Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
Vehicle Care 283
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 284
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 285
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 295
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 296
Automatic Transmission Fluid (10-Speed Transmission) . . . 299
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 300
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 305
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Battery - North America . . . . . . 309
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 311
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 312
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 312
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 313
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 313
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . 316 Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 318
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 319
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 319
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 332
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
Vehicle Care 289
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0363.
2. Battery - North America 0309.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0301.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0300.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “How to Check
Automatic Transmission Fluid”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (10-Speed Transmission)
0 299 or
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) 0296.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0363.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 301.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 306.
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0308.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0320.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
Vehicle Care 291
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0363.
2. Battery - North America 0309.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0301.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0300.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0363.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 301.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 306.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0308. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0320.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
Vehicle Care 293
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0363.
2. Battery - North America 0309.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0301.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0300.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0363.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 301.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 306.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0308. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0320.
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 0295.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
If equipped, the ENGINE OIL LOW
ADD OIL message displays when
the engine oil level may be too low.
Check the oil level before filling to
the recommended level. If the oil
is not low and this message remains
on, see your dealer.
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
0288 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.
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
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 303
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0288.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, wait until it cools down. The
coolant level should be at or above the full cold mark. If it is not, there
may be a leak in the cooling
system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the full cold
mark, see
“How to Add Coolant to
the Coolant Surge Tank,” following.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 335
Bead:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 337.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 200.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0200.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0200.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 375
Caution (Continued)
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.For 1500 Series vehicles, at least
every other oil change lubricate the
outer tie rod ends.
Control arm ball joints on 1500
Series vehicles are
maintenance-free.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel
fuel door hinge and power assist
step hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease
on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. If equipped
with power assist steps, extend
them and then use a high pressure
wash to clean all joints and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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376 Vehicle Care
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior. Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
.
Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface.
. Never use a brush with stiff
bristles. .
Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.
. Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
Do not use solutions that contain
strong or caustic soap.
. Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
. Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial
glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.