CHEVROLET Express 2012 User Manual

Download

Black plate (1,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2012 Chevrolet Express Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4

Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Keys, Doors, and

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-15

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-2

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-18

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-28

Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-34

Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-42

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-6

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-8

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-24

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Black plate (2,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2012 Chevrolet Express Owner Manual M

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-25

Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 9-33

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-35

Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-37

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-58

Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-35

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-90

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-93

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . .11-3

Special Application

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8

Additional Maintenance

and Care . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 11-8

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-12

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-15

Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1

Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-19

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20

OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 14-1

OnStar Overview.. . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

OnStar Services . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 14-2

OnStar Additional

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . 14-5

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (3,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Introduction iii

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. 20875606 A First 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.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens

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

Black plate (4,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

iv Introduction

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.

Black plate (5,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Introduction v

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

J : Brake System

Warning Light

" : Charging System I : Cruise Control B : Engine Coolant Temperature O : Exterior Lamps . : Fuel Gauge + : Fuses 3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

i : Top Tether Anchors for

Child Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp

: : Oil Pressure

} : Power

/ : Remote Vehicle Start

> : Safety Belt Reminders

7 : Tire Pressure Monitor

_ : Tow/Haul Mode d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak

M : Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (6,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

vi Introduction

2 NOTES

Black plate (1,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-6

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Safety Belts . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Airbag On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Steering Wheel

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-13

Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-13

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18

Bluetooth

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-18

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-21

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-21

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-21

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-22

OnStar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

Black plate (2,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

Black plate (3,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-3

A. Air Vents on page 8‑8.

B. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Buttons. See Driver Information Center (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 5‑5.

D. Hazard Warning Flashers on

page 6‑5 (Out of View).

E. Instrument Cluster on

page 5‑12.

F. Shift Lever. See Starting the

Engine on page 9‑18.

Manual Mode on page 9‑31

(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 (If Equipped).

M. Data Link Connector (DLC)

(Out of View). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 5‑21.

N. Horn on page 5‑4.

O. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 5‑2 (If Equipped).

P. Tow/Haul Mode Button. See

“Tow/Haul Mode” under Towing Equipment on page 9‑55.

Q. Power Outlets on page 5‑10.

R. StabiliTrak

System on

page 9‑35 (If Equipped).

S. Passenger Airbag On‐Off

Switch (If Equipped). See

Airbag On-Off Switch on page 3‑26.

T. Front Storage on page 4‑1

(If Equipped).

U. Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator on page 5‑20

(If Equipped).

OnStar

System Button (If Equipped). See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1.

V. Rear Heating System on

page 8‑5 (If Equipped).

W. USB Port (If Equipped). See

Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑19.

Black plate (4,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-4 In 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

If equipped, the RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.

RKE Transmitter with Remote

Start Shown

Q : Press to lock all doors.

Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized. See Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑42.

K : Press to unlock the driver door.

Press

K again within five seconds

to unlock all remaining doors.

j : Press to unlock only the

cargo doors.

L : Press and release to locate

the vehicle. Press more than two seconds to sound the

panic alarm. Press cancel the panic alarm.

See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑3.

L and hold for

L again to

Black plate (5,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-5

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 and release

3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold

the turn signal lamps flash.

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.

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.

/ until

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 on page 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 2‑7.

Black plate (6,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-6 In Brief

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 2‑16.

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 2‑16.

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.

Black plate (7,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-7

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 on page 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 on page 3‑3.

Black plate (8,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-8 In 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 3‑10.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑11.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑46.

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.

Canada and Mexico

To operate the airbag on‐off switch, use the vehicle key.

See Airbag On-Off Switch on page 3‑26 for important information.

United States

Black plate (9,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-9

Passenger Sensing System

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.

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 3‑30 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.

Black plate (10,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-10 In Brief

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.

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 on page 2‑15.

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 on page 5‑2.

Black plate (11,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-11

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

D is pressed.

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 then turn the knob

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.

Black plate (12,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-12 In Brief

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.

Black plate (13,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-13

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 on page 5‑5.

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

Black plate (14,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-14 In Brief

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).

Vehicles with Air Conditioning

A. Fan Control

B. Temperature Control

C. Air Delivery Mode Control

D. Rear Window Defogger

Black plate (15,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-15

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 downhill 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 9‑32.

While using Range Selection Mode, Cruise Control and the Tow/Haul Mode can be used. See Manual Mode on page 9‑31.

Black plate (16,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-16 In Brief

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

O : Press to turn the system on

and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume.

stations.

4 : Press to switch the display

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.

Black plate (17,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-17

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 on page 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

For detailed instructions on setting the clock for your specific audio system, see Clock on page 5‑8.

