Chevrolet Express Passenger 2012 Owner's Manual
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
2012 Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG
Compressed Natural Gas Supplement M
Instruments and Controls . . . . 4-1
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Driving and Operating . . . . . . .. 8-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . . .8-1
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . 8-7
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-5
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . 9-5
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . 9-5
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Service and Maintenance . . . 10-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 10-1
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 10-3
Technical Data . . . . . . ... . . . . . . 11-1
Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
ii Introduction
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET
Emblem, GMC, the GMC Truck
Emblem, SAVANA, and EXPRESS
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
This vehicle only operates on
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
It will not operate on gasoline,
diesel, or Liquified Petroleum
Gas (LPG) fuel.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
The names, logos, emblems,
quick reference.
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this supplement including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo,
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 2012CNGSUPL A First Printing
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
©
2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
Introduction iii
Using this Supplement
This supplement contains
information specific to the unique
components of the vehicle. It does
not explain everything you need to
know about the vehicle. Read this
supplement along with the owner
manual to learn about the vehicle's
features and controls.
Index
A good place to look for what you
need is the Index in back of this
supplement. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the supplement, and
the page number where you will
find it.
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
iv Introduction
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
Instruments and Controls 4-1
Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 4-1
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . 4-2
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge, when the ignition is
on, indicates how much fuel is left in
the vehicle fuel tank.
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates the side of the vehicle the
fuel door is on.
The fuel gauge has been calibrated
to display full at approximately
24 800 kPa (3,600 psi) and empty at
approximately 2 758 kPa (400 psi).
When the low fuel warning indicator
flashes, fill the tank as soon as
possible.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
quantity is affected by changes in
fuel temperature and fuel pressure.
See Filling the Tank on page 8‑3 for
more information.
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
4-2 Instruments and Controls
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This vehicle has been specifically
designed to illuminate this indicator
when emissions exceed acceptable
levels while operating on natural
gas fuel.
The malfunction indicator lamp
comes on to indicate that there is a
problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated
by the system before any problem is
apparent. This system is also
designed to assist the service
technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice: If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This light should come on, as a
check to show you it is working,
when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running.
See the owner manual for more
information.
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
Driving and Operating 8-1
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Vehicle Load Limits . . .. . . . . . . . 8-1
Starting and Operating
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 8-2
Filling the Tank . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 8-3
Fuel System Leak . . . . . . .. . . . . . 8-5
Driving Information
Vehicle Load Limits
Notice: Loose items stored in the
cargo area may damage the fuel
tank and fuel system
components. Secure all items in
the cargo area to avoid shifting
and any damage to the fuel tank
and fuel tank components.
Towing
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 8-7
Starting and
Operating
Starting the Engine
Starting the engine in a CNG
vehicle is similar to starting a
gasoline engine. See “Starting the
Engine” in the owner manual.
Cold Weather Starting
If the outside temperature is
below −20°C (−4°F), the engine may
be harder to start, or may not start
until temperatures increases.
Using the engine heater may make
it easier to start. See Engine Heater
in the owner manual for more
information.
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
8-2 Driving and Operating
High Altitude Cold Starting
An engine is harder to start in cold
weather. The thinner air found
above 1,600 m (5,000 ft) also makes
the vehicle harder to start. The
unique properties of CNG
makes it even more difficult or
impossible to start at high
altitudes if temperatures drop
below −16°C (4°F). When starting
the vehicle in cold weather at high
altitudes:
.
Use the engine heater. See
Engine Heater in the owner
manual for more information.
.
Turn off all electrical
accessories.
.
Do not hold the ignition switch in
START for more than
15 seconds.
Fuel
This vehicle is designed to operate
on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The general marketplace fuel quality
of Compressed Natural Gas (for
motor vehicles) in the state of
California shall be in compliance
with Title 13 California Code of
Regulations, Section 2292.5. The
remaining USA States and Canada,
do not employ regulated fuel quality
standards for general marketplace
vehicle usage. With this, a
recommended practice as outlined
by the provisions contained in SAE
J1616 “Recommended Practice for
Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle
Fuel” is intended to protect the
interior surface of the fuel container
and other vehicle fuel system
components.
If a fuel is used that does not meet
these regulations/provisions, there
may be a decrease in engine power
and the emission controls can be
damaged.
