2012 Chevrolet Express Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Express
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Chevrolet Express Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
11
Door Locks
11
Windows
12
Seat Adjustment
12
Safety Belts
14
Airbag On-Off Switch
14
Passenger Sensing System
15
Mirror Adjustment
15
Steering Wheel Adjustment
16
Interior Lighting
17
Exterior Lighting
18
Windshield Wiper/Washer
19
Climate Controls
19
Transmission
21
Vehicle Features
22
Radio(s)
22
Satellite Radio
23
Portable Audio Devices
24
Bluetooth®
24
Steering Wheel Controls
24
Cruise Control
25
Power Outlets
25
Performance and Maintenance
26
StabiliTrak® System
26
Tire Pressure Monitor
27
Engine Oil Life System
27
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
27
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
27
Roadside Assistance Program
28
OnStar®
28
Keys, Doors, and Windows
29
Keys and Locks
30
Keys
30
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
31
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
31
Remote Vehicle Start
33
Door Locks
35
Power Door Locks
35
Cargo Door Relocking
35
Delayed Locking
36
Automatic Door Locks
36
Lockout Protection
36
Safety Locks
36
Doors
37
Side Door (60/40 Swing-Out)
37
Sliding Door
38
Rear Doors
39
Vehicle Security
40
Immobilizer
40
Immobilizer Operation
40
Exterior Mirrors
42
Convex Mirrors
42
Manual Mirrors
42
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
42
Power Mirrors
43
Heated Mirrors
43
Interior Mirrors
43
Manual Rearview Mirror
43
Windows
44
Manual Windows
44
Power Windows
44
Swing-Out Windows
46
Enhanced Technology Glass
47
Sun Visors
47
Seats and Restraints
49
Head Restraints
50
Front Seats
50
Seat Adjustment
50
Power Seat Adjustment
51
Reclining Seatbacks
51
Rear Seats
53
Safety Belts
56
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
58
Lap-Shoulder Belt
59
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
64
Safety Belt Extender
64
Safety System Check
64
Safety Belt Care
65
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
65
Airbag System
66
Where Are the Airbags?
68
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
70
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
71
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
72
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
72
Airbag On-Off Switch
74
Passenger Sensing System
78
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
83
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
83
Airbag System Check
85
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
85
Child Restraints
86
Older Children
86
Infants and Young Children
88
Child Restraint Systems
90
Where to Put the Restraint
93
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
94
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
100
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position)
101
Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Passenger Sensing System)
103
Securing Child Restraints (Front Seat-Airbag On/Off Switch)
106
Storage
111
Storage Compartments
111
Front Storage
111
Instruments and Controls
113
Controls
114
Steering Wheel Adjustment
114
Steering Wheel Controls
114
Horn
116
Windshield Wiper/Washer
117
Compass
118
Clock
120
Power Outlets
122
Cigarette Lighter
122
Ashtrays
123
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
123
Instrument Cluster
124
Speedometer
125
Odometer
125
Trip Odometer
125
Fuel Gauge
126
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
127
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
128
Voltmeter Gauge
128
Safety Belt Reminders
129
Airbag Readiness Light
130
Airbag On-Off Light
130
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
132
Charging System Light
132
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
133
Brake System Warning Light
135
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
136
Tow/Haul Mode Light
137
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
137
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
138
Tire Pressure Light
138
Engine Oil Pressure Light
139
Security Light
139
High-Beam On Light
140
Cruise Control Light
140
Information Displays
140
Driver Information Center (DIC)
140
Vehicle Messages
146
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
146
Brake System Messages
146
Compass Messages
146
Door Ajar Messages
147
Engine Cooling System Messages
148
Engine Oil Messages
149
Engine Power Messages
149
Fuel System Messages
150
Key and Lock Messages
150
Lamp Messages
150
Ride Control System Messages
150
Airbag System Messages
152
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
152
Service Vehicle Messages
152
Tire Messages
153
Transmission Messages
154
Vehicle Reminder Messages
154
Vehicle Personalization
154
Lighting
161
Exterior Lighting
161
Exterior Lamp Controls
161
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
162
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
162
Flash-to-Pass
163
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
163
Automatic Headlamp System
164
Hazard Warning Flashers
165
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
165
Interior Lighting
166
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
166
Dome Lamps
166
Reading Lamps
167
Lighting Features
167
Entry/Exit Lighting
167
Battery Load Management
167
Battery Power Protection
168
Infotainment System
169
Introduction
169
Infotainment
169
Theft-Deterrent Feature
170
Operation
171
Radio
176
AM-FM Radio
176
Satellite Radio
178
Radio Reception
180
Fixed Mast Antenna (Multi-Band)
180
Fixed Mast Antenna (Care)
180
Audio Players
181
CD Player
181
Bluetooth
192
Climate Controls
199
Climate Control Systems
199
Rear Heating System
203
Rear Climate Control System
204
Air Vents
206
Driving and Operating
207
Driving Information
208
Distracted Driving
208
Defensive Driving
209
Drunk Driving
209
Control of a Vehicle
209
Braking
209
Steering
210
Off-Road Recovery
211
Loss of Control
211
Driving on Wet Roads
212
Highway Hypnosis
213
Hill and Mountain Roads
213
Winter Driving
214
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
216
Vehicle Load Limits
217
Starting and Operating
222
New Vehicle Break-In
222
Ignition Positions
222
Starting the Engine
224
Fast Idle System
225
Engine Heater
226
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
227
Shifting Into Park
227
Shifting out of Park
229
Parking over Things That Burn
229
Engine Exhaust
230
Running the Vehicle While Parked
230
Automatic Transmission
231
Automatic Transmission (Six Speed)
231
Automatic Transmission (Four Speed)
234
Manual Mode
237
Tow/Haul Mode
238
Drive Systems
239
All-Wheel Drive
239
Brakes
239
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
239
Parking Brake
240
Ride Control Systems
241
StabiliTrak® System
241
Locking Rear Axle
243
Cruise Control
