2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE transmission

Automatic Release Fold and
Tumble Feature
The transmission must be in PARK (P) for this feature
to work.
Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s)
{CAUTION:
Automatically folding and tumbling the seat
when someone is sitting in the seat, could cause
injury to the person sitting there. Always make
sure there is no one sitting in the seat before
pressing the automatic seat release button.
To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:
1. Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of,
or on the seat.
Notice:Folding a rear seat with the safety belts
still fastened may cause damage to the seat or
the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts
and return them to their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.2. From the front seats,
press one of the
automatic seat release
buttons located on
the overhead console.
When accessing the third row seats, if your vehicle
has them, from the outside of the vehicle, press
the button on the panel behind either rear door.
One press of the button automatically folds
the seatback at and tumbles the seat forward.
There will be a slight delay between the folding of
the seatback and the tumbling of the seat. Overhead Console
Buttons shown,
Panel Button similar
1-16

Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s) from
the Third Row Seats
{CAUTION:
Using the third row seating position while the
second row is folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden stop or crash.
Be sure to return the seat to the passenger
seating position. Push and pull on the seat
to make sure it is locked into place.
To fold and tumble the seat from the third row seats,
if your vehicle has them, do the following:
1. Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of,
or on the seat.
Notice:Folding a rear seat with the safety belts
still fastened may cause damage to the seat or
the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts
and return them to their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.2. Lift the lever, located
on the bottom rear of
the second row seat
on the inboard side,
to release the seatback.
The seatback will fold
forward.
3. Lift the lever again to release the rear of the seat
from the oor. The seat will tumble forward.
Automatic Release Fold and
Tumble Feature
The transmission must be in PARK (P) for this
feature to work.
1-22

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

OFF:Press the bottom of the button for manual
operation of the power liftgate.
The taillamps will ash and a chime will sound when the
power liftgate is moving.
{CAUTION:
You or others could be injured if caught in the
path of the power liftgate. Make sure there is
no one in the way of the liftgate as it is
opening and closing.
Notice:If you open the liftgate without checking for
overhead obstructions such as a garage door,
you could damage the liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the area above and
behind the liftgate is clear before opening it.
The power liftgate can be power opened and closed in
the following ways:
Press and hold the power liftgate button on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter until
the liftgate starts moving.Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-5for more
information.
Pressing the liftgate button on the overhead
console.
Pressing the touchpad switch on the outside liftgate
handle.
Pressing the buttons, or touchpad switch a second time
while the liftgate is moving reverses the direction.
l:The liftgate can also be closed by pressing the
power liftgate button next to the liftgate latch.
Press the button a second time during liftgate operation
to reverse that operation.
The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled under
extreme temperatures, or under low battery conditions. If
this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.
If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) while
the power function is in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion. If you shift the
transmission out of PARK (P) and accelerate before the
power liftgate latches closed, the liftgate may reverse
to the open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle.
Always make sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate support
struts have lost pressure, the lights will ash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will stay open temporarily,
then slowly close. See your dealer/retailer for service
before using the liftgate.
2-15

Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the
ignition switch to four
different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. The key
can only be removed when the ignition is turned
to LOCK/OFF.Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets things like
the radio and the windshield wipers operate while
the engine is off.
Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the
ACC/ACCESSORY ignition position and the ON/RUN
position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle
from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the ACC/
ACCESSORY ignition position for a long period of time.
C (ON/RUN):This is the position for driving. It is the
position the ignition switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
2-25

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following vehicle accessories can be used for
up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
OnStar®System (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped)These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the windows and sunroof
continue to work up to 10 minutes until any door
is opened. The radio continues to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting the Engine
If your vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-26

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the
way to the oor and holding it there as you hold
the key in START for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey but then
stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
2-27

Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
If your vehicle is has an automatic transmission,
it has an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. This display comes on when
the ignition key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily. When parked
on a hill, especially when the vehicle has a heavy
load, you might notice an increase in the effort to shift
out of Park. See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
underShifting Into Park on page 2-43for more
information.
Hydra-Matic
®4-Speed
Automatic Transmission
Allison Transmission®or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed
Automatic Transmission
2-30