The main component of CNG is
methane, a highly flammable,
colorless gas. An odorant has been
added for detection through smell.
The smell is similar to that of rotten
eggs. CNG used in vehicles is a
similar type gas that is delivered to
homes for domestic use. The CNG
in the vehicle is stored under high
pressure (maximum 24 800 kPa/
3,600 psi). The CNG system in the
vehicle, including the tanks and
tubing, has been designed to hold
gas at this pressure. It has also
been tested for safety. Gas should
never be smelled and a hissing
sound should not be heard, unless
refueling is being done. If gas is
smelled or a hissing sound is heard,
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
Driving and Operating 8-3
at any other time, shut down the
vehicle and have it serviced. It may
be possible to hear the fuel flowing
while the engine is running if
standing close to the pipework or
various fuel system components
(regulator, filter). This is normal and
should not be confused with a
hissing sound at fittings that may
indicate a fuel leak. Follow the
instructions under Fuel System Leak
on page 8‑5.
Filling the Tank
WARNING
{
CNG is flammable and highly
explosive. You could be killed or
seriously injured if leaking natural
gas is ignited. If you suspect a
leak, have the vehicle
immediately inspected and
repaired by an authorized GM
dealer.
The fill valve is behind a hinged fuel
door on the driver side.
There is an identifying blue
diamond-shaped CNG label on the
right rear cargo door. Do not remove
this label. This label is necessary
for compliance with NFPA-52
regulations and insuring the vehicle.
Driving without this label may violate
the laws or regulations in some
states. Replacement labels can be
ordered from your dealer.
Refueling Procedure
There are two methods of refueling,
fast filling or slow filling. Fast filling
is normally used in fuel stations for
natural gas vehicles. It takes about
six to eight minutes to fill up the fuel
tanks. Slow filling is done with a
vehicle refueling appliance or a
time‐fill post provided by the fleet
operator. Refueling time varies
depending upon the refueling
system used — consult with the
refueling station attendant or system
provider. Always observe all safety
recommendations and operating
instructions on the refueling
equipment. When refueling, use a
fuel fill nozzle that complies with
ANSI/CSA-NGV 1‐2006 standards.
Nozzles are designed according to
their maximum fill pressure: P30
(blue handle) for 20 684 kPa
(3,000 psi) and P36 (yellow handle)
for 24 800 kPa (3,600 psi).
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Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savana CNG Compressed Natural Gas Supplement -
2012
8-4 Driving and Operating
The maximum fill pressure is
24 800 kPa (3,600 psi). Refuel with
a yellow P36 nozzle where
available. Using a blue P30 nozzle
will fill the tank to approximately 7/8
on the fuel gauge.
WARNING
{
Attempting to fill a CNG fuel
system that has a missing or
damaged O‐ring is dangerous.
Natural gas can leak. If the
natural gas is ignited, you or
others could be injured. Replace
the O‐ring before filling the tank.
The refueling fill valve on the
vehicle is located in the same
location as was provided originally
for gasoline refueling. Put the
vehicle into P (Park) and turn off the
engine prior to refueling. Remove
the dust cap from the receptacle,
clean off any dirt or debris on the
receptacle, and follow the refueling
instructions on the pump or
provided by the station operator.
If fuel or vapor is heard or seen
leaking from the nozzle‐fill valve
connection, stop refueling
immediately. Dirt or other debris
may be preventing a positive
connection. Turn off the refueling
dispenser, disconnect the nozzle,
reconnect it to the fill valve, and
begin refueling again. If it continues
to leak, have an authorized dealer
inspect the sealing O‐ring in the fill
valve. It may be missing, damaged,
or worn. Spare O‐rings designed for
use with CNG are included with the
vehicle. See an authorized GM
dealer for additional O‐rings.
To replace the fill valve O-ring:
1. Carefully remove the O-ring from
the groove in the fill valve.
A small flat-blade or pointed tool
can be used.
2. Make sure the groove is clean
and free of dirt and debris.
3. Install the new O-ring in the
groove in the fill valve. Make
sure the O-ring is properly
seated in the groove.
Refueling will stop automatically
when the tank is full. To disconnect
the vehicle from the refueling
station, remove the nozzle from the
fill valve. A hissing sound may be
heard as a small amount of natural
gas escapes. This is normal.
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