The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem, and
EXPRESS are trademarks and/or
service marks of General Motors
LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25953303 B Second Printing
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax
®
Diesel engine, see the Duramax
diesel supplement for additional and
specific information on this engine.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
ivIntroduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number
where it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury
or death.
WARNING
{
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it
is a safety symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when
you need to see the owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Introductionv
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
Buttons. See Driver InformationCenter (DIC) on page 5‑28.
C. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.
See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5 (Out of View).
E. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑11.
F. Shift Lever. See Starting the
Engine on page 9‑18.
Manual Mode on page 9‑30
(If Equipped).
G. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
H. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
I.Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
J. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
Dome Lamp Override. See
Dome Lamps on page 6‑6.
K. Cruise Control on page 9‑37
(If Equipped) .
Fast Idle System (If Equipped).
See the Duramax diesel
supplement for more
information.
L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
M. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See MalfunctionIndicator Lamp on page 5‑21.
N. Horn on page 5‑4.
O. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
P. Tow/Haul Mode Button. See
“Tow/Haul Mode” under Towing
Equipment on page 9‑53.
Q. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
R. StabiliTrak
®
System on
page 9‑34 (If Equipped).
S. Airbag On-Off Switch on
page 3‑32 (If Equipped) .
T. Front Storage on page 4‑1.
U. Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5‑19
(If Equipped).
®
OnStar
System Button.
(If Equipped).
V. Rear Heating System on
page 8‑5 (If Equipped).
W. USB Port. See Auxiliary
Devices on page 7‑19.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-4In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to
remotely lock and unlock the doors
from up to 60 m (195 feet) away
from the vehicle.
RKE Transmitter With Remote
Start Shown
K to unlock the driver door.
Press
Press
K again within 5 seconds to
unlock all remaining doors.
j to unlock only the cargo
Press
doors.
Q to lock all doors.
Press
Lock and unlock feedback can
be personalized.
L and release to locate
Press
the vehicle.
Press
L and hold for more than
2 seconds to sound the panic alarm.
L again to cancel the
Press
panic alarm.
See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
Remote Vehicle Start
With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press
3. Immediately after completing
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
Q.
Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash.
/ until
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-5
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the ignition on and then
back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start onpage 2‑5.
/
Door Locks
Manual Door Locks
Lock and unlock the door from the
outside using the key or the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if available. From the inside, slide
the manual lever on the door up
or down.
See Door Locks on page 2‑7.
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door locks,
the switches are located on the
doors.
T : Press to lock and unlock
the doors.
See Power Door Locks on page 2‑8.
Windows
Manual Windows
Operate the manual windows by
turning the hand crank on each door
to raise or lower the side door
windows.
See Manual Windows on page 2‑17.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-6In Brief
Power Windows
If the vehicle has power windows,
the controls are located on each of
the side doors. The driver door also
has a control to operate the front
passenger window.
Press or pull up on the switch to
lower or raise the window.
Express‐Down
The driver window switch also has
an express-down feature that allows
the window to be lowered without
holding the switch. Press fully and
release the window switch marked
AUTO to activate the express-down
mode. This mode can be cancelled
at any time by pulling up on the
switch. To open the window part
way, lightly tap the switch until the
window is at the desired position.
See Power Windows on page 2‑17.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure the seat is
locked in place.
See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑2.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-7
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat, if available,
use the controls on the front of
the seat:
.
Adjust the seat by moving the
center knob up, down, right,
or left.
.
Raise and lower the front or rear
of the seat cushion by moving
the right or left lever up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment onpage 3‑3.
Reclining Seatbacks
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever on the inboard side
of the seat.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the
upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks onpage 3‑3.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-8In Brief
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 3‑8.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑12.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑18.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑52.
Airbag On-Off Switch
If the instrument panel has one of
the switches pictured in the
following illustrations, the vehicle
has an airbag on-off switch that you
can use to manually turn on or off
the right front passenger airbag.
United States
Canada and Mexico
To operate the airbag on‐off switch,
use the vehicle key.
See Airbag On-Off Switch onpage 3‑32 for important information.
Sensing System for
Passenger Airbag
The passenger sensing system,
if equipped, will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under
certain conditions. The driver airbag
and roof‐rail airbags, if equipped,
are not affected by this.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-9
If the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system, the passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.
United States
Canada and Mexico
See Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑35 for important information.
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Vehicles with outside manual
mirrors can be adjusted by moving
the mirror up and down or left to
right so you can see a little of the
side of the vehicle, and have a clear
view of objects behind you.
Vehicles with outside power mirrors
have controls located on the driver
side door.
Select each mirror by turning the
knob clockwise for the passenger
side mirror or counterclockwise for
the driver side mirror. Adjust the
mirror angle by moving the knob in
the desired direction.
Keep the selector switch in the
center position when not adjusting
either outside mirror.
Vehicles with towing mirrors can be
adjusted manually for a clear view
of the objects behind you.
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-10In Brief
Manually fold the mirrors inward
to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return it to the original position.
Interior Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in
the center to move it for a clearer
view behind the vehicle. Adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the
headlamps behind. Push the tab,
located at the base of the mirror,
forward for daytime use and pull it
for nighttime use.
See Manual Rearview Mirror onpage 2‑16.
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
For vehicles with a tilt steering
wheel, the lever is located on the
left side of the steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever to move the
steering wheel up or down into a
comfortable position.
2. Release the lever to lock the
steering wheel in place.
See Steering Wheel Adjustment onpage 5‑2.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamp
The dome lamps come on when any
door is opened. They turn off after
all the doors are closed.
The instrument panel brightness
knob extends when
To manually turn on the dome
lamps, press
clockwise to the farthest position.
In this position, the dome lamps
remain on whether a door is opened
or closed.
D is pressed.
D then turn the knob
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-11
E DOME OFF : This button is
located above the instrument panel
brightness knob.
Press the button in and the dome
lamps remain off when a door is
opened. Press the button again so
that the dome lamps come on when
a door is opened.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps,
press the button located next to
each lamp to turn it on or off.
The vehicle may also have reading
lamps in other locations. The lamps
cannot be adjusted.
For more information on interior
lighting, see:
.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
.
Entry/Exit Lighting on page 6‑7.
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.
O : Briefly turn the control to this
position to turn the automatic
headlamps and Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) off or back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
the off position only works for
vehicles that are shifted into the
P (Park) position.
AUTO: Automatically turns on
the headlamps, parking lamps,
taillamps, instrument panel lights,
and license plate lamps.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
taillamps, instrument panel lights,
and license plate lamps.
2 : Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, taillamps, instrument
panel lights, and license plate
lamps.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
.
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder on
page 6‑2.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑3.
.
