Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Vehicle Care 167
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 168
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 168
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 171
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 174
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . 189
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 193
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 196
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 198
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 203
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 206
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 206 Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 210
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 212
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 212
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 214
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 220
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
172 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0175.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0172.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0172.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0176.
5. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0176.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0180.
7. Auxiliary Fuse Block. See Engine
Compartment Fuse Block 0193.
8. Battery - North America 0182.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0180.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0193.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0174.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0171 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
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174 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
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.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message comes on. 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. Your dealer has
trained service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is alsoimportant 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. To reset the
system:
1. Press the MENU button to show Remaining Oil Life on the display. This
display shows an estimate of the oil’s
remaining useful life. If 99% is displayed,
that means that 99% of the current oil
life remains.
2. To reset the engine oil life system, press the SET/CLR button while the oil life
display is active. After a few seconds,
there will be a single chime and the oil
life will be reset to 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display
accidentally at any time other than after the
oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message comes back on when the vehicle is
started, the engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should have this
done at your dealer.
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. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0243.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
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176 Vehicle Care
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in the vehicle for
5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0179.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
(Continued)
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
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Vehicle Care 177
Caution (Continued)
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the
upper coolant hose return line when the
engine is running.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at or above the mark pointed to, add a
50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool before
this is done. If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
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178 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
If no problem is found, check to see if
coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at the indicated level mark, add a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system, including
the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool
before you do it.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including
the coolant surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one-quarter of a
turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any pressure still
left to be vented out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with theproper mixture to the indicated
level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the indicated
level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
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Vehicle Care 179
6. Verify coolant level after the engine isshut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the proper level
when the system cools down again, see
your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn of the
engine overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light 087.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 253.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fan
is running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) for
an automatic transmission and let the
engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes.
Keep a safe vehicle distance from the vehicle
in front. If the warning does not come back
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
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180 Vehicle Care
on, continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. If operating the
vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview0171 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applies. This does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes.