Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
248 Driving and Operating
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 the desired 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 0327. 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 0268.
Trailer Towing
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.
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.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
262 Vehicle Care
(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 0335.
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 the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0260
for the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. 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 0331.
Specification
Ask for and 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 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil.
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. 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.
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
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 263
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.
On some vehicles, when the system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished,
a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comeson to indicate that an oil change is
necessary. 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. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
OIL LIFE REMAINING percentage is near 0%.
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. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the
DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base and Midlevel) 0117 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 119.
2. Press and hold
Vfor several seconds.
The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base and Midlevel) 0117 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 119.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the display shows 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
266 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
needs to be checked and replaced at
appropriate intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0327. The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0268.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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318 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
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.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing
should be done to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer for approved
cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
(Continued)
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
360 Index
Driving (cont'd)Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . 180
E
ElectricParking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 279
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 284
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Engine (cont'd)
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 109
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Oil Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Exterior
Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
F
FilterEngine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Front Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . 237
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 245
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
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Index 361
Fuel (cont'd)Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 279
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 284
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Oil Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 97
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326 General Information (cont'd)
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . .154
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
H
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Heater
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180, 184
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . 276
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 49
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180, 184
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Indicator Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Indicators
Warning Lights and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 67
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Infotainment
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348