Chevy Express Dashboard Warning Lights

Detailed is the explanation for the dashboard warning lights and gauges for the Chevrolet Express van, both cargo and passenger van. Dashboard layout and warning light location may vary depending on your model.

Fuel Gauge

The Chevy Express fuel gauge is a visual indicator to the vehicle’s fuel level. The 2022 Express version holds 31.0 gallons. Next to the gas tank symbol, an arrow indicates the side of the fuel door. An amber light comes on when fuel is low, along with an audible chime.

Oil Pressure Gauge

The oil gauge is a visual indicator to the vehicle’s oil pressure in either psi (pounds per square inch)
or kPa (kilopascals). The oil pressure gauge operates while the engine is running and pressures may vary depending on engine speed, outside temperature and oil viscosity.

If oil pressure begins to drop considerably outside of the normal operating zone, it may be an indication of low oil levels. The red oil light may also illuminate. Do not continue driving as this may result in engine damage due to a lack of lubrication.

Stop as soon as possible and check oil levels – top up if required. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. Only continue driving if the oil pressure gauge goes back to normal operating levels and the warning light goes off.

Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge provides an indication of the Chevy Express engine coolant temperature. Under normal driving conditions, the temperature gauge will operate around the 210 °F (100 °C) or less. If the van is carrying a heavy load and/or going up hills, it’s reasonable to expect the temperature to fluctuate and approach 250 °F (122 °C).

If the gauge reaches the maximum indicator of 260 °F (125 °C), it means the cooling system is working beyond its capability and the engine may overheat. In this instance, reduce speed or stop the vehicle and keep the engine running at idle to allow the engine to cool.

Check that the engine cooling fans are operating, if not, switch off the engine. If the engine continues to operate at exessively hot temperatures, check coolant levels.

Battery / Voltmeter Gauge

When the engine is switched off, but the ignition is on, the voltmeter gauge shows the battery’s state of charge in DC volts. When the engine is running, the voltmeter gauge shows the output of the charging system. Fluctuations between high and low are normal.

At engine idle, if readings are in the low warning zone, it may indicate a large number of electrical accessories operating within the vehicle. This is normal as the charging system is unable to provide full power at idle.

If the battery light comes on and the gauge is reading within the warning zone, it means there’s a problem with the charging system. The van may only be able to be driven for a short time. To extend this time, switch off any electrical accessories and may your way immediately to an auto repair workshop.

See why is my car battery warning light on for further information.

Airbag

If the airbag light comes on while driving or stays on after the vehicle is started, it means there’s a problem with the airbag system. When the vehicle is started or the ignition is switched on, an airbag system check takes place. This includes electrical check, airbag sensors, seat belt pretensioners, airbag module, wiring, crash sensing and diagnostic module.

Engine Malfunction

The Chevy Express engine warning light comes on after the on-board emissions control diagnostic system has detected a fault. Also known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), or check engine light, the warning will often alert drivers before a fault is noticeable.

When the engine fault light is on, you can usually continue driving, but the problem can get worse if the fault isn’t fixed. You may notice reduced engine performance and an increase in fuel consumption. If the engine light is flashing, damage to the emissions control system may occur. Reduce speed, keep the engine speed low and if possible, reduce vehicle load until the light stops flashing. If the light continues to flash, park up and switch off the engine for 10 minutes before restarting.

There are many engine components related to the emissions control system. As such, diagnostic equipment is recommended in order to scan for fault codes. When the engine light illuminates, fault codes are usually generated and stored and using diagnostic tools, may give an indication of the problem.

For further information on the Chevrolet Express engine warning light, see reasons why the engine warning light is on.

Brake

As a fail-safe system, the Chevy Express has two hydraulic brake circuits, meaning that if one fails, the remaining circuit can still operate to stop the vehicle. If the brake warning light comes on while driving or stays on after starting the engine it means:

The parking brake is on
Low brake fluid
Brake system malfunction

Provided that the parking brake is fully released, check the brake fluid reservoir to ensure fluids are up to the specified level. Under normal conditions, brake fluid does decrease due to brake lining wear. Low brake fluid may also indicate a leak. If after topping up with brake fluid, the warning light goes off, only continue driving if the brake pedal does not feel spongy or excessively hard to press. Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid.

Anti-Lock Braking System

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to prevent the Chevy Express’s wheels from locking up, primarily during heavy braking. In turn, this allows the driver to continue to steer the van.

If the ABS and red brake warning light both illuminate, it means there’s and problem with he ABS and brake system. If only the ABS warning light comes on, the ABS has malfunctioned, but the van brakes will continue to work as normal. The most common fault related to ABS is due to a damaged wheel speed sensor.

Tow / Haul Mode

The Chevy Express tow / haul mode can be selected by pressing the button on the dashboard. This mode assists the vehicle while driving downhill by using the engine and transmission to slow the vehicle. The system also adjusts gear shift patterns to reduce shift cycling and transmission cooling for towing heavy loads.

Lane Departure

Lane departure warning (LDW) assists the driver by providing a visual and audio alert if a lane line has been crossed without applying a signal. The system also gently assists with the steering. The LDW light is green when the system is ready to operate and changes to amber flashing when a lane line has been crossed.

LDW utilizes a camera sensor installed on the windshield ahead of the rear view mirror to detect lane markings. Ensure this area of the windshield is kept clean to provide operation of the system.

StabiliTrak / ESC / TCS

The Chevy Express StabiliTrak system, also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) works to stabilize the vehicle when a difference in the intended path and the actual direction of the vehicle is detected. StabiliTrak applies individual braking to reduce oversteer or understeer to keep the vehicle on course.

Additionally, if the Traction Control System (TSC) detects wheel slip, the system applied ABS to ensure the vehicle’s wheel keep traction with the road surface. The StabiliTrak flashes when the system is operating and remains lit if there’s a fault. A fault with the StabiliTrak system is often due to a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor.

For more information, see What ESC is in Cars and How Does ESC Work in Cars.

Low Tire Pressure

The Chevy Express tire pressure warning light comes on to indicate one or more of the van’s tires has become underinflated. If the light flashes, then remains lit, it means there’s a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This may be due to:

One or more tires have been fitted without a sensor (such as a spare).
The TPMS sensor matching process was not done or not completed successfully after rotating the tires.
The TPMS sensor/s has been damaged (often during tire change).
Replacement tires or wheels do not meet the manufacturers specification.
Electronic devices are interfering with the TPMS radio signal.
A non-approved tire sealant has been used.

A tire and loading information label inside the driver’s door shows the size of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for the tires when they are cold.

Security Light

The Chevy Express security warning light should come on briefly when the engine is started, the go off. If the light remains on, it means there’s a problem with the immobilizer system. The Chevy Express theft deterrent system requires a constant line of communication between the vehicle’s security chip inside the electronic key, to the ignition lock cylinder and to the van’s theft deterrent module.

If this line of communication is broken, the car and lock warning light remains lit and the vehicle may not start. Damaged electronic key, worn anti-theft wiring harness inside the steering wheel column or worn ignition cylinder can be a common issue. If it’s not a hardware issue, the security system may require reprogramming.

Vehicle Ahead

This make part of the Chevy Express Forward Collision Alert (FCA) safety systems. The vehicle ahead indicator illuminate in green when the system detects a vehicle ahead and changes to amber if you’re following the vehicle ahead too closely.

If the FCA system does not seem to operate properly, cleaning the outside of the windshield area in front of the camera sensor may correct the issue.