243
Fuel
246
Recommended Fuel
246
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
247
California Fuel Requirements
247
Fuels in Foreign Countries
247
Fuel Additives
247
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
248
Filling the Tank
250
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
251
Towing
252
General Towing Information
252
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
252
Trailer Towing
256
Towing Equipment
261
Conversions and Add-Ons
264
Add-On Electrical Equipment
264
Vehicle Care
265
General Information
266
California Proposition 65 Warning
266
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
266
Accessories and Modifications
267
Vehicle Checks
268
Doing Your Own Service Work
268
Hood
268
Engine Compartment Overview
270
Engine Oil
271
Engine Oil Life System
274
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
275
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission)
277
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
280
Cooling System
282
Engine Coolant
282
Engine Overheating
286
Engine Fan
288
Power Steering Fluid
288
Washer Fluid
289
Brakes
290
Brake Fluid
291
Battery
292
All-Wheel Drive
293
Front Axle
294
Rear Axle
295
Noise Control System
295
Starter Switch Check
297
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
297
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
297
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
298
Wiper Blade Replacement
298
Bulb Replacement
299
Halogen Bulbs
299
Headlamps
299
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
301
Taillamps
302
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
303
License Plate Lamp
304
Replacement Bulbs
304
Electrical System
305
Electrical System Overload
305
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
305
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
306
Floor Console Fuse Block
310
Wheels and Tires
313
Tires
313
Tire Sidewall Labeling
314
Tire Designations
316
Tire Terminology and Definitions
318
Tire Pressure
320
Tire Pressure Monitor System
322
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
323
Tire Inspection
326
Tire Rotation
326
Dual Tire Rotation
328
When It Is Time for New Tires
328
Buying New Tires
329
Different Size Tires and Wheels
331
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
332
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
333
Wheel Replacement
334
Tire Chains
335
If a Tire Goes Flat
336
Tire Changing
338
Secondary Latch System
347
Full-Size Spare Tire
349
Jump Starting
350
Towing
354
Towing the Vehicle
354
Recreational Vehicle Towing
354
Appearance Care
357
Exterior Care
357
Interior Care
361
Floor Mats
363
Service and Maintenance
365
General Information
365
Maintenance Schedule
367
Special Application Services
372
Additional Maintenance and Care
372
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
376
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
376
Maintenance Replacement Parts
378
Maintenance Records
379
Technical Data
383
Vehicle Identification
383
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
383
Service Parts Identification Label
383
Vehicle Data
384
Capacities and Specifications
384
Engine Drive Belt Routing
387
Customer Information
389
Customer Information
389
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada)
389
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
391
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada)
393
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico)
394
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada)
394
Online Owner Center
395
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada)
396
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada)
396
Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico)
398
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada)
401
Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada)
402
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada)
403
Service Publications Ordering Information
406
Reporting Safety Defects
407
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
407
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
407
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
408
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
408
Event Data Recorders
408
OnStar®
409
Navigation System
410
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
410
Radio Frequency Statement
410
OnStar
411
OnStar Overview
411
OnStar Services
412
Emergency
412
Security
412
Navigation
412
Connections
414
Diagnostics
415
OnStar Additional Information
415
Index
419
Index_A
419
Index_B
420
Index_C
420
Index_D
421
Index_E
422
Index_F
422
Index_G
423
Index_H
423
Index_I
423
Index_J
424
Index_K
424
Index_L
424
Index_M
425
Index_N
425
Index_O
425
Index_P
426
Index_R
426
Index_S
427
Index_T
428
Index_U
429
Index_V
429
Index_W
430
2012 Chevrolet Express Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Chevrolet Express is a versatile full-size van designed for both commercial and personal use. Known for its spacious interior and robust construction, it stands out as a reliable workhorse that can handle everything from transporting passengers to hauling cargo. With its powerful performance and a range of customizable features, the Express appeals to a wide range of drivers, from tradespeople to families in need of extra space.
Powertrains
The 2012 Chevrolet Express offers a choice of two capable powertrains, ensuring drivers can select the best fit for their needs. The base model features a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it perfectly suited for everyday driving and light hauling tasks. For those requiring more power, a 6.0-liter V8 engine with 324 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque is also available, providing enhanced towing capabilities and performance for heavier loads. Both engines come paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, allowing for an efficient and comfortable driving experience.
Trims
The 2012 Express is available in various trims, including the 1500, 2500, and 3500 models, each catering to different passenger and cargo carrying requirements. The 1500 is well-suited for families or light-duty tasks, while the 2500 and 3500 trims offer increased payload capacities and are ideal for commercial use. Additionally, buyers can choose between passenger and cargo configurations, with options for customizable seating arrangements and shelving units to maximize utility.
Features
Owner's Manual
User manual download
The Chevrolet Express owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
Manual Questions
Do you have questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Express owners manual?
Fill the form below and someone will help you!
Fill the form below and someone will help you!
