2021 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Transmission

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Driving and Operating 203
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding ENGINE START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The
engine will not start in Service Mode. Press
the button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0254.
Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE
transmitter must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the brake pedal
applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if the
RKE battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
message.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by trying to start the engine
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
press ENGINE START/STOP, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
204 Driving and Operating
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the increased
number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer0101. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released. Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle is in any gear other than
D (Drive).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes
have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide easier
starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 0 °F (−18 °C). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. Some models
may have an internal thermostat in the cord
which will prevent engine heater operation
at temperatures above 0 °F (−18 °C).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
206 Driving and Operating
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set theparking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 212.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the shift lever
and pushing the shift lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0206. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0244.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pressing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may
need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle
to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to prevent movement of
the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on or in Service Mode and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting
- North America 0309.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Turn the ignition on.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
208 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
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
0 206 and
Engine Exhaust 0207.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 244.
Automatic Transmission
P : This position locks the drive 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 shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0206 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 244.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. With the ignition on, fully apply the
regular brake, then press the button on the
shift lever before shifting from P (Park).
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
0 206.
R : Use this gear to back up.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Driving and Operating 209
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
0 197.
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. If the vehicle is stopped on a hill, with your
foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle may
roll. This is normal and is due to the torque
converter designed to improve fuel economy
and performance. Use the brake to hold the
vehicle on a hill. Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
L :
This position gives you access to gear
ranges. This provides more engine braking
but lower fuel economy than D (Drive). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. See Manual Mode0209.
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
.When driving in hot temperatures, or at
high altitude
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the top-gear
limit of the transmission and the vehicle's
speed while driving downhill or towing a

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
210 Driving and Operating
trailer. The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. When using the ERS mode a number
will display next to the L, indicating the
highest gear available for the range selected.
To use this feature:1. Press the shift lever button and move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press + (Plus) or −(Minus) on the shift
lever to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to L (Low),
the transmission will shift to a
pre-determined lower gear range. The
highest gear available for this
pre-determined range is displayed next to the L in the DIC. See
Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0111. The number displayed in
the DIC is the highest gear that the
transmission will be allowed to operate in.
This means that all gears below that
number are available. For example, when
4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L, 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) gears are automatically
shifted by the vehicle. The transmission will
not shift into 5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus)
button is used or you shift back into
D (Drive).
If the transmission is in 9 (ninth) gear when
L (low) is selected, a downshift to 7 (seventh)
will be commanded. If in 8 (eighth) through
2 (second), a single downshift will occur.
While in L (Low), the transmission will
prevent shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. You have a brief
period of time to slow the vehicle. If vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not
be completed. You must further slow the
vehicle, then press −(Minus) to the desired
lower gear range.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking is not
available when the ERS is active. It is
available in D (Drive) for both normal driving and Tow/Haul Mode. While using the ERS,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul Mode can
be used. See
“Tow/Haul Mode” following.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load.
_:Select Tow/Haul Mode with the knob
on the center console.
When Tow/Haul Mode is activated, a
message is displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0244 and
Driver Mode Control 0215.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Driving and Operating 211
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/
Haul Mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission 0208.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode.
Turn the knob to4to select AWD.
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed. See Driver Mode Control
0 215.
When operated in Two-wheel drive, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better fuel
economy.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See Compact Spare Tire 0308.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0107.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
216 Driving and Operating
Rotate the Driver Mode Control knob to
make a mode selection. The icons on the
knob will illuminate to indicate which mode
is active. A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message will indicate that the mode is on
when switching to different modes.
5(AWD Only) orq(FWD Only) :
Vehicle is in either Front-Wheel Drive for
non AWD vehicles, or Two-Wheel Drive for
AWD vehicles. This mode will remain active
through future ignition cycles. This setting
either puts the vehicle in Two-Wheel Drive
(AWD vehicles) or is the normal drive mode
(FWD vehicles). Use this mode for normal
driving conditions. This is the most fuel
efficient drive mode. See Driving for Better
Fuel Economy 0189.
4(AWD Only) : Vehicle is in AWD Mode.
This mode will remain active through future
ignition cycles. AWD Mode provides drive
torque to all four wheels. Use this mode for
driving conditions that require improved
traction such as gravel, sand, wet pavement,
snow, and ice. AWD may turn off and
display a message on the DIC in instances of
extensive use or overheating. When in AWD Mode, the AWD Mode
indicator will be on. For more information
on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive0211.
6(FWD Only) : Vehicle is in Snow Mode.
This mode will not remain active through
future ignition cycles. The vehicle will be in
Front-Wheel Drive when the engine is
restarted. Snow Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice covered roads.
The accelerator pedal will be more sensitive
to provide finer control of the torque at the
wheels in slippery conditions.
7(AWD Only) : Vehicle is in Off-Road
Mode. This mode will not remain active
through future ignition cycles. The vehicle
will be in Two-Wheel Drive when the engine
is restarted. This mode will automatically
activate AWD. The accelerator pedal will be
more sensitive to provide finer control of
the torque at the wheels. StabiliTrak/ESC,
ABS, and TCS will change for optimal
off-road performance. Use this mode for
public off-road recreational driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0192.
_Tow/Haul : Vehicle is in Tow/Haul
Mode. This mode will not remain active
through future ignition cycles. The vehicle
will be in Front-Wheel Drive or Two-Wheel
Drive when the engine is restarted. This
mode will automatically activate AWD. See
All-Wheel Drive 0211. The transmission holds
lower gears longer before shifting to provide
more torque necessary when towing heavy
loads. This will also increase fuel
consumption. Use this mode to assist in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds when
driving on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.
This helps prevent the brakes from
overheating. For more information, see Tow/
Haul Mode 0210.
The following table shows how the different
modes affect the various subsystem
functions that may be on the vehicle.