Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0198.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0241.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0257.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 260.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0290.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0296.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0268.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0262.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0263.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
324 Service and Maintenance
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0296.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0260 and
Engine Oil Life System 0262.
.If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, check the air filter
life percentage. If necessary, replace the
engine air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0263. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter life
system, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0263.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0264.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0268.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0290.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 296.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0314.
.Inspect power steering for proper
electrical connections, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 054.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0314.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 271.
.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 ability is low, service the gas strut.
See Gas Strut(s) 0273.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof031.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
328 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) 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.
(2) Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, routing, and condition.
(3) 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
0 263.
(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 0264.
(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 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0271.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0273.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
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 0314.
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 Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Service and Maintenance 329
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle. Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331 for GM approved fluids.
.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.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Service and Maintenance 331
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling
System 0264.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco
dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0260.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer. Rear Axle See your dealer.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Technical Data 335
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants0331 for more
information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See yourdealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System*
I3.6L V6 Engine without the V92 towing package 14.6 L 15.4 qt
I3.6L V6 Engine with the V92 towing package 14.7 L 15.5 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Fuel Tank IFront-Wheel Drive 73.4 L 19.4 gal
IAll-Wheel Drive 82.1 L 21.7 gal
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
360 Index
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 277
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 282
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 104
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Engine (cont'd)
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . .128
F
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 232 Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 243
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 277
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 282
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
362 Index
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 128
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 80
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 106
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Media Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . 138