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180 Driving and Operating
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 330. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0194.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
200.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
For All-Wheel Drive (AWD), select Off-Road
or AWD mode. See Driver Mode Control
0 202 and
All-Wheel Drive 0197.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
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186 Driving and Operating
Power (RAP). From ON/RUN, push the
key all the way in toward the steering
column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY. If the key is left in
ACC/ACCESSORY with the engine off, the
battery could drain and the vehicle may
not start. A warning chime will sound
when the driver door is opened and the
key is in the ignition.
2. (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and diagnostics,
and to verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. The switch stays in this
position when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.
3. (START) : This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition returns to
ON/RUN for driving.Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have
pushbutton starting.
The Remote Key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Key Operation (Mechanical Key)
0 10 or
Remote Key Operation (Remote Key) 013.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in Service Mode, and the brake pedal
must be applied.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0192.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition system will
turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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210 Driving and Operating
come on. The automatic braking may feel or
sound different than if the brakes were
applied manually. This is normal.
Passing a Vehicle While Using ACC
If the set speed is high enough, and the left
turn signal is used to pass a vehicle ahead
in the selected following gap, ACC may
assist by gradually accelerating the vehicle
prior to the lane change.
{Warning
When using ACC to pass a vehicle or
perform a lane change, the following
distance to the vehicle being passed may
be reduced. ACC may not apply sufficient
acceleration or braking when passing a
vehicle or performing a lane change.
Always be ready to manually accelerate
or brake to complete the pass or lane
change.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving Objects
{Warning
ACC may not detect and react to stopped
or slow-moving vehicles ahead of you. For
example, the system may not brake for a
vehicle it has never detected moving. This
can occur in stop-and-go traffic or when a
vehicle suddenly appears due to a vehicle
ahead changing lanes. Your vehicle may
not stop and could cause a crash. Use
caution when using ACC. Your complete
attention is always required while driving
and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes.
Irregular Objects Affecting ACC
ACC may have difficulty detecting the
following objects:
.Vehicles in front of your vehicle that have
a rear aspect that is low, small,
or irregular
.An empty truck or trailer that has no
cargo in the cargo bed
.Vehicles with cargo extending from the
back end
.Non-standard shaped vehicles, such as
vehicle transport, vehicles with a side car
fitted, or horse carriages
.Vehicles that are low to the road surface
.Objects that are close to the front of your
vehicle
.Vehicles on which extremely heavy cargo
is loaded in the cargo area or rear seat
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage and the
driver will need to manually apply the
brakes to slow the vehicle if:
.The front camera is blocked or visibility is
reduced.
.The Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/ESC system has activated or
been disabled.
.There is a fault in the system.
.A DIC message displays to indicate that
ACC is temporarily unavailable.
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222 Driving and Operating
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled through
vehicle settings. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch Settings
> Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems >
Front Pedestrian Detection.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian Braking
system while towing a trailer could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle and
crash. Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate properly,
cleaning the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or spot)
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding lane change crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. The LCA warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside mirror and will flash
if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to vehicles
outside of the system detection zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. It may
not provide alerts when changing lanes
under all driving conditions. Failure to use
proper care when changing lanes may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your shoulder,
and use the turn signals.
LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 223
The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) warning
area starts at approximately the middle of
the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers
are also warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 70 m (230 ft) behind
the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the outside
mirrors when the system detects a moving
vehicle in the next lane over that is in the
side blind zone or rapidly approaching that
zone from behind. A lit LCA symbol indicates
it may be unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, check the LCA
display, check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Outside MirrorDisplayRight Outside Mirror Display When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror LCA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right
outside mirror display will light up if a
moving vehicle is detected in the next lane
over in that blind zone or rapidly
approaching that zone. If the turn signal is
activated in the same direction as a
detected vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled. When you disable LCA,
Side Blind Zone Alert is also disabled. To
view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems. If LCA
is disabled by the driver, the LCA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. 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. LCA
may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over, especially in
wet conditions or when driving on sharp
curves. The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA sensors
in the left or right corners of the rear
bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0305. If the
DIC still displays the system unavailable
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224 Driving and Operating
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up when
moving vehicles are in the side blind zone or
are rapidly approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0335.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid crashes due
to unintentional lane departures. This
system uses a camera to detect lane
markings. The LKA may be ready to assist at
speeds between 50 km/h (31 mph) and 180
km/h (112 mph). LKA may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking. It may
also provide a Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) alert if the vehicle crosses a detected
lane marking. This system is not intended to
keep the vehicle centered in the lane. LKA
will not assist and alert if the turn signal is
active in the direction of lane departure,
or if it detects that you are accelerating,
braking or actively steering. LKA can be overridden by turning the steering wheel.
If the system detects you are steering
intentionally across a lane marker, the LDW
will not be given. Do not expect the LDW to
occur when you are intentionally crossing a
lane marker.
{Warning
The LKA system does not continuously
steer the vehicle. It may not keep the
vehicle in the lane or give a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
The LKA and LDW systems may not:
.Provide an alert or enough steering
assist to avoid a lane departure or
crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If LKA only detects lane markings on one
side of the road, it will only assist or
provide an LDW alert when approaching
the lane on the side where it has
detected a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the vehicle.
Always keep your attention on the road
and maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always keep
the windshield, headlamps, and camera
sensors clean and in good repair. Do not
use LKA in bad weather conditions or on
roads with unclear lane markings, such as
construction zones.
{Warning
Using LKA on slippery roads could cause
loss of control of the vehicle and a crash.
Turn the system off.
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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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236 Driving and Operating
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).