2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE engine overheat

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
228 Driving and Operating
Key Lock Release
The vehicle has an electronic key
lock release system. This system is
to prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in P (Park).
The key lock release will not work if
the battery is charged less than
9-volts, or uncharged. Try charging
or jump starting the battery. See
Jump Starting - North America
0325
ii
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 263
ii.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the
engine starts, let go of the key.
The idle speed will slow down
as the engine warms. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
Driving and Operating 229
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again,
repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 0 °F (−18 °C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater
should be plugged in at least four
hours before starting. Some models
may have an internal thermostat in
the cord which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0 °F (−18 °C).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The bundled
cord is located on the driver
side of the engine
compartment, between the
engine air cleaner and the
windshield washer fluid
reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0268
ii.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
(Continued)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
230 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned off:
. Audio System
. Power Windows
. Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof
will work up to 10 minutes or until a
door is opened.
The radio continues to work for
10 minutes or until the driver door is
opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and
turn the key to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF. All these features will work when the
key is in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY positions.
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake 0238
iifor more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and
pushing the shift lever all the
way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the
vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, the vehicle is in
P (Park).

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
Driving and Operating 231
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0230
ii.
If you are towing a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0256
ii. If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever
away from P (Park) without first
pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked in
P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not
done properly and then it is difficult
to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see
“Shifting Into Park”
listed previously. If torque lock does occur, your
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is
designed to:
.
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released, and
. Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
258 Driving and Operating
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0236
ii.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating 0278
ii.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park). 5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0342
ii.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
Driving and Operating 259
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
0 278
ii.
Trailer Towing
Three important considerations
have to do with weight:
.
The weight of the trailer.
. The weight of the trailer tongue.
. The total weight on the vehicle's
tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, special
equipment, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry
must be considered. See “Weight of
the Trailer Tongue” later in this
section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
264 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 265
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 265
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 272
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 273
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 278
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 280
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Battery - North America . . . . . . 283
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 284
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 285
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 285Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 288
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Electrical System Overload . . . 289
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 289
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 314
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
Vehicle Care 275
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. See Maintenance Schedule
0 342
iiand Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0351ii.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0278
ii.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.