Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
286 Driving and Operating
If the CHECK TRAILER
WIRING message only
reappears when connecting the
trailer wiring harness to the
vehicle, the electrical fault is on
the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM: This message will display
when there is a problem with the
ITBC system. If this message
continues over multiple ignition
cycles, there is a problem with the
ITBC system. Have the vehicle
serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER
WIRING or SERVICE TRAILER
BRAKE SYSTEM message displays
while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not
function at all. When traffic
conditions allow, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of the road
and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and
turn the ignition back on. If either of
these messages continues, either
the vehicle or trailer needs service. A GM dealer may be able to
diagnose and repair problems with
the trailer. However, any diagnosis
and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty.
Contact your trailer dealer for
assistance with trailer repairs and
trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature.
Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while
being towed. If the vehicle is towing
a trailer and the TSC detects that
sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at
each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If the vehicle
is equipped with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
and the trailer has the electric
actuated brake system, StabiliTrak
may also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on theinstrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0242.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment 0278 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
Vehicle Care 289
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 290
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 291
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 299
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 301
Automatic Transmission Fluid (10-Speed Transmission) . . . 304
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 304
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 309
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 311
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Battery - North America . . . . . . 314
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 316
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 317
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 318
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 319
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 319
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . 322 Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 324
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 324
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 325
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 338
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
304 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (10-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. SeeService
Publications Ordering Information
0 413.
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 0397.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 389. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0397.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 293 for 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
0 389.
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 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 Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
Vehicle Care 313
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0155.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0389. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0397.{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
370 Vehicle Care
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 off on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all the lamps
that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save
both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that
vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is
under a red plastic cover at the
positive battery post. To uncover the positive (+)
terminal, open the red plastic
cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote
negative (−) terminals, see
Engine Compartment Overview
0
293.
{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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will
go to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
Service and Maintenance 395
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0397 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
430 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . 226
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 248
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 288
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 304
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 192, 196
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 99
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 94
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 152
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 262
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 239 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349385) - 2018 - crc - 11/3/17
Index 431
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 256
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 301, 304
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 186
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Battery (cont'd)
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Battery - North America . . . . 314, 368
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 318
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Brake Pedal and AdjustableThrottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 155
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 216
Bulb Replacement Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . 322
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
High Intensity Discharge(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 324 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .291, 314, 368,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 128
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67