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DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The vehicle
may be damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of
the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any fuel, passengers,
cargo, equipment, and accessories. Do
not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle.
The GCWR for the vehicle is on the
Tow Rating Chart following.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, seeVehicle
Load Limits 0180. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached, the
trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has a driver, a front seat passenger,
and all required trailering equipment.
This value represents the heaviest
trailer the vehicle can tow, but it may
be necessary to reduce the trailer
weight to stay within the GCW,
GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the tow rating chart to determine
how much the trailer can weigh, based
on the vehicle model and options.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer types,
such as boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Always refer to the trailer
owner’s manual for the recommended
trailer tongue weight for each trailer.
Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue to see if the weights are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may bepossible to transfer some of the cargo
into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may
be possible to rearrange some of the
cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the
vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and
rough roads can affect the trailer and
the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a
tow eye latched to a pintle hook.
Other trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle
and trailer axles. See
“Maximum
Trailer Tongue Weight ”under Trailer
Towing 0244 for weight limits with
various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
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248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Hitch Cover
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper
attachments.
To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the
upper tabs into the slots in the
bumper. 2. Push the bottom of the cover
forward until the lower tabs line
up with the lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Tires
. Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
. Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0281 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach the
chains to the holes on the trailer hitch platform. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent
the tongue from contacting the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb)
must be equipped with brake systems
and with brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming to
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking
system if the loaded weight of the
trailer exceeds certain minimums that
can vary from state to state. Read and
follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed, adjusted,
and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both the vehicle anti-lock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness is located at
the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle's frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a
trailer connector available through
your dealer.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip,
and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer,
the arrows on the instrument cluster
will illuminate even if the trailer is not
properly connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) have a Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) feature. Trailer
sway is unintended side-to-side
motion of a trailer while towing. 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 equipped with
the Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC
may also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator. If trailer sway continues,
StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce enginetorque to help slow the vehicle. TSC
will not function if StabiliTrak/ESC is
turned off. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0203.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death, even
if the vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing
your foot from the accelerator. Then
pull over to check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes, including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. See Towing Equipment
0 247 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are designed
with stiff sidewalls to help prevent
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VEHICLE CARE 253
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 312
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0269 and
Jump Starting - North America 0309
and the back cover.
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VEHICLE CARE 257
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0261.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 257.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0257.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0262.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0268.
6. Battery - North America 0269.
7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 262.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting
- North America 0309.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 266.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0276.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0309.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
. Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0259.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0256 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground. Check
the engine oil level after the
engine has been off for at least
two hours. Checking the engine oil
level on steep grades or too soon
after engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove
the dipstick and check the level.
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258 VEHICLE CARE
.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the
engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper
towel or cloth, then push it back
in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check
the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications 0338.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels
above or below the acceptable
operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine.
If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range),
the engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 256 for the location of the engine oil
fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends
on both the proper oil specification
and viscosity grade. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0334.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been approved
by GM as meeting the dexos1
specification are marked with the
dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
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VEHICLE CARE 271
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean or replace
the wiper blade assembly on a regular
basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and
type, seeMaintenance Replacement
Parts 0335.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade
is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the wiper
arm to touch the windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the
windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middleof the wiper blade where the
wiper arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the
windshield far enough to release
it from the J-hooked end of the
wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To remove the wiper blade:
1. Turn the vehicle on and operatethe rear windshield wiper. See
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
0120.
2. Turn the vehicle off when the rear wiper blade is no longer
covered by the spoiler.
3. Lift the wiper arm away from the window.
4. Push the release lever (2) to disengage the hook and push the
wiper arm (1) out of the blade
assembly (3).
5. Push the new blade assembly securely on the wiper arm until
the release lever clicks into place.