2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE coolant temperature

The transmission uid will not
reach the end of the dipstick unless
the transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check the
transmission uid level, please take
the vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Engine Cooling Fans
{CAUTION
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine re, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
xed before you drive the vehicle.Notice:Using coolant other
than DEX-COOL
®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner, at 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle
is lled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. The coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs rst.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-22.
Service and Appearance Care 5-17

What to Use
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This
mixture:
Gives freezing protection down
to−34°F (−37°C), outside
temperature.
Gives boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C), engine
temperature.
Protects against rust and
corrosion.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors
and/or additives are used in
the vehicle’s cooling system,
the vehicle could be damaged.
Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling
system. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12for more information.
5-18 Service and Appearance Care

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gage on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-38.
The vehicle may also display
an ENGINE OVERHEATED
IDLE ENGINE and ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-56.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 7-6.
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
while driving with no coolant,
the vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-23for
information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
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. 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 the
vehicles engine is overheated, the
liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned.
Stop the engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-23for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
5-22 Service and Appearance Care

If No Steam Is Coming From
The Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the
engine can get a little too hot when
the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.3. If in a traffic jam, shift to
N (Neutral), otherwise, shift
to the highest gear while
driving —D (Drive) or L (Low).
If the temperature overheat gage is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slow for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated
Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is a signicant loss in
power and engine performance.
The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances and/or towing a
trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 5-11.
Service and Appearance Care 5-23

(e)Make sure the safety belt
reminder light and safety belt
assemblies are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have
it repaired. Have any torn or frayed
safety belts replaced. Also see
Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-59.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood latch assemblies, secondary
latches, pivots, spring anchor and
release pawl, hood and door hinges,
rear folding seats, and liftgate
hinges. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to
a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with
a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
(g)A fluid loss in any vehicle system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if
needed.(h)Change automatic transmission
fluid if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police,
or delivery service.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling
system. This service can be
complex; you should have your
dealer/retailer perform this service.
See Engine Coolant on page 5-17 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.(j)Check system for interference or
binding and for damaged or missing
parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control
cables.
(k)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
(m)Change transfer case fluid if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police,
or delivery service.
6-8 Maintenance Schedule

Cleaning (cont.)
Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces......................5-80
Interior............................5-78
Leather...........................5-80
Tires...............................5-83
Underbody Maintenance....5-84
Washing Your Vehicle........5-81
Weatherstrips...................5-81
Windshield, Backglass,
and Wiper Blades..........5-82
Climate Control System.........3-19
Outlet Adjustment.............3-27
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System.............3-28
Rear Air Conditioning
and Heating System,
Electronic.....................3-29
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic.................3-22
Clock, Setting......................3-74
Collision Damage Repair.......7-10
Compact Spare Tire.............5-77
Compass............................3-54
Compressor Kit,
Tire Sealant.....................5-57Content Theft-Deterrent.........2-16
Control of a Vehicle............... 4-3
Convenience Net.................2-55
Coolant
Engine............................5-17
Engine
Temperature Gage.........3-38
Engine Temperature
Warning Light...............3-38
Cooled Seats........................ 1-5
Cooling System...................5-17
Courtesy Lamps...................3-14
Courtesy Transportation.......... 7-9
Cruise Control....................... 3-9
Cruise Control Light..............3-43
Cupholders.........................2-52
Customer Assistance.............. 7-4
Offices.............................. 7-5
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users............................ 7-4
Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information......7-15
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure......................... 7-1
D
Damage Repair, Collision......7-10
Data Recorders
Event..............................7-16
Daytime Running Lamps/
Automatic Headlamp
System...........................3-12
Defensive Driving................... 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting..........3-15
Delayed Exit Lighting............3-15
Delayed Headlamps.............3-12
Delayed Locking.................... 2-8
DIC Compass......................3-54
Disc, MP3...................3-92, 3-96
Doing Your Own
Service Work..................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override...........3-14
Dome Lamps .......................3-14
Door
Delayed Locking................. 2-8
Locks............................... 2-8
Power Door Locks.............. 2-8
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks.................... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.... 2-9
INDEX i-3

Driver
Seat Height Adjuster........... 1-3
Driver Information
Center (DIC)....................3-44
DIC Operation and
Displays...............3-45, 3-51
DIC Vehicle
Customization...............3-65
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................3-56
Driving
At Night..........................4-10
Before a Long Trip............4-12
Defensive.......................... 4-2
Drunk............................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis............4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads....4-13
In Rain and on
Wet Roads...................4-11
Loss of Control................4-10
Off-Road Recovery............. 4-9
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................4-16
Winter.............................4-14
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy........................... 4-1Dual Automatic Climate
Control System.................3-22
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment
System......................3-114
E
EDR ..................................7-16
Electrical Equipment
Add-On Equipment............5-86
Electrical System
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers......................5-86
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block...................5-86
Power Windows and Other
Power Options..............5-86
Underhood Fuse Block......5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses....5-86
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+................2-18
Electronic Immobilizer
Operation
PASS-Key
®III+................2-18Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...............5-15
Check and Service Engine
Soon Lamp..................3-39
Compartment Overview......5-10
Coolant...........................5-17
Coolant Heater.................2-23
Coolant
Temperature Gage.........3-38
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light...............3-38
Cooling System................5-17
Drive Belt Routing.............6-15
Exhaust...........................2-30
Oil ..................................5-11
Oil Life System.................5-13
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode............5-23
Overheating.....................5-22
Starting...........................2-22
Entry Lighting......................3-14
Event Data Recorders..........7-16
Extender, Safety Belt............1-27
Exterior Lamps....................3-11
i-4 INDEX

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner............5-15
Finish Damage....................5-84
Flashers, Hazard Warning....... 3-5
Flash-to-Pass........................ 3-7
Flat Tire..............................5-56
Flat Tire, Changing...............5-65
Flat Tire, Storing..................5-74
Floor Mats..........................2-54
Fluid
Automatic Transmission.....5-16
Power Steering.................5-24
Windshield Washer...........5-24
Fog Lamp
Fog ................................3-13
Fuel..................................... 5-5
Additives........................... 5-5
California Fuel................... 5-5
Economy Driving................ 4-1
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container....................... 5-8
Filling the Tank.................. 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 5-6
Gage ..............................3-43
Gasoline Octane................ 5-5
Gasoline Specications........ 5-5Fuses
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers......................5-86
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...........................5-86
Underhood Fuse Block......5-88
Windshield Wiper..............5-86
G
Gage
Speedometer...................3-32
Tachometer......................3-32
Voltmeter Gage................3-35
Gages
Engine Coolant
Temperature.................3-38
Fuel................................3-43
Garage Door Opener............2-47
Gasoline
Octane............................. 5-5
Specications..................... 5-5
Glove Box...........................2-52
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program............................ 7-6
H
Halogen Bulbs.....................5-33
Hazard Warning Flashers........ 3-5
Head Restraints..................... 1-2
Headlamp
Aiming ............................5-33
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.............5-33
Daytime Running Lamps/
Automatic Headlamp
System........................3-12
Delayed..........................3-12
Exterior Lamps.................3-11
Flash-to-Pass..................... 3-7
High/Low Beam Changer..... 3-7
Heated Seats........................ 1-5
Heater................................3-19
Engine Coolant.................2-23
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat.... 1-3
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring.............................5-85
Highbeam On Light..............3-43
Highway Hypnosis................4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads.......4-13
INDEX i-5