Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
316 Driving and Operating
A smartphone will receive a notification that
the trailer related to the selected Trailer
Profile is disconnected from the vehicle,
if the setting is on for the active Trailer
Profile, the vehicle has an OnStar or
connected service plan and the smartphone
number has been added to the account for
this notification.
If the setting is turned off for a given Trailer
Profile, the smartphone will not receive this
security notification even if the Trailer
Profile is active.
Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
This is a reminder to turn on the Tow/Haul
mode when towing a trailer. SeeDriver
Mode Control 0228.
Touch Tow/Haul Mode Reminder to turn on/
off Tow/Haul Mode reminders for the
selected profile. These alerts are based on
the Trailer Profile, so the settings for each
Trailer Profile must be turned on or off.
This setting will default to OFF for each
Trailer Profile, including the Guest Trailer
Profile. If Tow/Haul Mode is off and this setting is
on for a Trailer Profile, each time the vehicle
is turned on, a reminder will appear to turn
on Tow/Haul Mode when the Trailer Profile
is active.
If Tow/Haul Mode is on and this setting is
on for a Trailer Profile, the reminder will not
appear when the Trailer Profile is active.
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0114.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
{Warning
Certain mobile radio equipment,
like amplifiers and antennas used for
two-way communication, can interfere
with some vehicle systems. Always
ensure this equipment is supplied with
proper local grounding. Follow all of the
instructions that came with the
equipment and see your GM dealer for
additional mobile radio installation
instructions.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
318 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 319
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 319
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 322
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 327
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 328
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 345
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 349
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 351
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 356
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358 Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 360
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 361
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 366
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 368
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 368
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 369
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 383
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 386
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
Vehicle Care 333
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 414.
Check to see if the engine cooling fan(s) are
running. If the engine is overheating, the
fans should be running. If they are 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, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious problem.
If there is an engine overheat warning, but
no steam is 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.
.Tows a trailer; seeTrailer Towing0292.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of steam, try
this for a minute or so: 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), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
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 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 still no sign of steam and the
vehicle is equipped with an engine driven
cooling fan, push down the accelerator until
the engine speed is about twice as fast as
normal idle speed for at least five minutes
while the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
334 Vehicle Care
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for five minutes while parked. If the warning
is still displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans, the
fans may be heard spinning at low speed
during most everyday driving. The fans may
turn off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, high
outside temperatures, or operation of the air
conditioning system, the fans may change
to high speed and an increase in fan noise
may be heard. This is normal and indicates
that the cooling system is functioning
properly. The fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been turned. off. This is
normal and no service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs to be
added, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. Use a fluid that hassufficient protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid message
on the DIC that comes on when the washer
fluid is low. The message is displayed for
15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle.
When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer fluid
reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0322 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.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
380 Vehicle Care
Caution
Always store the spare tire or flat tire
with the valve stem pointed up. Stowing
a tire with the valve stem pointed down
could result in damage to the wheel.
Caution
The tire hoist is designed to be raised
and lowered with tension on the cable.
If the hoist must be raised or lowered
without a tire attached, do so only by
hand, and at a slow pace, to avoid
damaging the mechanism. Do not use
power tools.
{Warning
An improperly stored spare tire could
come loose and cause a crash. To avoid
personal injury or property damage,
always store the spare tire when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface.If the vehicle has 275/60R20 or 275/50R22
size tires, the flat tire must be stored inside
of the vehicle using the flat tire secure strap
inside the glove box. See
“Storing a Flat Tire
Inside of the Vehicle” later in this section.
If the vehicle has 265/65R18 or 275/55R20
size tires, store the flat tire under the rear
of the vehicle in the spare tire carrier. Refer
to the following graphics and instructions:
1. Hoist Assembly
2. Hoist Shaft
3. Hoist Shaft Access Cover/Hole
4. Jack Handle Extension
5. Wheel Wrench
6. Spare Tire Lock
7. Hoist End of Extension Tool 8. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
9. Spare Tire (Valve Stem Pointed Up)
10. Tire/Wheel Retainer
11. Hoist Cable
1. Put the tire (9) on the ground at the rear
of the vehicle with the valve stem
pointed up, and to the rear.
2. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle. Separate the tire/wheel retainer from the guide
pin. Pull the pin through the center of
the wheel. Tilt the retainer down
through the center wheel opening.
Make sure the retainer is fully seated
across the underside of the wheel.
3. Assemble the jack handle extensions (4)and wheel wrench (5).
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
386 Vehicle Care
Do not connect positive (+) to negative
(−) or you will get a short that would
damage the battery and maybe other
parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−)
terminal on the dead battery because
this can cause sparks.
7. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal.
8. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the good battery
positive (+) terminal. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
9. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the good battery negative
(−) terminal. Use a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything
until the next step.
10. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the discharged battery
negative (−) grounding point.
11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while. 12. Try to start the vehicle that had the
dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a loss of
12-volt battery power, the electric parking
brake cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
Vehicle Care 387
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped with car wash
mode and has 12-volt battery power, refer
to“Car Wash Mode” underAutomatic
Transmission 0215 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or the
engine will not start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the vehicle. Refer
to Jump Starting - North America 0383
and if the jump start is successful, retry
the “Car Wash Mode” procedure.
.If jump starting is unsuccessful, the
vehicle will not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under the non-rolling
tires to prevent vehicle damage.
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from a flat
road surface. Do not use these attachment
points to pull the vehicle from snow, mud
or sand.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
motor home. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are dinghy
and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing
the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and two
wheels on a dolly.
Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions. See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have restrictions
on how far and how long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to
be used? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
388 Vehicle Care
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be
towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive vehicles
with a two speed transfer case that has an
N (Neutral) and a 4
nsetting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or others
could be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral).
To dinghy tow: 1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a
level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under
Four-Wheel Drive 0219 for the proper
procedure. Check that the vehicle is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission
to R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive).
There should be no movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
5. Shift the transmission to P (Park).