Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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256 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment0252 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
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).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0109. A device connected
to the DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems. This
could affect vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 064 and Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 064.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 257
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 258
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 258
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 260
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 276
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 279
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 284
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 289
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 295
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298 Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 299
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 301
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 301
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 302
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . 311
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . 313
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 259
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
seeServicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 64.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 014.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 333.
Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start,
turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will automatically
lift the hood and hold it in the fully
open position.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force
if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is
not latched completely. The hood could
open fully, block your vision, and cause a
crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before
driving.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 261
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0264.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0261.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0261.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0265.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 270.
6. Battery - North America 0271.
7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0265.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0311.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0269.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0279.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0311.
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 0263.
.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 0260
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
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
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 273
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear and cracking. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0327.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0332.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the front wiper blades:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of the
wiper blade where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end of
the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Caution
Damage may occur if the wiper blades
are not in contact with the windshield
before turning on the wiper system.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Slide a plastic tool under the cover andpush upward to unsnap.
2. Slide the cover toward the wiper blade tip to unhook it from the blade
assembly.
3. Remove the cover.
4. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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276 Vehicle Care
License Plate Lamp
This applies only to vehicles without rear
camera mirrors. All other vehicles are
equipped with LED license plate lamps.
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Push the left end of the lamp assemblytoward the right.
2. Pull the lamp assembly down gently to remove it from the liftgate.
3. Turn the bulb socket (1) counterclockwiseto remove it from the lamp assembly (3).
4. Pull the bulb (2) straight out of the bulb socket.
5. Push the replacement bulb straight into the bulb socket and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the lamp
assembly.
6. Replace the lamp in the liftgate applique engaging the right side with the clip
first.
7. Push on the lamp side opposite the clip until the lamp assembly snaps into place.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can cause shock,
burns, and even death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can only be
serviced by technicians with special
training.
High voltage components are identified
by labels. Do not remove, open, take
apart, or modify these components. High
voltage cable or wiring has orange
covering or labels. Do not probe, tamper
with, cut, or modify high voltage cable or
wiring.
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Vehicle Care 299
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See“Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 335, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0305.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See
Tire Inspection 0298 and
Tire Rotation 0298.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends
that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow
Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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304 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
slow down until it stops. Driving too fast
or spinning the wheels with chains on
will damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0286. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire. If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers 0128.
If your vehicle is loaded at or near
maximum cargo capacity, it may be difficult
to fit the jack under the vehicle due to the
environment (shoulder slope, road debris,
etc.). Removal of some weight may improve
the ability to fit the jack under the vehicle
at the correct jacking location.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Turn the vehicle off and do not restart the vehicle while it is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)