Automatic Headlamp System on
page 6‑4.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-12In Brief
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
8 : Use for a single wiping cycle.6 : Use to adjust the delay time
between wipes. Turn the band up or
down for more frequent wipes or
less frequent wipes.
d : Slow wipes.
a : Fast wipes.
9 : Use to turn the wipers off.
L : Push the paddle on top of the
multifunction lever to spray washer
fluid on the windshield.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer onpage 5‑4.
Climate Controls
The vehicle's heating, cooling, and ventilation can be controlled with these
systems.
Vehicles Without Air Conditioning
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Vehicles With Air Conditioning
In Brief1-13
See Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1. See Rear Heating System
on page 8‑5 (If Equipped) or Rear
Climate Control System on page 8‑6
(If Equipped).
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-14In Brief
Transmission
Range Selection Mode
The vehicle may have a Range
Selection Mode. The Range
Selection Mode helps control the
vehicle's transmission and vehicle
speed while driving down hill or
towing a trailer by letting you select
a desired range of gears.
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttons,
located on the steering column
shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving
conditions.
When M (Manual Mode) is selected
a number displays in the DIC next to
the M indicating the current gear.
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑31.
While using Range Selection Mode,
Cruise Control and the Tow/Haul
Mode can be used.
between the radio station frequency
and the time. While the ignition is
off, press this button to display the
time. Press to display additional text
information related to the current
FM-RDS station or MP3 song.
A choice of additional information
such as: Channel, Song, Artist,
and CAT (category) can display.
Continue pressing to highlight the
desired tab, or press the softkey
located under any one of the tabs
and the information about that
tab displays.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Infotainment on page 7‑1.
Radio with CD (MP3)
BAND: Press to choose between
FM1, FM2, AM, and XM™.
f : Select radio stations.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-16In Brief
Storing a Favorite Station
Depending on which radio the
vehicle has, radio stations are
stored as either favorites or presets.
For vehicles with a FAV button, a
maximum of 36 stations can be
stored as favorites using the
six softkeys located below the radio
station frequency tabs and by using
the radio FAV button. Press FAV to
go through up to six pages of
favorites, each having six favorite
stations available per page. Each
page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM and FM stations.
If the radio does not have a
FAV button, up to 18 stations
(six FM1, six FM2, and six AM),
can be programmed on the
six numbered buttons.
For more information on storing a
favorite station, see Operation onpage 7‑3.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the
Radio with CD (MP3):
1. Press
2. Press the softkey located below
3. Increase or decrease the time or
H and the HR, MIN, MM,
DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month,
day, and year) displays.
For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for your specific audio
system, see Clock on page 5‑7.
f clockwise or
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See Satellite Radio on page 7‑10.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-17
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input located on the radio faceplate
and a USB port located on the
instrument panel. External devices
such as an iPod
MP3 player, CD changer, or USB
storage device can be connected to
the auxiliary port using a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) input cable or the USB port
depending on the audio system.
See "Using the Auxiliary Input Jack"
and "Using the USB Port" in
Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑19.
Bluetooth
For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle’s audio system
and controls.
The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
®
, laptop computer,
®
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, see Bluetoothon page 7‑24.
Steering Wheel Controls
For vehicles with audio steering
wheel controls, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.
w or c / x : Press to change
favorite radio stations, select tracks
on a CD, or to navigate tracks or
folders on an iPod
®
or USB device.
b / g : Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with
®
OnStar
if equipped.
+
decrease volume.
or Bluetooth systems,
e or − e : Press to increase or
c / x : Press to reject an
incoming call, or to end a call.
SRCE: Press to switch between
the radio and CD, and for equipped
vehicles, the front auxiliary.
¨ : Press to seek the next radio
station, the next track while sourced
to the CD, or to select tracks and
folders on an iPod
For more information, see SteeringWheel Controls on page 5‑2.
®
or USB device.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-18In Brief
Cruise Control
For vehicles with cruise control, the
buttons are located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
J : Turns the system on or off.
+RES: Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously set
speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.
SET−: Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or press and
hold to decelerate.
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
For more information, see CruiseControl on page 9‑37.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment, such as a cell phone
or an MP3 player.
The vehicle may have
two accessory power outlets
located on the instrument panel.
Remove the cover to access and
replace when not in use.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
Performance and
Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle may have a traction
control system that limits wheel spin
and the StabiliTrak system that
assists with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
Both systems turn on automatically
every time the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
d until d illuminates and the
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride ControlSystem Messages on page 5‑37.
.
Press and release the button
again to turn on both systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑34.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-19
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle LoadLimits on page 9‑12. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 10‑62.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System onpage 10‑10.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) onpage 9‑42. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under RecommendedFuel on page 9‑40.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-20In Brief
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10 for more
information.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
Q button
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.chevyownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
In Brief1-21
OnStar
For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
Advisors to provide a wide range
of safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see
if you need help.
®
How OnStar Service Works
Q : Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to
answer questions.
] : Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.
X : Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles.
Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more
information, see the OnStar Owner's
Guide; visit www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or
TTY 1‐877‐248‐2080; or push the
Q button to speak with an OnStar
Advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.
OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.
Blackplate(22,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
1-22In Brief
OnStar service can’t work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area, and the wireless
service provider has coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar
service. Service involving location
information about the vehicle can’t
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle has to have
a working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment isn’t properly
installed or you haven’t maintained
it and the vehicle is in good working
order and in compliance with all
government regulations. If you try
to add, connect, or modify any
equipment or software in the
vehicle, OnStar service may
not work.
Other problems OnStar can’t control
may prevent service to you, such as
hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of the vehicle, damage
to important parts of the vehicle in a
crash, or wireless phone network
congestion or jamming.
See Radio Frequency Statement onpage 13‑19 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls onpage 5‑2 for more information.
On some vehicles, the Talk button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar Advisor cannot be
heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may not
be functioning properly. Push the
Q button and request a vehicle
diagnostic check. If the light
appears clear (no light appears),
your OnStar subscription has
expired and all services have been
deactivated. Push the
confirm that the OnStar equipment
is active.
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out.
Always carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,
call the Roadside Assistance
Center. See Roadside Assistance
Program (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑8 or Roadside Assistance
Program (Mexico) on page 13‑10.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the
RKE operating range:
.
Check the distance.
The transmitter may be
too far from the vehicle.
.
Check the location.
Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal.
Blackplate(3,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 feet) away from the
vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.
Keys, Doors and Windows2-3
RKE Transmitter With Remote
Start Shown
Q (Lock): Press once to lock all
doors. If enabled through the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the
parking lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred.
The horn may chirp when
pressed again within five seconds.
See Vehicle Personalization onpage 5‑42 for additional information.
