2009 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER service indicator

Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 4.2L L6 engine (VIN Code S) or
the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code M), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the
octane rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to
as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN Code H),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-7
for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-39. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
5-6

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,
your dealer/retailer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-7

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on the vehicle’s
instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-38for more information.
If the vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC),
the display will show an Engine Coolant Hot/Engine
Overheated message. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-51for more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re because of being
driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no
sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is overheated,
the liquids in it can catch re. You or others could
be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
5-35

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard
all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque specications inCapacities
and Specifications on page 5-125.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.
5-41

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is
not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When
the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-69for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The TPMS operates on a radio frequency and complies
with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-68

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-39
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-68
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-118
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-24
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-24
Air Conditioning......................................3-20, 3-22
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Airbag System................................................1-55
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-68
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-61
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-63
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-68
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-61
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-62
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-60
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-58
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-48
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System.........................4-10
Antenna, Fixed Mast......................................3-111
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-111Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-37
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels......................................5-115
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-112
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-116
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-113
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-111
Finish Care...............................................5-114
Finish Damage..........................................5-116
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-112
Interior Cleaning........................................5-109
Leather....................................................5-111
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-116
Tires........................................................5-115
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-116
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-113
Weatherstrips............................................5-112
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades......5-114
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-19
Audio System.................................................3-62
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-109
Chime Level Adjustment.............................3-111
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-111
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual..............................3-85
Radio Reception........................................3-110
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-108
1

Light (cont.)
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-33
Reduced Engine Power................................3-44
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-31
Security.....................................................3-44
Service Four-Wheel-Drive Warning Light.........3-45
StabiliTrak Service.......................................3-37
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................3-38
Tire Pressure..............................................3-39
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-17
Exit ...........................................................3-17
Lights............................................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-10
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door ........................................................... 2-7
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door .................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-47
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-43Luggage Carrier..............................................2-54
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-4M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-39
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Memory Seat................................................... 1-5
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-51
8

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-40
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-40
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-44
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-44
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-43
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-44
MP3 .............................................................3-80
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual.................................3-85
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-30
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-30
Off-Road Driving.............................................4-14
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-43
Engine.......................................................5-18
Pressure Gage............................................3-42
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-22
Older Children, Restraints................................1-32Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-45
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-49
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-26
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-19
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-44
Heated Mirrors............................................2-44
Manual Mirrors............................................2-43
Power Mirrors.............................................2-44
Overhead Console..........................................2-53
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-116
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-35
Shifting Out of............................................2-37
Park Brake....................................................2-34
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-37
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-33
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-63
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-19
9