Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Seats and Restraints 49
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags,
if equipped, are designed to help contain
the head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the first and
second rows. The rollover capable roof-rail
airbags are designed to help reduce the risk
of full or partial ejection in rollover events,
although no system can prevent all such
ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types
of collisions, primarily because the
occupant's motion is not toward those
airbags. SeeWhen Should an Airbag Inflate?
0 47.
Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to seat
belts.
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates?
After frontal and seat-mounted side impact
airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not even
realize the airbags inflated. Roof-rail airbags
may still be at least partially inflated for
some time after they inflate. Some
components of the airbag module may be
hot for several minutes. For location of the
airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? 046. The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Instruments and Controls 81
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed
in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has
been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven since the trip
odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset
through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) 090.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Caution
If the engine is operated with the rpm in
the warning area at the high end of the
tachometer, the vehicle could be
damaged, and the damage would not be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the rpm in the
warning area.
Fuel Gauge
English Shown, Metric Similar
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
shows how much fuel is left in the
fuel tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on. When the indicator nears empty, a message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays. There still is a little fuel left, but
the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:
.It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge may have indicated the tank
was half full, but it actually took a little
more, or less than half the tank's capacity
to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner, speeding up or braking.
.The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on
the instrument cluster.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
84 Instruments and Controls
driven with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is on with the engine not
running for Key Access or in Service Mode
for Keyless Access. SeeIgnition Positions
(Key Access) 0138 or
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) 0139.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0167.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If equipped with capless fuel fill: If fuel
has been added to the vehicle using the
capless funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “Filling the Tank
with a Portable Gas Can” underFilling the
Tank (Capless Fuel Fill) 0161 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0163.
The diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Instruments and Controls 85
.If equipped with capped fuel fill: A loose
or missing fuel cap may cause the light
to come on. SeeFilling the Tank (Capless
Fuel Fill) 0161 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0163.
A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor drivability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0160.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 164. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on with the engine not running
for Key Access or in Service Mode for
Keyless Access.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
For vehicles with this light, it comes on if a
condition exists that may require the vehicle
to be taken in for service.
If the light comes on, take the vehicle to
your dealer for service as soon as possible.
Owner Manual Indicator
This symbol is shown when you need to see
the owner’s manual for additional
instructions or information.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Driving and Operating 127
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 128
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Ignition Positions (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . 138
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) . . . . . 139
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 145
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 147
Extended Parking (Keyless Access) . . . . . 147
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 148
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Filling the Tank (Capless Fuel Fill) . . . . . . 161
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) . . . . . . 163
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 164
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
128 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Driving is an important responsibility. Driver
behavior, the driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a vehicle
performs.
Being aware of these factors can help in
understanding how the vehicle handles and
what can be done to avoid many types of
crashes, including a rollover crash.
Most serious injuries and fatalities to
unbelted occupants can be reduced or
prevented by the use of seat belts. In a
rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt
turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can
help make trips safer and avoid the
possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other times
where visibility or traction may be limited,such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly
terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
This is because they have a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track or shorter
wheelbase than passenger cars, which makes
them more capable for off-road driving.
While these design characteristics provide
the driver with a better view of the road,
these vehicles do have a higher center of
gravity than other types of vehicles.
A utility vehicle does not handle the same
as a vehicle with a lower center of gravity,
like a car, in similar situations.
Safe driver behavior and understanding of
the environment can help avoid a rollover
crash in any type of vehicle, including utility
vehicles.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
136 Driving and Operating
Example 2
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg
(750 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg
(250 lbs).
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight =
0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to your vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information label for specific
information about your vehicle's
capacity weight and seating positions.
The combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never
exceed your vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the
vehicle's original tires and the inflation
pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. The label
shows the gross weight capacity of the
vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Driving and Operating 161
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
.For vehicles that are not FlexFuel, fuel
labeled greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of methanol,
methylal, ferrocene, and aniline. These
fuels can corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system and
spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating of
less than the recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel economy and
performance, and may decrease the
life of the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels0161.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your vehicle.
If your country does not have TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to the
vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at every oil
change or 15 000 km (9,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline will help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank (Capless Fuel Fill)
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 081.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
.Read and follow all the instructions on
the fuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine when refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the fuel
pump and never let children
pump fuel.
.Before touching the fill nozzle, touch a
metallic object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
(Continued)