Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 293
The ITBC system is integrated with the
vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake, and
StabiliTrak systems. In trailering conditions
that cause the vehicle’s anti-lock brake or
StabiliTrak systems to activate, power sent
to the trailer's brakes will be automatically
adjusted to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake,
or StabiliTrak systems are not functioning
properly, the ITBC system may not function
fully or at all. Make sure all of these
systems are fully operational to allow the
ITBC system to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through the
vehicle's electrical system. Turning the
ignition off will also turn off the ITBC
system. The ITBC system is fully functional
only when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air brake
system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking, including
increased stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in serious(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
injury, death, or property damage. Only
use the ITBC system with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
2. Trailer Symbol
3. Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons
The ITBC control panel is on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column. The
control panel allows adjustment to the
amount of output, referred to as Trailer
Gain, available to the trailer brakes and allows manual application of the trailer
brakes. Use the ITBC control panel and the
DIC trailer brake display page to adjust and
display power output to the trailer brakes.
Trailer Brake DIC Display Page
The ITBC display page indicates:
.Trailer Gain setting
.Output to the trailer brakes
.Trailer connection
.System operational status.
To display:
.Scroll through the DIC menu pages
.Press a Trailer Gain (+) or (−) button
.Activate the Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever
TRAILER GAIN:
Press a Trailer Gain button to recall the
current Trailer Gain setting. Each press and
release of the gain buttons will then change
the Trailer Gain setting. Press the Trailer
Gain (+) or (−) to adjust. Press and hold to
continuously adjust the Trailer Gain. To turn
the output to the trailer off, adjust the
Trailer Gain setting to 0.0. This setting can
be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with a trailer
connected or disconnected.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 317
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 under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicate
that an oil change is not necessary for up to
a year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and, at this
time, the system must be reset. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
REMAINING OIL LIFE percentage is near 0%.
Your dealer has trained service people who
will perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system:
1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 119.
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip odometer reset stem if
the vehicle does not have DIC controls,
for several seconds. When the
confirmation message displays, select
YES. The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 119.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. 3. If the display changes to 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the oil
life percentage is near 0%, the engine oil
life system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the transmission fluid
in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See Publication Ordering
Information 0408.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
318 Vehicle Care
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0395.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0386. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0395.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing. When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0119.
3. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel to move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press the
thumbwheel for several seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on the driver
side of the engine compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0312.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system see Maintenance
Schedule 0386 for intervals on inspecting
and replacing the engine air cleaner filter.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/
filter:
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
338 Vehicle Care
There are relays on the back of the fuse
block. To access, press the tabs and remove
the fuse block.The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown. Fuses Usage
F1 Right door
F2 Left door
F3 UGDO/OHC/camera
F4 BCM 2 F5 Displays
F6 Front blower
F8 Left door panel
F10 Tilt/column lock F11 USB/DLC
F12 CGM/onstar
F14 Right door panel F17 Steering wheel control
F18 AVM 1
F19 –
F20 –
F21 –
F22 Heated wheel
F23 –
F24 –
F25 SEO/UPFITTER
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 357
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 275/60R20 or 275/50R22
size tires, do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains used on
a vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
drive slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it is contacting the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install them
on the rear tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a tire size
other than 275/60R20 or 275/50R22, use
tire chains only where legal and only
when necessary. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. Install them on
the tires of the rear axle. Do not use
chains on the tires of the front axle.
Tighten them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly
and follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains contact the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the
contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage the
vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if there
ever is a blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
(Continued)
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 375
8. Release the parking brake only when youare confident it is secured to tow vehicle
and will not roll.
Before going on to the next step, be
sure to take the mechanical key with
you. It will be needed to re-enter the
vehicle after the power is disconnected.
See “Drive Door Key Lock Cylinder
Access” underDoor Locks 015.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the nut and bolt.
Cover the negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative battery
cable or to have it contact the terminals
can cause damage to the vehicle.
10. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.
Caution
If the steering column is locked, vehicle
damage may occur. 11. Rock the vehicle to make sure the
parking brake is not set and transfer case
is in N (Neutral).
Caution
Towing the vehicle with the parking
brake set can damage it. Always release
the parking brake prior to towing the
vehicle.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Connect the battery.
3. Apply the brake pedal.
{Warning
The vehicle can roll when the brake pedal
is released. Always apply and hold the
brake pedal when setting the parking
brake. Make sure the parking brake is
fully engaged before releasing the brake
pedal.
4. Start the engine and shift the transfer case out of N (Neutral) to 2
m. See “Shifting out of N (Neutral)”
under
Four-Wheel Drive 0236. See your dealer
if the transfer case cannot be shifted out
of N (Neutral).
5. Check that the vehicle is in 2
mby
shifting the transmission to R (Reverse)
and then to D (Drive). There should be
movement of the vehicle while shifting.
6. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the vehicle.
7. Set the parking brake.
8. Release the parking brake.
9. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
10. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 379
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0395.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
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.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 393
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns. Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like new,
vehicle care products are available from your
dealer. For information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and exterior,
see Interior Care 0380 and
Exterior Care 0376.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for ensuring that
the tires deliver optimal wear and
performance.
.Signs that the alignment may need to be
adjusted include pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required equipment
to ensure proper wheel alignment.