Q is
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
driver door. If
within five seconds, all remaining
doors unlock.
The interior lamps come on and
stay on for 20 seconds or until the
ignition is turned on. If enabled
through the DIC, the parking lamps
flash twice to indicate unlocking
has occurred. See VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑42 for
additional information.
K is pressed again
j (Cargo Door): Press to unlock
only the cargo doors.
/ (Remote Vehicle Start):
For vehicles with this feature,
press
Q and then press and
/ within five seconds to start
hold
the engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑5
for additional information.
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-4Keys, Doors and Windows
L (Vehicle Locator/
Panic Alarm): Press and release
to locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.
Press and hold
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.
L for more than
L is pressed again.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to the vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
programmed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters no longer work once the
new transmitter is programmed.
Each vehicle can have up to
four transmitters programmed to it.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE
KEY message displays in the DIC.
See “REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY” under Key and LockMessages on page 5‑37 for
additional information.
Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-5
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.
Carefully insert the tool
into the notch located along
the parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.
Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery.
Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back
together.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote
start feature. This feature allows
you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. It may also start the
vehicle's heating or air conditioning
systems. See Climate ControlSystems on page 8‑1 for additional
information.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so.
Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting
of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start
feature if the vehicle is low on fuel.
The vehicle may run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However, the
range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) System on page 2‑2 for
additional information.
Blackplate(6,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-6Keys, Doors and Windows
/ (Remote Vehicle Start):
This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at
the vehicle.
2. Press and release
transmitter, then immediately
press and hold
four seconds or until the turn
signal lamps flash.
When the engine starts, the
parking lamps will turn on and
remain on while the engine is
running. The doors will be
locked. The airbag readiness
light will be on during a remote
start. It should turn off when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN.
See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 5‑17 for more information.
Q on the
/ for
3. If it is the first remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps, while the
engine is still running, to extend
the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can
be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine
will automatically shut off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done or the key is
inserted into the ignition switch
and turned to ON/RUN.
The maximum number of remote
starts between ignition cycles with
the key is two.
If the remote start procedure is
used again before the first 10 minute
time frame has ended, the first
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
After the engine has been remote
started two times, the ignition switch
must be turned to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF using the key
before the remote start procedure
can be used again.
To manually shut off the engine after
a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
/ until the
parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers. See Hazard WarningFlashers on page 6‑5.
.
Insert the key into the ignition
switch and turn the switch to
ON/RUN and then back to
LOCK/OFF.
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
.
The key is in the ignition.
.
The hood is open.
.
The hazard warning flashers
are on.
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
.
There is an emission control
system malfunction. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑21.
.
The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.
The oil pressure is low.
.
Two remote vehicle starts have
already been provided.
Door Locks
WARNING
{
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
So, all passengers should
wear safety belts properly
and the doors should be
locked whenever the
vehicle is driven.
.
Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from
happening.
Keys, Doors and Windows2-7
To lock the door from the inside,
slide the manual lever on the door
down. To unlock the door, slide the
manual lever up.
From the outside, use the key.
If the vehicle is equipped with
keyless entry, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-8Keys, Doors and Windows
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door
locks, the switches are located
on the doors.
T : Press the bottom of the
switch to lock all the doors at once.
Press the top of the switch to unlock
all the doors at once.
When a door is locked, the inside
door handle will not work.
Cargo Door Relocking
If the cargo door is open when the
lock button is pressed on the door
or the RKE transmitter, all doors will
lock except the cargo door. The
cargo door will only lock when they
are closed or when the delayed
locking feature functions.
Delayed Locking
When locking the doors with the
power lock switch and a door open,
the doors will lock five seconds after
the last door is closed. You will hear
three chimes to signal that the
delayed locking feature is in use.
Pressing the
the RKE transmitter twice will
override the delayed locking feature
and immediately lock all the doors.
This feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition.
This feature can be programmed
using the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See “ Delay Door
Lock” in Vehicle Personalization onpage 5‑42.
e twice or the Q on
Automatic Door Locks
The vehicle may have an automatic
lock/unlock feature. This feature
can be programmed using the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Vehicle Personalization onpage 5‑42 for more information on
DIC programming.
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-9
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from
locking the key in the vehicle
when the key is in the ignition and
a door is open.
If the power lock switch is pressed
when either the driver, passenger,
or rear door is open, all the doors
will lock and then the driver door will
unlock. This feature does not
include the side cargo door.
If the vehicle has an ambulance
package, this feature is disabled.
Safety Locks
Security locks are located on the
front portion of the 60/40 side
swing-out door or the side
sliding door.
60/40 Swing-Out Side
Door — Driver Side Shown,
Passenger Side Similar
For the 60/40 side swing-out door,
move the button to the right for the
driver side door or to the left for the
passenger side door to engage the
security feature.
Move the button to the left for the
driver side door or to the right for
the passenger side door to return
the door locks to normal operation.
Side Sliding Door
For the side sliding door, move the
button up to engage the security
feature. Move the button down to
return the door locks to normal
operation.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-10Keys, Doors and Windows
Doors
Side Door
(60/40 Swing-Out)
To open the front portion of a
60/40 door from the outside, pull out
on the handle and open the door.
To open the front portion of a
60/40 door from the inside, pull
the handle toward you and push
the door open.
To open the rear portion of a
60/40 door from the outside, pull
the handle on the side of the rear
door and pull the door toward you.
To close the 60/40 side doors, close
the rear door first. Then close the
front door. Check to make sure that
both doors are completely closed.
Blackplate(11,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-11
The swing-out doors have a
check strap assembly in the door
frame to keep the door from opening
beyond 90 degrees.
To open the door beyond
90 degrees, close the door partially,
pull the check strap toward you and
then open the door. When the door
is closed, the check strap will
automatically re-engage.
Sliding Door
To open the sliding side door from
the outside, pull the handle toward
the rear of the vehicle and slide the
door open.
To close the sliding side door
from the outside, use the handle
to slide the door toward the front of
the vehicle.
When the door is closed, it will be
flush with the side of the body.
To open the sliding side door from
the inside, pull the handle toward
the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide
the door toward the rear of the
vehicle.
To close the sliding side door from
the inside, grasp the handle and
slide the door toward the front of
the vehicle.
Make sure the door is completely
closed before driving away.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-12Keys, Doors and Windows
Rear Doors
WARNING
{
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.
Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from
happening.
To open the rear doors from the
outside, pull the handle toward you
to open the passenger side rear
door first.
To open the driver side rear door,
pull the latch release at the inside
edge of the door.
To close the rear doors, close the
driver side rear door first. Then
close the passenger side rear door.
Check to make sure both doors are
completely closed.
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-13
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle is equipped with the
PASS-Key
Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive theft
deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.
