Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159371) - 2016 - crc - 5/21/15
Driving and Operating 197
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips 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
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0218.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0216.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 231
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 232
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 232
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 240
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 242
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 242
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 247
Power Steering Fluid (1.4L L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Power Steering Fluid (1.8L L4
Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Battery - North America . . . . . . 252
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 253
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 254
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 255
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 257
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 258
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 259
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 260 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159371) - 2016 - crc - 5/21/15
Vehicle Care 241
might indicate that an oil change 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:1. Press the MENU button to show Remaining Oil Life on the
display. This display shows an
estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. If 99% is displayed,
that means that 99% of the
current oil life remains.
2. To reset the engine oil life system, press the SET/CLR
button while the oil life display
is active. After a few seconds,
there will be a single chime and
the oil life will be reset
to 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is changed.
It cannot be reset accurately. If the
:% CHANGE message in
the DIC comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check 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 your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 308, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0317.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159371) - 2016 - crc - 5/21/15
242 Vehicle Care
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, it is not necessary to
regularly check brake/clutch fluid
unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The common hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder fluid reservoir
is filled with brake fluid as indicated
on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0235 for
reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level
is at the MIN (minimum) line on the
side of the reservoir. The brake/
hydraulic clutch fluid system should
be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top-off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 235.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 308.
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 TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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248 Vehicle Care
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not betoo serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission or Neutral for a
manual transmission, and let
the engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
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.
Power Steering Fluid
(1.4L L4 Engine)
The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(1.8L L4 Engine)
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
Warning (Continued)
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. SeeCalifornia
Proposition 65 Warning 0232.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0293 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down. Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. 2. Apply both the parking brake
and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start
the engine. The vehicle should
start only when the clutch
pedal is pushed down all the
way to the floor. If the vehicle
starts when the clutch pedal is
not pushed all the way down,
contact your dealer for service.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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294 Vehicle Care
The jump start positive terminal on
the discharged battery (2) is located
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle.
The jump start positive terminal (4)
and negative terminal (3) are on the
battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start.
The positive jump start connection
for the discharged battery is under a
trim cover. Open the cover to
expose the terminal.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching. 3. Set the parking brake firmly
and put the shift lever in
P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. See
Shifting Into Park 0207 with an
automatic transmission,
or Parking 0209 with a manual
transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Turn off all lights and
accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 309
changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset.
Your trained dealer technician can
perform this work. If the engine oil
life system is reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 5 000 km/
3,000 mi since the last service.
Reset the oil life system when the
oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System 0240.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0279.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0238 andEngine Oil Life
System 0240.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0244. .
Check engine cooling system
hoses and connections.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0249.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0298. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 255.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0273.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0279.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 242.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0298. .
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0298.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 055.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0298.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0253.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0254.