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2013 Chevrolet Express 2WD

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Express 2WD.

The 2013 Chevrolet Express 2WD is a rear-wheel-drive van from Chevrolet's long-running Express line, a model typically deployed for cargo, passenger, or fleet service. Its maintenance spec calls for 10 quarts of 15W-40 API CI-4 engine oil, a viscosity grade suited to the powertrain's heavy-use operating profile. The model's complaint record spans 1995 through 2026, with the peak of 127 complaints logged in 2003 and the low of just 1 set in 1995 — a wide band that places 2013 within a deeply documented history rather than at either extreme. For a researcher, that span of data defines the backdrop against which this model year's performance should be read.

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity10 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type15W-40 API CI-4OEM · verified

Lug nut torque140 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 78 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12690386. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 78 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	12690386 alt 12731175
Engine air filter	22909882
Spark plug	12681664 alt 12680072
Front wiper blades	15214346
Serpentine belt	19210691 alt 12626222
Thermostat	89018168 alt 12632948

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	224 in
Overall width	79.5 in
Overall height	81.5 in
Wheelbase	135 in
Curb weight	4919 lb
Track (front / rear)	68.1 / 67.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	53/47

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 10 qt of 15W-40 API CI-4 engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 62.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.4
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SAE 75W · SYNTHETIC
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	6.5 qt
Differential Gear Oil	SAE 75W · SYNTHETIC
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	6.5 qt
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	42 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	62.0 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	9.0 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	16.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	103.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	107.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	66.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	66.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	140 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	155 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Cylinder Firing Order	1-6-5-4-3-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	0.053-0.059 in
Spark Plug Torque	11.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Standard BCI Group Number	78
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	78
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	78

Service checks

Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188-206 °F
Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	195 °F
Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	15 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	25 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	148 ft-lbs / 129 ft-lbs / 221 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	74 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	129 ft-lbs / 148 ft-lbs / 221 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.030; Rear: 0.030 specification
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.001 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.005 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.142 in / 1.181 in / 1.496 in / 1.575 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., step 2: 100 degrees., step 3: 90 degrees., install new bolt.

74 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	70 degrees; M8 Bolts:	70 degrees
1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	70 degrees; M8 Bolts:	70 degrees
1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	70 degrees; M8 Bolts:	70 degrees
1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	70 degrees; M8 Bolts:	70 degrees
1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Use new bolts · M12 Bolts:

1	37.0 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	59 ft. lbs.	59 ft. lbs
3	60 degrees	60 degrees
4	90 degrees; Reuse old bolts if possible; M8 Bolts:	90 degrees
1	18.0 ft. lbs.	18 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 7.4

3.7 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., step 2: 15

11 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 7.4

3.7 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., step 2: 15

11 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 7.4

3.7 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., step 2: 15

11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 97,500 mi.

At 6,000 mi	Wheel Lug Nut (torque)
Every 7,500 mi	Accelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 45,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 97,500 mi	Spark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’23 ’24 ’26

No owner complaints on record with NHTSA for this vehicle.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V267000EquipmentReported 26/04/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana… Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet…

14V500000Fuel System, OtherReported 13/08/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…