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326 Driving and Operating
vehicle brake lamps will come on when
either the vehicle brakes or trailer brakes are
applied and properly connected.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a specific
trailering condition and it must be
readjusted anytime vehicle loading, trailer
loading, or road surface conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are over-gained or
under-gained may not stop the vehicle
and the trailer as intended and can result
in a crash. Always follow the instructions
to set the Trailer Gain for the proper
trailer stopping performance.
To adjust Trailer Gain for each towing
condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing condition
and free of traffic at about 32–40 km/h
(20–25 mph) and fully apply the Manual
Trailer Brake Apply Lever.
Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds lower
than 32–40 km/h (20–25 mph) may
result in an incorrect gain setting. 2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer
Gain (+) or (−) adjustment buttons, to
just below the point of trailer wheel
lock-up, indicated by trailer wheel squeal
or tire smoke when a trailer wheel locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if
towing a heavily loaded trailer. Adjust
the Trailer Gain to the highest allowable
setting for the towing condition.
3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER CONNECTED: This message will
briefly display when a trailer with electric
brakes is first connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off in about
10 seconds. This message can be
acknowledged before it automatically
turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This message will
display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric brakes
and then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle. If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is stationary, this message will
automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also turn
off if it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is moving, this message will continue
until the ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer harness is
reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the wiring to
the trailer brakes. This message will
continue as long as there is an electrical
fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of the
trailer wiring harness connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side.
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If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message only
reappears when connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the electrical fault is
on the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM: This
message will display when there is a
problem with the ITBC system. If this
message continues over multiple ignition
cycles, have the vehicle serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING or
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM message
displays while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not function
at all. When traffic conditions allow,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the side of
the road and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and turn the
ignition back on. If either of these messages
continues, either the vehicle or trailer needs
service.
A GM dealer may be able to diagnose and
repair problems with the trailer. However,
any diagnosis and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty. Contact
your trailer dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty information.Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reducevehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
247.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0317 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
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328 Driving and Operating
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer Sway
Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped with an
electronic device designed to reduce or
control trailer sway. Aftermarket equipment
manufacturers also offer similar devices that
connect to the wiring between the trailer
and the vehicle. These devices may interfere
with the vehicle’s trailer brake or other
systems, including integrated anti-sway
systems, if equipped. Messages related to
trailer connections or trailer brakes could
appear on the DIC. The effects of these
aftermarket devices may have on vehicle
handling or trailer brake performance is not
known.
{Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic trailer sway
control devices could result in reduced
trailer brake performance, loss of trailer
brakes, or other malfunctions, and result
in a crash. You or others could be
seriously injured or killed. Before using
one of these devices:(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Ask the device or trailer manufacturer
if the device has been thoroughly
tested for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of your vehicle
and any optional equipment installed
on your vehicle.
.Before driving, check the trailer brakes
are working properly, if equipped.
Drive the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road surface that
is free of traffic at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply the
manual trailer brake apply lever. Also,
check the trailer brake lamps and
other lamps are functioning correctly.
.If the trailer brakes are not operating
properly at any time, or if a DIC
message indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer brakes,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road when traffic
conditions allow.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer tire
pressure monitoring system, see the trailer
tire pressure monitoring system description
and the trailering app.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
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the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Trailering App
Trailer Lights App
If equipped, the Trailer Lights App is on the
infotainment home screen.
Touch Start to cycle the trailer lamps on and
off to determine if they are working. The
test follows this sequence:1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and 45 seconds, or until the
test deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test
automatically ends after one minute and
45 seconds. The sequence also deactivates when any of
the following occur:
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.
.The hazard warning lights are activated.
Trailering App
If equipped, the Trailering App is on the
infotainment home screen.
If equipped this feature allows profiles for
connected trailers to be created to view
status, to store and track trailer usage
information, and to set up towing assist
features.
The Trailering App welcome page appears
when the Trailering App is opened for the
first time from the infotainment home
screen.
When a trailer is electrically connected and
a trailer profile has not been created, there
will be an option to create a profile, use a
guest profile, or select Accessory/No trailer.
When a trailer is electrically connected and
after a Trailer Profile has been created, the
trailer detection pop-up appears with a list
of all of the custom Trailer Profiles made onthe vehicle. To load an existing Trailer
Profile, select one of the Trailer Profiles
listed, or load the Guest Trailer Profile by
selecting GUEST TRAILER. Touching
Accessory/No trailer will select Accessory/No
trailer as the active Trailer Profile and will
dismiss the pop- up. Shifting the vehicle
from P (Park) will select Guest Trailer as the
active Trailer Profile and will dismiss the
pop-up.
