2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN engine

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and the transfer case is
in N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to roll, even if
the shift lever is in P (Park). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear — not in N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave the
vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake
is rmly set before you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without rst pulling it toward you. If you can, it
means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of
the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the
driver seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park
on page 2-47.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, then
you will be able to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
2-48

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modied, damaged or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
2-50

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-50.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running unless you have to.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park).
{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case in
N (Neutral) will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission shift lever is in P (Park). So,
be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not in
N (Neutral). Always set the parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-47.
If pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-50.
2-51

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-16
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp.........................3-18
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-18
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-19
Entry Lighting...............................................3-19
Exit Lighting.................................................3-19
Reading Lamps............................................3-19
Electric Power Management...........................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Climate Control System.................................3-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-30
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls
...................3-32
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-34
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-35
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-36
Trip Odometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-36
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-37
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-38
Charging System Light..................................3-39
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-40
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-41
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-42
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-43
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-43
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-46
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-64.Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, and reading lamps
if they are left on for more than 10 minutes when
the ignition is off. This will keep the battery from
running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone.
There are two under the climate controls, one inside the
center oor console, one on the rear of the center
oor console and one accessory power outlet in the rear
cargo area on the passenger side.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the protective
cap. When not in use, always cover the accessory
power outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlets are powered, even with
the ignition off. Continuing to use accessory power
outlets while the ignition is in LOCK/OFF may cause the
vehicle’s battery to run down.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing the
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the warranty. Always unplug
all electrical devices when turning off the vehicle.
3-20

-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield, oor outlets, and side window vents. In this
mode, the system turns off recirculation and runs
the air conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing. The recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
0(Defrost):The defrost mode is used to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. Air is directed to
the windshield and side window vents, with some directed
to the oor vents. In this mode, the system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle. The recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in the defrost mode. The air
conditioning compressor runs automatically in this
setting, unless the outside temperature is close to
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on. The air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as
the fan switch is on.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
h(Recirculation):Press this button to turn the
recirculation mode on or off. An indicator light comes on
to show that recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor, defrost,
or defogging modes. If recirculation is selected while in
one of those modes, the indicator ashes three times and
turns off. The air conditioning compressor will also come
on when this mode is activated. While in recirculation
mode the windows may fog when the weather is cold and
damp. To clear the fog, select either the defog or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed. The recirculation mode
can also be turned off by turning off the engine.
REAR:Press to turn the rear heating and air
conditioning on. SeeRear Air Conditioning and Heating
System on page 3-31orRear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and Electronic Climate Controls
on page 3-32for more information.
3-23

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to turn
the rear window defogger on or off. The system
automatically turns off several minutes after it has been
activated. The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine. Do not drive the vehicle until all
the windows are clear.
For vehicles with heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside
of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. The vehicle also has
a ow-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
If this vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
3-24

The passenger’s temperature setting can be set to
match the driver’s temperature setting by pressing the
PASS button and turning off the PASS indicator.
When the passenger’s temperature setting is set
different than the driver’s setting, the indicator on the
PASS button illuminates and both the driver side
and passenger side temperature displays are shown.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is
active the system will control the inside temperature, the
air delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current temperature(s) and AUTO will
be lit on the display. The current delivery mode and
fan speed will also be displayed for approximately
5 seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will run
when the outside temperature is over about
40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet mayautomatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down the vehicle. The light on the
button comes on in recirculation.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Use the driver’s or
passenger’s temperature buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If a temperature
setting of 60°F (15°C) is chosen, the system remains
at the maximum cooling setting. If a temperature
setting of 90°F (32°C) is chosen, the system remains
at the maximum heat setting. Choosing either
maximum setting will not cause the vehicle to heat or
cool any faster.
Do not to cover the solar sensor located on the top
of the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load and also
turns on the headlamps. For more information on
the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system will
delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan switch will override this
delay and change the fan to a selected speed.
3-26