2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE check engine

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
10-32 Vehicle Care
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using
the windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle
are protected from short circuits by
a combination of fuses, circuit
breakers and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of
fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band
inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new
one of the identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can
be temporarily borrowed from
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
you can.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
The underhood fuse block is located
in the engine compartment, on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
Lift the cover for access to the
fuse/relay block.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any
electrical component on the
vehicle may damage it. Always
keep the covers on any electrical
component.
To remove fuses, hold the end of
the fuse between your thumb and
index finger and pull straight out.

Black plate (83,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-83
{WARNING
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles could
be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the
dead battery because this can
cause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) terminal
of the dead battery.
Use a remote positive (+)
terminal if the vehicle has one. 7. Do not let the other end touch
metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step. The
other end of the negative (−)
cable does not go to the dead
battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part,
or to a remote negative (−)
terminal on the vehicle with the
dead battery.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil
Life System on page 10‑11.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil
on page 10‑8and
Engine Oil Life Systemon
page 10‑11. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑14.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluidon
page 10‑22.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care
on page 10‑89. Worn or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑28.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑44.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑50.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation on page 10‑50.
.Fluids visual leak check
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and
the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑12.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection for
damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches,
pivots, spring anchor and
release pawl, hood and door
hinges, rear folding seats, and
liftgate hinges lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 11‑6. More
frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑30.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 miles. SeeTire Rotation
on page 10‑50.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑14.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluidon
page 10‑22.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑44.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑50.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped.
See Sunroof on page 2‑21. Once a Year
.See
Starter Switch Checkon
page 10‑26.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑27.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑27.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Checkon
page 10‑28.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.If the vehicle has a Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit, check the
sealant expiration date printed
on the instruction label of
the kit. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 10‑61.
.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 10‑12.
.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.
.All‐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. 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.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
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.
.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.
.Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wires inspection.
An Emission Control Service.
.All‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (normal
service). 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. 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
Cooling System
on
page 10‑14. 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.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
12-2 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantson page 11‑6for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant label located under
the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System 10.8 L 11.4 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 5.2 L 5.5 qt
Fuel Tank 83.3 L 22.0 gal
Transmission Fluid* (Drain and Refill) 5.0 L 5.3 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y140 lb ft
*See Automatic Transmission Fluid
on page 10‑12for information on checking fluid level.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Information 13-15
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle.
The Owner Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for
all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees
Without Portfolio: Owner
Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees
Current and Past Models
Technical Service Bulletins and
Manuals are available for current
and past model GM vehicles.ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-551-4123 Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit
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Or you can write to:
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P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change
without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample
time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers:
All listed prices are quoted in
U.S. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable
in U.S. funds.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 3-45
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-12
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . 3-38 Airbag System (cont.)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-33
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-15
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Alarm System Anti-Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Antenna Multi-Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Alarm System Messages . . . . . 5-37
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20 Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-92
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8, 13-10
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
CD/DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21, 7-27
Audio System
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Rear Seat (RSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . 9-24 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33