Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
Driving and Operating 267
Caution (Continued)
and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule0383. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, 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.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle
contents, trailer, and trailer contents
must be below all of the maximum
weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
. GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
. GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight
Rating-Rear
. Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment” underTowing
Equipment 0272 to determine if
equalizer bars are required to obtain
the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0272 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
Vehicle Care 295
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 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
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
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on to
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
302 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
seeEngine Overheating 0305.
What to Use
{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
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature
. Protects against rust and
corrosion
. Will not damage aluminum parts .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperatureCaution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
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/-
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
428 Index
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 399
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 243
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145, 147
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 248
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 187
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 196
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 198
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 319
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324, 327
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 288
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 133
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 216 Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 412
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 167
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 169
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 171
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 113
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 296, 299
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
Index 429
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Four-Wheel DriveTransfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 222, 310
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 53
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . . . 316
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 187
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 143 Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 214
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 319
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324, 327
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 163Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 381
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 171
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 143
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 169
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 144