2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER back

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
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
Driving and Operating 197
Base Model
Activ Model
RS Model
1. Center grille cover and make sure that it is positioned correctly.
Base Model
Activ Model
RS Model
2. Push plastic hooks back to engage grille slats.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Driving and Operating 201
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 199 and
Engine Exhaust 0200. If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0
234.
Automatic Transmission
P : This position locks the front wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the transmission is not in P (Park) with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0199 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 234.
The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must fully
apply the regular brake first and then press
the shift lever button before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into
another gear. See Shifting out of Park 0200
R : Use this gear to back up.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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202 Driving and Operating
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 187
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral)
with the engine running at high speed
may damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting
the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is
too hot.
Driving under this condition can damage
the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to
cool the automatic transmission fluid.
This message clears when the
transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission.
The repair will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle
in place.
L : Allows the driver to select the range of
gear positions. See Manual Mode0203.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower
gear than normal to improve vehicle
performance. The engine speed may be
higher and there may be an increase in
noise during the following conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 207
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0187 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
210 Driving and Operating
is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System0223.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
Cruise control will disengage if either TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), the cruise control system may
automatically brake to slow the vehicle
down to maintain the set following gap
between you and the vehicle in front of you
or while navigating a sharp turn.5: Press to turn the cruise control system
on and off. A white indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume that speed or press
and hold to accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase vehicle speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the speed and
activate cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5is on when not in use, −SET or +RES
could get bumped and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
5off when cruise is not
being used.
To set a speed:
1. Press
5to turn the cruise system on.
2. Get to the speed desired.
3. Press and release −SET . The desired set
speed briefly appears in the instrument
cluster. 4. Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 089.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, briefly press
+RES. The vehicle returns to the previous set
speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold +RES until the vehicle
accelerates to the desired speed, then
release it.
.To increase the speed in small increments,
briefly press +RES. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 211
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster089. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold −SET until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small increments, briefly
press −SET . For each press, the vehicle
goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 089. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While pressing the
accelerator pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing −SET will result in cruise control set
to the current vehicle speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0206. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, ACC
can be turned back on. Disabling the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ ESC system will disengage and
prevent engagement of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.