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Driving and Operating 199
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 196 and
Engine Exhaust 0198.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 235.
Automatic Transmission
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is 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.
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0196 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 235.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. With the ignition on, fully apply the
regular brake, then press the button on the
shift lever before shifting from P (Park).
If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever, then push the
shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift lever
into another gear. See Shifting out of Park
0 197.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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200 Driving and Operating
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
0 188.
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.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away. If the vehicle is stopped on a hill, with your
foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle may
roll. This is normal and is due to the torque
converter designed to improve fuel economy
and performance. Use the brake to hold the
vehicle on a hill. Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
If equipped with the 2.0L L4 engine, engine
speeds may be increased while driving at
highway speeds while the engine is still
warming up.
L :
This position gives you access to gear
ranges. This provides more engine braking
but lower fuel economy than D (Drive). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. See Manual Mode0201.
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
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Driving and Operating 201
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the top-gear
limit of the transmission and the vehicle's
speed while driving downhill or towing a
trailer. The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. When using the ERS mode a number
will display next to the L, indicating the
highest gear available for the range selected.
To use this feature:1. Press the shift lever button and move the shift lever to L (Low). 2. Press + (Plus) or
−(Minus) on the shift
lever to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to L (Low),
the transmission will shift to a
pre-determined lower gear range. The
highest gear available for this
pre-determined range is displayed next to
the L in the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0112 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 109. The number displayed in the DIC is
the highest gear that the transmission will
be allowed to operate in. This means that
all gears below that number are available.
For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next
to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears
are automatically shifted by the vehicle. The
transmission will not shift into 5 (Fifth) until
the + (Plus) button is used or you shift back
into D (Drive).
If the transmission is in 9 (ninth) gear when
L (low) is selected, a downshift to 7 (seventh)
will be commanded. If in 8 (eighth) through
2 (second), a single downshift will occur.
While in L (Low), the transmission will
prevent shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. You have a brief
period of time to slow the vehicle. If vehicle speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not
be completed. You must further slow the
vehicle, then press
−(Minus) to the desired
lower gear range.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking is not
available when the ERS is active. It is
available in D (Drive) for both normal driving
and Tow/Haul Mode. While using the ERS,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul Mode can
be used. See “Tow/Haul Mode” underDriver
Mode Control 0206.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode.
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206 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS on again, press and releaseg.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. A DIC
message may display.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if
the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph).
Traction control will remain off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0247.
Driver Mode Control
If equipped, the Driver Mode Control has the
following Modes: Tour (FWD), Sport,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Snow, Tow/Haul, and
Off-Road. Rotate the Driver Mode Control
knob on the center console to make a mode
selection. Continue turning the knob through
the available modes. The selected mode’s
icon will light up on the knob.
If the vehicle is in Tour (FWD) or AWD, it
will stay in that mode through future ON/
OFF cycles. If the vehicle is in any other
mode, it will revert back to Tour (FWD)
when the vehicle is restarted.
Driver Mode Control Knob
5orqTour : Vehicle is in Tour (FWD)
mode. Use this mode during normal driving
conditions. See Driving for Better Fuel
Economy 0179. Tour (FWD) mode operates
in Front-Wheel Drive to improve fuel
economy.
8Sport : Sport mode improves vehicle
handling and acceleration on dry pavement.
When active, Sport mode modifies steering
efforts, transmission shifting, AWD torque,
suspension tuning (when equipped), and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
settings. For vehicles equipped with AWD,
choosing Sport mode also engages AWD.
4AWD (AWD Only) : AWD mode
provides drive torque to all four wheels.
Select AWD to improve traction and control
on slippery road surfaces, such as gravel,
sand, wet pavement, snow, and ice. When in
AWD mode, the AWD mode indicator will
be on.
AWD is active in AWD, Sport, and Off-Road
modes.
6Snow (FWD Only) : Snow mode
improves vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads by changing accelerator
pedal response.
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Driving and Operating 207
_Tow/Haul :This feature can assist
when towing a heavy load. Use this mode
to assist in maintaining desired vehicle
speeds when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission. When
active, Tow/Haul mode modifies
transmission shifting, suspension tuning,
steering effort, and Trailer Sway Control. For
AWD vehicles, choosing Tow/Haul mode also
engages AWD. See Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0235.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/
Haul mode. See
Automatic Transmission 0199.
7Off-Road (AWD Only) : Use this mode
for off-road recreational driving. When
active, Off-Road mode modifies accelerator
pedal response, ABS, TCS, and the
StabiliTrak/ESC system. Choosing Off-Road
mode also engages AWD. For more
information on Off-Road mode, see Off-Road
Driving 0182.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads. With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system begins to limit wheel spin while
using cruise control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0204.
If a collision alert occurs when cruise control
is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0223.
When road conditions allow the cruise
control to be safely used, cruise control can
be turned back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC
system will disengage the cruise control.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
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Driving and Operating 209
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel)094 or
Instrument Cluster (Base Level) 092. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to override
cruise, briefly moving the thumbwheel down
toward SET− will result in cruise set to the
current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on
hills depends upon the vehicle speed, load,
and the steepness of the hills. When going
up steep hills, you might have to step on
the accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control disengages. Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses camera and radar sensors. See
Radio Frequency Statement 0337.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake
pedal. If ACC is controlling your vehicle
speed when the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system activates, the ACC may
automatically disengage. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0204.
When road conditions allow ACC to be
safely used, the ACC can be turned back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC
system will disengage the cruise control.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” in this section.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Driving and Operating
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing, install extended side view mirrors,
even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.GM recommends performing an oil
change to the vehicle before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeDriver Mode Control 0206. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0201. If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
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 0198.
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
Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 247
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 247
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . 268
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 270
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 281
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 286
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 290
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 292
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 292
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 293
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 301
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 303
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314