2023 CHEVROLET BLAZER engine overheat

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
204 Driving and Operating
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0235.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 180.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit wheel
spin. TCS also applies torque to the
non-spinning wheel to increase traction and
acceleration.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
Driving and Operating 237
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0241. 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.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0261.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
238 Driving and Operating
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal:
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0317. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0261.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.

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

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
258 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.
2.0L L4 Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
3.6L V6 Engine
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
needs to be checked and replaced at
appropriate intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0317.
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 0261.
What to Use
{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
(Continued)

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
Vehicle Care 259
Warning (Continued)
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.
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
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, or by 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.
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. See
Engine
Overheating 0261. The coolant surge tank is in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 250.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{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.
{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.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
260 Vehicle Care
{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.
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 or above the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant. Be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
3.6L V6 Engine Only
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.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
Vehicle Care 261
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.
2.0L L4 Engine Only - Automatic Coolant
Service Fill Instructions
If equipped, this feature assists in filling and
removing air from the cooling system after
service of components or when coolant is
added after being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal process:
1. With a cold system, add coolant to the indicated mark on the surge tank.
2. Replace the cap on the surge tank.
3. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
4. Turn the ignition to Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0192. 5. Turn off the air conditioning.
6. Set the parking brake.
7. At the same time, press the accelerator
and the brake for two seconds, then
release.
At the end of the cycle, check the coolant
level in the surge tank and add coolant if it
is low. Turn off the vehicle, allow the
Electronic Control Module (ECM) to go to
sleep, about two minutes, and repeat
Steps 4–7.
Listen for pump activation and movement of
the control valves while watching the level
of the coolant in the surge tank. If the tank
empties, turn the ignition off, carefully
remove the surge tank cap, refill to the
indicated mark, and repeat Steps 4–7. The
fill and air removal process will run for
approximately 10 minutes.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of
the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature
gauge on the instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 097. The
vehicle may also display a message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 332.
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 (Continued)