H and the HR, MIN, MM,

DD, and YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year) display.

any one of the tabs that you want to change.

date, depending on the radio, by pressing the buttons, buttons, or by turning

clockwise or counterclockwise.

s REV or \ FWD

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.

Black plate (18,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-18 In Brief

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.

, laptop computer,

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 vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions. For more information, visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.

For more information, see Bluetooth on page 7‑24.

Steering Wheel Controls

For vehicles with audio steering wheel controls, some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.

w : Press to go to the next

favorite radio station, track on a CD, or folder on an iPod USB device.

c / x : Press to go to the

previous favorite radio station, track on a CD, or folder on an iPod USB device. Also press to reject an incoming call, or end a current call.

Black plate (19,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-19

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.

−

SRCE: Press to switch between the radio and CD, and for equipped vehicles, the front auxiliary.

or Bluetooth systems,

e : Press to increase volume.

e : Press to decrease volume.

¨ : 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 Steering Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

or USB device.

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 Cruise Control 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 5‑10.

Black plate (20,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-20 In Brief

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 traction control, press and release the StabiliTrak

button

g. The appropriate DIC

message will display. See Ride Control System Messages on page 5‑38.

To turn off both traction control and StabiliTrak, press and hold

the StabiliTrak button the StabiliTrak Off light

illuminates and the appropriate DIC messages display. See Ride

Control System Messages on page 5‑38.

Press and release the StabiliTrak button again to turn on both systems.

For more information, see

StabiliTrak

System on page 9‑35.

g until

Black plate (21,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

In Brief 1-21

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 Load Limits on page 9‑11. 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 System on page 10‑58.

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 on page 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) on page 9‑42. For all other vehicles, use only the unleaded gasoline described under Recommended Fuel on page 9‑40.

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.

Black plate (22,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

1-22 In Brief

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

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.

Q button

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.

www.chevyownercenter.com (U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).

OnStar

If equipped, this vehicle has a comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can connect to a live Advisor for Emergency, Security, Navigation, Connection, and Diagnostic Services. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1 for more information.

Black plate (1,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Cargo Door Relocking . . . . . . . . 2-7

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Doors

Side Door (60/40

Swing-Out) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Sliding Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . ...... 2-12

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-12

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-14

Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . .. . 2-14

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 2-15

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 2-15

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-15

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 2-16

Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Swing-Out Windows . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Enhanced Technology

Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 2-19

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 2-19

Black plate (2,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING

{

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.

With an active OnStar subscription, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1.

Black plate (3,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑22 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/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.

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

If equipped, the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions work up to 60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.

There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3.

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 on page 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 Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑42 for additional information.

K is pressed again

j (Cargo Door): Press to unlock

only the cargo doors.

Black plate (4,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows

/ (Remote Vehicle Start):

For vehicles with this feature, press

Q and then press and hold /

within five seconds to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See

Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑5

for additional information.

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 ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work.

L is pressed again. The

L for more than

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 Lock Messages on page 5‑38 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.

Black plate (5,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5

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 Control Systems 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 Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3 for additional information.

/ (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.

Q on the

Black plate (6,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows

3. Immediately press and hold /

until the turn signal lamps flash. If you cannot see the vehicle's lamps, press and hold for four seconds.

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 on page 5‑18 for more information.

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.

After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

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 cancel a remote start:

Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press

/ until the

parking lamps turn off.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Turn the ignition on and then back 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.

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.

Black plate (7,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7

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. 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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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 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.

Power Door Locks

On vehicles with power door locks, the switches are located on the doors.

T : Press to lock and unlock

the doors.

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 lock when it is closed or when the delayed locking feature functions.

Black plate (8,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-8 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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 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 on page 5‑42.

e twice or Q on the

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 on page 5‑42 for more information on DIC programming.

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.

Black plate (9,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-9

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.

Doors

Side Door (60/40 Swing-Out)

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 front portion of a 60/40 door from the outside, pull out on the handle and open the door.

Black plate (10,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-10 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.

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.

Black plate (11,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11

Rear Doors

WARNING

{

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

(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.

Black plate (12,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-12 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent features; however, they do not make it impossible to steal.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑22 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/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 and Circuit Breakers on page 10‑41.

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.

Black plate (13,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13

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.

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.

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.

Black plate (14,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.

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.

Black plate (15,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-15

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.

Heated Mirrors

For vehicles with heated mirrors:

1 (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 on page 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.

Black plate (16,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-16 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.

Manual Windows

Operate the manual windows by turning the hand crank on each door to raise or lower the side door windows.

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.

