2006 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER towing

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
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 a lower gear, under heavy
loads or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal 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 5-31.
4-69

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid (don’t overll),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belt(s), cooling system
and brake system. Each of these is covered in this
manual, and the Index will help you nd them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle has the seven-wire trailer towing harness.
This harness may have a seven-pin universal
heavy-duty trailer connector (if equipped with the
trailering package) that is attached to a bracket on the
hitch platform or included with the four-pin trailer
towing harness.
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If your vehicle is not equipped with the heavy-duty
trailer connector, you may purchase one from your
dealer. The seven-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Running Lamps
White: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Dark Blue: Electric Brakes
Red: Battery Feed (The chassis wiring ring terminal
must be fastened to a stud on the underhood
electrical center before the trailer feed will become
active.)
If you need to tow a light-duty trailer with a standard
four-way round pin connector, an adapter connector is
available from your dealer.Your vehicle is also equipped with wiring for an electric
trailer brake controller. These wires are located
inside the vehicle on the driver’s side under the
instrument panel. These wires should be connected to
an electric trailer brake controller by your dealer or
a qualied service center.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a four-pin trailer
towing harness. This harness has a four-pin trailer
connector that contains the following trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Running Lamps
White: Ground
This harness also contains the following trailer circuits
that are not connected to the four-pin trailer connector:
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Dark Blue: Electric Brakes
Red: Battery Feed
4-72

6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high outside temperatures,
the fan speed increases when the clutch engages so
you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the transmission slipping
or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
5-38

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job,
have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot points,
rear door detent link, roller mechanism, liftgate handle
pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, cargo door hinge,
locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better
and not stick or squeak.
(g)Inspect hoses for cracks, chang, leaks, kinks, and
proper installation.(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer perform this
service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-8

If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are all
right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one else
in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Do not
leave the scene of an accident until all matters have
been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This
will help guard against post-accident legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy
of the report for a nominal fee. In some states with
“no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a private
collision repair facility to x the damage, make sure
you are comfortable with them. Remember, you
will have to feel comfortable with their work for a
long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-12

Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-19
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-31
Radios..........................................................3-67
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-141
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-142
Care of Your CDs and DVDs .......................3-142
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual............................3-124
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-95
Radio with CD....................................3-69, 3-80
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-110
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-137
Setting the Time..........................................3-69
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-138
Understanding Reception............................3-140
Rainsense™ Wipers.......................................... 3-9
Reading Lamps..............................................3-17
Rear Axle......................................................5-50
Limited-Slip.................................................. 4-9
Locking........................................................ 4-9
Rear Climate Control System............................3-26
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover............2-58
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Floor Storage Lid....................................2-60Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-30
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-124
Rear Seat Operation.......................................1-10
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-27
Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-10
Rearview Mirror, Automatic
Dimming with Compass................................2-43
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-45
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar
®and Compass..........................2-39
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with OnStar®,
Compass and Temperature Display..................2-40
Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®...........................2-36
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass,
and Temperature Display..............................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-36
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-47
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-54
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-47
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-85
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-82
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-54
11

T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
Taillamps
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-53
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-138
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
Passlock
®...................................................2-18
Throttle, Adjustable..........................................2-22
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-57
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........................5-103
Buying New Tires........................................5-72
Chains.......................................................5-78
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-80
Cleaning...................................................5-104
Different Size..............................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-79
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-64
Inator, Accessory.......................................5-78
Inspection and Rotation................................5-70
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-85
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-67
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-85Tires (cont.)
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-82
Secondary Latch System..............................5-91
Spare Tire..................................................5-97
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-94
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-59
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-74
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-76
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-76
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-72
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-54
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-59
Your Vehicle...............................................4-53
Traction
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.................................... 4-9
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-9
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-26
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-24
Trip Odometer................................................3-32
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
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