2009 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER power steering

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
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
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Four-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive, the engine’s driving
power can be sent to all four wheels for extra traction.
Read the following before using four-wheel drive,
to become familiar with its operation. 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 the 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. The front axle is not
engaged in two-wheel drive. This provides the best
fuel economy.
2-30

Security Light...............................................3-44
Cruise Control Light......................................3-44
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-44
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-45
Service Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light..........3-45
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-45
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-46
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-47
Check Gas Cap Light....................................3-47
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-47
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-48
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-51
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-56Audio System(s).............................................3-62
Setting the Clock..........................................3-63
Radio(s)......................................................3-64
Using an MP3..............................................3-80
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-84
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-85
Bluetooth
®...................................................3-85
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System...........3-96
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-108
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-109
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-109
Radio Reception.........................................3-110
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-111
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-111
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-111
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Headlamps on page 3-13.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-26.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. OnStar
®andAudio Steering Wheel Controls on
page 3-109(If Equipped).
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-29.
F.Ignition Positions on page 2-22.
G.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-109
(If Equipped).
H. Transfer Case Controls. See “Automatic Transfer
Case” underFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-30.
I. Rear Window Washer/Wiper. SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
J.Audio System(s) on page 3-62.
K.Dual Climate Control System on page 3-20.
L.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-17.
M.Fog Lamps on page 3-16(If Equipped).
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.N.Hood Release on page 5-11.
O. Driver Information Center (DIC) Steering Wheel
Controls (If Equipped). SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-47.
P. Ashtray. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-19.
Q. Shift Lever and StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeShifting
Into Park on page 2-35andStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6.
R. Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-19.
S.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
T. Rear Window Defogger. See “Rear Window
Defogger” underDual Climate Control System on
page 3-20andDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-22.
U.Glove Box on page 2-53.
3-5

Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. The brakes might
vibrate or some noise might be heard, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control
module increases brake pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal
and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature
will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is
released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak system which combines
antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and
helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle
in most driving conditions.
Traction control activates when the controller senses
wheel spin. StabiliTrak will selectively apply the brakes
and reduce engine torque to help regain traction.
Stability control activates when the controller senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is travelling. StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s brakes to
help guide the vehicle in the intended direction.
When you rst start the vehicle and begin to drive away,
the system performs several diagnostic checks to insure
there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with the vehicle. If driving conditions
delay system initialization, the STABILITRAK NOT
READY message may be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). If this is the case, the
vehicle does not need servicing.
For more information on the stability messages, see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-51.
4-6

If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message (or StabiliTrak
service light) does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications on
page 5-3for more information.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
at all times. 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 power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-10

Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, decide if it is too steep to
climb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hard
to judge. On a very small hill, for example, there may
be a smooth, constant incline with only a small change
in elevation where you can easily see all the way to
the top. On a large hill, the incline may get steeper as
you near the top, but you might not see this because the
crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs.
Consider this as you approach a hill:
Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get
sharply steeper in places?
Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the
surface cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you
will not have to make turning maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your
path, such as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts?
What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk
the hill if you do not know. It is the smart way to
nd out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have
ruts, gullies, troughs, and exposed rocks because
they are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive up the hill:
Use a low gear and get a rm grip on the steering
wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
speed. Not using more power than needed can
avoid spinning the wheels 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 the speed as you approach the top of
the hill.
4-20

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
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
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...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-22
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-24
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-35Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-48
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