Black plate (94,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
10-94 Vehicle Care
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles and
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with a
Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Notice:If the vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
tow the vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive vehicles and
four-wheel drive vehicles with a
single speed automatic transfer
case should not be towed with all
four wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive transmissions have
no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed. Four-wheel drive
vehicles with a single speed
automatic transfer case have no
neutral position and will spin the
transmission when the rear
wheels turn.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with a
Two Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to
dinghy tow a four-wheel drive
vehicle with a two speed automatic
transfer case:
1. Position the vehicle being towed
behind the tow vehicle and shift
the transmission to P (Park).
2. Turn the engine off and firmly set the parking brake.
3. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
Black plate (95,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-95
{WARNING
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). The driver or others
could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before
the transfer case is shifted to
N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
Neutral” under“Four-Wheel
Drive” for the proper procedure
to select the Neutral position for
the vehicle.
5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the towing
vehicle. 6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF
and remove the key —the
steering wheel will still turn.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
Neutral” under“Four-Wheel Drive”
for the proper procedure to take the
vehicle out of the Neutral position.
Dolly Towing –Front Towing
(Front Wheels Off the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles and
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with a
Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Notice: If a two-wheel drive
vehicle or a four-wheel drive
vehicle with a single speed
automatic transfer case is towed
with the rear wheels on the
ground, the transmission could
be damaged. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the
ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles and
four-wheel drive vehicles with a
single speed automatic transfer
case should not be towed with the
rear wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive transmissions have
no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed. Four-wheel drive
vehicles with a single speed
automatic transfer case have no
neutral position and will spin the
transmission when the rear
wheels turn.
Black plate (96,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
10-96 Vehicle Care
To dolly tow a two‐wheel‐drive
vehicle or a four-wheel drive vehicle
with a single speed automatic
transfer case, the vehicle must be
towed with the rear wheels on the
dolly. See“Rear Towing (Rear
Wheels Off the Ground)” later in this
section for more information.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with a
Two Speed Automatic
Transfer CaseUse the following procedure to dolly
tow a four-wheel drive vehicle from
the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
{WARNING
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). The driver or others
could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before
the transfer case is shifted to
N (Neutral). 5. Use an adequate clamping
device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
6. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” under“Four-Wheel
Drive.”
7. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the towing
vehicle.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
N (Neutral)” under“Four-Wheel
Drive.”
Black plate (97,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-97
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles and
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with a
Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow the vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly. 3. Firmly set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9‑54.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
7. For four-wheel drive vehicles with a single speed automatic
transfer case, turn the transfer
case knob to the Two-Wheel
High position.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles with a
Two Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow a four-wheel drive vehicle from
the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow
vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑54.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
Black plate (98,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
10-98 Vehicle Care
6. Use an adequate clampingdevice designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
{WARNING
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). The driver or others
could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before
the transfer case is shifted to
N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” under“Four-Wheel
Drive”.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
N (Neutral)” under“Four-Wheel
Drive.”
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be
required. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Washing the Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle's finish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Notice: Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by the
warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain
acid or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal or plastic
on the vehicle. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer. Follow all manufacturers'
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety
precautions and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Black plate (100,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
10-100 Vehicle Care
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
and backglass with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer fluid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when you clean the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only approved
cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft
clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Notice: Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only. The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because the surface could
be damaged. Do not use chrome
polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:
Driving the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never drive a vehicle that has
aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes.
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check.
SeeTire Pressure on
page 10‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑63.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof on page 2‑24.
Once a Year
.See Starter Switch Check on
page 10‑32.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑33.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑33.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑34.
.Hood and liftgate gas strut
support service. Visually inspect
gas strut for signs of wear,
corrosion, cracks, loss of
lubricant, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability of
gas strut. Replace as necessary
with genuine parts from your
dealer.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Underbody flushing service.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑15.
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (severe service) for
vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly
or mountainous terrain, when
frequently towing a trailer,
or used for taxi, police, or delivery service. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑12.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. Check vent
hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation.
Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance,
if a power washer is used to
clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer
case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.
Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance
.Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.An
Emission Control Service. The
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency or the California Air
Resources Board has
determined that the failure to
perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the
vehicle's useful life. We,
however, urge that all
recommended maintenance
services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded. First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (normal service). See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑12.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (normal
service). Check vent hose at
transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During
any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody,
care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case
output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.
.Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wires inspection.
An
Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain,
flush, and refill (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑17. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine drive belts inspection for
fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.