
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
120 Instruments and Controls
vehicle's fuel economy over recent driving
history and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Timer :This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press the thumbwheel
while this display is active. The display will
show the amount of time that has passed
since the timer was last reset. To stop the
timer, press the thumbwheel briefly while
this display is active and the timer is
running.
Press the thumbwheel while this display is
active to reset the timer.
Oil Life : Shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If REMAINING OIL LIFE
99% is displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 315. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0386.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not
reset the Oil Life display at any time other than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset the engine oil life
system, press the thumbwheel while the Oil
Life display is active. See
Engine Oil Life
System 0316.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 348 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0349.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE SOON message
displays, the engine air filter should be
replaced at the earliest convenience.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0318.
Brake Pad Life : This displays an estimate of
the remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Messages will display based on brake pad wear and the state of the system.
Reset the Brake Pad Life display after
replacing the brake pads. See
Brake Pad Life
System 0325.
Fuel Economy : Displays average fuel
economy, the best fuel economy over the
selected distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Press the thumbwheel to change the
selected distance. Press and hold the
thumbwheel while this display is active to
reset the best fuel economy and average
fuel economy. This display can also be reset
by selecting reset in the menu.
Engine Hours (Hourmeter) : Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run. This
display also shows the engine idle hours.
Transmission Fluid Temperature : Shows the
temperature of the automatic transmission
fluid in either degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake : On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC)
system, the trailer brake display appears in
the DIC.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
284 Driving and Operating
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0386. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0322.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle. Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, and how frequently the vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch and
Adjustment” underTowing Equipment 0287
to determine if equalizer bars are required
to obtain the maximum trailer weight
rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0287 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 317
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 comes
on 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
REMAINING OIL LIFE 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 percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 119.
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip odometer reset stem if
the vehicle does not have DIC controls,
for several seconds. When the
confirmation message displays, select
YES. The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 119.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. 3. If the display changes to 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 percentage is near 0%, the engine oil
life system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the transmission fluid
in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See Publication Ordering
Information 0408.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
318 Vehicle Care
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. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0395.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0386. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0395.
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 the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing. When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0119.
3. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel to move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press the
thumbwheel for several seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on the driver
side of the engine compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0312.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system see Maintenance
Schedule 0386 for intervals on inspecting
and replacing the engine air cleaner filter.
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. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/
filter:

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 391
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)
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)
Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
430 Index
Tires (cont'd)Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 355
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 356
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 353
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Traction
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . 196
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Trailer Towing
App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Trailering App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 406
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Updates Map Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Vehicle (cont'd)
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . 410
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Vehicle Security Steering Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111