Maintenance and Lubrication Chevrolet Chevy Express G2500

Capacities - Approximate Fluid

Capacities - Approximate Fluid

Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications

When you inflate the tires to the recommended inflation pressures, the factory-installed wheels and tires are designed to handle loads to the tire's rated load capacity. Incorrect tire pressures, or under-inflated tires, can cause the following conditions

1. Vehicle handling problems
2. Poor fuel economy
3. Shortened tire life
4. Tire overloading

Check the tire pressure when the following apply

1. The tires are cool.
2. The vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 hours.
3. The vehicle has been driven less than 1.6 km (1 mi).

Check the tires monthly or before any extended trip. Adjust the tire pressure to the specifications on the tire placard. Refer to Label - Vehicle Certification (w/ RPO Z49) or Label - Vehicle Certification (w/o RPO Z49) in General Information. Install the valve caps or extensions on the valves. These keep out dust and water.

The kilopascal (kPa) is the metric term for tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure may be printed in both kilopascal (kPa) and psi. One psi equals 6.9 kPa.

Inflation Pressure Conversion Table (Kilopascals to PSI)

Tires with a higher than recommended pressure can cause the following conditions

1. A hard ride
2. Tire bruising
3. Rapid tread wear at the center of the tire

Tires with a lower than recommended pressure can cause the following conditions

1. A tire squeal on turns
2. Hard steering
3. Rapid wear and uneven wear on the edge of the tread
4. Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
5. Tire cord breakage
6. High tire temperatures
7. Reduced vehicle handling
8. High fuel consumption
9. Soft riding

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions

1. Uneven braking
2. Steering lead
3. Reduced vehicle handling

Maintenance Items

Maintenance Items

Using Your Maintenance Schedule

We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don't know exactly how you'll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.

Because of all the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more frequent checks and replacements. So please read the following and note how you drive. If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your GM Goodwrench dealer.

This schedule is for vehicles that

1. carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle's Certification/Tire label. Refer to «Label - Vehicle Certification (w/ RPO Z49)»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-g2500/1996-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) or «Label - Vehicle Certification (w/o RPO Z49)»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-g2500/1996-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
2. are driven off-road in the recommended manner.
3. use the recommended fuel.

The services in Scheduled Maintenance should be performed when indicated. Refer to Additional Required Services and Maintenance Footnotes for further information.

When you go to your GM Goodwrench dealer for your service needs, you'll know that GM-trained and supported service technicians will perform the work using genuine GM parts.

Owner Checks and Services tells you what should be checked, when to check it and what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.

The proper replacement parts, fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations and Maintenance Items . When your vehicle is serviced, make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine GM parts.

Scheduled Maintenance

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes on, it means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1,000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your GM Goodwrench dealer has GM-trained service technicians who will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset the system.

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally, you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. Refer to GM Oil Life System - Resetting

for information on the engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light appears, certain services, checks and inspections are required. Required services are described in the following for "Maintenance I" and "Maintenance II." Generally, it is recommended that your first service be Maintenance I, your second service be Maintenance II and that you alternate Maintenance I and Maintenance II thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance II may be required more often.

Maintenance I - Use Maintenance I if the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes on within ten months since vehicle was purchased or Maintenance II was performed.

Maintenance II - Use Maintenance II if the previous service performed was Maintenance I. Always use Maintenance II whenever the light comes on ten months or more since the last service or if the light has not come on at all for one year.

Scheduled Maintenance

Additional Required Services

The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (I or II) after the indicated miles (kilometers) shown for each item.

Additional Required Services

Footnotes

1. In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
2. In hilly or mountainous terrain.
3. When doing frequent trailer towing.
4. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

Explanation of Scheduled Services

For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

The following text and illustrations describe the details of the required scheduled maintenance services.

For information on the proper fluids and lubricants to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Engine Oil and Filter Change

For the 4.3L engine oil and filter changing procedure, refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L.

For the 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L engine oil and filter changing procedure, refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.

Scheme 1

Note. Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the warranty.

The STARBURST symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry the STARBURST symbol.

Scheme 2

Note. Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.

Engine oil viscosity, thickness has an effect on fuel economy and the cold-weather operation, engine starting and oil flow. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance. However, higher temperature weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication.

SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, use 10W-30 if the outside temperature is higher than 18°C (0°F). Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.

Chassis Lubrication

Note. Do not lubricate the parking brake cables. Lubrication destroys the plastic coating on the cable.

