2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN fuel

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-12
Safety Belts
.............................................1-29
Child Restraints
.......................................1-50
Airbag System
.........................................1-76
Restraint System Check
............................1-92
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-20
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-24
Mirrors
....................................................2-47
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-56
OnStar
®System
......................................2-59
Universal Home Remote System
................2-62
Storage Areas
.........................................2-70
Sunroof
..................................................2-73Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-34
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-51
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-75
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-45
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-14
Rear Axle
...............................................5-54
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-55
Front Axle
...............................................5-56
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-58
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-61
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-64
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban Owner ManualM

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Liftgate/Liftglass............................................2-12
Power Liftgate..............................................2-14
Power Running Boards..................................2-17
Windows........................................................2-18
Power Windows............................................2-19
Sun Visors...................................................2-20
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-20
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-21
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-22
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-23Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-24
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-24
Ignition Positions..........................................2-25
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-26
Starting the Engine.......................................2-26
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-28
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-28
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-29
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-30
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-36
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-36
Parking Brake..............................................2-42
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-43
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-45
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-45
Engine Exhaust............................................2-46
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-46
Mirrors...........................................................2-47
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-47
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display..............2-49
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the
vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
Normal operation of the system will return after the key
is turned to the ON/RUN position.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
the climate control system will default to a heating or
cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures.
If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
During a remote start, if your vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated seats, the heated
seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures
and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN.
If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate
control system, during remote start, you will need to
manually turn the heated seats on and off. SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-5for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using the remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button.
The vehicle’s doors will lock. Immediately press and
hold the transmitter’s remote start button until the
turn signal lights ash. If you cannot see the vehicle’s
lights, press and hold the remote start button for
two to four seconds. Pressing the remote start
button again after the vehicle has started will turn
the engine off.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done.
2-8

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
On vehicles with this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the
pedals cannot move farther away from the standard
position, but can move toward the driver for better
pedal reach.
No adjustment to the pedals can be made when
the vehicle is in REVERSE (R) or while using the
cruise control.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located
on the instrument panel
below the climate control
system.
Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch to move the
pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the top of
the switch to move the pedals away from your body.Before you start driving, fully press the brake pedal to
conrm the adjustment is right for you. While driving,
make only small adjustments.
Your vehicle may have a memory function which lets
pedal settings be saved and recalled. SeeMemory Seat,
Mirrors, and Pedals on page 1-6for more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in
cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting your vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist
which will prevent engine coolant heater operation
at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
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 the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt
AC outlet.
2-28

{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/retailer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you
the best advice for that particular area.
Active Fuel Management™
Your vehicle’s V8 engine may have Active Fuel
Management™. This system allows the engine to
operate on either all or half of its cylinders, depending
on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as cruising at a
constant vehicle speed, the system will operate in the
half cylinder mode, allowing your vehicle to achieve
better fuel economy. When greater power demands are
required, such as accelerating from a stop, passing,
or merging onto a freeway, the system will maintain
full-cylinder operation.
If your vehicle has an Active Fuel Management™
indicator, seeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC
Buttons) on page 3-51orDIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-56for more information
on using this display.
2-29

NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next
gear and has more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You might want to shift the transmission to a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding. See Skidding under
Loss of Control on page 4-11
Your vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that
adjusts the transmission shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid upshifts and
downshifts. This shift stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the engine is
able to maintain vehicle speed by analyzing things such
as vehicle speed, throttle position, and vehicle load.
2-32

Front Axle
The front axle engages and disengages automatically
when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for
the axle to engage or disengage is normal.
Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is
located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster.
Your vehicle has Four Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak
®.
For information on StabiliTrak®, seeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6.
Use this dial to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.You can choose among ve driving settings:
Indicator lights in the switches show you which setting
you are in. The indicator lights will come on briey when
you turn on the ignition and the last chosen setting
will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take
your vehicle in for service. An indicator light will ash
while shifting. Fast ashing means the conditions
were not met to make the desired shift, typically the
vehicle was going too fast, the automatic transmission
was not in neutral. Slow ashing means the shift is
in progress. It will stay on when the shift is completed.
If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive 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.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This setting is
ideal for use when road surface traction conditions
are variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is primarily
sent to the rear wheels. When the vehicle’s software
determines a need for more traction, the system
will transfer more power to the front wheels. Driving in
this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than
Two-Wheel Drive High.
2-37

Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-47
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-48
Security Light...............................................3-48
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-48
Cruise Control Light......................................3-49
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-49
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-49
Fuel Gage...................................................3-49
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-50
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-51
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-51
DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)................................3-56
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-59
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons). . . .3-67Audio System(s).............................................3-75
Setting the Clock..........................................3-76
Radio(s) (MP3).............................................3-78
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD
or Six-Disc CD Player)...............................3-95
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD
and DVD Player).......................................3-99
XM Radio Messages...................................3-104
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-105
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-105
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-114
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-116
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-116
Radio Reception.........................................3-117
Rear Side Window Antenna..........................3-118
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-118
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2