CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2009 1.G Owners Manual

When Tow/Haul is activated the
Tow/Haul symbol will come on the
instrument panel cluster. See
“Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing a
Trailer on page 4-25for more
information.
Automatic Engine Grade
Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
assists when driving on a downhill
grade. It maintains vehicle speed by
automatically implementing a shift
schedule that uses the engine and
the transmission to slow the vehicle.
The system will automatically
command downshifts to reduce
vehicle speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed.
While in the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) mode, grade braking
is deactivated, allowing the
driver to select a range and limiting
the highest gear available. Grade
braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-24.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the
regular brake pedal down, then push
the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-36.Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature wear
or damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down,
then push down momentarily on the
parking brake pedal until you feel
the pedal release. Slowly pull
your foot up off the park brake
pedal. If the parking brake is
not released when you begin to
drive, the brake system warning light
will be on and a chime will sound
warning you that the parking
brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on a hill, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-25.
Features and Controls 2-27

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can
roll. 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, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-25.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-27for
more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the
shift lever all the way toward
the front of the vehicle.3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with
you. If you can leave the vehicle
with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it
could overheat and even catch
re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine running.If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it.
After you have moved the shift lever
into P (Park), hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then, see if you can
move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without rst pushing the
button.
If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked in P (Park).Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the
parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill
and shifting the transmission into
P (Park) is not done properly and
then it is difficult to shift out of
P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set
the parking brake and then shift into
P (Park). To nd out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” listed previously.
2-28 Features and Controls

If torque lock does occur, your
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so
you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with
an electronic shift lock release
system. The shift lock release is
designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless
the ignition is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release 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. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-29for more information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. While holding down the brake
pedal, press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), see your
dealer/retailer.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
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.
Features and Controls 2-29

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION
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
airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
The vehicle’s exhaust system
has been modied, damaged
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or after-market
modications 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. But if you ever have
to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-30.
2-30 Features and Controls

{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the automatic
transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. 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).
Follow the proper steps to be sure
the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park on page 2-28.
If parking on a hill and pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-25.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Adjust the inside rearview mirror
to see clearly behind your vehicle.
Hold the mirror in the center to move
it up or down and side to side.
Use the day/night adjustment to help
prevent glare from the headlamps
behind you. Move the lever to the
right for nighttime use and to the left
for daytime use.
Vehicles with OnStar
®have
three additional control buttons
located at the bottom of the mirror.
See your dealer/retailer for more
information about OnStar and how to
subscribe to it. SeeOnStar
®System
on page 2-43for more information on
the services OnStar provides.
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Vehicles with OnStar
®have
three additional control buttons for
the OnStar
®system. See your
dealer/retailer for more information
about OnStar
®and how to subscribe
to it. SeeOnStar®System on
page 2-43for more information about
the services OnStar
®provides.
O(On/Off):Press to turn the
dimming feature on or off.
The vehicle may also have a Rear
Vision Camera (RVC). SeeRear
Vision Camera (RVC) on page 2-38
for more information.
If the vehicle has RVC, the
Obutton
will not be available.
Features and Controls 2-31

Automatic Dimming Mirror
Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of
the vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the driver
door armrest.
To adjust each mirror:
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows
located on the control pad to
adjust the mirror.3. Adjust each outside mirror so
that a little of the vehicle and
the area behind it can be seen.
4. Press either (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.
Manually fold the mirrors inward
to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return it to the original position.
Using hood-mounted air deectors
and add-on convex mirror
attachments could decrease mirror
performance.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may have a turn signal
indicator lamp that is built into
the mirror housing. The turn signal
lamp ashes with the use of the
vehicle’s turn signal and hazard
ashers.
2-32 Features and Controls

Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
Vehicles with outside power
foldaway mirrors, have the controls
located on the driver door armrest.
Mirror Adjustment
1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.
2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.
Resetting the Power Foldaway
Mirrors
Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:
The mirrors are accidentally
obstructed while folding.
They are accidentally manually
folded/unfolded.
The mirrors vibrate at normal
driving speeds.Fold and unfold the mirrors one time
using the mirror controls to reset
them to their normal position.
A popping noise may be heard
during the resetting of the power
foldaway mirrors. This sound
is normal after a manual folding
operation.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may have a turn signal
indicator lamp that is built into
the mirror housing. The turn signal
lamp ashes with the use of the
vehicle’s turn signal and hazard
ashers.
Features and Controls 2-33

Blind Spot Mirrors
The blind spot mirror is a small
convex mirror built into the upper and
outer corner of both outside mirrors.
It is designed to increase driver
visibility and show objects that may
be in the vehicle’s blind zone.
Driving with the Blind Spot
Mirror
The illustration represents how a
vehicle appears in the blind
spot mirror when a vehicle is
approaching the blind zone.1. When the approaching vehicle is
a long distance away, the image
in the main mirror is small
and near the inboard edge of
the mirror.
2. As the vehicle gets closer, the
image in the main mirror gets
larger and moves outboard.
3. As the vehicle enters the blind
zone, the image transitions
from the main mirror to the blind
spot mirror.
4. When the vehicle is completely
in the blind zone, the image will
only appear in the blind spot
mirror and is entirely off the
main mirror.
2-34 Features and Controls

Using the Outside Mirror with
the Blind Spot Mirror
1. Set the main mirror so that the
side of your vehicle can just be
seen and your blind spot
mirror has an unobstructed view.
2. When checking for traffic or
before changing a lane, look at
the main driver/passenger side
mirror to observe traffic in the
adjacent lane, behind your
vehicle. Check the blind spot
mirror for a vehicle in the blind
zone. Then, glance over your
shoulder to double check
before moving slowly into the
adjacent lane.
Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has the memory
package, the outside mirrors have a
park tilt feature. This feature tilts the
outside mirrors to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This allows the driver to
view the curb for parallel parking.The passenger and/or driver mirror
returns to its original position
when the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned
off or to OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-65andMemory Seat
and Mirrors on page 1-6for
more information.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION
A convex mirror can make things
(like other vehicles) look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror’s surface
is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with heated mirrors:
<(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to heat the mirrors.
See “Rear Window Defogger” under
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-22for more
information.
Features and Controls 2-35

Object Detection
Systems
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
For vehicles with the Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system,
it operates at speeds less than
5 mph (8 km/h), and assists the
driver with parking and avoiding
objects while in R (Reverse).
The sensors on the rear bumper are
used to detect the distance to an
object up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind
the vehicle, and at least 10 inches
(25.4 cm) off the ground.
{CAUTION
The Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system does not
replace driver vision. It cannot
detect:
objects that are below the
bumper, underneath the
vehicle, or if they are too
close or far from the vehicle
children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or pets.
If you do not use proper care
before and while backing; vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Even with URPA, always
check behind the vehicle before
backing up. While backing, be
sure to look for objects and check
the vehicle’s mirrors.The display is located in the
headliner and can be seen by
looking over your right shoulder.
URPA uses three color-coded lights
to provide distance and system
information.
2-36 Features and Controls