2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER stop start

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
180 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 181
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Ignition Positions (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . 191
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) . . . . . 192
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 199
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 200
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 201
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 204
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 211
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 222
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 233

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
182 Driving and Operating
.On AWD vehicles, seeDriver Mode Control
0 208.
.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.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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184 Driving and Operating
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.
Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 187
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0200.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
206.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0208 and
All-Wheel Drive 0203.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle 0304.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is
called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo,
and all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may show how
much weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
190 Driving and Operating
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label is
attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the vehicle's
original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle. The label shows the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. This is called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also show
the maximum weights for the front and rear
axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on the front and rear axles, weigh the vehicle at a
weigh station. Your dealer can help with
this. Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible. Try to spread
the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 191
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal
applied.
0 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/OFF) : This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission on an
automatic transmission vehicle, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park).
3. Push the key all the way in towards the steering column, then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0205.
See your dealer if the key can be removed
in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 199. A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving: 1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
192 Driving and Operating
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This canbe done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park). Push the key all the way in
toward the steering column, then turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0205.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in —or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1. (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system
to operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this
position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP). From ON/RUN, push the key all
the way in toward the steering column,
then turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/ACCESSORY with the engine off, the battery could drain
and the vehicle may not start. A warning
chime will sound when the driver door is
opened and the key is in the ignition.
2. (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and diagnostics,
and to verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. The switch stays in this
position when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.
3. (START) : This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition returns to
ON/RUN for driving.
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle for the system to
operate. If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key
Access) 09or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 011.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 193
Stopping the Engine/Off (No Indicator
Lights)
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the engine off.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0199
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system will turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
vehicle is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be turned off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition off.
4. Set the electric parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0205
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be turned off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/ STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light)
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light)
This mode is for driving and starting. With
the ignition off and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START. Once
engine cranking begins, release the button.
Engine cranking will continue until the
engine starts. See
Starting the Engine 0194.
The ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.