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Driving and Operating 233
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. Reducevehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
202.
{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 0228 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer Sway
Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped with an
electronic device designed to reduce or
control trailer sway. Aftermarket equipment
manufacturers also offer similar devices that
connect to the wiring between the trailer
and the vehicle. These devices may interfere
with the vehicle’s trailer brake or other
systems, including integrated anti-sway
systems, if equipped. Messages related to
trailer connections or trailer brakes could
appear on the DIC. The effects of these
aftermarket devices may have on vehicle
handling or trailer brake performance is not
known.
{Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic trailer sway
control devices could result in reduced
trailer brake performance, loss of trailer
brakes, or other malfunctions, and result
in a crash. You or others could be
seriously injured or killed. Before using
one of these devices: (Continued)
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236 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 237
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 237
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 238
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 256
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 259
Taillamps, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 262
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 266
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 272 Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 275
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 279
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 281
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 281
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 283
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 296
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
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268 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F40 –
F41 Auxiliary power outlet 1/ Cigarette lighter
F42 Left power window
F43 Driver power seat
F44 Auxillary power outlet F45 Right power window
F46 Passenger power seat
Relays Usage
K1 Retained accessory power
K2 Run/Crank
K3 –
Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality
tires made by a leading tire
manufacturer. See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire warranty and where to get service. For
additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
much flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0179.
.Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires are cold.
.Overinflated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Worn or old tires can cause a
crash. If the tread is badly worn,
replace them.
.Replace any tires that have been
damaged by impacts with
potholes, curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires can cause
a crash. Only the dealer or an
authorized tire service center
should repair, replace, dismount,
and mount the tires.
.Do not spin the tires in excess of
56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow, mud, ice,
etc. Excessive spinning may cause
the tires to explode.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season tires.
These tires are designed to provide good
overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original equipment
tires designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall. Original
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270 Vehicle Care
(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.
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The Department of
Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture
:The last
four digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two digits
represent the week and the last two
digits, the year. For example, the third
week of the year 2020 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is
the first full week (Sunday through
Saturday) of each year.
(4) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
:
The letters and numbers following the
DOT (Department of Transportation)
code are the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the tire,
although only one side may have the
date of manufacture.
(5) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
:Tire manufacturers are
required to grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature resistance.
For more information see Uniform Tire
Quality Grading 0281.
(7) Maximum Cold Inflation Load
Limit
:Maximum load that can be
carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(8) Temporary Use Only
:Only use a
temporary spare tire until the road tire
is repaired and replaced. This spare tire
should not be driven on over 112 km/h
(70 mph), or 88 km/h (55 mph) when pulling a trailer, with the proper
inflation pressure. See
Full-Size Spare
Tire 0295.
Compact Spare Tire Example
(1) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(2) Temporary Use Only
:The compact
spare tire or temporary use tire should
not be driven at speeds over 80 km/h
(50 mph). The compact spare tire is for
emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone flat. If the vehicle
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Vehicle Care 271
has a compact spare tire, seeCompact
Spare Tire 0294 and
If a Tire Goes Flat 0284.
(3) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
:
The letters and numbers following the
DOT (Department of Transportation)
code are the Tire Identification Number
(TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the tire,
although only one side may have the
date of manufacture.
(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 0274.
(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.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a
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272 Vehicle Care
tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
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 Pressure0274.
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 0179. GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0179.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0179.
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.
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Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The number
of occupants a vehicle is designed to
seat multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb). See
Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated
seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The side of
an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the
tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on passenger cars and some light duty
trucks and multipurpose vehicles. Recommended Inflation Pressure
:
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard. See
Tire Pressure0274 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between
the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire
and the road surface. The amount of
grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road. Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands,
sometimes called wear bars, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires 0279.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system
that provides consumers with ratings
for a tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by
tire manufacturers using government
testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire.
See Uniform Tire Quality Grading 0281.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number
of designated seating positions
multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb) plus the
rated cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0179.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:
Load on an individual tire due to curb
weight, accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing the
vehicle capacity weight and the original
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274 Vehicle Care
equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See“Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle Load
Limits 0179.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air
pressure to operate effectively.
{Warning
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good. Underinflated
tires, or tires that do not have
enough air, can result in:
.Tire overloading and overheating,
which could lead to a blowout.
.Premature or irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that have
too much air, can result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from road
hazards.
The Tire and Loading Information label
on the vehicle indicates the original
equipment tires and the correct cold
tire inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the minimum
air pressure needed to support the
vehicle's maximum load carrying
capacity. See Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
How the vehicle is loaded affects
vehicle handling and ride comfort.
Never load the vehicle with more
weight than it was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check the pressure of the tires once a
month or more. Do not forget to check
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one.
The cold compact spare tire pressure
should be at 420 kPa (60psi). See
Compact Spare Tire 0294 and
Full-Size Spare Tire 0295. How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gauge
to check tire pressure. Proper tire
inflation cannot be determined by
looking at the tire. Check the tire
inflation pressure when the tires are
cold, meaning the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment
is necessary. If the inflation pressure is
low, add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the inflation
pressure is high, press on the metal
stem in the center of the tire valve to
release air.
Re-check the tire pressure with the tire
gauge.