Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
136 Driving and Operating
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0154.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle 0223.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 139
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.The Certification/Tire label may also
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out
the actual loads on the front and rear
axles, weigh the vehicle at a weigh
station. Your dealer can help with this.
Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
(Continued)
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
140 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
805 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
322 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
in ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be
applied. 0 (Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF) :
This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park).
3. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 153.
4. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column (1), then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF (2).
5. Remove the key.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 141
6. Release the brake pedal.
See your dealer if the key can be removed
in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 147.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, turn off the
vehicle only in an emergency. In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving:
1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop.
5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 153.
7. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in —or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system to
operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this
position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 147.
From ON/RUN, push the key all the way in
toward the steering column, then turn the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/ACCESSORY with the
engine off, the battery could drain and the
vehicle may not start.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can also
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
142 Driving and Operating
be used for service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the
engine is running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the engine
off, the battery could drain and the vehicle
may not start.
3 (START) :This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts, release
the key. The ignition returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electronic keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
The RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle
for the system to operate.
If the vehicle is not working, the vehicle
may be near a strong antenna signal
causing interference to the Keyless Access
system. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access) 09or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 012.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
turned on or in Service Mode, and the brake
must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the engine
off. If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition
will turn off, and Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0147.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display the
message SHIFT TO PARK.
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system will switch off. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition off. The
shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 153.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 143
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off. With the
ignition off, pressing ENGINE START/STOP
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) : This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing ENGINE START/STOP once will place
the ignition system in ON/RUN/Start. Once engine cranking begins, release ENGINE
START/STOP. Engine cranking will continue
until the engine starts. See
Starting the
Engine 0143.
The engine will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes.
With the vehicle off, and the brake pedal
not applied, pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than five seconds will
place the vehicle in Service Mode.
The instruments and audio system will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The
engine will not start in Service Mode.
Press ENGINE START/STOP again to turn the
vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0165.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is held
in that position while starting the vehicle,
damage may occur to the hydraulic
power steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle when it is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
144 Driving and Operating
Starting Procedure (Key Access)1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the ignition.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the key and
the accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Starting Procedure (Keyless Access) 1. Press the brake pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP on the instrument panel.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if the
RKE transmitter battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
message. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) 090 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Key Access) 09or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 012.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by trying to start the engine
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
hold ENGINE START/STOP, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of the
button and the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, follow
the same steps. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 151
R :Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 136.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
M : This position allows shifting similar to a
manual transmission. See Manual Mode
0 152.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower
gear than normal to improve vehicle
performance. The engine speed may be
higher and there may be an increase in
noise during the following conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.
.When driving in hot temperatures or at
high altitude.