Create a Trailer Profile
Touch Add Trailer on the trailer detection
pop-up or touch + Add Trailer in the
Trailering App.
Follow on-screen instructions to set up
profile.
After a profile is created, set up for
additional features may become available,
such as Tow/Haul Mode reminder, Trailer
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TTPMS),
maintenance reminders, or towing assist.
Import a Trailer Profile
Touch Import on the trailer detection pop-up
or touch Import in the Trailering App.
Follow on-screen instructions to import a
profile.
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330 Driving and Operating
After a profile is imported, it can be selected
from the trailer list. The Tow/Haul Mode
reminder, Brake Gain Setting and Trailer Tire
Pressure sensor learning, if equipped, do not
import.
Trailer Feature Setup
Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
To turn the Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
setting on, touch Yes. To turn it off,
touch No.
Trailer Tire Pressure Setup
If the Trailer TTPMS is detected, touch the
Tire Pressure Monitoring icon to set up tire
pressure monitoring.
The trailer tire pressure sensors can transmit
up to 7 m (23 feet) from the hitch receiver of
the vehicle.
A trailer must be electrically connected to
the vehicle before starting the
sensor-to-vehicle learn process.
After selecting Start from the Learn Sensors
screen, use the Tool Method or the Manual
Method (described below) to learn each tire
sensor, during which the current tire number
will be highlighted.Each sensor has a maximum of two minutes
to learn. After a sensor is learned, a
checkmark appears next to the tire, the
vehicle horn sounds, the vehicle brake lamps
flash, and all working trailer lamps flash.
It then moves to the next sensor.
Touch Stop to cancel the process.
The recommended tire pressure must be
entered for the trailer tires. This allows the
vehicle to alert when the tire pressure is
high or low.
TTPMS must learn the location of the
installed tire sensors to show correct air
pressure and temperature for each tire. To
set up, use one of the following options or
see a tire or trailer dealer for service. The
learning process must be repeated when the
trailer tires are rotated or replaced.
Tool Method: A TTPMS activation tool can
be purchased separately to learn the sensor
locations.
Manual Method: Without the tool, the air
pressure can be increased or decreased in
each tire for 10 seconds. Do not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure found on the
tire sidewalls. Make sure to readjust tire
pressure to the recommended level when
the process is complete.Sensor Learning Steps
To complete the sensor-to-vehicle learn
process:
1. Touch Start on the Learn Sensors screen. The horn chirps twice and the Learning
Active screen appears on the
infotainment screen.
2. Start with the driver side front trailer tire.
3. Activate the tool near the valve stem or adjust the air pressure of this tire until
the horn chirps and all working vehicle
and trailer lights flash.
The process stops without saving the
sensor locations if this step takes more
than two minutes.
4. Move to the next tire and repeat Step 3 for each sensor. The horn chirps twice
when all sensors are completed.
5. Return to the vehicle to complete the setup.
Maintenance Reminders
To set up maintenance reminders, touch the
Trailer Maintenance icon. Follow the
onscreen prompts. The maximum number of
reminders is 50.
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If a connected trailer becomes disconnected,
a message about the trailer disconnect will
appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) immediately (if vehicle is on) or the
next time the vehicle is turned on (if trailer
was disconnected while vehicle is off). Check
your trailer connection if needed.
Connection Problem
If any of the trailer connections are lost, a
message about the connection issue appears
on the DIC. The infotainment screen will also
show the connection issue in the Lights
Status view.
Connection Trailer Lighting Faults Detected
The Trailering App System monitors for
electrical faults on the trailer lights.
A message about the lighting issue appears
on the DIC. The infotainment screen will also
show the lighting issue in the Lights Status
view. Repair your trailer lights if needed.
A trailer lighting issue is not covered by
your GM warranty.
The Running Lights connection may not
detect partial outages. Activate the light test
to check all trailer lamps. See“Light Test”
following. Light Test
Touch Start Light Test to cycle the trailer
lights on and off to determine if they are
working. The test follows this sequence:
1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2-5 repeat for approximately on minute and 45 seconds, or until the test
deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test will
automatically end after one minute and
45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates when any of
the following occur:
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of
P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.
.The hazard warning lights are activated.
