2008 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER power steering

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

Cruise Control Light......................................3-46
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-46
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Service Four-Wheel Drive
Warning Light...........................................3-47
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-47
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-47
Fuel Gage...................................................3-48
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-48
Check Gas Cap Light....................................3-48
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-53
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-58Audio System(s).............................................3-64
Setting the Clock..........................................3-66
Radio(s)......................................................3-66
Using an MP3..............................................3-83
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-87
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-89
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System...........3-89
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-103
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-104
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-105
Radio Reception.........................................3-106
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-106
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-107
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-107
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Exterior Lamp Control. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-14.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. OnStar
®and Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(If Equipped). SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 3-105.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
F. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
G. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-105.
H. Transfer Case Controls. See “Automatic Transfer
Case” underFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-28.
I. Rear Window Washer/Wiper. SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-64.
K. Climate Controls. SeeDual Climate Control
System on page 3-21.
L. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17.M. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-16. Instrument Panel Brightness Control.
SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-17.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
O. Driver Information Center (DIC) Steering Wheel
Controls (If Equipped). SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-49.
P. Ashtray. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-21.
Q. Shift Lever and StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeShifting Into
PARK (P) on page 2-33andStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-5.
R. Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-21.
S. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-20.
T. Rear Window Defogger. See “Rear Window
Defogger” underDual Climate Control System on
page 3-21andDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-24.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-55.
3-5

While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to do
it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere
with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio,
or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added.Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-21
for more information.
3-65

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
(TrailBlazer SS)
If your vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent to all
four wheels all the time.
This is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is
fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it
will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have
ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the
sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce speed when approaching a curve,
do it before you enter the curve, while the front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
4-10

Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you
need to take some special steps.
Use a low gear and get a rm grip on the steering
wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
your speed. Do not use more power than you
need, because you do not want the wheels to start
spinning or sliding.
{CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up
hills, always try to go straight up.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If
the path twists and turns, you might want to nd
another route.
Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of
the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to make you more
visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill
to let opposing traffic know you are there.
Use your headlamps even during the day. They
make your vehicle more visible to oncoming
traffic.
{CAUTION:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed
can cause an accident. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another
vehicle. You could be seriously injured or
killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
There are some things you should do if the vehicle stalls,
or is about to stall, and you cannot make it up the hill:
Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and keep it
from rolling backwards. Also, apply the parking
brake.
If the engine is still running, shift the transmission to
REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and slowly
back down the hill in REVERSE (R).
4-19

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-22
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-24
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-30
Engine Overheating.......................................5-30
Cooling System............................................5-32Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
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
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps...................5-53
License Plate Lamp......................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-58
Winter Tires.................................................5-59
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-60
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-62
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-65
High-Speed Operation...................................5-66
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-67
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-32.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-38.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-25.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-30.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Marked GND).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-44.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-40.
K. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-43.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-111.
5-13