Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Instruments and Controls 97
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 Modifications0245.
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 towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
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:
.A loose or missing fuel cap may cause
the light to come on. The diagnostic
system can detect if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This
would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See Filling the Tank0232 A
few driving trips with the cap properly
installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
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 0231.
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
0 241. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Instruments and Controls 101
The traction off light comes on when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off by pressing and releasing the
TCS/StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF light come
on when StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel speed will be limited
when necessary to protect the driveline
from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0206.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the
system does not assist in controlling the
vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/
ESC systems, and the warning light
turns off.
See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0206.
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine
is started.
If the light does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the indicator
light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS
and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system
have been disabled. A Driver Information
Center (DIC) message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s)
is no longer functioning and whether the
vehicle requires service.
If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/
or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively
working.
See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0206.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the engine is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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102 Instruments and Controls
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire Pressure
0 285.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 287.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature, and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will vary
engine oil pressure according to engine
needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as
the engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning light or
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes
on briefly when the ignition is turned on as
a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low
on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is
added. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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198 Driving and Operating
3. Repeat for all hooks to fully engagecover to grille.
4. Make sure all clips remain engaged during installation. Cover should be
stretched to a tight fit when properly
installed.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Property damage or personal injury may
result. Always park the vehicle in a clear
open area away from buildings or
structures.
The engine heater, if available, can help in
cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C
(0 °F) for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Plug in
the engine heater at least four hours before
starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from the rear compartment.
3. 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.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord 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
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.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 199
Warning (Continued)
.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.
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.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be used after
the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until any door is opened.
The infotainment system will continue to
work for 10 minutes, until the driver door is
opened, or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be 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. 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,
use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0234
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 205
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward the front of the
vehicle into P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition off.
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 vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
parking brake 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 shift to
P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0199.
If you are towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0234.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) and the parking brake set.
Release the button and check that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P (Park).
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 207
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0187 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 233
The fuel door unlocks when the vehicle
doors are unlocked. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access)
0 9or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 011.
To open the fuel door, push and release the
rearward center edge of the door.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise to
remove. When refueling, hang the fuel cap
from the hook on the fuel door. Fully insert
and latch the fill nozzle, then begin fueling.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more than
three clicks of a standard fill nozzle may
cause:
.Vehicle performance issues, including
engine stalling and damage to the fuel
system.
.Fuel spills.
.Under certain conditions, fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait five seconds
after you have finished pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0307. Reinstall the cap by
turning it clockwise until it clicks. Push the
fuel door closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the fill nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The wrong
type of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may turn on the malfunction indicator
lamp, and could damage the fuel system
and emissions system. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 096.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 235
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode SeeManual Mode 0203.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0200.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment
0240. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.