
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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198 Driving and Operating
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. SeeCompact Spare Tire 0298.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0101.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0101 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0101.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.

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Driving and Operating 199
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
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 0229.
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

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Driving and Operating 231
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, seeEngine
Overheating 0254.
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 a 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 0315. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
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 0254.

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Vehicle Care 257
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light 0100.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0315.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0319.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. For replacement of the
battery, see your dealer.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system shuts off
the engine to help conserve fuel. See Stop/
Start System 0189. It has an Absorbed Glass
Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the
12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an
AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the
charger to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.
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. See Jump
Starting - North America 0299 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.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 299
When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0257.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.

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Vehicle Care 305
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable atthe battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” Battery - North America
0 257.
9. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0319.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.

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Index 347
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
AdaptiveCruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air
Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . 172
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 56
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 56
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 55 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 61
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Replacing System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 61
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197, 258
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

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352 Index
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167, 169
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 46
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167, 169
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184, 186
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
IndicatorPedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Indicators
Warning Lights and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 64
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Infotainment Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Inspection Multi-Point Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Instrument Panel
Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 119
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 9Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 13
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 118
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Lamps (cont'd)
Malfunction Indicator (Check
Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 74
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
All-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99