2021 CHEVROLET TRAX Owner's Manual

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
144 Driving and Operating
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electricalcord. The cord is in the driver side of the
engine compartment, near the battery.
It is shipped from the factory with a tie
holding it in place. Use care in removing
the tie so that the cord is not damaged.
Check the heater cord for damage. If it is
damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was
before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Driving and Operating 145
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.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 Parking Brake0151.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the button on the shift lever
and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Push the ignition key in, towards the steering column and then turn the
ignition off. 4. Remove the key and take it with you.
If you can leave the vehicle with the
ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is
in P (Park).
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.
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). See Shifting
Into Park 0145. If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake
pedal down. Then see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pushing the button on the shift lever. If you
can, it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
“torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To
find out how, see “Shifting Into Park”
previously in this section.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
146 Driving and Operating
If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission, so you can
pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock
control. The shift lock control is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park) unless the ignition is on and the
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control 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. SeeJump Starting
- North America 0221.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button. 2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the
shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be moved from
P (Park), see “Shift Lock Manual Release”
following.
Shift Lock Manual Release
The transmission has an electric park lock.
The ignition must be on, and the brake
pedal must be pressed so the shift lever can
be moved from the P (Park) position. If the
battery has lost power, the shift lever
cannot be moved from P (Park) unless the
shift lock manual release is disengaged
manually.
To access the shift lock manual release:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Hold the brake pedal down. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the cover on the console.
4. Insert and push the key into the slot.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Driving and Operating 147
5. Move the shift lever out of P (Park).If P (Park) is selected again after the key
is removed from the slot, the shift lever
will be locked again.
6. Remove the key from the slot.
7. Replace the cover.
8. Have the cause of the problem fixed by your dealer.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking (Keyless Access)
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation. See Shifting Into Park 0145 and
Engine Exhaust 0147.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to run
for up to half an hour. If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.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.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
148 Driving and Operating
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. SeeShifting Into Park
0 145 and
Engine Exhaust 0147.
Automatic Transmission
The selected gear is also shown in the
instrument cluster.
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
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). See Shifting
Into Park 0145.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be fully
applied first and then the shift lever button
pressed 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 0146. R :
Use this gear to back up.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
0 133.
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.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Driving and Operating 149
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.
M : This position allows shifting similar to a
manual transmission. See Manual Mode
0 149.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
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
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC allows you to shift an automatic
transmission similar to a manual
transmission.
To use this feature: 1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward to M (Manual).
While driving in manual mode, the
transmission will remain in the driver
selected gear. When coming to a stop in
the manual position, the vehicle will
automatically shift into 1 (First) gear.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
150 Driving and Operating
2. Press the + (plus) end of the button onthe side of the shift lever to upshift,
or press the −(minus) end of the button
to downshift.
The instrument cluster will change from the
currently displayed message to the letter
“M,” for Manual position, and a number
indicating the requested gear.
While using the DSC feature, the
transmission will have firmer shifting and
sportier performance. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing hills to stay
in gear longer or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift
into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute (rpm):
.The transmission will not allow shifting to
the next higher gear if the vehicle speed
or engine rpm is too low.
.The transmission will not allow shifting to
the next lower gear if the vehicle speed
or engine rpm is too high. Automatic Transmission Adaptation Feature
While the vehicle is being driven and gear
shifting takes place, the transmission will
learn and adapt. This increases durability
and maintains the best shift quality of the
life of the vehicle.
During vehicle break-in (initial driving), it is
normal to experience some shift bumps.
Shift quality will improve with the normal
gear shifting as the transmission learns and
adapts.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
If equipped, this feature transfers engine
power, as required, to all four wheels. It is
fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed
for road conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact spare and
disables AWD to protect the system.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) message
will display on the instrument cluster. See
Vehicle Messages
092. To restore 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
0220.
AWD will be disabled and the message will
display if there is excessive wheel spin.
When the system cools down, AWD will be
restored.
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 086.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Driving and Operating 151
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.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake:1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull up firmly on the parking brake handle without pressing the release
button.
3. The brake system warning light will come on, if the ignition is on. See Brake
System Warning Light 086.
To release the parking brake: 1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull the parking brake handle up until the release button can be pressed easily.
3. Hold the release button while lowering the brake handle all the way down. 4. The brake system warning light will turn
off, if the ignition is on.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Driving with the parking brake applied will
cause a warning chime to sound and a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may display. Release the parking brake or
stop the vehicle.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.