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288 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTransporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0386. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a motor
home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 387.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
requires the proper use of correct
equipment. The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before towing a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.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
on your vehicle, 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.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 800 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul Mode is
recommended for heavier trailers. See
Driver Mode Control
0228. If the
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transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. SeeManual Mode 0218.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.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, unless equipped with
Super Cruise:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.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 RIM
(RCTA, RTCB, and RAB), these features will be
disabled when towing a trailer.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases
may collect at the rear of the vehicle and
enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window is open.
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.
.Also 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 0214.
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
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment
0296. 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.
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290 Driving and Operating
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 TurnsCaution
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 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 0332.
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 and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park). Turn the wheels
toward 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.
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Driving and Operating 291
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear ofthe chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. If equipped, place the vehicle in Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle. 5. Gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
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292 Driving and Operating
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0400. 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 0332.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
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.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
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.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0296 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
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302 Driving and Operating
towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0228.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Maximum Trailer Weight”
under Trailer Towing 0292.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Integrated Trailer Brake Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system for use with
electric trailer brakes or most electric over
hydraulic trailer brake systems. These
instructions apply to both types of electric
trailer brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake Control
Panel on vehicles with an ITBC system. The
power output to the trailer brakes is
proportional to the amount of vehicle
braking. This available power output to the
trailer brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with the
vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake, and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
systems. In trailering conditions that cause
the vehicle’s anti-lock brake or StabiliTrak/
ESC systems to activate, power sent to the
trailer's brakes will be automatically adjusted to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake,
or StabiliTrak/ESC systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC system may
not function fully or at all. Make sure all of
these systems are fully operational to allow
the ITBC system to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through the
vehicle's electrical system. Turning the
ignition off will also turn off the ITBC
system. The ITBC system is fully functional
only when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air brake
system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking, including
increased stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in serious
injury, death, or property damage. Only
use the ITBC system with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.
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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.
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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