Black plate (17,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-17

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 Accessory Power (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.

Express‐Down

Black plate (18,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-18 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.

Black plate (19,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-19

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 Configuration ETG Locations

Eight‐Seat Passenger Vans Sliding door forward window

12‐ and 15‐Seat Passenger Vans

Long Wheelbase Cargo Vans Rear-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.

Black plate (20,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

2-20 Keys, Doors, and Windows

2 NOTES

Black plate (1,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .... . . 3-2

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-3

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . 3-5

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-10

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-11

Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-16

Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. 3-18

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-20

When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 3-22

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 3-23

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . 3-24

What Will You See after an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

Airbag On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . 3-26

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-35

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-37

Replacing Airbag System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-37

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3-40

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-42

Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-45 Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System) . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 3-46

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-52

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat Position) . . . . . .. . 3-53

Securing Child Restraints

(Front Seat-Passenger

Sensing System) . . . . . . . . . . . 3-55

Securing Child Restraints

(Front Seat-Airbag On/Off

Switch) . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . 3-58

Black plate (2,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

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.

Black plate (3,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-3

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

{

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.

Black plate (4,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-4 Seats 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.

Black plate (5,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

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 Restraints 3-5

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.

Black plate (6,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-6 Seats 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.

Black plate (7,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-7

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.

Black plate (8,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-8 Seats 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 belts.

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, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.

(Continued)

Black plate (9,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-9

WARNING (Continued)

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.

Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.

This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5‑17 for additional information.

Why Safety Belts Work

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts!

When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together. There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes 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. Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you

can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Black plate (10,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-10 Seats and Restraints

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.

Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of adult size.

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 3‑38 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑40.

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.

There are important things to know about wearing a safety belt properly.

Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you.

Always use the correct buckle for your seating position.

Wear the lap part of the belt low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. 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.

Black plate (11,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Wear the shoulder belt 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.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured, or even killed, by not wearing your safety belt properly.

Never allow the lap or shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.

Never wear the shoulder belt under both arms or behind your back.

Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest.

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.

Seats and Restraints 3-11

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.

Black plate (12,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-12 Seats and Restraints

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.

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 Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑16.

Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

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.

Black plate (13,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-13

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 3‑10.

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 9‑11 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 System Parts after a Crash on page 3‑17.

Black plate (14,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-14 Seats and Restraints

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.

2. Place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

Black plate (15,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-15

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.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. 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.

Black plate (16,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-16 Seats and Restraints

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 all 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 Belt Reminders on page 5‑17 for more information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑17.

Black plate (17,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-17

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 Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑18.

Black plate (18,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-18 Seats and Restraints

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.

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 an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑22.

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.

Black plate (19,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-19

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 3‑38 or Infants and Young Children on page 3‑40.

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 Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑18 for more information.

Black plate (20,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-20 Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

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.

Black plate (21,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-21

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.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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 through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.

Black plate (22,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-22 Seats and Restraints

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. 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 5‑20 or Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑30.

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 on page 9‑11

for more information.

Black plate (23,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-23

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 System on page 3‑18. 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.

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? on page 3‑20 for more information.

Black plate (24,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-24 Seats and Restraints

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 3‑22 for more information.

Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

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 an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑23.

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.

(Continued)

Black plate (25,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-25

WARNING (Continued)

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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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. 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 13‑20 and Event Data Recorders on page 13‑20.

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.

Black plate (26,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-26 Seats and Restraints

Airbag On-Off Switch

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 3‑30.

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.

Black plate (27,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-27

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

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 instrument panel 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.

Black plate (28,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-28 Seats and Restraints

United States Canada 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 Airbag On-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.

(Continued)

Black plate (29,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

WARNING (Continued)

To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑18 for more information, including important safety information.

Seats and Restraints 3-29

United States Canada 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 Light on page 5‑18 for more information.

Black plate (30,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-30 Seats and Restraints

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-Off Switch on page 3‑26 for more information.

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 Status Indicator on page 5‑20.

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.

Black plate (31,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-31

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. 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.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

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.

Black plate (32,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-32 Seats and Restraints

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.

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 Status Indicator on page 5‑20.

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.

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 Readiness Light on page 5‑18 for more information, including important safety information.

Black plate (33,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-33

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 3‑53 or Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Passenger Sensing System) on page 3‑55 or Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch) on page 3‑58.

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.

Black plate (34,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-34 Seats and Restraints

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 3‑35 for more information

about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

Black plate (35,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-35

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 13‑18.

WARNING

{

For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle 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.

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.

Black plate (36,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-36 Seats and Restraints

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 System on page 3‑30.

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 13‑1 or Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) on page 13‑3.

