2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN warning light

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-14
Safety Belts
.............................................1-32
Child Restraints
.......................................1-54
Airbag System
.........................................1-81
Restraint System Check
............................1-98
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-22
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-26
Mirrors
....................................................2-52
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-56
OnStar
®System
......................................2-68
Universal Home Remote System
................2-71
Storage Areas
.........................................2-78
Sunroof
..................................................2-81Instrument 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)
.......................................3-83
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-43
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Rear Axle
...............................................5-49
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-51
Front Axle
...............................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-53
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-59
Tires
......................................................5-61
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban Owner ManualM

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is
still running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to RUN to drive the vehicle.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The vehicle can be remote started two separate times
between driving sequences. The engine will run for
10 minutes after each remote start.
Or, you can extend the engine run time by another
10 minutes within the rst 10 minute remote start time
frame, and before the engine stops.
For example, if the lock button and then the remote
start buttons are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes, 10 minutes are
added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional ten minutes are considered a second
remote vehicle start.Once two remote starts, or a single remote start with
one time extension has been done, the vehicle must
be started with the key. After the key is removed from
the ignition, the vehicle can be remote started again.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if the key is in
the ignition, the hood is not closed, or if there is
an emission control system malfunction and the
check engine light comes on.
Also, the engine will turn off during a remote vehicle
start if the coolant temperature gets too high or if the
oil pressure gets low.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature
are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle
start system enabled. The system may be enabled
or disabled through the DIC. See “REMOTE START”
underDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-74for additional information. If your vehicle
does not have DIC buttons, see your dealer/retailer
to enable or disable the remote vehicle start system.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle
start feature, it may have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to your
vehicle.
2-9

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.Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power
open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full
closed or open position. After removing the obstruction,
the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the
liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power
cycle, the power function will deactivate, and you must
manually open or close the liftgate. The REAR ACCESS
OPEN warning message in the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will indicate that the liftgate is open. After removing
the obstructions, manually open the liftgate to the full
open position or close the liftgate to the fully closed and
latched position. The liftgate will now resume normal
power operation.
Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side
edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the
liftgate and the body and presses against this sensor,
the liftgate will reverse direction and open fully.
The liftgate will remain open until it is activated again
or closed manually. Do not force the liftgate open
or closed during a power cycle.
2-17

A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission on automatic transmission
vehicles. The key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in
the ignition could cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is
all the way in, and turn it only with your hand.
If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your
dealer/retailer.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets things like
the radio and the windshield wipers operate while
the engine is off. Use this position if the vehicle must
be pushed or towed.C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in this position
on automatic transmission vehicles.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
2-27

2m(Two-Wheel Drive High):This setting is used
for driving in most street and highway situations.
The 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.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):Use the four-wheel high
position 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 the vehicle.
This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low if you
are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow,
and while climbing or descending steep hills.The vehicle has StabiliTrak
®. Shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral). See
Parking Brake on page 2-45.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case
to N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-43
orTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-43for more
information.
If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message stays on,
you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
for service. See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-64.
2-41

Parking Brake
For vehicles with a release handle, set the parking
brake by holding the regular brake pedal down, then
pushing down the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-40.A chime sounds and the warning light ashes when the
parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at
least 5 mph (8 km/h).
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever with
the parking brake symbol, located above the parking
brake pedal.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-50.
2-45

For vehicles without a release handle, set the parking
brake by holding the regular brake pedal down,
then pushing down the parking brake pedal.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-40.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down, then push down momentarily on the parking
brake pedal until you feel the pedal release. Slowly
pull your foot up off the park brake pedal. If the parking
brake is not released when you begin to drive, the
brake system warning light will ash and a chime will
sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-50.
2-46