2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE engine coolant

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-6
Doors and Locks.............................................2-8
Door Locks....................................................2-8
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-13
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Liftgate........................................................2-14
Windows........................................................2-15
Manual Windows..........................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-17
Passlock
®....................................................2-19Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle...............................................2-19
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-19
Ignition Positions..........................................2-20
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-21
Starting the Engine.......................................2-21
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-24
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-27
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-28
All-Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak
®.....................2-32
Parking Brake..............................................2-35
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-36
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-38
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-38
Engine Exhaust............................................2-39
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-40
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have
an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord.
This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater
when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as
noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment, near the power steering uid
reservoir.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-23

Voltmeter Gage............................................3-42
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-43
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-45
Traction Off Light..........................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-46
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-46
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-48
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-48
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-52
Security Light...............................................3-53
Cruise Control Light......................................3-53
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-53
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-53
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-54
Fuel Gage...................................................3-54
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-55
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-56
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-60
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-72Audio System(s).............................................3-78
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-78
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS).........................................3-79
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-79
Radio with CD..............................................3-82
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-93
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-108
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-121
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-122
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-133
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-134
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-135
Radio Reception.........................................3-136
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-136
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-137
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-137
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-138
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-138
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-138
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is
active the system will control the inside temperature, the
air delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current driver’s set temperature, delivery
mode and fan speed. Press the AUTO button again
within ve seconds to display the passenger’s set
temperature.
If the driver and passenger’s temperature settings
are not the same, the opposite side temperature
setting will be displayed for an additional ve
seconds. To make the passenger’s temperature the
same as the driver’s, press and hold the AUTO
button for about four seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will run
when the outside temperature is over about
40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down your vehicle. The light on the
button will illuminate in recirculation.2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Turn the driver’s or
passenger’s side temperature knob to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you choose the
temperature setting of 60°F (15°C) the system
will remain at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C)
the system will remain at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load, and
also turns on your headlamps.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan switch will override this
delay and change the fan to a selected speed.
9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire climate
control system. Outside air will still enter the vehicle, and
will be directed to the oor. This direction can be changed
by pressing the mode button. The temperature can also
be adjusted using either temperature knob. Press the up
or down arrows on the fan switch, the defrost button, the
AUTO button, or the air conditioning button to turn the
system on when it is off.
3-26

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
will read 210°F (100°C) or less. If you are pulling a load
or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
uctuate and approach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the
gage reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
Transmission Temperature Gage
Your vehicle may be equipped with a transmission
temperature gage.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission uid. The normal
operating range is from 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
At approximately 265°F (130°C), the message center
will display a TRANSMISSION HOT message and
the transmission will enter a transmission protection
mode. When the transmission enters the protection
mode, you may notice a change in the transmission
shifting patterns. The transmission will return to normal
shifting patterns when the transmission uid temperature
falls below 260°F (127°C). United States
CanadaUnited StatesCanada
3-46

ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning. If
the message is still on, or if the engine coolant
temperature gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over
when it is safe to do so. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46for more information.
Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P)
to allow the coolant to reach a safe temperature. This
message will clear when the coolant temperature
drops to a safe operating temperature. 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.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine
has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28for more information.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. 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. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-54,Fuel on
page 5-5andLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-55.
3-63

KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low, this
message will appear on the DIC. The battery needs
to be replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-6. 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.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the driver’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.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant level
sensor, this message will appear on the DIC if
the engine coolant level is low. Adding coolant will clear
the message. SeeCooling System on page 5-30.
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.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
in the Index for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the DIC for about
10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil
message. See “Engine Oil Life System” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-57andEngine Oil on
page 5-16for more information.
3-64

OIL PRESSURE LOW
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be
displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate
it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-16.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16for more information.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s 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.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
If the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN, this
message will appear on the DIC and you will hear
a chime. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate.
Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the
DIC display. 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.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters
the engine coolant protection mode. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28for further information.
REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE
This message will be displayed if the liftgate lock
malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more
information on fuses, seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-107. If the message returns after replacing the
fuse, see your GM dealer for service.
3-65