Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P: Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
H:Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R: Fuse Block Cover Lock
Location
+: Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
In Brief 27
Regular Unleaded Fuel
Use only Regular 87 octane—
(R+M)/2 —or higher unleaded
gasoline in your vehicle. TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. Do not use gasoline
with an octane rating lower as it will
result in reduced performance and
lower fuel economy. See
Recommended Fuel (3.6L
V6 Engine) 0272 orRecommended
Fuel (2.0L L4 Engine) 0272.
E85 or FlexFuel
No E85 or FlexFuel
Gasoline-ethanol fuel blends greater
than E15 (15% ethanol by volume),
such as E85, cannot be used in this
vehicle.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0151.
2. Press and hold
Von the DIC
while the Oil Life display is
active. The oil life will change
to 100%.
See Engine Oil Life System 0298.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible. .
Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them
off when not required.
. On AWD vehicles, see Driver
Mode Control 0242.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
38 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When the remote start is extended,
the second 15-minute period is
added on to the first 15 minutes for
a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a remote start with an extension,
are allowed between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and
then off before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do any of
the following:
.Press and hold
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote start will not operate if
any of the following occur:
. An RKE transmitter is in the
vehicle.
. The hood is not closed. .
The ignition is in any mode other
than off.
. The hazard warning flashers
are on.
. There is an emission control
system malfunction.
. The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
. The oil pressure is low.
. Two remote vehicle starts or a
start with an extension have
already been used.
. The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
. Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors
can be unlocked and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
opened while the vehicle is
moving. The chance of
being thrown out of the
vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are
not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
seat belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.
. Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by
extreme heat and can suffer
permanent injuries or even
death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle
whenever leaving it.
. Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the
doors can help prevent this
from happening.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
124 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 125
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 125
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 126
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 127
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 140
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 141
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 142
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 142
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 146
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 146
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 147
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 148
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Low Fuel Warning Light (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 150
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 150
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 150
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 150
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 154
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 155
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 155
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 164
Universal Remote SystemProgramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
148 Instruments and Controls
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. Stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire
Pressure 0333. When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0336.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will
vary engine oil pressure according
to engine needs. Oil pressure may
change quickly as the engine speed
or load varies. This is normal. If the
oil pressure warning light or Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the
normal operating range, check the
vehicle's oil as soon as possible.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
278 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating
0305.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
Driving and Operating 279
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0373. It is
especially important to check the
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system
before and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 305.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 11/1/18
298 Vehicle Care
Specification
Ask for and 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.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil. Cold Temperature
Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls below
−29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE
0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of
this viscosity grade will provide
easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For