2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE 4WD

Four-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you will see the
buttons shown below. You can send your engine’s
driving power to all four wheels for extra traction.
To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive,
you must be familiar with its operation. Read the part
that follows before using four-wheel drive.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended period of time may
cause premature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain.
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel
drive for extended periods of time.
Front Axle Locking Feature
The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when
you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to
lock or unlock is normal.
Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case buttons
are located to the left of
the instrument panel
cluster.
For four-wheel drive vehicles with StabiliTrak
®,
seeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-11.
Use these buttons to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
You can choose among four driving settings:
AUTO 4WD (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):
This setting is ideal for use when road surface traction
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in
AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s
power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the
vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will
automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this
mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than
Two-Wheel High.
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2m(Two Wheel-High):This setting is used for driving
in most street and highway situations. Your front axle
is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four Wheel-High):Use the four-wheel high
position when you need extra traction, such as on snowy
or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting
also engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle.
This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four Wheel-Low):This setting also engages your
front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need
this setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose Four Wheel-Low if you are driving
off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills. StabiliTrak
®will not
engage in this mode. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-11for more information.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can cause
your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is
in PARK (P). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking
brake before placing the transfer case in
NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on page 2-35.
NEUTRAL (N):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case
to NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-62for more information.
Indicator lights in the button show which setting you
are in. The indicator lights will come on briey when you
turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights
do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your
dealer for service. An indicator light will ash while
shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when
the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer
case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.
If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See “Service
4WD message” underDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-56.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel High or
AUTO 4WD (Automatic Four Wheel Drive)
Press and release the Four-Wheel High or AUTO
4WD button. This can be done at any speed, except
when shifting from Four Wheel-Low, and the indicator
light will ash while shifting. It will remain on when
the shift is completed.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel High
Press and release the Two-Wheel High button.
This can be done at any speed, except when shifting
from Four-Wheel Low.
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Shifting Into Four-Wheel Low
To shift to the Four-Wheel Low position, the ignition
must be in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped
or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method
for shifting into four-wheel low is to have your vehicle
moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release
the Four-Wheel Low button. You must wait for the
four-wheel low indicator light to stop ashing and remain
on before shifting your transmission in gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To
help avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for
the Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
Four-Wheel Low and Four-Wheel High ranges or from
NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the Four-Wheel Low button is pressed when your
vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel Low
indicator light will ash for 30 seconds and not complete
the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than
3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
After 30 seconds the transfer case will shift to
Four-Wheel High mode.
Shifting Out of Four-Wheel Low
To shift from Four-Wheel Low to Four-Wheel High,
AUTO 4WD or Two-Wheel High, your vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with
the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in
RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of
Four-Wheel Low is to have your vehicle moving
1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the
Four-Wheel High, AUTO 4WD or Two-Wheel High
button. You must wait for the Four-Wheel High,
AUTO 4WD or Two-Wheel High indicator light to stop
ashing and remain on before shifting your transmission
into gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To
help avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for
the Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
Four-Wheel Low and Four-Wheel High ranges or from
NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the Four-Wheel High, AUTO 4WD or Two Wheel High
switch is pressed when your vehicle is in gear and/or
moving, the Four-Wheel High, AUTO 4WD or Two-Wheel
High indicator light will ash for 30 seconds but will not
complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than
3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
2-30

Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will
not roll.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel High.
6. Simultaneously press and hold the Two-Wheel High
and Four-Wheel Low buttons for 10 seconds. The
NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer case
shift to NEUTRAL is complete.
7. If the engine is running, verify that the transmission
is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting the transmission to
REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the
transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second.
8. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY, which will turn
the engine off.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
brake pedal.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn
the ignition to RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case
shift position (Two-Wheel High, Four-Wheel
High, AUTO 4WD, or Four-Wheel Low).
4. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the NEUTRAL light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired position.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of
the different modes may cause the transfer case to
enter the shift protection mode. This will protect
the transfer case from possible damage and will
only allow the transfer case to respond to one shift
per 10 seconds. The transfer case may stay in this
mode for up to three minutes.
2-31

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-35.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-62for more information.
Indicator lights in the buttons show which mode you are
in. The indicator lights will come on briey when you turn
on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not
come on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for
service. An indicator light will ash while the transfer case
is shifting. It will remain on when the shift is complete.
If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.
If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See
SERVICE 4WD underDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-56.
Shifting Into Four Wheel Low
To shift to the Four-Wheel Low position, the ignition
must be in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped
or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N). Press and release the
Four-Wheel Low switch. You must wait for the
Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop ashing and
remain on before shifting your transmission in gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Low indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To
help avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for
the Four-Wheel Low indicator light to stop ashing
before shifting the transmission into gear.
If the Four-Wheel Low button is pressed when your
vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel Low
indicator light will ash for 30 seconds and not complete
the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than
3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
After 30 seconds, the transfer case will return to the
setting last chosen.
When in Four-Wheel Low, StabiliTrak
®is automatically
disabled. For more information seeStabiliTrak®
System on page 4-11.
2-33

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed, this
message will appear on the display and you will hear
a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if
the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE 4WD (Four-Wheel-Drive)
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs service. See your
GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel steer system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If the message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the four-wheel
steer system needs service. See your GM dealer. See
QUADRASTEER™ on page 4-16. Pressing any of
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE AIR BAG
If there is a problem with the airbag system, this
message will be displayed on the DIC. Have your
GM dealer inspect the system for problems. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 3-39andAirbag System on
page 1-68for more information. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-66

StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle may be equipped with the StabiliTrak®
system which combines antilock brake, traction
and stability control systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most
driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle. The system
should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h). In some cases, it may take approximately
two miles of driving before the system initializes.
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the STABILITY
SYS DISABLED or SERVICE STABILITY message
will be displayed. If the vehicle has gone through heavy
acceleration or braking during the rst two miles after
starting your vehicle, the STABILITY SYS DISABLED
message may appear. If this is the case, your
vehicle does not need servicing. Turn your vehicle off
and back on again to reset the system. If either message
appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC), and
your vehicle hasn’t gone through hard acceleration
or braking in the rst two miles, your vehicle should be
taken in for service.The STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message will appear on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) only when the
system is both on and activated. You may also feel or
hear the system working; this is normal. For more
information on the stability messages, seeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-56.
The StabiliTrak
®button
is located on the
instrument panel.
StabiliTrak
®and part of the traction control system can
be turned off or back on by pressing the StabiliTrak®
button. All-wheel drive vehicles must be in all-wheel
drive mode to turn the system on or off.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles must be in 2HI, 4HI or
AUTO 4WD to turn the system on or off.
4-11

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
model and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-1500 (2WD)*
4800 V83.23
3.735,700 lbs (2 585 kg)
6,700 lbs (3 039 kg)11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5300 V83.23
3.736,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 492 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V8
(Extended Models)3.42
4.107,400 lbs (3 356 kg)
8,400 lbs (3 810 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 (4WD)*
4800 V83.42
4.106,500 lbs (2 948 kg)
7,500 lbs (3 402 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V83.42
4.107,500 lbs (3 402 kg)
7,800 lbs (3 538 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5300 V8
(Extended Models)3.42
4.107,200 lbs (3 265 kg)
8,200 lbs (3 719 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
4-70