2012 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN park assist

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-22
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-22
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-24
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Universal Remote System . . . 1-25
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Performance and Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-26
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-27
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-27
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑13.
B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.
C. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑11.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5 (Out of View).
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑31.
F. Manual Mode on page 9‑34
(If Equipped).
Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑35
(If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑26.
H. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1. J.
Dome Lamps on page 6‑7.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑7.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑6
(If Equipped).
K. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑5.
L. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped). See
Towing Equipment on
page 9‑75.
M. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑18.
N. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed
Automatic Transfer Case) on
page 9‑36 orFour-Wheel Drive
(Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case) on page 9‑41.
O. Cruise Control on page 9‑49.
P. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2. Q.
Horn on page 5‑4.
R. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
S. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1 (If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑4
(If Equipped).
T. Power Outlets on page 5‑8.
U. StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑45 (If Equipped).
Pedal Adjust Button
(If Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 9‑22.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑51 (If Equipped).
Power Assist Steps on
page 2‑13 (If Equipped).

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
1-24 In Brief
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If available, this feature will alert you
to vehicles located in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone, the SBZA display will light up
in the corresponding outside side
mirror.
The system is enabled at every
vehicle startup. It can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE
SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE appears
on the DIC, the system has been
disabled because the sensor is
blocked and cannot detect vehicles
in the blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or even heavy rainstorms.
This message may also activate
during heavy rain or due to road
spray. The vehicle does not need
service.See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9‑53 for more information.Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If available, the RVC displays a
view of the area behind the vehicle
when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse). The display will appear
on either the inside rearview mirror
or navigation screen, if equipped.
To clean the camera lens, located
above the license plate, rinse it with
water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
SeeRear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9‑55.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system uses sensors
on the rear bumper to assist with
parking and avoiding objects while
in R (Reverse). It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audible beeps to
provide distance and system
information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑51 for more information.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two under the climate
controls, one inside the center floor
console, one on the rear of the
center floor console and one
accessory power outlet in the rear
cargo area on the passenger side.
The accessory power outlets are
powered, even with the ignition
off. Continuing to use accessory
power outlets while the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF may cause the vehicle's
battery to run down.
SeePower Outlets on page 5‑8.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Doors
Liftgate (Manual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Liftgate (Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-14
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . 2-18
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-19
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-19
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on and stays on while the
engine is running, this indicates that
there is an OBD II problem and
service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Notice:
Modifications made to the
engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of
the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by
the vehicle warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10‑3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required. To prevent more serious damage to
the vehicle:
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard accelerations.
.Avoid steep uphill grades.
.If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, stop
and park the vehicle. Turn the
vehicle off, wait at least 10 seconds,
and restart the engine. If the light is
still flashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady: An emission
control system malfunction has
been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be
required.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
5-40 Instruments and Controls
Object Detection System
Messages
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL
This message displays if there is
something interfering with the park
assist system. SeeUltrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9‑51 for
more information.
PARK ASSIST OFF
After the vehicle has been started,
this message displays to remind the
driver that the URPA system has
been turned off. Press the set/reset
button or the trip odometer reset
stem to acknowledge this message
and clear it from the DIC display.
To turn the URPA system back on,
see Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑51.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do not use this system to help you
park. See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on page 9‑51 for more information.
See your dealer for service.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE
ALERT SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system and this
message displays, both SBZA
displays will remain on indicating
there is a problem with the SBZA
system. If these displays remain on
after continued driving, the system
needs service. See your dealer. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9‑53 for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this
message displays when the SBZA
system has been turned off. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9‑53andDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑26 for more
information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this
message displays when the SBZA
system is disabled because the
sensor is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in your blind zone. The
sensor may be blocked by mud, dirt,
snow, ice, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain
or due to road spray. It may also
come on when driving in isolated
areas with no guardrails, trees,
or road signs and light traffic. Your
vehicle does not need service. For
cleaning instructions, see “Washing
Your Vehicle” inExterior Care on
page 10‑93. See Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) on page 9‑53 for more
information.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 9-11
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-12
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-15
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-21
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Active Fuel Management
®. . . 9-28
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-31
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive (Two SpeedAutomatic
Transfer Case) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic
Transfer Case) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-44
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Continuous Damping Control (CDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Automatic Level Control . . . . . 9-48
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-51
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2012
9-12 Driving and Operating
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 fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10‑44.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep the interior
temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.