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2009 Chevrolet Traverse Owner's Manual - Page 278

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Manual

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4-30 Driving Your Vehicle Trailer Brakes A loaded trailer that weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg) needs to have its own brake system that is adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly. Because the vehicle has antilock brakes, do not try to tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection at the same time. During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Safety Chains Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. 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. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Section	Page
2009 Chevrolet Traverse BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint System	5
Head Restraints	6
Head Restraints	6
Front Seats	7
Manual Seats	7
Seat Height Adjuster	7
Power Seats	8
Manual Lumbar	8
Power Lumbar	9
Heated Seats	9
Heated and Cooled Seats	9
Memory Seat and Mirrors	10
Reclining Seatbacks	12
Rear Seats	13
Rear Seat Operation	13
Third Row Seats	16
Safety Belts	18
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	21
Lap-Shoulder Belt	26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	30
Safety Belt Extender	31
Child Restraints	31
Older Children	31
Infants and Young Children	33
Child Restraint Systems	36
Where to Put the Restraint	37
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	39
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	47
Airbag System	50
Airbag System	50
Where Are the Airbags?	52
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	53
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	55
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	55
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	55
Passenger Sensing System	57
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	61
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	62
Restraint System Check	63
Checking the Restraint Systems	63
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	64
Features and Controls	65
Keys	66
Keys	66
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	67
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	68
Remote Vehicle Start	70
Doors and Locks	72
Door Locks	72
Power Door Locks	72
Delayed Locking	72
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	73
Rear Door Security Locks	73
Lockout Protection	73
Liftgate	74
Power Liftgate	75
Windows	78
Windows	78
Power Windows	78
Sun Visors	80
Theft-Deterrent Systems	80
Theft-Deterrent Systems	80
Content Theft-Deterrent	80
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer	82
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation	82
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	84
New Vehicle Break-In	84
Ignition Positions	85
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	86
Starting the Engine	86
Engine Coolant Heater	87
Automatic Transmission Operation	88
Tow/Haul Mode	90
Parking Brake	91
Shifting Into Park	92
Shifting Out of Park	93
Parking Over Things That Burn	93
Engine Exhaust	94
Running the Vehicle While Parked	94
Mirrors	95
Manual Rearview Mirror	95
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror	95
Outside Power Mirrors	96
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors	97
Blind Spot Mirrors	98
Park Tilt Mirrors	99
Outside Convex Mirror	99
Outside Heated Mirrors	99
Object Detection Systems	100
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)	100
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)	102
OnStar® System	107
OnStar® System	107
Universal Home Remote System	111
Universal Home Remote System	111
Universal Home Remote System Operation	111
Storage Areas	116
Glove Box	116
Cupholders	116
Instrument Panel Storage	116
Center Console Storage	116
Second Row Center Console	117
Floor Mats	118
Luggage Carrier	118
Convenience Net	119
Cargo Cover	119
Cargo Tie Downs	119
Cargo Management System	119
Sunroof	120
Sunroof	120
Instrument Panel	121
Instrument Panel Overview	124
Instrument Panel Overview	124
Hazard Warning Flashers	125
Horn	125
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	126
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	126
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	126
Headlamp High/Low?Beam Changer	127
Flash-to-Pass	127
Windshield Wipers	127
Windshield Washer	128
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	129
Cruise Control	129
Exterior Lamps	131
Delayed Headlamps	132
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/Automatic Headlamp System	132
Fog Lamps	133
Instrument Panel Brightness	133
Courtesy Lamps	134
Dome Lamps	134
Dome Lamp Override	134
Entry Lighting	134
Delayed Entry Lighting	135
Delayed Exit Lighting	135
Parade Dimming	135
Reading Lamps	135
Electric Power Management	135
Battery Run-Down Protection	136
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	137
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current	138
Climate Controls	139
Climate Control System	139
Dual Automatic Climate Control System	142
Outlet Adjustment	147
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System	148
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and Electronic Climate Controls	149
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	150
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	150
Instrument Panel Cluster	151
Speedometer and Odometer	152
Tachometer	152
Safety Belt Reminders	152
Airbag Readiness Light	153
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	153
Charging System Light	154
Voltmeter Gage	155
Brake System Warning Light	156
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	157
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light	157
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	158
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	158
Tire Pressure Light	159
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	159
Oil Pressure Light	162
Security Light	163
Cruise Control Light	163
Highbeam On Light	163
Tow/Haul Mode Light	163
Fuel Gage	163
Driver Information Center (DIC)	164
Driver Information Center (DIC)	164
DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons)	165
DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)	171
DIC Compass	174
DIC Warnings and Messages	176
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)	185
Audio System(s)	193
Audio System(s)	193
Setting the Clock	194
Radio(s)	195
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD)	212
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD Player)	216
XM Radio Messages	222
Navigation/Radio System	223
Bluetooth®	223
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System	234
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)	243
Theft-Deterrent Feature	245
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	245
Radio Reception	246
Multi-Band Antenna	247
Driving Your Vehicle	249
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle	249
Driving for Better Fuel Economy	249
Defensive Driving	250
Drunk Driving	250
Control of a Vehicle	251
Braking	251
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	252
Braking in Emergencies	253
StabiliTrak® System	253
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System	255
Steering	256
Off-Road Recovery	257
Passing	257
Loss of Control	258
Driving at Night	258
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	259
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	260
Highway Hypnosis	261
Hill and Mountain Roads	261
Winter Driving	262
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	264
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	264
Loading the Vehicle	264
Towing	269
Towing Your Vehicle	269
Recreational Vehicle Towing	269
Towing a Trailer	273
Service and Appearance Care	283
Service	285
Service	285
Accessories and Modifications	285
California Proposition 65 Warning	286
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	286
Doing Your Own Service Work	286
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle	286
Fuel	287
Fuel	287
Gasoline Octane	287
Gasoline Specifications	287
California Fuel	287
Additives	287
Fuels in Foreign Countries	288
Filling the Tank	289
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	290
Checking Things Under the Hood	291
Checking Things Under the Hood	291
Hood Release	291
Engine Compartment Overview	292
Engine Oil	293
Engine Oil Life System	295
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	297
Automatic Transmission Fluid	298
Cooling System	299
Engine Coolant	299
Engine Overheating	304
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	305
Power Steering Fluid	306
Windshield Washer Fluid	306
Brakes	307
Battery	310
Jump Starting	311
Headlamp Aiming	315
Headlamp Aiming	315
Bulb Replacement	315
Bulb Replacement	315
Halogen Bulbs	315
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Sidemarker Lamps	315
Replacement Bulbs	316
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	317
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	317
Tires	318
Tires	318
Tire Sidewall Labeling	319
Tire Terminology and Definitions	321
Inflation - Tire Pressure	324
Tire Pressure Monitor System	325
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	327
Tire Inspection and Rotation	330
When It Is Time for New Tires	332
Buying New Tires	332
Different Size Tires and Wheels	334
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	334
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	336
Wheel Replacement	336
Tire Chains	337
If a Tire Goes Flat	338
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit	339
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage	346
Changing a Flat Tire	347
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	348
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	350
Secondary Latch System	354
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	356
Compact Spare Tire	359
Appearance Care	360
Interior Cleaning	360
Fabric/Carpet	361
Leather	362
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	362
Care of Safety Belts	362
Weatherstrips	363
Washing Your Vehicle	363
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	363
Finish Care	363
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades	364
Aluminum or Chrome?Plated Wheels and Trim	365
Tires	365
Sheet Metal Damage	366
Finish Damage	366
Underbody Maintenance	366
Chemical Paint Spotting	366
Vehicle Identification	367
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	367
Service Parts Identification Label	367
Electrical System	367
High Voltage Devices and Wiring	367
Add-On Electrical Equipment	368
Windshield Wiper Fuses	368
Power Windows and Other Power Options	368
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	368
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	368
Underhood Fuse Block	370
Capacities and Specifications	374
Capacities and Specifications	374
Maintenance Schedule	375
Maintenance Schedule	375
Introduction	375
Maintenance Requirements	375
Your Vehicle and the Environment	375
Using the Maintenance Schedule	376
Scheduled Maintenance	377
Additional Required Services	380
Maintenance Footnotes	381
Owner Checks and Services	383
At Each Fuel Fill	383
At Least Once a Month	383
At Least Once a Year	384
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	386
Maintenance Replacement Parts	388
Engine Drive Belt Routing	389
Maintenance Record	390
Customer Assistance Information	393
Customer Assistance and Information	393
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	393
Online Owner Center	395
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	396
Customer Assistance Offices	397
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	398
Roadside Assistance Program	398
Scheduling Service Appointments	400
Courtesy Transportation	401
Collision Damage Repair	402
Reporting Safety Defects	406
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	406
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	406
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	406
Service Publications Ordering Information	407
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	408
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	408
Event Data Recorders	408
OnStar®	409
Navigation System	409
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	409

