2023 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER engine oil

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
Driving and Operating 229
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
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.
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. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.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.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode See
Manual Mode 0196.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.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
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
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.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
238 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 239
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 240
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 248
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 248
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Where To Find Fuse Maps for YourVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 271
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 280
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 284
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 288
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 290
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 290
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 292
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 299

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
Vehicle Care 243
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0255.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0250.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0245.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0250.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0245.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0248.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0255.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0299.
9. Battery - North America 0257.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0271.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0299

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
Vehicle Care 245
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0255.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0250.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0245.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0245.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0250.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0248.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0255.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0299.
9. Battery - North America 0257.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0271.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0299
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0247.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0242 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
L3T 1.3L L3 Engine

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
246 Vehicle Care
LIH 1.2L L3 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0324.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If you find that you have an oil
level above the operating range, i.e., the
engine has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the MAX mark, the engine
could be damaged. You should drain out
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle and seek a service professional to
remove the excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0242 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range between the
MIN and MAX marks. Push the dipstick all
the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0319.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos1 specification are
marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil for
1.3L L3 engine.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil for
1.2L L3 engine. Cold Temperature Operation:
In an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29 °C (−20 °F), an
SAE 0W-30 oil may be used for the 1.2L L3
engine. An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
Vehicle Care 247
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service people
who will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Display remaining OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0106 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 108. This display shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. If 99% is
displayed, that means that 99% of the
current oil life remains.
2. Press and hold the thumbwheel while the Oil Life display is active. Confirm
reset and the oil life will change
to 100%.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16263960) - 2023 - CRC - 2/23/22
248 Vehicle Care
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows:1. Display remaining OIL LIFE on the DIC with the engine off. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 106 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 108.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.
3. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not been
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible. There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should have this
done at your dealer.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule
0315, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0319.
Engine Air Filter Life System
It equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select Air Filter Life on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0106 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 108.
3. Press
lor the thumbwheel to move to
the Reset/Disable display area. Select
Reset then press
lor press the
thumbwheel for several seconds.
4. Press
lor the thumbwheel to confirm
the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 242.