®
III+ (Personalized
You do not have to manually arm
or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses that someone is using the
wrong key, it shuts down the
vehicle's starter and fuel systems.
The starter will not work and fuel will
stop being delivered to the engine.
Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and
the security message comes on,
the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the
instrument panel PASS KEY fuse.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
first key may be faulty. See your
dealer or a locksmith who can
service the PASS-Key III+ to have a
new key made. See Fuses andCircuit Breakers on page 10‑45.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
for the vehicle. This procedure is for
learning additional keys only. If all
the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see
your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to have
keys made and programmed to
the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank that is cut exactly as
the ignition key that operates the
system.
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-14Keys, Doors and Windows
To program the new key:
1. Verify the new key has
stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already
programmed key into the ignition
lock cylinder and start the
engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF and
remove the key.
1
4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to ON/RUN within
10 seconds of removing the
previous key.
The security message will
turn off once the key has been
programmed. It may not be
apparent that the security
message went on due to how
quickly the key is programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
additional keys are to be
programmed.
If you lose or damage a
PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
WARNING
{
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-15
Manual Mirrors
Adjust the mirrors by pressing
the mirror up and down and
left and right.
The mirrors can be manually
folded in or out.
On the lower portion of each mirror
is an auxiliary convex mirror.
A convex mirror's surface is curved
so you can see more from the driver
seat. The auxiliary convex mirrors
can be adjusted manually by
pressing the mirror.
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
Vehicles with towing mirrors can be
adjusted manually for a clear view
of the objects behind you.
On the lower portion of each mirror
there is an auxiliary convex mirror
that can be adjusted manually to
provide an extended field of view.
The mirrors can be manually folded
in or out.
Power Mirrors
Vehicles with outside power mirrors
have controls located on the driver
side door.
Select each mirror by turning the
knob clockwise for the passenger
side mirror or counterclockwise for
the driver side mirror. The center
position is neutral.
Then, adjust the mirror angle by
moving the knob in the desired
direction. The auxiliary convex
mirrors can only be adjusted
manually.
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-16Keys, Doors and Windows
Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
< (Rear Defogger): Press to heat
the mirrors.
An indicator light in the button lights
when the outside heated mirrors are
activated.
See “Rear Window Defogger”
under Climate Control Systems onpage 8‑1 for more information.
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in
the center to move it for a clearer
view behind the vehicle. Adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the
headlamps behind. Push the tab
forward for daytime use and pull it
for nighttime use.
If you have a cargo van without the
rear door glass, the vehicle may not
have an inside rearview mirror.
Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Manual Windows
Operate the manual windows by
turning the hand crank on each door
to raise or lower the side door
windows.
Keys, Doors and Windows2-17
Power Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.
When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.
If the vehicle has power windows,
the controls are located on each of
the side doors.
The driver door has a switch for the
passenger window also. The power
windows will work when the ignition
has been turned to ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 9‑21.
Press the switch to lower the
window.
Pull up on the front edge of the
switch to raise the window.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
2-18Keys, Doors and Windows
Express‐Down
The driver window switch also has
an express-down feature that allows
the window to be lowered without
holding the switch. Press fully and
release the window switch marked
AUTO to activate the express-down
mode. This mode can be cancelled
at any time by pulling up on the
switch. To open the window part
way, lightly tap the switch until the
window is at the desired position.
Swing-Out Windows
Side Swing-Out Window
To open the side door swing-out
window, pull up on the latch at the
edge of the window. Swing the
window out and push down on the
latch to lock the window into place.
To close the window, pull the latch
toward you and push down on the
latch to lock it.
Rear Swing‐Out Windows
The vehicle also has rear swing‐out
windows. The rear swing-out
windows work the same way as the
side swing out window, but the latch
is located at the bottom edge of the
window.
Blackplate(19,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Keys, Doors and Windows2-19
Enhanced Technology
Glass
The vehicle may be equipped with
Enhanced Technology Glass (ETG).
ETG is part of the overall occupant
protection system on passenger
vans. ETG may help to keep
passengers sitting next to these
fixed windows from being ejected
through the glass in some, but not in
all crashes. Even with this glass,
safety belts must still be worn at all
times. For passenger vans, use only
ETG glass approved for the vehicle
for replacement when damaged.
The following table shows laminated
glass location, based on vehicle
model and options.
Vehicle ConfigurationETG Locations
Eight Seat Passenger VansSliding door forward window
Twelve and Fifteen Seat
Passenger Vans
Long Wheelbase Cargo VansRear-most side windows
Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the
sun visors. You can also swing them
to the side.
Sliding door forward window and
rear-most side windows
Visor Vanity Mirror
The vehicle may have visor vanity
mirrors, with or without lamps.
Lift the mirror cover to turn the
lamps on, if equipped.
On vehicles with factory
installed seats, the front seats
have built-in head restraints that
are not adjustable in the outboard
seating positions.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust the seat:
1. Lift the bar under the front edge
of the seat cushion to unlock
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure the seat is
locked in place.
Blackplate(3,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-3
Power Seat Adjustment
To adjust a power seat, if available,
use the controls on the front of
the seat:
.
Move the center knob to the
right or left to move the seat
forward or rearward.
.
Move the center knob up or
down to raise or lower the seat.
.
Move the right or left lever up or
down to raise or lower the front
or rear of the seat cushion.
Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
WARNING
{
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they
are locked.
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever on the inboard side
of the seat.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-4Seats and Restraints
To return the seatback to the
upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
WARNING
{
Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not 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.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The lap belt cannot 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 the
safety belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Rear Seats
Removing the Rear Seat
Disconnect the mini-latch plates for
the lap‐shoulder belts on the bench
seat to be removed.
Seats and Restraints3-5
1. 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.
2. Locate the pins.
On a three-passenger seat there
are two pins on the inboard sides
of the rear seats.
Three-Passenger Seat Shown
The left side pin has a gray cap
with a black “L” marked on it.
Three-Passenger Seat Shown
The right side pin has a
black cap with a white “R”
marked on it.
On a four-passenger seat, each
half of the seat has a set of pins.
The left side has a set
marked “L,” and the right side
has a set marked “R”.
If the vehicle has floor mats, the
pins are under a flap that has
been cut into the mat.
Blackplate(6,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-6Seats and Restraints
3. Pull the pin handle up to
disengage the pin from the
retaining clip, and then pull the
pin out.
4. Repeat this procedure for the
other pins.
5. Pull the seat rearward about
5 cm (2 in), and then lift the
seat from the floor rails.
6. Remove the seat from the
vehicle.
7. For the second- and third-row
seats, stow the safety belt latch
by attaching the clip on the
safety belt latch to the trim just
inside the side door.
