2008 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER fuel

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-30
Airbag System
.........................................1-51
Restraint System Check
............................1-66
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-6
Windows
.................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-19
Mirrors
....................................................2-37
OnStar
®System
......................................2-47
Universal Home Remote System
................2-50
Storage Areas
.........................................2-55
Sunroof
..................................................2-58
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-49
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-64Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-41
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-49
Rear Axle
...............................................5-49
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-50
Front Axle
...............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-52
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-55
Tires
......................................................5-58
Appearance Care
...................................5-100
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-109
Electrical System
....................................5-109
Capacities and Specications
...................5-121
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Owner ManualM

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Door Locks....................................................2-6
Power Door Locks..........................................2-7
Delayed Locking.............................................2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-10
Lockout Protection........................................2-11
Liftgate/Liftglass............................................2-11
Windows........................................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sun Visors...................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Passlock
®(U. S. Only)..................................2-16
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-17
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation (Canada Only)............................2-17
Starting 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.......................................2-21Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-23
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-24
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-24
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-32
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-33
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-35
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-35
Engine Exhaust............................................2-36
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-40
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display..............2-42
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-45
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-45
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror.....................2-46
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-46
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-46
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the RKE transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door. This
should set off the alarm.
When the alarm is set the power door unlock switch will
not work.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
headlamps ash, check to see if the horn works. The
horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110.
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not
ash, the vehicle should be serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Passlock®(U. S. Only)
Your vehicle has the Passlock theft-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system that
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition
lock cylinder has been tampered with, the fuel system is
disabled and the vehicle will not start.
During normal operation, the security light will turn off
about ve seconds after the key is turned to ON/RUN.
If the engine stalls and the security light ashes,
wait about 10 minutes until the light stops ashing before
trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the
key from START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the security light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine off. However, your Passlock system is not
working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer/retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock
at this time. You may also want to check the fuse.
SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-16

The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on
the steering column.
Press the switch forward or backward to move the
pedals closer or farther away from you.
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 next to the battery box facing
the engine.
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.
2-23

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/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 your 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.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for your gear
shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
2-24

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-33.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{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, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your 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 the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have more
power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to
THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
2-26

Four-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the engine’s driving
power can be sent to all four wheels for extra traction.
To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive, you
must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that
follows before using four-wheel drive. You should
use Two-Wheel High for most normal driving conditions.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for
an extended period of time may cause premature
wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on
clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or
Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time.
Notice:If you continually drive your vehicle with
the transfer case in AUTO or Four-Wheel Drive, you
could shorten the life of the transfer case or the
Four-Wheel Drive system. The selector switch
should be left in Two-Wheel Drive High mode. Only
use AUTO and Four-Wheel Drive when you need
extra traction such as in wet or slippery road
conditions.
Automatic Transfer Case
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the transfer case
knob is located to the right of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
Use this knob to shift into
and out of four-wheel drive
2
m(Two-Wheel High):This setting is for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not
engaged in two-wheel drive. It also provides the best
fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This setting
is ideal for use when road conditions are variable.
When driving your vehicle in automatic four-wheel
drive, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s
power is sent to the rear wheels.
2-28

When the vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system
will automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in
this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy
than Two-Wheel High.
4
m(Four-Wheel High):This setting should be used
when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or
icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also
engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle.
4
n(Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages
your front axle and delivers extra torque. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
this setting if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, and climbing or descending steep hills.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-32.NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-42for more
information.
An indicator light in the knob will show you which
position the transfer case is in. The indicator lights will
come on briey when you turn on the ignition and
one will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer for service. An
indicator light will ash while shifting the transfer case.
It will stay on when the shift is complete. If for some
reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift,
it will return to the last chosen setting.
If the service Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light on the
instrument panel cluster stays on, you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. SeeService
Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light on page 3-47for
further information.Shifting Into Four-Wheel High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive
Turn the knob to Four-Wheel High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive. This can be done at any speed
unless you are shifting out of Four-Wheel Low. The
indicator light will ash while shifting. It will remain on
when the shift is complete.
2-29