2006 CHEVROLET TAHOE overheating

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The front ashtray is located near the center of the
instrument panel or on the front console, if equipped.
Pull on the ashtray door to open it.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
To remove the front ashtray pull the ashtray up.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and
let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it
is heating will not allow the lighter to back away
from the heating element when it is hot. Damage
from overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
Fan Knob
The fan knob on the left side of the control panel
adjusts the fan speed. To increase airow, turn the knob
clockwise. To decrease airow, turn it counterclockwise.
To turn the fan off, turn the knob to the off position.
9(Off):If the fan is off, outside air will still enter the
vehicle, and will be directed based on the position of
the mode knob. The temperature can also be adjusted
using the temperature knob.
3-21

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on
for several seconds.
That’s normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you are driving,
your vehicle needs service. You will also hear a chime
sound when the light is on steady. If the regular brake
system warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but
you do not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on you do not have anti-lock
brakes and there is a problem with your regular brakes.
In addition to both lights, you will also hear a chime sound
on the rst occurrence of a problem and each time the
vehicle is shut off and then restarted. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-41.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on
briey when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
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.
United StatesCanada
3-42

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 3-42for more information.
Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P)
for a few minutes 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 will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
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.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.
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 will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle does not have 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 3-50,Fuel on page 5-5,
andLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-50.
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 2-5. Pressing any of the four
DIC buttons will acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer
reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display.
3-58

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 will acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not
have 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
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle does not have 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.
This message will also display when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your GM dealer for service as soon as possible.
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 5-109. If the message returns after replacing the
fuse, see your GM dealer for service.
3-60

STABILITY SYS (System) ACTIVE
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on
the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled
system has come on to help your vehicle continue to
go in the direction in which you are steering. StabiliTrak
®
activates when the computer senses that your vehicle
is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of
ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system
activates, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in
the brake pedal. This is normal. When the STABILITY
SYS ACTIVE message is on, you should continue
to steer in the direction you want to go. The system is
designed to help you in bad weather or other difficult
driving situations by making the most of whatever road
conditions will permit.
STABILITY SYS (System) DISABLED
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on
when you press the StabiliTrak®button, or when
the stability control has been automatically disabled.
To limit wheel spin and realize the full benets of
the stability enhancement system, you should normally
leave StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should turn
StabiliTrak®off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow and you want to rock your vehicle
to attempt to free it, or if you are driving in extreme
off-road conditions and require more wheel spin.SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-46. To turn the StabiliTrak
®system back
on, press the StabiliTrak®button again.
There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message will also be displayed if the brake
system warning light is on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-41.
The message could be displayed if the stability
system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
If an engine or vehicle related problem has been
detected and the vehicle needs service, the
message will appear. See your GM dealer.
The message will also appear if the vehicle is
shifted into 4LO.
The message will turn off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
3-63

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly, this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-45. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn
this light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that any
of the vehicle’s wheels are slipping, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-9for
more information.
TRACTION SYS (System) LIMITED
If the brake traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed
braking, brake traction control will be disabled and the
TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed.
The system will return to normal operation after the
brakes have cooled. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-9for more information.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
If the transmission uid in the vehicle gets hot,
this message will appear on the DIC along with a
continuous chime. Driving with the transmission uid
temperature high can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow the transmission
to cool. This message will clear and the chime will
stop when the uid temperature reaches a safe level.
SeeTransmission Temperature Gage on page 3-43.
3-64

TRANSMISSION HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can
damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
If the transmission uid temperature becomes high,
this message will appear on the DIC.
When the transmission enters the protection mode,
you may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
If the vehicle has the Tow/Haul mode, use this feature
if the transmission is operating at higher temperatures
and/or the following situations exist, which can cause
the transmission to operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Hauling a large or heavy load
Over-loading
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for the transmission your vehicle is
equipped with for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will hear
a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to
the off position. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from
the DIC display.
3-65

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
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).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
earlier in this section for more information.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant at or near
sea level will boil at a lower temperature than at higher
altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your
vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run while parked (preferably
on level ground) with the automatic transmission in
PARK (P) for a few minutes before turning the engine
off. If you do get the overheat warning, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brake, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear and not in NEUTRAL.
6. Release the regular brakes.
4-74