For the last row of seats, stow
the safety belt latch plate on the
clip at the window trim. Roll the
mini-latch into the safety belt
webbing and then hook the
safety belt latch plate on the clip.
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-7
Reinstalling the Rear Seats
WARNING
{
A seat that is not 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.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.
1. Position the seat into the open
slots in both rails. Push the seat
forward in the rail, hooking both
seat bases onto the pins inside
of the rails.
2. Locate the hole in the rail to
install the locking pins at the rear
of the seat base. If the vehicle
has floor mats, pull the flap that
has been cut into the mat.
3. Insert the locking pins into the
seat base and push the seat to
line up the pins with the base.
On a three-passenger seat,
the pin with the black cap
marked “R” must be installed on
the right side and the pin with
the gray cap marked “L” on the
left side.
On a four-passenger seat,
the pins marked “R” must be
installed on the half of the seat
on the right side. The pins
marked “L” must be installed on
the half of the seat on the
left side.
Three-Passenger Seat Shown
4. Push the pin(s) marked “R” down
until they are in the
retaining clip.
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-8Seats and Restraints
Three-Passenger Seat Shown
5. Push the pin(s) marked “L” down
until they are in the
retaining clip.
6. If the vehicle has a floor mat, put
the flap back to its original
position.
7. Repeat this procedure for the
other seat base.
8. Connect the mini-latch plates
for the lap-shoulder belts by
inserting the latch plates into the
mini-buckles attached at the
outboard positions of the bench
seat. Do not twist the belt.
9. Check that all locking pins are
locked into place before
operating the vehicle.
Safety Belts
This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
{
Do not let anyone ride where a
safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You and
your passenger(s) 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 passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-9
WARNING
{
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
the vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders onpage 5‑16 for additional information.
In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:
You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash, you
do not know if it will be a
serious one.
A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.
Take the simplest vehicle.
Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-10Seats and Restraints
Put someone on it.Get it up to speed. Then stop the
vehicle. The rider does not stop.
The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...
Blackplate(11,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-11
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 is why safety
belts make such good sense.
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you are
wearing a safety belt or not. But
your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a
safety belt, even if you are
upside down.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why
should I have to wear safety
belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true not
only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.
Q: If I am 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 are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 mi) of home. And the
greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at
speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).
Safety belts are for everyone.
Blackplate(12,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-12Seats and Restraints
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly
This section 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
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children on
page 3‑43 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑45. Follow those
rules for everyone's protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing
safety belts.
First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.
Sit up straight and always keep your
feet on the floor in front of you. The
lap part of the belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-13
In a crash, this applies force to the
strong pelvic bones and you would
be less likely to slide under the lap
belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force on 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 shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose.
It will not give as much
protection this way.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if the
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-14Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The lap belt is too loose. It will
not give nearly as much
protection this way.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if the
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap belt
and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
The lap belt should be worn low
and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is buckled in the
wrong buckle.
Blackplate(15,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-15
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if the
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 on
the pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.
Always buckle the belt into the
buckle nearest you.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is over an armrest.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if the
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 on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-16Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is worn under
the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.
WARNING
{
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 are not as
strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure
internal organs like your liver or
spleen. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is behind the body.
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-17
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too
far forward increasing the chance
of head and neck injury. You
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is twisted across
the body.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not 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.
Blackplate(18,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-18Seats and Restraints
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt. If you are
using a rear seating position with a
detachable safety belt and the
safety belt is not attached, see
“Reinstalling the Rear Seats”
under Rear Seats on page 3‑5 for
instructions on reconnecting the
safety belt to the mini-buckle.
The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.
3. 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
is not long enough, see SafetyBelt Extender on page 3‑23.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
Blackplate(19,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-19
4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you.
See “Safety Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to
fully tighten the lap belt on
smaller occupants.
To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.
Slide the latch plate up the safety
belt webbing when the safety belt is
not in use. The latch plate should
rest on the stitching on the safety
belt, near the guide loop on the
side wall.
Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.
Safety Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a safety belt height
adjuster for the driver and right front
passenger positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How
to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑12.
Blackplate(20,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-20Seats and Restraints
To move it down, pull on the center
adjuster control labeled PULL.
You can move the height adjuster
up just by pushing up on the
shoulder belt guide.
After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without pushing in to make sure it
has locked into position.
Safety Belt Pretensioners
If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) of the vehicle is below
3 855 kg (8,500 lb) then the vehicle
has safety belt pretensioners for the
front outboard occupants. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑12 to
locate the certification label which
contains the GVWR.
Although the safety belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety
belts during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, if the
vehicle has side impact airbags,
safety belt pretensioners can help
tighten the safety belts in a side
crash or a rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once.
If the pretensioners are activated in
a crash, the pretensioners and
possibly other parts of the safety
belt system will need to be replaced.
See Replacing Safety Belt SystemParts after a Crash on page 3‑24.
Blackplate(21,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides
This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides. If not, they are
available through your dealer.
The guides may provide added
safety belt comfort for older children
who have outgrown booster seats
and for some adults. When installed
and properly adjusted, the comfort
guide positions the shoulder belt
away from the neck and head.
Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:
1. Locate the guide in a pocket on
the side of the seatback.
Seats and Restraints3-21
2. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.
Blackplate(22,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-22Seats and Restraints
3. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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.
4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section.
Make sure the shoulder portion
of the belt is on the shoulder and
not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck.
To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Slide
the guide into its storage pocket on
the side of the seatback.
Blackplate(23,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-23
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 do not
wear 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.
The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults. Never
use it for securing child seats. To
wear it, attach it to the regular safety
belt. For more information, see the
instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.
Safety System Check
Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety BeltReminders on page 5‑16 for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑24.
Blackplate(24,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-24Seats and Restraints
Safety Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
WARNING
{
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts after a
Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon
as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the
safety belt assemblies inspected
or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑17.
Blackplate(25,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following
airbag:
.
A frontal airbag for the driver.
The vehicle may have the following
airbags:
.
A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the driver
(cargo van).
.
A roof-rail airbag for the
right front passenger position
(cargo or passenger van
equipped with a sliding door).
If you have a passenger van
with a right front passenger
roof-rail airbag and a sliding
door, you will also have a
separate roof-rail airbag for the
passenger seated directly
behind the right front passenger
and the third row outboard
passenger position.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the driver,
the passenger seated directly
behind the driver, and the
third row outboard passenger
position (passenger van
equipped with a sliding or
hinged door).
.
A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger, the passenger
seated directly behind the right
front passenger, and the
third row outboard passenger
position (passenger van
equipped with a hinged door).
All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.
With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.
Seats and Restraints3-25
Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
WARNING
{
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even
if you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should anAirbag Inflate? on page 3‑28.
Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
Blackplate(26,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-26Seats and Restraints
WARNING
{
Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or
very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of your seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
roof-rail airbags.
WARNING
{
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle safety belt
system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in the
vehicle. To read how, see Older
Children on page 3‑43 or Infants
and Young Children on
page 3‑45.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel, which
shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑17 for
more information.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Where Are the Airbags?
Seats and Restraints3-27
The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.
If the vehicle has one, the right front
passenger airbag is in the
instrument panel on the
passenger side.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
If the vehicle is a cargo or
passenger van with a sliding door
and it has a roof-rail airbag for the
driver and right front passenger
position, the roof-rail airbags are in
the ceiling above the side window.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-28Seats and Restraints
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
If the vehicle has roof-rail airbags
for the driver, right front passenger,
passengers behind the driver and
right front passenger, and the third
row outboard passengers, the
roof-rail airbags are in the ceiling
above the side windows. On the
driver side of the vehicle, there is
one single roof-rail airbag for either
vehicles with a hinged door or a
sliding door.
For passenger vans with a sliding
door, on the passenger side of the
vehicle, you will have a separate
roof-rail airbag for the passenger
seated directly behind the right front
passenger and the third row
outboard passenger position.
WARNING
{
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver or right
front passenger head and chest.
However, they are only designed
to inflate if the impact exceeds
a predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on how
fast the vehicle is traveling.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-29
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds.
For example:
.
If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.
.
If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.
.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).
.
If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
Single Stage vs. Dual Stage
Airbags
Depending on the weight of
the vehicle, you will have either
“Single Stage Airbags” or
“Dual Stage Airbags.” Vehicles that
have a passenger sensing system
also have dual stage airbags. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 5‑19 or Passenger Sensing
System on page 3‑35.
If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) of the vehicle is 3 855 kg
(8,500 lb) or above, the vehicle may
have single stage airbags. If the
GVWR is below 3 855 kg (8,500 lb)
then the vehicle may have dual
stage airbags. You can find the
GVWR on the certification label on
the rear edge of the driver door.
See Vehicle Load Limits onpage 9‑12 for more information.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle may or may not have
roof-rail airbags. See Airbag Systemon page 3‑25. Roof-rail airbags are
intended to inflate in moderate to
severe side crashes. In addition,
these roof-rail airbags are intended
to inflate during a rollover. Roof-rail
airbags will inflate if the crash
severity is above the system's
designed threshold level. The
threshold level can vary with
specific vehicle design.
Roof-rail airbags are not intended to
inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal
impacts, or rear impacts. All roof-rail
airbags will deploy when either side
of the vehicle is struck.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-30Seats and Restraints
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of
what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
For roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact.
In a rollover event, roof‐rail airbag
deployment is determined by the
direction of the roll.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are
all part of the airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
roof-rail airbags, there are airbag
modules in the ceiling of the vehicle,
near the side windows for the first,
second, and third rows (if equipped).
See Where Are the Airbags? onpage 3‑27 for more information.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Frontal
airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually.
Roof-rail airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first, second, and third rows,
if equipped. The rollover capable
roof-rail airbags are designed to
help reduce the risk of full or partial
ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such
ejections.
But airbags would not help in
many types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See
When Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑28 for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-31
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags inflate, they
quickly deflate, so quickly that some
people may not even realize an
airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags
may still be at least partially inflated
for some time after they deploy.
Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several
minutes. For location of the airbag
modules, see What Makes anAirbag Inflate? on page 3‑30.
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
{
When an airbag inflates, there
may be 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 cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors
(if equipped with power door locks),
turn on the interior lamps and
hazard warning flashers, and
shut off the fuel system after the
airbags inflate.
You can lock the doors, and turn off
the interior lamps and the hazard
warning flashers by using the
controls for those features.
WARNING
{
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-32Seats and Restraints
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.
.
Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help
protect you in another crash.
A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for
the vehicle covers the need to
replace other parts.
.
The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data
Recording and Privacy on
page 13‑17 and Event Data
Recorders on page 13‑18.
.
Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.
Airbag On-Off Switch
If the instrument panel has one of
the switches pictured in the
following illustrations, the vehicle
has an airbag on-off switch that you
can use to manually turn on or off
the right front passenger airbag.
United States
Canada and Mexico
If the vehicle does not have an
airbag on-off switch, it may have a
passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑35.
Blackplate(33,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
This switch should only be turned to
the off position if the person in the
right front passenger position is a
member of a passenger risk group
identified by the national
government as follows:
Infant. An infant (less than
1 year old) must ride in the
front seat because:
.
My vehicle has no rear seat;
.
My vehicle has a rear seat too
small to accommodate a
rear-facing infant seat; or
.
The infant has a medical
condition which, according to the
infant's physician, makes it
necessary for the infant to ride in
the front seat so that the driver
can constantly monitor the
child's condition.
Child age 1 to 12. A child
age 1 to 12 must ride in the
front seat because:
.
My vehicle has no rear seat;
.
Although children ages 1 to
12 ride in the rear seat(s)
whenever possible, children
ages 1 to 12 sometimes must
ride in the front because no
space is available in the rear
seat(s) of my vehicle; or
.
The child has a medical
condition which, according to the
child's physician, makes it
necessary for the child to ride in
the front seat so that the driver
can constantly monitor the
child's condition.
Medical Condition. A passenger
has a medical condition which,
according to his or her physician:
.
Causes the passenger airbag to
pose a special risk for the
passenger; and
Seats and Restraints3-33
.
Makes the potential harm from
the passenger airbag in a crash
greater than the potential harm
from turning off the airbag and
allowing the passenger, even if
belted, to hit the dashboard or
windshield in a crash.
WARNING
{
If the right front passenger airbag
is turned off for a person who is
not in a risk group identified by
the national government, that
person will not have the extra
protection of an airbag. In a
crash, the airbag will not be able
to inflate and help protect the
person sitting there. Do not turn
off the passenger airbag unless
the person sitting there is in a
risk group.
Blackplate(34,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-34Seats and Restraints
United StatesCanada and Mexico
To turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag, insert the ignition key
into the switch, push in, and move
the switch to the off position.
The airbag off light will come
on to let you know the right front
passenger airbag is off. The airbag
off light will stay on to remind you
that the airbag is off. See AirbagOn-Off Light on page 5‑18. The right
front passenger airbag will remain
off until you turn it back on again.
WARNING
{
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system.
For example, the right front
passenger airbag could inflate
even though the airbag on-off
switch is turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have the vehicle serviced
right away. See Airbag ReadinessLight on page 5‑17 for more
information, including important
safety information.
