2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE service

Liftgate
{CAUTION
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:
Close all of the windows.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-30.
If the vehicle has a power liftgate,
seePower Liftgate on page 2-11.
To unlock the liftgate, use the power
door lock switch or press the door
unlock button on the RKE transmitter
twice. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4.To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad on the underside of the
liftgate handle. The vehicle must be
in P (Park) to open the liftgate.
To close the liftgate, use the pull cup
or strap.
The liftgate has an electric latch.
If the battery is disconnected or has
low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and
the liftgate still will not function,
the vehicle should be taken
to a dealers/retailer for service.
2-10 Features and Controls

Press the liftgate button on the
center console.
Press the touchpad switch on the
outside liftgate handle.
Pressing the buttons or touchpad
switch a second time while the
liftgate is moving reverses the
direction.The liftgate can also be closed by
pressing the power liftgate button
next to the liftgate latch. Press the
button a second time during liftgate
operation to reverse the operation.
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 the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function is
in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park)
and the vehicle accelerates before
the power liftgate latches closed, the
liftgate may reverse to the open
position. Cargo could fall out of the
vehicle. The power liftgate must be
closed and latched before driving.
If the liftgate is power opened and
the 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 if this occurs.
Obstacle Detection Features
A warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or
open position if the liftgate
encounters an obstacle during a
power open or close cycle. Power Liftgate Button on Center
Console
Power Liftgate Button near
Liftgate Latch
2-12 Features and Controls

When the door is closed, the
security light stops ashing and
stays on solid for approximately
30 seconds. The content
theft deterrent alarm is not armed
until the security light goes off.
If the delayed locking feature is
active, the alarm is not activated
until all doors are closed and the
security light goes off.
PressQwhen the driver door is
closed. The security light comes
on solid for approximately
30 seconds and then goes off.
The content theft deterrent alarm
is not armed until the security light
goes off.
The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked
with the vehicle’s key or the manual
door lock.
If a locked door is opened without
using the RKE transmitter, a
ten second pre-alarm occurs.
The horn chirps and the lights ash.If the key is not placed in the
ignition and turned to START or
the door is not unlocked by
pressing
Qduring the ten second
pre-alarm, the alarm goes off.
The headlamps ash and the horn
sounds for about two minutes,
then turns off to save the battery
power.
The vehicle can be started with the
correct ignition key if the alarm
has been set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
Lock the vehicle with the door
key after the doors are closed.
Unlock the door with the RKE
transmitter. Unlocking a door
any other way sets off the alarm
if the system has been armed.
Press
Kor place the key in the
ignition and turn it to START to turn
off the alarm.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver side window and
open the driver door.
2. Press
Q.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the
door and wait for the security
light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the
window, unlock the door with the
manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the
alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it
should, but the vehicle’s headlamps
ash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-86.
If the alarm does not sound or the
vehicle’s headlamps do not ash,
see your dealer/retailer for service.
Features and Controls 2-17

PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
The PASS-Key III+ system
operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry Canada.
This device 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.This device complies with RSS-210
of Industry 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.
PASS-Key III+ uses a radio
frequency transponder in the key
that matches a decoder in the
vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from
the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned to
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or
START from the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The security light comes on if there is
a problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
2-18 Features and Controls

When the PASS-Key®III+ system
senses an incorrect key, the vehicle
does not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.
If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument panel
comes on when trying to start the
vehicle, there may be a problem with
your theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key and check the
fuses. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-86for additional
information. If the engine still does
not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the rst key may be faulty.See your dealer/retailer who can
service the PASS-Key®III+ to have a
new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 7-6.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
to the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith
who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed
to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key
blank that is cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the
system.To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has
a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed
key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does not
start, see your dealer/retailer for
service.
3. After the engine has started, turn
the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within ve seconds of
the original key being turned
to the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4
if additional keys are to be
programmed.
Features and Controls 2-19

If the PASS-Key®III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith to have a new
key made.
The SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56for additional information.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does
not need an elaborate break-in.
But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these
guidelines:
If you have all-wheel drive,
keep your speed at 55 mph
(88 km/h) or less for the
rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for
the rst 200 miles (322 km)
or so. During this time the
new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get
new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-25for the
trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
2-20 Features and Controls

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
In order to shift out of P (Park),
the ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the
brake pedal must be applied.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.
((LOCK/OFF):This position locks
the ignition and transmission. The
key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
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.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is
the position in which you can operate
the electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory poweroutlets. This position unlocks the
ignition and steering wheel. Use this
position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning and
indicator lights. The switch stays in
this position when the engine is
running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position. 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.
/(START):This is the position
that starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to
ON/RUN for driving.
Features and Controls 2-21

press the shift lever button before
shifting from P (Park) when the
ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park),
ease pressure on the shift lever,
then push the shift lever all the way
into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park on page 2-29.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-16.N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being
towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
Notice:If the vehicle seems to
accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and you
continue to drive the vehicle that
way, you could damage the
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive
in L (Low) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and
D (Drive) for higher speeds
until then.
L (Low):This position gives you
access to gear ranges. This
provides more engine braking but
lower fuel economy than D (Drive).
You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud.
Features and Controls 2-25