43

Vehicle Storage

{ WARNING:

Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you are not careful. See Jump Starting on page 6-44 for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.

Infrequent Usage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery to keep the battery from running down. Extended Storage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery or use a battery trickle charger.

Jump Starting If the vehicle battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.

Boost Classifieds - Car Advice, Reviews, Events & Classifieds

2010 Chevrolet Express Owners Manual