
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 261
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 098. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0316.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0325.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. For replacement of the
battery, see your dealer.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System 0195. It has an Absorbed
Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation
of a standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the
12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an
AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the
charger to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
(Continued)

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
262 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0244
and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0302 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Negative Battery Cable Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative battery
cable, turn off all features, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key,
if equipped, from the vehicle. If this is
not done, you or others could be injured,
and the vehicle could be damaged.
Caution
If the battery is disconnected with the
ignition on or the vehicle in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP), the OnStar
back-up battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features, and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key, if equipped.3. Loosen the negative battery cable nut (1).
4. Remove the negative battery cable (2)from the battery.
Negative Battery Cable Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.Use the original nut from the vehicle
to secure the negative battery cable.
Do not use a different nut. If you
need a replacement nut, see your
dealer.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
322 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 253.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0255.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0260.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0264.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0265.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
(11) The oil pump drive belt and the timing
belt on the LIH engine must be replaced at
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 15 years,
whichever comes first.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0307.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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336 Customer Information
.Lock-Out Service:Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Chevrolet
dealer for warranty service, or if the
vehicle was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given when the
vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to
7 liters. If available, diesel fuel delivery
may be restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through this
service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service:
If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.
If the vehicle cannot be scheduled into the
service department immediately, keep
driving it until it can be scheduled for
service, unless, of course, the problem is

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
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