2021 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE automatic transmission

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Vehicle Care 255
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 256
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 256
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 257
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 275
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 277
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 280
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 282
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 288
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 292 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 293
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 297
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 299
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 299
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 301
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 309
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
262 Vehicle Care
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished,
a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comeson to indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicate
that an oil change is not necessary for up to
a year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and, at this
time, the system must be reset. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
OIL LIFE REMAINING percentage is near 0%.
Your dealer has trained service people who
will perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the
DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 111.
2. Press and hold
Vfor several seconds.
The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 111.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the display shows 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to the dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Vehicle Care 263
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule0323, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0331.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331.
If you need to check the transmission fluid
level, take the vehicle to your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change Engine Air Filter
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. The system must be reset after
the engine air filter is changed.
If the CHECK AIR FILTER SYSTEM message
displays, see your dealer.
How to Reset Engine Air Filter Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine air
filter is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next engine air filter change.
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0111.
3. Press
pto move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press
V
for several seconds.
4. Press
Vto confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 259.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
.For intervals on changing and inspecting
the engine air filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0323.
.If equipped with Engine Air Filter Life
System, see Engine Air Filter Life System
0 263.
.If driving in very dusty areas, follow the
engine air filter inspecting and changing
intervals, see Maintenance Schedule
0 323.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris.
Remove the engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly
tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter
(away from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air cleaner/
filter for damage, and replace if damaged.
Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Vehicle Care 279
FusesUsage
F22 Electronic brake control module
F23 Parking/Trailer lamps
F24 Right trailer stoplamp/ Turnlamp
F25 Steering column lock
F26 –
F27 Left trailer stoplamp/ Turnlamp
F28 –
F29 –
F30 Washer pump F31 –
F32 Left low –beam
headlamp
F33 Daylight running lamps
F34 Horn F35 –
F36 –
F37 Right low –beam
headlamp Fuses
Usage
F38 Automatic headlamp leveling motor
F39 Transmission control module
F40 Left rear bus electrical center/Ignition
F41 Instrument cluster
F42 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
F43 Head-up display/ Reflective light auxiliary
display
F44 Communication gateway module/Run/
Crank
F45 –
F46 –
F47 –
F48 –
F49 Interior rearview mirror F50 Fuel system control module/Shifter interface
board/Run/Crank Fuses
Usage
F51 Heated steering wheel
F52 Folding seats switch
F53 Coolant pump
F54 –
F55 Air conditioning clutch
F56 –
F57 Engine control module/ Ignition
F58 Transmission control module/Ignition
F59 Engine control module battery
F60 Engine control module–even
F61 O2 sensor 1/Air flow
F62 –
F63 O2 sensor 2/Canister/ Engine oil/Turbo
F64 Aeroshutter F65 Engine control module powertrain 1

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
288 Vehicle Care
(4) Construction Code:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a
tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0290. Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0198.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0198.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0198.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 303
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate018.
2. Lift the load floor.
3. Remove the cargo management system.
See Cargo Management System 086.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
310 Vehicle Care
The jump start positive (+) terminal (4) and
negative (-) terminal (3) are on the battery
of the vehicle providing the jump start.
The positive jump start connection for the
discharged battery is under a cover. Remove
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. See Shifting Into Park
0 206.
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 remote
negative (–) terminal for the discharged
battery.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
312 Vehicle Care
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle–such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Before recreational vehicle towing, consider:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle will be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can be towed.
.The proper towing equipment. See your
dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
.Whether the vehicle is ready to be towed.
Just as preparing the vehicle for a long
trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to
be towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle
should be run at the beginning of each day
and at each RV fuel stop for about
five minutes. This will ensure proper
lubrication of transmission components.
To tow the vehicle from the front with all
four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle that will be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Put the vehicle in N (Neutral).
3. Shut engine off (vehicle will remain in accessory mode). 4. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal
connector from the 12-volt battery.
5. Close the hood of the vehicle.
Caution
If the vehicle is towed without
performing each of the steps listed under
“Dinghy Towing,” the automatic
transmission could be damaged. Be sure
to follow all steps of the dinghy towing
procedure prior to and after towing the
vehicle.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
Once the destination is reached: 1. Shift the vehicle to P (Park).
2. Reconnect the negative (-) terminal connector to the 12-volt battery.
3. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes before driving the
vehicle.