2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE ECO mode

Level Control
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension is available
on C/K 1500 vehicles and comes as a part of the
AutorideŸ suspension.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will provide
a better leveled riding position as well as better handling
under a variety of passenger and loading conditions. An
air compressor connected to the rear shocks will raise or
lower the rear of the vehicle to maintain proper vehicle
height. The system is activated when the ignition key is
turned to RUN and will automatically adjust vehicle height
thereafter. The system may exhaust (lower vehicle
height) for up to ten minutes after the ignition key has
been turned off. You may hear the air compressor
operating when the height is being adjusted.
If a self-equalizing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to in¯ate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
AutorideŸ
The AutorideŸ feature will provide a superior vehicle
ride and handling under a variety of passenger and
loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel
to body position, lift/dive and steering position of the
vehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shock
absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
provide the optimum vehicle ride.
AutorideŸ also interacts with the tow/haul switch that,
when engaged, will provide additional control of the
shock absorbers. This additional control results in better
ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle is
loaded or towing a trailer. See
Tow/Haul Mode Light on
page 3-52for more information.
4-64

If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
·There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you'll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
·Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh less than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg). You should
always use a sway control if your trailer will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg). You can ask
a hitch dealer about sway controls.
·Don't tow a trailer at all during the ®rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
·Then, during the ®rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
·You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift
the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts
too often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions). See ªTow/Haul Modeº later in
this section.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
·the weight of the trailer,
·the weight of the trailer tongue
·and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
4-66

Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the
tow/haul mode is to:
·Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability
of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load.
·Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when
the vehicle is unloaded.
·Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring
less throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a button at the end
of the shift lever which, when pressed, enables
tow/haul. Your vehicle may be equipped with
AutorideŸ
žwhich further improves your vehicle's ride
while towing. SeeAutorideŸ on page 4-64for more
information. When the button is pressed, a light on the
instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that
tow/haul has been selected. Tow/haul may be turned off
by pressing the button again, at which time the
indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off. The
vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every time
it is started.Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of
the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See Weight of the Trailer later in this section.
Tow/haul is most useful under the following driving
conditions:
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load through rolling terrain.
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in stop and go traffic.
·When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or
with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no bene®t to the selection of tow/haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/haul
is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load.
4-67

Capacities and Speci®cations
Please refer toPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-18for more information. All capacities are
approximate.
Capacities and Speci®cations
Engine Type VIN Code Spark Plug Gap
VORTECŸ 4800 V8 V8 V 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
VORTECŸ 5300 V8 V8 T 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
VORTECŸ 5300 V8 V8 Z 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
VORTECŸ 6000 V8 V8 U 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
VORTECŸ 8100 V8 V8 G 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)
Wheels and Tires
Model Description Torque
C/K 1500 6 bolts (14 mm) 140 lb ft (190Y)
C/K 2500 8 bolts (14 mm) 140 lb ft (190Y)
Tire PressureSee the Certi®cation/Tire label on the rear edge of the driver's door or the
incomplete vehicle document in the cab.
5-118

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-121
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-11
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-11
At Least Once a Month................................6-11
At Least Once a Year..................................6-13
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-12
Brake System Inspection..............................6-17
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-17
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-16
Fuel System Inspection................................6-16
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-11
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-16
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-18
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-20
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-16
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-17
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-77
Making Turns.................................................4-75Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-47
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Windows............................................2-16
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-66
Message.......................................................3-64
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-64
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors..........................................................2-49
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-49
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
ž,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-45
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-45
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-53
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors........................2-52
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-54
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors...................2-54
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-54
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-51
Outside Power Camper-Type.........................2-53
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-53
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-52
Model Reference................................................ vi
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
11

N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-121
O
Odometer......................................................3-38
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-20
OIL LIFE RESET............................................3-67
OIL PRESSURE LOW.....................................3-67
Oil ................................................................5-18
Engine.......................................................5-18
Pressure Gage............................................3-50
Older Children, Restraints................................1-47
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-56
OnStaržServices............................................2-55
OnStaržSteering Wheel Controls......................2-56
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-55
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-56
Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off
Paved Roads..............................................4-23
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment...................................3-24, 3-30
Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror...................2-53Outside.........................................................2-53
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-53
Camper-Type Mirrors....................................2-52
Convex Mirror.............................................2-54
Curb View Assist Mirrors..............................2-54
Heated Mirrors............................................2-54
Manual Mirrors............................................2-51
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-53
Power Mirrors.............................................2-52
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
(V8 Engines Only).......................................5-33
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-12
P
Panel Doors...................................................2-15
Park (P)........................................................2-42
Shifting Out of............................................2-42
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park
(P) Mechanism Check..................................6-15
Parking on Hills..............................................4-76
Parking.........................................................2-38
Brake........................................................2-38
Over Things That Burn.................................2-42
12

Torque Lock...................................................2-41
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-71
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-52
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-29
Towing..........................................................4-59
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-59
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-65
Your Vehicle...............................................4-59
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-71
Traction Control Operation................................4-13
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-71
Traction.........................................................4-10
Assist System (TAS)....................................4-10
Off Light.....................................................3-44
Stabilitrak
žSystem......................................4-12
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-73
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-77
Trailer...........................................................4-65
Recommendations.......................................4-65
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive)
Inspection...................................................6-17
Transfer Case........................................5-55, 5-57
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-71
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11Transmission..................................................5-26
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-26
Temperature Gage.......................................3-46
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-27
Trip Information Button....................................3-54
Trip Odometer................................................3-38
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-71
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-75U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-15
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-113
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-127
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-72
United States ± Customer Assistance.................. 7-5
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-75
Using Cleaner on Fabric................................5-100
Using HomeLink
ž...........................................2-60
Using Song List Mode...................................3-112
Using the Recovery Hooks...............................4-57
18