If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see Different

Size Tires and Wheels on page 10‑67 for additional

important information.

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 13‑1 or Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) on page 13‑3.

In addition, your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.

Black plate (37,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-37

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 on page 5‑18 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 airbags, see

Where Are the Airbags? on page 3‑20. 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.

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 Light on page 5‑18 for more information.

Black plate (38,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-38 Seats and Restraints

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 on page 3‑11 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.

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 on page 3‑11.

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.

Black plate (39,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-39

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.

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.

Black plate (40,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-40 Seats and Restraints

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.

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.

Black plate (41,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-41

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. 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.

Black plate (42,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-42 Seats and Restraints

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.

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.

Black plate (43,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child's body with the harness.

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.

Seats and Restraints 3-43

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 3‑46 for

more information.

Black plate (44,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-44 Seats and Restraints

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. 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.

Black plate (45,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-45

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 3‑26 and Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) on page 3‑53 or Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Passenger Sensing System) on page 3‑55 or Securing Child

Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch) on page 3‑58 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

{

(Continued)

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.

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.

Black plate (46,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-46 Seats and Restraints

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.

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.

Black plate (47,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-47

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).

Top Tether Anchor

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

Black plate (48,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-48 Seats and Restraints

Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

Second, Third, and Fourth Row

with Three-Passenger Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating

positions with top tether anchors.

j (Lower Anchor): Seating

positions with two lower anchors.

See the information following for installing a child restraint with a top tether in the second, third, and fourth row center positions.

Do not install three child restraints in the same row at the same time and never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.

Front Passenger Position

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating

positions with top tether anchors.

The second, third, and fourth row with three-passenger seats have exposed metal lower anchors located in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

Second, Third, and Fourth Row

with Three-Passenger

Seat — Passenger Van

There are two top tether anchors in the second‐, third‐, and fourth-row three-passenger seats. To install a child restraint in the rear driver-side seating positions, use anchor point (A). To install a child restraint in the rear passenger-side seating positions, use anchor point (B). To install a child restraint in the rear center seating positions, use anchor point (B). Never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.

Black plate (49,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-49

If the vehicle is equipped with a four-passenger fourth‐ or fifth-row seat, it does not have upper or lower anchors. If a child restraint is placed in the four-passenger fourth or fifth-row seat, it must be secured using the vehicle safety belts. See

“Rear Seat Position” under Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) on page 3‑53 or Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Passenger Sensing System) on page 3‑55 or Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch) on page 3‑58 for more

information.

Front Passenger Position

There is a top tether anchor for the front passenger position with a front passenger seat. The anchor is located at the rear of the seat cushion on the right front passenger seat.

Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached.

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. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑45 for additional information.

Black plate (50,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-50 Seats and Restraints

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

WARNING

{

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

WARNING

{

Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.

WARNING

{

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments.

Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat.

1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual.

Black plate (51,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

Seats and Restraints 3-51

1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.

2.2. For the second, third, and

fourth row with three-passenger seats only, in the rear driver-side seating positions, use anchor point (A). For the rear passenger-side seating positions, use anchor point (B).

For the center seating positions, use anchor point (B). Never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.

2.3. Route and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback.

If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback.

Black plate (52,1)

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual - 2012

3-52 Seats and Restraints

If the position you are using has an integrated headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint.

If the position you are using has an integrated headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the headrest or head restraint.

3. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement for proper installation.

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

CHEVROLET Express 2012 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction iii

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Using this Manual

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

Symbols

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Initial Drive Information

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

Remote Vehicle Start

Door Locks

Windows

Seat Adjustment

Safety Belts

Airbag On-Off Switch

Passenger Sensing System

Mirror Adjustment

Steering Wheel Adjustment

Interior Lighting

Exterior Lighting

Windshield Wiper/Washer

Climate Controls

Transmission

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

Satellite Radio

Portable Audio Devices

Steering Wheel Controls

Cruise Control

Power Outlets

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System

Tire Pressure Monitor

Engine Oil Life System

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Roadside Assistance Program

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

Remote Vehicle Start

Door Locks

Power Door Locks

Cargo Door Relocking

Delayed Locking

Automatic Door Locks

Lockout Protection

Safety Locks

Doors

Side Door (60/40 Swing-Out)

Sliding Door

Rear Doors

Vehicle Security

Immobilizer

Immobilizer Operation

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

Manual Mirrors

Trailer-Tow Mirrors

Power Mirrors

Heated Mirrors

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Windows

Manual Windows

Power Windows

Swing-Out Windows

Enhanced Technology Glass

Sun Visors

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

Power Seat Adjustment