Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
294 Driving and Operating
Gross Combined Weight (GCW) Alert
If equipped, the Gross Combined Weight
(GCW) Alert can display a message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), indicating
that the estimated combined weight of the
vehicle and trailer may exceed the vehicle’s
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR),
under certain circumstances. See "Gross
Combined Weight Rating" section above. The
vehicle does not actually measure the
loaded weight of your vehicle or trailer.
It uses vehicle data to estimate these
weights after you begin a trip.
The alert will not activate unless:
.The feature is turned on in the Trailering
application, seeTrailering App0307.
.The vehicle-trailer combination is driven
with enough acceleration events for the
software algorithm to estimate the
combined vehicle and trailer weight
.The estimated weight could exceed the
vehicle’s maximum GCWR.
If you see the alert message, stop the
vehicle when it is safe and check whether
the vehicle and trailer are overloaded using
a scale. See “Maximum Trailer Weight” later
in this section.
{Warning
Always determine the actual weights of
the loaded vehicle and trailer using a
vehicle scale before beginning a trip.
Never use the GCW Alert to determine
whether the vehicle and trailer are
properly loaded or overloaded. Do not
drive with an overloaded vehicle or
trailer. Death, serious injury, or property
damage could occur.
GCWR is only one of the maximum weight
ratings applicable to your vehicle and trailer.
The GCW Alert does not estimate whether
the vehicle alone exceeds the GVWR, the
rear-axle weight exceeds GAWR-RR, the
trailer exceeds the maximum trailer weight
rating or the trailer tongue weight exceeds
the maximum trailer tongue weight rating.
Always verify that the weight of the vehicle,
vehicle contents, trailer, trailer contents and
trailer tongue are below all of these
maximum weight ratings. See "Maximum
Trailer Weight" section below.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle maximum
load capacity, see Vehicle Load Limits 0205.
When calculating the GVWR with a trailer
attached, the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the vehicle is
carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a
driver, a front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment. This value
represents the heaviest trailer the vehicle
can tow, but it may be necessary to reduce
the trailer weight to stay within the GCWR,
GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the Trailering Information Label to
determine how much the trailer can weigh.
A step bumper trailer hitch can only support
a total trailer weight up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lb). If a trailer hitch ball is added to
the step bumper, check the hitch ball rating
to be sure it is higher than the total trailer
weight.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 295
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
is the allowable trailer tongue weight that
the vehicle can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to reduce
the overall trailer weight to stay within the
maximum trailer tongue weight rating while
still maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
for a conventional trailer hitch is shown on
the Trailering Information Label.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer tongue
weight of 567 kg (1,250 lb) for a conventional
trailer hitch.The trailer tongue weight contributes to the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). GVW includes
the curb weight of your vehicle, any
passengers, cargo, equipment and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the maximum
allowable tongue weight the vehicle can
carry, which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10–
15% of the total loaded trailer weight (2).
Some specific trailer types, such as boat
trailers, fall outside of this range. Always
refer to the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.
If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
296 Driving and Operating
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that can be
supported by the rear axle of the vehicle. Do
not exceed the GAWR-RR for the vehicle,
with the tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the GAWR-RR after
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on the
Trailering Information Label.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
{Warning
In order to avoid serious injury or
property damage, always follow the hitch
manufacturer's instructions when securing
your draw bar/coupling device to the
vehicle's hitch receiver.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Ensure that the draw bar/coupling device
is secured with a locking retainer pin or
other means such that rotation of the pin
or locking mechanism will not cause the
pin to back out or loosen during use.
Failure to correctly secure the draw bar/
coupling device to the receiver can result
in separation of the hitch/receiver while
towing.
Conventional Hitch
A conventional hitch is bolted to the frame
or cross member of the tow vehicle, and is
generally rated Class 2, 3, or 4.
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer
combination. Many trailers can be towed
using a weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow
eye latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers
may require a weight-distributing hitch that
uses spring bars to distribute the trailer
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 5/16/22
Driving and Operating 309
Maintenance Reminders
To set up maintenance reminders, touch the
Trailer Maintenance icon. Follow the
on-screen prompts. The maximum number
of reminders is 50.
