Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
250 Driving and Operating
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror SBZA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the
system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left-
or right-side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in
that blind zone. If the turn signal is
activated in the same direction of a
detected vehicle, this display will
flash as an extra warning not to
change lanes.
SBZA can be disabled through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(With DIC Buttons)0129
iior Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Without
DIC Buttons) 0134
ii. If SBZA is
disabled by the driver, the SBZA
mirror displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
SBZA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly, for
a stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. Keep in mind the SBZA
detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not
move further back when a trailer is towed. Use extra caution while
changing lanes when towing a
trailer. SBZA may alert you to
objects attached to the vehicle, such
as a trailer, bicycle, or object
extending out to either side of the
vehicle. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
SBZA may not always alert the
driver to vehicles in the side blind
zone, especially in wet conditions.
The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up
due to guardrails, signs, trees,
shrubs, and other non-moving
objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
SBZA may not operate when the
SBZA sensors in the left or right
corners of the rear bumper are
covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing
the Vehicle" under
Exterior Care
0 332
ii. If the DIC still displays the
system unavailable message after cleaning both sides of the vehicle
toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.
If the SBZA displays do not light up
when vehicles are in the blind zone
and the system is clean, the system
may need service. Take the vehicle
to your dealer.
When SBZA is disabled for any
reason other than the driver turning
it off, the Side Blind Zone Alert ON
option will not be available on the
DIC menu.
FCC Information
See
Radio Frequency Statement
0 367ii.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may provide an alert if
the vehicle is crossing a lane
without using a turn signal in that
direction. LDW uses a camera
sensor to detect the lane markings
at speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159264) - 2016 - crc - 8/17/15
Driving and Operating 257
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument cluster flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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-
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274 Vehicle Care
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Air Duct Clamp
2. Electrical Connector
3. Screws
1. Loosen the air duct clamp (1).
2. Disconnect the electricalconnector (2).
3. Remove the screws (3) and lift the cover assembly.
4. Inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter. 5. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall
the housing cover and
reconnect the electrical
connector to the sensor.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
1. Radiator Pressure Cap
(Under Sight Shield)
2. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
3. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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278 Vehicle Care
5. Fill the coolant recovery tank tothe FULL COLD mark or to the
FULL COLD ISO symbol mark. 6. Reinstall the cap on the coolant
recovery tank but leave the
radiator pressure cap off.
7. Start the engine and let it run until the upper radiator hose
feels warm. Any time during
this procedure, watch out for
the engine cooling fans.
8. If the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck is low, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture through the
filler neck until the level is back
up to the base of the filler neck.
9. Replace the pressure cap tightly. At any time during this
procedure if coolant begins to
flow out of the filler neck,
reinstall the pressure cap.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument panel cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0119
ii.
The vehicle may also display an
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE and ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Engine Cooling
System Messages 0138
ii.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program
0 361
ii.
If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on
a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 289
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
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.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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292 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
EVEN COILS Even Injector Coils FAN 1 Cooling Fan 1
FAN 2 Cooling Fan 2
FPM Fuel Pump Power Module
HORN Horn
HTD MIR Heated Outside Rearview Mirror
HTD
STR WHL Heated Steering
Wheel
HUMIDITY/ MAF Humidity Sensor/
MAF Sensor
HVAC BLWR Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning
Blower
LT HI BEAM Left High-Beam Headlamp
LT LO BEAM Left Low-Beam Headlamp
LT PRK Left Parking Lamp Fuses
Usage
LT TRLR
STOP/TRN Trailer Left
Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
ODD COILS Odd Injector Coils
PWR L/GATE Power Liftgate
PWR
OUTLET Power Outlet
RR APO Rear Accessory Power Outlet
RR DEFOG Rear Defogger RR HVAC Rear Climate Control System
RT HI BEAM Right High-Beam Headlamp
RT LO BEAM Right Low-Beam Headlamp
RT PRK Right Parking Lamp
RT TRLR
STOP/TRN Trailer Right
Stoplamp and Turn
Signal
RVC SNSR Regulated Voltage Control Sensor Fuses
Usage
S/ROOF/
SUNSHADE Sunroof
SERVICE Service Repair SPARE Spare
STOP LAMP Stoplamps
STRTR StarterTCM Transmission Control Module
TRANS Transmission
TRLR
BCK/UP Trailer Back-up
Lamps
TRLR BRK Trailer Brake TRLR
PRK LAMP Trailer Parking
Lamps
TRLR PWR Trailer Power WPR/WSW Windshield Wiper/ Washer
Relays Usage
A/C
CMPRSR
CLTCH Air Conditioning
Compressor Clutch