Changing the oil on your Chevy Express 3500 is an easy way to ensure your vehicle's reliability and maintain your warranty coverage. Whether your van is used for commercial or recreational purposes, Chevy Express vans can tow large loads and haul many passengers. As Express vans can be used in demanding conditions, it is important to change the oil when your GM oil life monitoring system indicates it is necessary. The oil change procedure on the Express is straightforward, and because of the amount of clearance under the van, you may not even need a jack.
Raise the vehicle if necessary. To raise the van, lift each side of the front, using a hydraulic jack, and support the front end with jack stands. Never work on a van supported by only a hydraulic jack, as the loss of pressure in the jack could cause the vehicle to fall on top of you. If you can safely crawl underneath the vehicle without raising it, lifting the van is not necessary.
Place a drain pan under the engine oil drain plug at the back of the oil pan. Remove the drain plug, using a ratchet and socket, and allow the oil to flow into the drain pan.
As the oil is draining, remove the oil filter, which is located in front of the oil pan on the bottom side of the engine. You should use a band style oil filter wrench to break the filter free, and then finish loosening it by hand.
Place a new oil filter on the engine and tighten it by hand. Once it is tight, make it snug, using your oil filter wrench.
Once all of the old oil has drained from the oil pan, reinsert the drain plug and tighten it by hand. Once it is hand-tight, use the ratchet and socket for one last quarter-turn to make it snug.
Remove the oil filler under the hood, and fill the engine with the amount of oil recommended in your owner’s manual. Contact your dealership or search online if you do not know the required amount.
Lower your van from the jack stands, if necessary, with a hydraulic jack.
Start the engine and check for leaks around the oil filter and drain plug, then turn the engine off. If any leaks are found, make sure that both the filter and drain plug are fully tightened.
After checking for leaks, remove the oil dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should read between the low and full marks on the dipstick.