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Safety Chains

Always attach chains between the

vehicle and the trailer. 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. Instructions about safety

chains may be provided by the

hitch manufacturer or by the

trailer manufacturer. Follow the

manufacturer’s recommendation for

attaching safety chains and do not

attach them to the bumper. Always

leave just enough slack so the rig

can turn. Never allow safety chains

to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

A loaded trailer that weighs more

than 1,000 lbs (450 kg) needs to

have its own brake system that

is adequate for the weight of the

trailer. Be sure to read and follow the

instructions for the trailer brakes so

they are installed, adjusted and

maintained properly.

Because the vehicle has antilock

brakes, do not try to tap into the

vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.

If you do, both brake systems will

not work well, or at all.

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain

amount of experience. Get to know

the rig before setting out for the open

road. Get acquainted with the feel of

handling and braking with the added

weight of the trailer. And always keep

in mind that the vehicle you are

driving is now longer and not as

responsive as the vehicle is by itself.

Before starting, check all trailer

hitch parts and attachments, safety

chains, electrical connectors, lamps,

tires and mirror adjustments. If the

trailer has electric brakes, start the

vehicle and trailer moving and then

apply the trailer brake controller by

hand to be sure the brakes are

working. This checks the electrical

connection at the same time.

During the trip, check occasionally to

be sure that the load is secure, and

that the lamps and any trailer brakes

are still working.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the

vehicle ahead as you would when

driving the vehicle without a trailer.

This can help to avoid situations that

require heavy braking and sudden

turns.

4-30

Driving Your Vehicle