
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Vehicle Care 243
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 244
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 245
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 274
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 278
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 287
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 291
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 293
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 295
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 302
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 305

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Vehicle Care 259
Warning (Continued)
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone, the vehicle
can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. If operating the
vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0247 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip, and may also clog the
washer nozzle.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 263
Caution (Continued)
.Tighten the nut with a hand tool. Do
not use an impact wrench or power
tools to tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if these
guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion
inhibitors on the nut that secures the
negative battery cable to the vehicle. This
could damage the vehicle.
1. Install the negative battery cable (2) to the battery.
2. Install the negative battery cable nut (1) and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions, transfer
case fluid does not require maintenance
unless there is a fluid leak or unusual noise.
If required, have the transfer case serviced
by your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately
if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts in any
other position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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264 Vehicle Care
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced
periodically. See Maintenance Schedule
0 316.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0326.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the front wiper blades:
1. Lift the wiper arm from the windshield until no further movement is possible.
2. Press the release button on the top side
of the wiper and pull the wiper blade
out of the end of the wiper arm.
3. Install the wiper blade connector by sliding into the end of the wiper arm
until the button on the wiper blade clicks
into place with the wiper arm.
4. Place the wiper arm with the wiper blade in place back on the windshield.
Caution
Damage may occur if the wiper blades
are not in contact with the windshield
before turning on the wiper system.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 303
The jump start negative terminal (3) and
positive terminal (4) are on the battery of
the vehicle providing the jump start.
The positive jump start connection for the
discharged battery is under a trim cover.
Open the cover to expose the terminal.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a manual
transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding point for the discharged
battery.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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306 Vehicle Care
1. Position the vehicle to tow and thensecure it to the tow vehicle.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Put the vehicle into ACC/ACCESSORY by pressing ENGINE START/STOP one time
without the brake pedal applied.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). The chime will ring continuously for
30 seconds. Leave the transmission in
N (Neutral).
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” underBattery - North
America 0261.
7. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Caution
If 113 km/h (70 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 113 km/h (70 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
To disconnect the towed vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface. 2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Make sure that the ignition is off.
4. Remove any tape, glue, or excess
material from the negative battery post.
5. Connect the battery. See “Negative
Battery Cable Reconnection” under
Battery - North America 0261.
6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be towed
with two wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle from the
front with two wheels on the ground: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping
device designed for towing.
5. Turn the vehicle off.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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318 Service and Maintenance
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior
Care 0307.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0263.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0263.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 264.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0265.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof034.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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352 Index
Assistance Systems for Parking andBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Automatic
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 263
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . 130
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . .120
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . .261, 302
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151, 152 Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Brake
Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Bulb Replacement Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267, 268
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269, 271
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 244
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244, 261, 302, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
Cargo
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 96
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67