Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
272 Vehicle Care
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oilchange is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
If the vehicle does not have Driver
Information Center (DIC) buttons:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off. The vehicle
must be in P (Park) to access
this display. Press the trip
odometer reset stem until OIL
LIFE REMAINING displays.
2. Press and hold the trip odometer reset stem until OIL
LIFE REMAINING shows
“100%.” Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes back
on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has
not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
If the vehicle has Driver Information
Center (DIC) buttons:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
Vehicle Care 273
3. Press and hold the set/resetbutton until “100%”is
displayed. Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 342
ii, and be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0351
ii.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0351
ii.
The transmission fluid will not reach
the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check
the transmission fluid level, please
take the vehicle to your dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 268iifor the location of the engine
air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 342
ii.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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280 Vehicle Care
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see“Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, there is a significant loss
in power and engine performance.
The temperature gauge indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances and/or towing a
trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0269
ii.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
under the engine cover on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0268
iifor reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system or you hear an unusual
noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover. See Engine Cover 0269
ii.
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/19/15
384 Index
Driving (cont'd)If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 222
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
E
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 289
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 268
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 Engine (cont'd)
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Cooling System Messages . . . 138
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 233
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 369
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 156
F
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 158
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 273
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Heated and Cooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/19/15
386 Index
J
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 140
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 33
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 298
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 123
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lighting Delayed Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Delayed Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Parade Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 124
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 127
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 156
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 126
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 120
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
StabiliTrak
®Indicator . . . . . . . . . 126
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 342 Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 123
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Messages Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142