Blackplate(35,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
United StatesCanada and Mexico
To turn the right front passenger
airbag on again, insert the ignition
key into the switch, push in, and
move the switch to the on position.
The right front passenger frontal
airbag is now enabled, and
may inflate. See Airbag On-Off Lighton page 5‑18 for more information.
Seats and Restraints3-35
Passenger Sensing
System
If the instrument panel has one of
the indicators pictured in the
following illustrations, the vehicle
has a passenger sensing system
unless there is an airbag off switch
located on the instrument panel.
If there is an airbag off switch, the
vehicle does not have a passenger
sensing system. See Airbag On-OffSwitch on page 3‑32 for more
information.
Blackplate(36,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-36Seats and Restraints
United States
Canada and Mexico
The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. If you are
using remote start, if equipped, to
start the vehicle from a distance,
you may not see the system check.
When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or the
word OFF, or the symbol for on or
the symbol for off, will be visible.
See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 5‑19.
The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbag and
roof-rail airbags, if equipped, are
not part of the passenger sensing
system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the right front passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag
should be enabled (may inflate)
or not.
According to accident statistics,
Children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
We recommend that children be
secured in a rear seat, including:
an infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child
riding in a forward-facing child seat;
an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.
WARNING
{
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates.
This is because the back of
the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the
inflating airbag.
(Continued)
Blackplate(37,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
WARNING (Continued)
A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag,
no system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag is turned off.
Secure rear-facing child
restraints in a rear seat, even if
the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
If the vehicle does not have a
rear seat that will accommodate
a rear-facing child restraint, a
rear-facing child restraint should
not be installed in the vehicle,
even if the airbag is off.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal airbag if:
.
The right front passenger seat
is unoccupied.
.
The system determines that an
infant is present in a rear-facing
infant seat.
.
The system determines that a
small child is present in a child
restraint.
.
The system determines that a
small child is present in a
booster seat.
.
A right front passenger takes
his/her weight off of the seat for
a period of time.
Seats and Restraints3-37
.
The right front passenger seat is
occupied by a smaller person,
such as a child who has
outgrown child restraints.
.
Or, if there is a critical problem
with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front
passenger frontal airbag, the off
indicator will light and stay lit to
remind you that the airbag is off.
See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 5‑19.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate) the
right front passenger frontal airbag
anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting
properly in the right front
passenger seat.
When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbag to be
enabled, the on indicator will light
and stay lit to remind you that the
airbag is active.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-38Seats and Restraints
For some children who have
outgrown child restraints and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag, depending upon the
person's seating posture and body
build. Everyone in the vehicle who
has outgrown child restraints
should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
WARNING
{
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag ReadinessLight on page 5‑17 for more
information, including important
safety information.
If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions
provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to
Securing Child Restraints (Rear
Seat Position) on page 3‑58 or
Securing Child Restraints (Front
Seat-Passenger Sensing
System) on page 3‑60 or
Securing Child Restraints (Front
Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch) on
page 3‑64.
5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still
lit, turn the vehicle off. Then
slightly recline the vehicle
seatback and adjust the seat
cushion, if adjustable, to make
sure that the vehicle seatback is
not pushing the child restraint
into the seat cushion.
6. Restart the vehicle.
If the on indicator is still lit,
secure the child in the child
restraint in a rear seat position
in the vehicle, and check with
your dealer.
If no rear seat is available,
do not install a child restraint in
this vehicle.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-39
If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat, but
the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat.
If this happens, use the following
steps to allow the system to detect
that person and enable the right
front passenger frontal airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.
This allows the system to detect that
person and then enable the right
front passenger frontal airbag.
Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the seat
during vehicle maneuvers and
braking, which helps the passenger
sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status.
See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such
as seat covers, seat heaters, and
seat massagers can affect how well
the passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3‑41 for more information
about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-40Seats and Restraints
The on indicator may be lit if
an object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop or
other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not
desired remove the object from
the seat.
WARNING
{
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are
parts of the airbag system in
several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing
the vehicle and the airbag system.
To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑15.
WARNING
{
For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-41
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might add
to or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that
change the vehicle's frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, front sensors, rollover
sensor module, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the
airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle may
have a passenger sensing
system for the right front
passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may
not operate properly if the
original seat trim is replaced with
non-GM covers, upholstery or
trim, or with GM covers,
upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing
pad or device, installed under or
on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation
of the passenger sensing
system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of
the passenger airbag(s) or
prevent the passenger sensing
system from properly turning off
the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing Systemon page 3‑35.
If you have any questions
about this, you should contact
Customer Assistance before you
modify the 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 (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑2 or
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure (Mexico) on
page 13‑4.
If the vehicle has rollover
roof-rail airbags, see Different
Size Tires and Wheels on
page 10‑71 for additional
important information.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-42Seats and Restraints
Q: Because I have a disability,
I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in
this manual. See Customer
Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑2 or
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure (Mexico) on
page 13‑4.
In addition, your dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 5‑17 for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering is
damaged, opened, or broken, the
airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an AirbagInflate? on page 3‑30.
See your dealer for service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the
airbag systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not work properly and may
not protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death.
To help make sure the airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon
as possible.
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ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-43
If an airbag inflates, you will need
to replace airbag system parts.
See your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly.
Have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Lighton page 5‑17 for more information.
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle safety belts.
The manufacturer's instructions
that come with the booster seat
state the weight and height
limitations for that booster.
Use a booster seat with a
lap-shoulder belt until the child
passes the fit test below:
.
Sit all the way back on the seat.
Do the knees bend at the seat
edge? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
.
Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.
Does the shoulder belt rest on
the shoulder? If yes, continue.
If no, try using the rear safety
belt comfort guide. See “Rear
Safety Belt Comfort Guides”
under Lap-Shoulder Belt onpage 3‑18 for more information.
If the shoulder belt still does not
rest on the shoulder, then return
to the booster seat.
.
Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
.
Can proper safety belt fit be
maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
Blackplate(44,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-44Seats and Restraints
Q: What is the proper way to
wear safety belts?
A: An older child should wear a
lap-shoulder belt and get the
additional restraint a shoulder
belt can provide. The shoulder
belt should not cross the face or
neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just
touching the top of the thighs.
This applies belt force to the
child's pelvic bones in a crash.
It should never be worn over the
abdomen, which could cause
severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.
Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt onpage 3‑18.
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer
when properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.
In a crash, children who are
not buckled up can strike other
people who are buckled up, or
can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Older children need to use safety
belts properly.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never allow two children to wear
the same safety belt. The safety
belt cannot properly spread the
impact forces. In a crash, the
two children can be crushed
together and seriously injured.
A safety belt must be used by
only one person at a time.