Tires
Tire Pressure and Temperature
If the TTPMS sensor-to-vehicle learn process
was completed, the status view will display
the current tire pressure and temperature of
the trailer tires related to the active Trailer
Profile. If a tire’s pressure is low or high, the
color of the pressure value will be amber.
If a sensor malfunctions, the values are
dashed lines. If the screen displays “Service
Tire Pressure Monitoring System,” the
vehicle needs to be taken to a dealer for
service.
Touch to set up the TTPMS for the Trailer
Profile. See “Trailer Tire Pressure Setup”
previously in this section for details on the
setup. Also, touch Sensor Setup if the trailer
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336 Driving and Operating
The Custom Trailer Profiles and Guest Trailer
are in order of the most frequently used.
The Accessory/No Trailer profile is shown
below the Custom Trailer Profiles and Guest
Trailer Profile.
All personalization features are based on the
settings for each driver in vehicle
personalization. The list of Trailer Profiles is
based on vehicle personalization settings.
Guest Trailer
If the Guest Trailer Profile is the active
Trailer Profile, trailer detection, lights/
connections status, theft, and the Tow/Haul
reminder alerts can be sent. The system will
not track total mileage or fuel economy, but
the system will track trip mileage and fuel
economy if the Guest Trailer Profile is active.
The TTPMS or maintenance reminders
cannot be set up for a Guest Trailer Profile.
The Guest Trailer Profile cannot be edited.
Touch
4to learn more about the Guest
Trailer option.
Accessory/No Trailer
If the Accessory/No Trailer Profile is active,
alerts will not be sent and the system will
not track mileage or fuel economy. The
TTPMS or maintenance reminders cannot be set up for the Accessory/No Trailer Profile.
The Accessory/No Trailer profile cannot be
edited.
No Trailer Connected
When there is no trailer connected, Trailer
Profiles cannot be activated but most
options can be edited.
Trailer Brake Gain Memory
The system can store the brake gain setting
of a Trailer Profile or a Guest Trailer Profile.
When a Trailer Profile or Guest Trailer Profile
is selected, and a brake gain setting is set
for that Trailer Profile, a quick notice will
appear to indicate that the system has
recalled that profile's brake gain setting.
If a Trailer Profile is already active and the
brake gain setting had been set for that
Trailer Profile, the quick notice will trigger
whenever the vehicle is turned on.
If there was an error in setting the brake
gain for a Trailer Profile, there will be a
notification. This pop-up will not appear if
the Guest Trailer Profile is active or if there
is no trailer connected.
Trailer brake gain should be set for a specific
trailering condition and must be adjusted
anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions change.
Editing a Trailer Profile
Touch the trailer profile icon/name in the
Status View to access the Trailer
Profile view:
.Trailer Name
.Total Mileage
.Average Fuel Economy
.Set as Default Trailer
.GCW Alert
.Tow/Haul Mode Reminder Alert
.Theft Alert
.Maintenance Alert
.Delete/Remove Trailer
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340 Driving and Operating
Where:IW = Weight of added accessory
IA = Distance that the accessory is in
front of the front axle
IW.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase
For example, adding a 318 kg (700 lb) snow
plow actually adds more than 318 kg (700 lb)
to the front axle. Using the formula, if the
snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of the
front axle and the wheelbase is 305 cm
(10 ft), then: IW = 318 kg (700 lb)
IA = 122 cm (4 ft)
IW.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. = (318 x (122 + 305))/305
= 445 kg (980 lb)
This means if the front axle reserve capacity
is more than 445 kg (980 lb), the snow plow
could be added without exceeding the
front GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added on the
front of the vehicle if less cargo or fewer
passengers are carried, or by positioning
cargo toward the rear. This reduces the load on the front. However, the front GAWR, rear
GAWR, and Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) must never be exceeded.
{Warning
On some vehicles that have certain front
mounted equipment, such as a snow
plow, it may be possible to load the front
axle to the front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) but not have enough
weight on the rear axle to have proper
braking performance. If the brakes cannot
work properly, the vehice could crash.
Always follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast to
ensure a proper front and rear weight
distribution ratio. Maintaining a proper
front and rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper braking
performance.
See your dealer for additional advice and
information about using a snow plow on the
vehicle. Also, see Vehicle Load Limits 0215.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
We are aware that some vehicle owners
might consider having the pickup box
removed and a commercial or recreational
body installed. Owners should be aware
that, as manufactured, there are differences
between a chassis cab and a pickup with the
box removed which could affect vehicle
safety. The components necessary to adapt
a pickup to permit its safe use with a
specialized body should be installed by the
body builder.