Scheme 3

Refer to the illustrations for the locations of the lubrication points for the chassis. Lubricate transmission shift linkage. Lubricate the park brake guides, underbody contact points and linkage.

Lubricating Joints that have Grease Fittings

Refer to the illustration for the location of the grease fittings.

Scheme 4

Apply grease slowly while watching the grease seal. Apply grease until grease is seen bleeding from the seal. If the seal expands but no grease is seen, do not apply any more grease and allow time for the grease to bleed from the seal.

Scheme 5

For RWD, lubricate the steering linkage, the upper and lower ball joint, and the wheel bearing.

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation

Check the tires for abnormal wear for damage. Rotate the tires to equalize the wear and obtain maximum tire life. If irregular or premature wear exists, refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear or Tire Diagnosis - Waddle Complaint in Suspension General Diagnosis.

Scheme 6

Tire rotation for dual wheel vehicles.

Scheme 7

Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following

1. Cracks
2. Fraying
3. Wear
4. Proper tension

Replace as needed. Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the performance.

Automatic Transmission

Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

For the 4L60-E Transmission, refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement .

For the 4L80-E Transmission, refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement .

Fuel Filter Replacement

Replace the fuel filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

For information on the correct type of spark plug, refer to Maintenance Items .

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

For information on the correct type of spark plug, refer to Maintenance Items .

Spark Plug Wire Inspection

Clean the spark plug wires and inspect for burns, cracks or other damage. Check the wire boot fit at the coils and at the spark plugs.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Replacement

Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

For information on the correct type of air cleaner filter, refer to Maintenance Items .

Drive Axle Service

Change the axle fluid according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For the maintenance schedule refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

Shields and Underhood Insulation Inspection

Inspect the shields and underhood insulation condition. Replace the shields and underhood insulation if damaged.

Cooling System Service

Drain, flush and refill the cooling system with new coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.

For time and or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Scheduled Maintenance .

GM Oil Life System - Resetting

This vehicle has an engine oil life monitor. The engine oil life monitor will show when to change the engine oil and oil filter. This will usually occur between 5000 km (3,000 mi) and 12500 km (7,500 mi) since the last oil change. Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on before 5000 km (3,000 mi).

Vehicle should not be driven more than 12500 km (7,500 mi) or 12 months without an oil and oil filter change. The system will not detect dust in the oil. So if the vehicle is driven in a dusty area, be sure to change the oil and oil filter every 5000 km (3,000 mi) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL SOON indicator comes on. Reset the oil life monitor when the oil has been changed.

Resetting Procedure - All Except with Caterpillar Diesel

1. Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal 3 times within 10 seconds.
3. If the CHANGE OIL light flashes for five seconds, the system is reset.
4. If the light does not display for five seconds you will need to reset the system again.

Owner Checks and Services

These owner checks and services should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you with these checks and services

Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations

At First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles

For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut torque. For proper torque, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

At Each Fuel Fill

It is important to perform these underhood procedures at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level

Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. In order to select the proper fluids and lubricants, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Note. It is important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your engine oil at the proper level can cause damage to your engine not covered by your warranty.

Engine Coolant Level

Check the engine coolant levels and add DEX-COOL® coolant mixture if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Tire Inflation

Check tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver door lock pillar. Refer to Label - Vehicle Certification (w/ RPO Z49) or Label - Vehicle Certification (w/o RPO Z49) .

At Least Once a Year

Starter Switch Check

1. Before you start, ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly.
2. Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, the vehicle needs service.

On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch is not pushed all the way down, the vehicle needs service.

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Check

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but don't start the engine.
4. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort.
5. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), the vehicle needs service.

Ignition Transmission Lock Check

1. With the vehicle parked, set the parking brake.
2. Try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
3. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
4. With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
5. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check

Follow this procedure to test the park brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism

1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
2. Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
3. Set the park brake.
4. Check the park brake: Start the engine. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. If the vehicle moves, refer to «Park Brake Adjustment»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-g2500/1996-2012/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system__park-brake-adjustment) in Park Brake.
5. In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism of an automatic transmission, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following: Shift to PARK (P). Release all brakes.

Underbody Flushing Service

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.

See also:
• Label - Vehicle Certification (w/ RPO Z49)
• Air Cleaner Element Replacement
• Tire Rotation
• Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
• Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
• Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear
• Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement
• Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement
• Draining and Filling Cooling System
• Fastener Tightening Specifications
• Park Brake Adjustment
• Scheduled Maintenance
• Additional Required Services
• Maintenance Footnotes
• Owner Checks and Services
• Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
• Maintenance Items
• GM Oil Life System - Resetting