2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE towing

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
232 Driving and Operating
Automatic
Transmission
P :This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0229 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0273.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. With the ignition on, fully
apply the regular brake, then press
the button on the shift lever before
shifting from P (Park). If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever, then push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into
another gear. See
Shifting out of
Park 0229.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0219.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
234 Driving and Operating
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving downhill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster. When using the
ERS mode a number will display
next to the L, indicating the highest
gear available for the range
selected.
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press + (Plus) or −(Minus) on
the shift lever to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to
L (Low), the transmission will shift to
a pre-determined lower gear range.
The highest gear available for this
pre-determined range is displayed
next to the L in the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0150. The
number displayed in the DIC is the
highest gear that the transmission
will be allowed to operate in. This
means that all gears below that
number are available. For example,
when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the
L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears
are automatically shifted by the
vehicle. The transmission will not
shift into 5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus)
button is used or you shift back into
D (Drive). If the transmission is in 6 (Sixth)
gear when L (Low) is selected, a
downshift to 4 (Fourth) will be
commanded. If in 5 (Fifth) through
2 (Second) a single downshift will
occur.
While in L (Low), the transmission
will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too
high. You have a brief period of time
to slow the vehicle. If vehicle speed
is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. You must
further slow the vehicle, then press
−
(Minus) to the desired lower gear
range.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking is
not available when the ERS is
active. It is available in D (Drive) for
both normal driving and Tow/Haul
Mode. While using the ERS, cruise
control and the Tow/Haul Mode can
be used. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
following.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 235
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing
or hauling a heavy load.
_:Select Tow/Haul Mode with
the knob on the center console.
When Tow/Haul Mode is activated,
there could be a message displayed
on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0273 andDriver
Mode Control 0241.
Automatic Engine Grade
Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
assists when driving downhill.
It maintains vehicle speed by
automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle.
The system will automatically
command downshifts to reduce
vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle
is on a low grade or when the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
While in the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) mode, grade braking is
deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade
braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul Mode.
See Automatic Transmission 0232.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can
operate in All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) Mode.
Turn the knob to4to select AWD.
The AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed. See
Driver Mode Control 0241.

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
242 Driving and Operating
vehicle in Two-Wheel Drive (AWD
vehicles) or is the normal drive
mode (FWD vehicles). Use this
mode for normal driving conditions.
This is the most fuel efficient drive
mode. SeeDriving for Better Fuel
Economy 029.
4(AWD Only) : Vehicle is in AWD
Mode. This mode will remain active
through future ignition cycles. AWD
Mode provides drive torque to all
four wheels. Use this mode for
driving conditions that require
improved traction such as gravel,
sand, wet pavement, snow, and ice.
AWD may turn off and display a
message on the DIC in instances of
extensive use or overheating.
When in AWD Mode, the AWD
Mode indicator will be on. For more
information on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive 0235.
6(FWD Only) : Vehicle is in Snow
Mode. This mode will not remain
active through future ignition cycles.
The vehicle will be in Front-Wheel
Drive when the engine is restarted.
Snow Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice
covered roads. The accelerator
pedal will be more sensitive to
provide finer control of the torque at
the wheels in slippery conditions.
7(AWD Only) : Vehicle is in
Off-Road Mode. This mode will not
remain active through future ignition
cycles. The vehicle will be in
Two-Wheel Drive when the engine
is restarted. This mode will
automatically activate AWD. The
accelerator pedal will be more
sensitive to provide finer control of
the torque at the wheels.
StabiliTrak, ABS, and TCS will
change for optimal off-road
performance. Use this mode for
public off-road recreational driving.
See Off-Road Driving 0211.
_Tow/Haul : Vehicle is in Tow/
Haul Mode. This mode will not
remain active through future ignition
cycles. The vehicle will be in
Front-Wheel Drive or Two-Wheel
Drive when the engine is restarted.
This mode will automatically
activate AWD. See All-Wheel Drive
0 235. The transmission holds lower
gears longer before shifting to
provide more torque necessary
when towing heavy loads. This will
also increase fuel consumption. Use
this mode to assist in maintaining
desired vehicle speeds when driving
on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the
vehicle. This helps prevent the
brakes from overheating. For more
information, see Tow/Haul Mode
0 235.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
Driving and Operating 243
The following table shows how the different modes affect the various subsystem functions that may be on the vehicle.Modes: Front-Wheel Drive/
Two-Wheel Drive AWD Snow Off-Road Tow/Haul
Mode Availability AWD & FWD VehiclesAWD
Vehicles Only FWD
Vehicles Only AWD
Vehicles Only Towing
Package (AWD
& FWD)
Retained In Future Ignition Cycles Yes Yes No No No
Accelerator Pedal Sensitivity Normal Normal Snow Off-Road Normal
Automatic Transmission Shifting Normal Normal Normal Normal Tow/Haul
AWD Status (If Equipped) Off (Two-WheelDrive) Normal AWD
Active Not Available Off-Road
AWD ActiveNormal AWD
Active
StabiliTrak, ABS, and TCS Normal Normal Normal Off-Road Normal

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
254 Driving and Operating
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brakes may need to be manually
applied.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and
When Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on
steep hills or when towing a trailer.
ACC will not detect a vehicle in the
lane while driving on steep hills. The
driver will often need to take over
acceleration and braking on steep
hills, especially when towing a
trailer. If the brakes are applied, the
ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Press
J.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Jis
pressed or if the ignition is
turned off. Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the
windshield behind the rearview
mirror and the radar sensors on the
front of the vehicle can become
blocked by snow, ice, dirt, or mud.
These areas need to be cleaned for
ACC to operate properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular
cruise control may be available. See
“Switching Between ACC and
Regular Cruise Control”
previously
in this section. Always consider
driving conditions before using
either cruise control system.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle” under
Exterior Care 0353.
System operation may also be
limited under snow, heavy rain,
or road spray conditions.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10603118) - 2018 - CRC - 1/29/18
258 Driving and Operating
2.5 m (8 ft) behind the vehicle within
a zone 25 cm (10 in) high off the
ground and below bumper level.
These detection distances may be
shorter during warmer or humid
weather.
Blocked sensors will not detect
objects and can also cause false
detections. Keep the sensors clean
of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush;
and clean sensors after a car wash
in freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Parking Assist system does
not detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
located below the bumper or that
are too close or too far from the
vehicle. It is not available at
speeds greater than 8 km/h
(5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with
Parking Assist, always check the
area around the vehicle and
check all mirrors before moving
forward or backing.
The instrument cluster may have a
parking assist display with bars that
show“distance to object” and object
location information for RPA. As the
object gets closer, more bars light
up and the bars change color from
yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in
the rear, one beep will be heard
from the rear. When an object is
very close, <0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, five beeps will sound
from the rear.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, RCTA shows a red
warning triangle with a left or right
pointing arrow on the infotainment
display to warn of traffic coming
from the left or right. This system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side
of the vehicle. When an object is
detected, three beeps sound from
the left or right, depending on the
direction of the detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out
from the back of the vehicle do not
move further back when a trailer is
towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
RPA can be turned on and off
through vehicle personalization. See
Vehicle Personalization
0154.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
To turn the rear parking assist
symbols or guidance lines on or off
(on some models), see “Rear
Camera” underVehicle
Personalization 0154.
RCTA can also be turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. see
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0154.