Towing Assist
To set up towing assist features,
if equipped, touch the Towing Assist icon.1. Select the number of axles on the trailer.
2. Enter trailer dimensions as prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions to
complete setup for available features.
Certain trailer features require a compatible
trailer profile be configured and selected.
A compatible trailer is a box type trailer
(cargo, camper, etc.) with a conventional
hitch.
Transparent Trailer Setup
If equipped, a rear trailer camera must be
mounted on the trailer and electrically
connected to the vehicle before transparent
trailer feature can be used. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0262.
Trailer dimensions must be in range and
transparent trailer must be calibrated prior
to use:
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –970 cm
(381.8 in). Measure from center of coupler
to furthest rear point on the trailer.
.Trailer Width: 120 cm (47.2 in) –260 cm
(102.3 in). Measure from left edge of
trailer to right edge.
.Trailer Height: 1 cm (0.39 in) –450 cm
(177.1 in). Measure from ground to tallest
point of the trailer.
.Hitching Point Length: 180 cm (70.8 in) –
970 cm (381.8 in). Measure from center of
coupler to middle of tires.
.Trailer Tongue Length: 50 cm (19.6 in) –
220 cm (86.6 in). Measure from center of
coupler to trailer front wall.
.Vehicle Hitch Height: 10 cm (3.9 in) –
100 cm (39.3 in). Measure from ground to
top of coupler.
.Vehicle Hitch Length: 10 cm (3.9 in) –
100 cm (39.3 in). Measure from hitch
receiver to center of ball.
1. If trailer dimensions are out of range, this feature will be unavailable.
2. Ensure rear trailer camera is connected.
3. Follow instructions to drive forward to complete calibration. Rear Trailer Guidance Setup
If equipped, a rear trailer camera must be
mounted on the trailer and electrically
connected to the vehicle before rear trailer
guidance feature can be used. See
Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0262.
Trailer dimensions must be in range to
enable this feature.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –
1300 cm (511.8 in). Measure from center
of coupler to furthest rear point on the
trailer.
1. If trailer dimensions are out of range, this feature will be unavailable.
2. Ensure rear trailer camera is connected.
3. Follow instructions to drive forward to complete calibration.
Jack-Knife Alert Setup
If equipped, follow instructions to drive
forward to complete calibration.
Trailer Length Indicator Setup
If equipped, follow instructions to drive
forward to complete calibration.
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert Setup
If equipped, trailer dimensions must be in
range to enable this feature.
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 335
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applications. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications
0408.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Pad Life System
When to Change Brake Pads
This vehicle has a system that estimates the
remaining life of the front and rear brake
pads. Brake pad life is displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), along with
a percentage for each axle. The system must
be reset every time the brake pads are
changed.
When the system has determined that the
brake pads need to be replaced, a message
will display, which may include mileage
remaining.
Brake pads should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
How to Reset the Brake Pad Life System
The system will automatically detect when
significantly worn brake pads are replaced.
When the ignition is turned on after new
pads and wear sensors are installed, a
message will display. Follow the prompts to
reset the system.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
336 Vehicle Care
The brake pad life system can also be
manually reset:1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0126 orDriver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0123.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select front or rear pads as appropriate.
4. Select YES on the confirmation message. Repeat for pads on the other axle if they
were also replaced.
How to Disable the Brake Pad Life
System
The brake pad life system can be turned off.
This may be necessary if aftermarket brake
pads without wear sensors are installed.
When the system is turned off, the front
and rear brake pad life percentages will not
display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn can
still determine when the pads should be
replaced. See Brakes0335. To turn off the brake pad life system:
1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0126 orDriver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0123.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back on,
follow the above steps but select ENABLE in
Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0322 for the
location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-16416971) - 2023 - CRC - 4/26/22
338 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. Always wear
eye protection. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0383 for tips on working around
a battery without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule 0400 to
determine when to check the lubricant. How to Check Lubricant
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole, located on the transfer case,
some lubricant will need to be added. Add
enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use care not
to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to
Maintenance Schedule 0400 to
determine how often to change the
lubricant. What to Use
Refer to
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 404 to determine what kind of lubricant
to use.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
front axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the
rear axle fluid unless a leak is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could