2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE fuel

FUEL ECONOMY
Press the trip/fuel button until
FUEL ECONOMY displays.
The FUEL ECONOMY display
shows an estimate of the vehicle
fuel economy under a given driving
condition at a specic moment.
For example, if the vehicle is
accelerating and achieving low fuel
efficiency this display will show fewer
bars, but if the vehicle is cruising on
a at freeway and getting high fuel
efficiency, the display will show more
bars. Fuel economy cannot be reset.TIMER
Press the trip/fuel button until
TIMER displays. This display
can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press the
set/reset button while TIMER is
displayed. The display will show
the amount of time that has passed
since the timer was last reset, not
including time the ignition is off.
Time will continue to be counted
as long as the ignition is on, even
if another display is being shown
on the DIC. The timer will record
up to 99 hours, 59 minutes and
59 seconds (99:59:59) after which
the display will return to zero.
To stop the timer, press the set/reset
button briey while TIMER is
displayed.
To reset the timer to zero, press
and hold the set/reset button while
TIMER is displayed.FUEL USED
Press the trip/fuel button until
FUEL USED displays. This display
shows the number of gallons (gal) or
liters (L) of fuel used since the last
reset of this menu item. To reset
the fuel used information, press
and hold the set/reset button while
FUEL USED is displayed.
AVG (Average) SPEED
Press the trip/fuel button until
AVG SPEED displays. This display
shows the average speed of the
vehicle in miles per hour (mph)
or kilometers per hour (km/h).
This average is calculated based
on the various vehicle speeds
recorded since the last reset of this
value. To reset the value to zero,
press and hold the set/reset button.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
3-50 Instrument Panel

3. Press the set/reset button to
scroll through and select the
appropriate variance zone.
4. Press the trip/fuel button until
the vehicle heading, for example,
N for North, is displayed in
the DIC.
5. If calibration is necessary,
calibrate the compass.
See “Compass Calibration
Procedure” following.
Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually
calibrated. Only calibrate the
compass in a magnetically clean
and safe location, such as an
open parking lot, where driving
the vehicle in circles is not a danger.
It is suggested to calibrate away from
tall buildings, utility wires, manhole
covers, or other industrial structures,
if possible.If CAL should ever appear in the
DIC display, the compass should
be calibrated.
If the DIC display does not show a
heading, for example, N for North,
or the heading does not change after
making turns, there may be a strong
magnetic eld interfering with the
compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic CB or cell
phone antenna mount, a magnetic
emergency light, magnetic note pad
holder, or any other magnetic item.
Turn off the vehicle, move the
magnetic item, then turn on the
vehicle and calibrate the compass.
To calibrate the compass, use the
following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Before calibrating the compass,
make sure the compass zone
is set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is located.
See “Compass Variance (Zone)
Procedure” earlier in this section.Do not operate any switches
such as window, sunroof, climate
controls, seats, etc. during the
calibration procedure.
2. Press the vehicle information
button until PRESS
VTO
CALIBRATE COMPASS
displays.
3. Press the set/reset button to start
the compass calibration.
4. The DIC will display
CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN
CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle
in tight circles at less than
5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the
calibration. The DIC will display
CALIBRATION COMPLETE for a
few seconds when the calibration
is complete. The DIC display will
then return to the previous menu.
Instrument Panel 3-55

ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a
chime sounds when the cooling
system temperature gets too hot
and the engine further enters
the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-22for further information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle’s engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle’s ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance
may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle
may be driven at a reduced speed
while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel
as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-43andFuel on page 5-5
for more information.
HEATED WASH (Washer)
FLUID SYSTEM OFF
This message displays when
you manually turn off the heated
windshield washer uid system or
when the system automatically turns
off. See “Heated Windshield Washer”
underWindshield Washer on
page 3-8for more information.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
HEATING WASH (Washer)
FLUID WASH (Washer) WIPES
PENDING
This message displays when
you turn on the heated windshield
washer uid system. See “Heated
Windshield Washer” under
Windshield Washer on page 3-8
for more information.
HOOD OPEN
On some models, this message
displays and a chime sounds if the
hood is not fully closed. Stop and
turn off the vehicle, check the hood
for obstructions, and close the hood
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold
enough to create icy road conditions.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
Instrument Panel 3-59

TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the
vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened
properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-39. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-7. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed
should turn this light and
message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the TPMS
is re-learning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must
be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-48,Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-43,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-42for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-5for more
information. This message
clears itself after 10 seconds.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
while the transmission uid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, you can damage the
transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not
drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning
is displayed.
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission uid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission uid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool.
This message clears when the uid
temperature reaches a safe level.
3-64 Instrument Panel

Exiting the Feature
Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be
exited when any of the following
occurs:
The vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).
The vehicle is no longer in
ON/RUN.
The trip/fuel or vehicle
information DIC buttons
are pressed.
The end of the feature settings
menu is reached and exited.
A 40 second time period has
elapsed with no selection made.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio the vehicle
has and read the following pages to
become familiar with its features.
{CAUTION
Taking your eyes off the road
for extended periods could cause
a crash resulting in injury or death
to you or others. Do not give
extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to
many audio and non audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes
off the road while driving, do the
following while the vehicle is parked:
Become familiar with the
operation and controls of
the audio system.
Set up the tone, speaker
adjustments, and preset
radio stations.For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 4-2.
Notice:Contact your dealer/
retailer before adding any
equipment.
Adding audio or communication
equipment could interfere
with the operation of the vehicle’s
engine, radio, or other systems,
and could damage them.
Follow federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone
equipment.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the
ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 2-22for more information.
Instrument Panel 3-73

Driving Your
Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy............................4-1
Defensive Driving..................4-2
Drunk Driving.......................4-2
Control of a Vehicle...............4-3
Braking................................4-3
Antilock Brake
System (ABS).....................4-4
Braking in Emergencies..........4-5
StabiliTrak
®System...............4-5
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System..............................4-7
Steering...............................4-8
Off-Road Recovery................4-9
Passing...............................4-9Loss of Control...................4-10
Driving at Night...................4-10
Driving in Rain and on
Wet Roads.......................4-11
Before Leaving on a
Long Trip..........................4-12
Highway Hypnosis...............4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads......4-13
Winter Driving.....................4-14
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow. . . .4-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to
GetItOut.........................4-16
Loading the Vehicle.............4-16
TowingTowing Your Vehicle............4-21
Recreational Vehicle
Towing.............................4-21
Towing a Trailer..................4-25
Your Driving, the
Road, and the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-1

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under your vehicle’s
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road
is wet enough and you are going
fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule
about hydroplaning. The best
advice is to slow down when the
road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid
reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 5-36.
Turn off cruise control.
Before Leaving on a
Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, consider having it serviced by
your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All
levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are
lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires
inated to recommended
pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to
travel? Have up-to-date maps?
4-12 Driving Your Vehicle

{CAUTION
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from
around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window about
two inches (5 cm) on the side
of the vehicle that is away
from the wind to bring in
fresh air.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in
the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, seeEngine Exhaust on
page 2-30.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can cause
deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome
you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it
is in your vehicle. Clear away snow
from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust.Run the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm,
but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for
only short periods as needed
to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and close the window
most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but
only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help
to arrive, now and then when you
run the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-15