Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 207
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 216
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 217
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 219
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 223
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 232
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 237
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 239
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 246
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 255
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 256
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 265
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 267
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 270
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
224 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
This vehicle has pushbutton
starting. The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference
to the Keyless Access system. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
032.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be on or in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the brake pedal must be
applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the
vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0228.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the
message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition will turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition off. The shift lever must
be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 225
4. Set the parking brake. SeeElectric Parking Brake 0237.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode allows
some electrical accessories to be
used when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY. The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :
This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0225. The
ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in
Service Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they
do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will not be able to be driven. The engine
will not start in Service Mode. Press
the button again to turn the
vehicle off.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
(Continued)
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
238 Driving and Operating
pulled. If the switch is pulled until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on or theYor
PARK light flashes, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 273.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 239
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA) will activate
when the vehicle is stopped on a
moderate to steep grade to help
prevent it from rolling in an
unintended direction. After the brake
pedal has been released and before
the accelerator pedal has been
pressed, HSA uses braking
pressure to hold the vehicle
stationary. If HSA is holding the
vehicle, a DIC message displays.
HSA will not activate in a forward
drive gear when facing downhill,
or in R (Reverse) when facing uphill.
Select the duration of the HSA
feature through vehicle
personalization. See”Extended Hill
Start Assist” under“Comfort and
Convenience” inVehicle
Personalization 0154. When
Standard Hold is selected, the
vehicle is held stationary for up to
two seconds after the brake pedal is
released. When Extended Hold is selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to five minutes
after the brake pedal is released. In
either case, override the hold
feature by pressing the accelerator
pedal and attempting to drive away.
If Standard Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for two seconds
unless the driver door is opened or
the driver seat belt is unbuckled
after releasing the brake pedal.
If Extended Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for five minutes
unless the driver door is opened
and the driver seat belt is unbuckled
prior to releasing the brake pedal.
When deactivated after five minutes,
or if it is deactivated when the driver
seat belt is unlatched or the driver
door is opened, the Electric Parking
Brake will engage to prevent vehicle
movement.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 255
Driver Assistance
Systems
This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 209.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Under many conditions, these
systems will not:
. Detect children,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
. Detect vehicles or objects
outside the area monitored
by the system.
. Work at all driving speeds.
. Warn you or provide you
with enough time to avoid a
crash.
. Work under poor visibility or
bad weather conditions.
. Work if the detection sensor
is not cleaned or is covered
by ice, snow, mud, or dirt.
. Work if the detection sensor
is covered up, such as with
a sticker, magnet, or metal
plate.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Work if the area surrounding
the detection sensor is
damaged or not properly
repaired.
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes and/or steer
the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible or Safety Alert Seat
Some driver assistance features
alert the driver of obstacles by
beeping. To change the volume of
the warning chime, see “Comfort
and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 0154.
If equipped with the Safety Alert
Seat, the driver seat cushion may
provide a vibrating pulse alert
instead of beeping. To change this,
see “Collision/Detection Systems”
under Vehicle Personalization
0 154.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
256 Driving and Operating
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing
If equipped, the Rear Vision Camera
(RVC), Rear Parking Assist (RPA),
Surround Vision, and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert (RCTA) may help the
driver park or avoid objects. Always
check around the vehicle when
parking or backing.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
When the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), the RVC displays an
image of the area behind the vehicle
in the infotainment display. The
previous screen displays when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse)
after a short delay. To return to the
previous screen sooner, press any
button on the infotainment display,
shift into P (Park), or reach a vehicle
speed of approximately 12 km/h
(8 mph). Select Guidance Lines on
the infotainment display to enable or
disable the guidance lines.
1. View Displayed by the RearVision Camera
1. View Displayed by the RearVision Camera
2. Corners of the Rear Bumper
Displayed images may be farther or
closer than they appear. The area
displayed is limited and objects that
are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper do not
display.
A warning triangle may display to
show that Rear Parking Assist
(RPA) has detected an object. This
triangle changes from amber to red
and increases in size the closer the
object.
Surround Vision
If equipped, Surround Vision
displays an image of the area
surrounding the vehicle, along with
the front or rear camera views in the
infotainment display. The front
camera is in the grille or near the
front emblem, the side cameras are
on the bottom of the outside
rearview mirrors, and the rear
camera is above the license plate.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 257
{Warning
The Surround Vision cameras
have blind spots and will not
display all objects near the
corners of the vehicle. Folding
side mirrors that are out of
position may not display surround
view correctly. Always check
around the vehicle when parking
or backing.
1. Views Displayed by theSurround Vision Cameras
2. Area Not Shown
1. Views Displayed by the Surround Vision Cameras
2. Area Not Shown
Front Vision Camera
If equipped, a view of the area in
front of the vehicle displays. The
view displays after shifting from R (Reverse) to a forward gear, or by
touching CAMERA in the
infotainment display, and when the
vehicle is moving forward slower
than 8 km/h (5 mph).
{Warning
The camera(s) do not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
other object outside of the
cameras’
field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle.
Shown distances may be different
from actual distances. Do not
drive or park the vehicle using
only these camera(s). Always
check behind and around the
vehicle before driving. Failure to
use proper care may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Parking Assist
With RPA, as the vehicle backs up
at speeds of less than 8 km/h
(5 mph), the sensors on the rear
bumper may detect objects up to