Blackplate(45,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-45
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never allow a child to wear the
safety belt with the shoulder belt
behind their back. A child can be
seriously injured by not wearing
the lap-shoulder belt properly.
In a crash, the child would not be
restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The child might also slide under
the lap belt. The belt force would
then be applied right on the
abdomen. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across
the chest.
Infants and Young
Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs
protection! This includes infants and
all other children. Neither the
distance traveled nor the age and
size of the traveler changes the
need, for everyone, to use safety
restraints. 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.
WARNING
{
Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Never leave children
unattended in a vehicle and never
allow children to play with the
safety belts.
Blackplate(46,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-46Seats and Restraints
Airbags plus lap‐shoulder belts
offer protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children
and infants. Neither the vehicle's
safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Every
time infants and young children ride
in vehicles, they should have the
protection provided by appropriate
child restraints.
Children who are not restrained
properly can strike other people,
or can be thrown out of the vehicle.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never hold an infant or a child
while riding in a vehicle. Due to
crash forces, an infant or a child
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
110 kg (240 lb) force on a
person's arms. An infant should
be secured in an appropriate
restraint.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front
seat. Secure a rear-facing child
restraint in a rear seat. It is also
better to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in a rear seat.
(Continued)
Blackplate(47,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-47
WARNING (Continued)
If you must secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go.
Q: What are the different types of
add-on child restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints, which
are purchased by the vehicle
owner, are available in four basic
types. Selection of a particular
restraint should take into
consideration not only the child's
weight, height, and age but also
whether or not the restraint will
be compatible with the motor
vehicle in which it will be used.
For most basic types of child
restraints, there are many
different models available. When
purchasing a child restraint, be
sure it is designed to be used in
a motor vehicle. If it is, the
restraint will have a label saying
that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
The restraint manufacturer's
instructions that come with the
restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular
child restraint. In addition, there
are many kinds of restraints
available for children with
special needs.
WARNING
{
To reduce the risk of neck and
head injury during a crash, infants
need complete support. This is
because an infant's neck is not
fully developed and its head
weighs so much compared with
the rest of its body. In a crash, an
infant in a rear-facing child
restraint settles into the restraint,
so the crash forces can be
distributed across the strongest
part of an infant's body, the back
and shoulders. Infants should
always be secured in rear-facing
child restraints.
Blackplate(48,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-48Seats and Restraints
WARNING
{
A young child's hip bones are still
so small that the vehicle's regular
safety belt may not remain low on
the hip bones, as it should.
Instead, it may settle up around
the child's abdomen. In a crash,
the belt would apply force on a
body area that is unprotected by
any bony structure. This alone
could cause serious or fatal
injuries. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, young children should
always be secured in appropriate
child restraints.
Child Restraint Systems
(A) Rear‐Facing Infant Seat
A rear-facing infant seat (A)
provides restraint with the seating
surface against the back of the
infant.
The harness system holds the infant
in place and, in a crash, acts to
keep the infant positioned in the
restraint.
(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat
A forward-facing child seat (B)
provides restraint for the child's
body with the harness.
Blackplate(49,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-49
(C) Booster Seats
A booster seat (C) is a child restraint
designed to improve the fit of the
vehicle's safety belt system.
A booster seat can also help a
child to see out the window.
Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle
WARNING
{
A child can be seriously injured
or killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle safety belt or
LATCH system, following the
instructions that came with that
child restraint and the instructions
in this manual.
To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraint
systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or
by the LATCH system. See Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑52 for
more information.
Children can be endangered in a
crash if the child restraint is not
properly secured in the vehicle.
When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions
that come with the restraint which
may be on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both, and to this manual.
The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not
available, obtain a replacement
copy from the manufacturer.
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
the vehicle — even when no child
is in it.
In some areas of the United States
and Canada, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to correctly
use and install child restraints.
Blackplate(50,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-50Seats and Restraints
In the U.S., refer to the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website to
locate the nearest child safety seat
inspection station. For CPST
availability in Canada, check with
Transport Canada or the Provincial
Ministry of Transportation office.
Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint
WARNING
{
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child
properly following the instructions
that came with that child restraint.
Where to Put the
Restraint
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer
when properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.
We recommend that children and
child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child
riding in a rear-facing child restraint;
a child riding in a forward-facing
child seat; an older child riding in a
booster seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.
If a child restraint is secured in the
right front passenger seat, and there
is a switch on the instrument panel
to manually turn off the right front
passenger airbag. See Airbag
On-Off Switch on page 3‑32 and
Securing Child Restraints (Rear
Seat Position) on page 3‑58 or
Securing Child Restraints (Front
Seat-Passenger Sensing System)
on page 3‑60 or Securing Child
Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off
Switch) on page 3‑64 for more
information, including important
safety information.
A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.
WARNING
{
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and
the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
(Continued)
Blackplate(51,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
Seats and Restraints3-51
WARNING (Continued)
Even if the passenger sensing
system or airbag switch has
turned off the right front
passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.
Secure rear-facing child
restraints in a rear seat, even if
the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
When securing a child restraint in
a rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the
child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.
Child restraints and booster seats
vary considerably in size, and some
may fit in certain seating positions
better than others. Always make
sure the child restraint is properly
secured.
Depending on where you place the
child restraint and the size of the
child restraint, you may not be able
to access adjacent safety belt
assemblies or LATCH anchors for
additional passengers or child
restraints. Adjacent seating
positions should not be used if the
child restraint prevents access to or
interferes with the routing of the
safety belt.
If the vehicle does not have a
rear seat that will accommodate
a rear-facing child restraint, a
rear-facing child restraint should not
be installed in the vehicle, even if
the airbag is off.
Wherever a child restraint is
installed, be sure to secure the
child restraint 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
the vehicle — even when no child
is in it.
Blackplate(52,1)
ChevroletExpressOwnerManual-2011
3-52Seats and Restraints
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children
(LATCH System)
The LATCH system holds a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
This system is designed to make
installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors in
the vehicle and attachments on the
child restraint that are made for use
with the LATCH system.
Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
child restraint is properly installed
using the anchors, or use the
vehicle's safety belts to secure the
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint, and
also the instructions in this manual.
When installing a child restraint with
a top tether, you must also use
either the lower anchors or the
safety belts to properly secure the
child restraint. A child restraint must
never be installed using only the
top tether strap and anchor.
In order to use the LATCH system
in your vehicle, you need a child
restraint that has LATCH
attachments. The child restraint
manufacturer will provide you with
instructions on how to use the
child restraint and its attachments.
The following explains how to attach
a child restraint with these
attachments in your vehicle.
Not all vehicle seating positions or
child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.
Lower Anchors
Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
built into the vehicle. There are
two lower anchors for each
LATCH seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with
lower attachments (B).
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