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Seats and Restraints 59
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 055.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0303 for
additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0351.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 098.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
(Continued)
Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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188 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
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, seeDriver Mode Control
0 214.
.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.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 044.
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210 Driving and Operating
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.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load. See Driver Mode
Control 0214 to activate Tow/Haul Mode.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode.
Turn the knob to4to select AWD.
See Driver Mode Control 0214.
When operated in two-wheel drive, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better fuel
economy.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See Compact Spare Tire 0317.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
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Driving and Operating 215
conditions. SeeDriving for Better Fuel
Economy 0188. Tour (FWD) Mode operates
in Front-Wheel Drive to improve fuel
economy.
8Sport : Sport Mode improves vehicle
handling and acceleration on dry pavement.
When active, Sport Mode modifies steering
efforts, transmission shifting, AWD torque,
suspension tuning (when properly equipped),
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) settings. For vehicles equipped with
AWD, choosing Sport Mode also
engages AWD.
4AWD (AWD Only) : AWD Mode
provides drive torque to all four wheels.
Select AWD to improve traction and control
on slippery road surfaces, such as gravel,
sand, wet pavement, snow, and ice. When in
AWD Mode, the AWD Mode indicator will
be on.
AWD is active in AWD, Sport, Tow/Haul, and
Off-Road Modes.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See
Compact Spare Tire 0317.
6Snow/Ice (FWD Only) : Snow/Ice Mode
improves vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads by changing accelerator
pedal response.
_Tow/Haul : This feature can assist
when towing or hauling a heavy load. Use
this mode to assist in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on downhill
grades by using the engine and
transmission. When active, Tow/Haul Mode
modifies transmission shifting, steering
effort, and Trailer Sway Control. For AWD
vehicles, choosing Tow/Haul Mode also
engages AWD. See Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0242.
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 0207.
7Off-Road (AWD Only) : Use this mode
for off-road recreational driving. When
active, Off-Road Mode modifies accelerator
pedal response, ABS, TCS, and the
StabiliTrak/ESC system. Choosing Off-Road
Mode also engages AWD. For more
information on Off-Road Mode, see Off-Road
Driving 0191.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic. (Continued)
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Vehicle Care 253
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 254
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 254
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 255
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 257
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 279
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 280
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 284
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 292
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 297
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 301
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 303
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 303
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 305
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 307
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 318
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
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Vehicle Care 289
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the
original equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as
the original equipment tires may not be
available for H, V, W, Y, and ZR speed rated
tires. If winter tires with a lower speed
rating are chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Summer Tires
This vehicle may come with 235/55R20 high
performance summer tires. These tires have
a special tread and compound that are
optimized for maximum dry and wet road
performance. This special tread and
compound will have decreased performance
in cold climates, and on ice and snow. It is
recommended that winter tires be installed
on the vehicle if frequent driving at temperatures below approximately 5 °C
(40 °F) or on ice or snow covered roads is
expected. See
Winter Tires0288.
Caution
High performance summer tires have
rubber compounds that lose flexibility
and may develop surface cracks in the
tread area at temperatures below −7 °C
(20 °F). Always store high performance
summer tires indoors and at
temperatures above −7 °C (20 °F) when
not in use. If the tires have been
subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or less, let them
warm up in a heated space to at least
5 °C (40 °F) for 24 hours or more before
being installed or driving a vehicle on
which they are installed. Do not apply
heat or blow heated air directly on the
tires. Always inspect tires before use. See
Tire Inspection 0300.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The examples
show a typical passenger vehicle tire
and a compact spare tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(1) Tire Size:The tire size is a
combination of letters and numbers
used to define a particular tire's width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the “Tire
Size” illustration in this section.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
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Vehicle Care 291
(4) Maximum Cold Inflation Load
Limit
:Maximum load that can be
carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(5) Tire Inflation
:The temporary use
tire or compact spare tire should be
inflated to 420 kPa (60 psi). For more
information on tire pressure and
inflation see Tire Pressure 0294.
(6) Tire Size
:A combination of letters
and numbers define a tire's width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. The letter “T”as
the first character in the tire size means
the tire is for temporary use only.
(7) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The example shows a typical passenger
vehicle tire size.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The
United States version of a metric tire
sizing system. The letter "P" as the first
character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association. (2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item (3) of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
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Vehicle Care 297
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0297.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0357.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 197.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed. For additional
information and details about the DIC
operation and displays see Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel)
0 107 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 110. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label,
attached to your vehicle, shows the size of
the original equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when they
are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0197, for
an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location. Also see
Tire Pressure 0294.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 300, Tire Rotation 0300 and
Tires 0287.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
(Continued)