Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Driving and Operating 205
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 098 and Service Electric Parking Brake Light
099.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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206 Driving and Operating
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.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0234.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
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.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 182.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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236 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination will not
accelerate as quickly and is much longer so
it is necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to the
lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right.
Always back up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0258.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 261
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 098. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0316.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0325.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. For replacement of the
battery, see your dealer.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System 0195. It has an Absorbed
Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation
of a standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the
12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an
AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the
charger to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
(Continued)
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 301
5. Route the strap through the wheel, asshown.
6. Attach the other end of the strap to the other cargo tie-down in the rear of the
vehicle.
7. Tighten the strap.
Storing the Compact Spare Tire and Tools
Reverse the instructions for removing the
spare tire and tools to store the spare tire.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use
only. Replace the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as you can. See
Compact Spare Tire 0301.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 307
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable atthe battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” Battery - North America
0 261.
9. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0325.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Index 351
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 322
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174, 176
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 179
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . .54
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . .54
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 53
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 60
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . .59
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203, 263 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 156
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 222
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356 Index
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 121
J
JackAuxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 302
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 11
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 8
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . .120
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . 96
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 96
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Lights (cont'd)
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327