
Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 135
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0154.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0153.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
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. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 253. 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.
.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 0149.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
140 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
805 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
322 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
1. ACC/ACCESSORY
2. ON/RUN
3. START
The ignition switch has four positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
in ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be
applied. 0 (Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF) :
This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park).
3. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 153.
4. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column (1), then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF (2).
5. Remove the key.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 141
6. Release the brake pedal.
See your dealer if the key can be removed
in any other position.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 147.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.
{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, turn off the
vehicle only in an emergency. In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving:
1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop.
5. Shift to P (Park).
6. Continue to hold the brake pedal, then set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 153.
7. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF.
8. Remove the key.
9. Release the brake pedal.
Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in —or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system to
operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this
position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 147.
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

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
142 Driving and Operating
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.
If the key is left in ON/RUN with the engine
off, the battery could drain and the vehicle
may not start.
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)
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electronic keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
The RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle
for the system to operate.
If the vehicle is not working, the vehicle
may be near a strong antenna signal
causing interference to the Keyless Access
system. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access) 09or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 012.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
turned on or in Service Mode, and the brake
must be applied.
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) 0147.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display the
message SHIFT TO PARK.
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system will switch off. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition off. The
shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 153.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
146 Driving and Operating
3. Repeat for all hooks to fully engagecover to grille.
4. Make sure all clips remain engaged during installation. The cover should be
stretched to a tight fit when properly
installed.
Engine Heater
Vehicles may have an engine heater. The
engine heater can help in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the heater at least
four hours before starting the vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug end of the
cord will prevent engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The cord is in the driver side of the
engine compartment, near the battery.
It is shipped from the factory with a tie
holding it in place. Use care in removing
the tie so that the cord is not damaged.
Check the heater cord for damage. If it is
damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
(Continued)

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
148 Driving and Operating
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake
pedal down. Then see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pushing the button on the shift lever. If you
can, it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
“torque lock.”To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To
find out how, see “Shifting Into Park”
previously in this section.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission, so you can
pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock
control. The shift lock control is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park) unless the ignition is on and the
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See
Jump Starting
- North America 0220.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position. If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be moved from
P (Park), see “Shift Lock Manual Release”
following.
Shift Lock Manual Release
The transmission has an electric park lock.
The ignition must be on, and the brake
pedal must be pressed so the shift lever can
be moved from the P (Park) position. If the
battery has lost power, the shift lever
cannot be moved from P (Park) unless the
shift lock manual release is disengaged
manually.
To access the shift lock manual release:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Hold the brake pedal down. Apply the parking brake.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
Driving and Operating 149
3. Remove the cover on the console.
4. Insert and push the key into the slot.5. Move the shift lever out of P (Park).
If P (Park) is selected again after the key
is removed from the slot, the shift lever
will be locked again.
6. Remove the key from the slot.
7. Replace the cover.
8. Have the cause of the problem fixed by your dealer.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking (Keyless Access)
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation. See Shifting Into Park 0147 and
Engine Exhaust 0149.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to run
for up to half an hour. If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage. (Continued)

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498927) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21
150 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running. If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park
0 147 and
Engine Exhaust 0149.
Automatic Transmission
The selected gear is also shown in the
instrument cluster.
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0147.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be fully
applied first and then the shift lever button
pressed before shifting from P (Park) when
the ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever,
then push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0148.