warning CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint
System............................... 1-1
Head Restraints
.............. 1-2
Front Seats
.................... 1-3
Rear Seats
.................... 1-9
Safety Belts
..................1-14
Child Restraints
.............1-27
Airbag System
..............1-46
Restraint System
Check
......................1-59
Features and Controls...... 2-1
Keys
............................. 2-2
Doors and Locks
............ 2-8
Windows
......................2-14
Theft-Deterrent
Systems
...................2-16
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
.............2-20
Mirrors
.........................2-31
Object Detection
Systems
...................2-36
OnStar
®System
............2-43Universal Home Remote
System
.....................2-47
Storage Areas
...............2-52
Sunroof
........................2-56
Instrument Panel............... 3-1
Instrument Panel
Overview
.................... 3-4
Climate Controls
............3-19
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
............3-30
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
.............3-44
Audio System(s)
............3-73
Driving Your Vehicle......... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road,
and the Vehicle
........... 4-1
Towing
........................4-21
Service and
Appearance Care............... 5-1
Service
.......................... 5-3
Fuel
.............................. 5-5
Checking Things Under
the Hood
.................... 5-9Headlamp Aiming
..........5-33
Bulb Replacement
.........5-33
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
.............5-35
Tires
...........................5-36
Appearance Care
..........5-78
Vehicle Identication
......5-85
Electrical System
...........5-85
Capacities and
Specications
............5-92
Maintenance Schedule...... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
..... 6-1
Customer Assistance
Information........................ 7-1
Customer Assistance and
Information
................. 7-1
Reporting Safety
Defects
.....................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy
...............7-16
Index....................................i-1
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Owner ManualM

Safety Warnings and
Symbols
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do Not,”
“Do not do this” or “Do not let this
happen.”
A box with the word CAUTION is
used to tell about things that could
hurt you or others if you were to
ignore the warning.
{CAUTION
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Cautions tell what the hazard is and
what to do to avoid or reduce the
hazard. Read these cautions.
A notice tells about something that
can damage the vehicle.
Notice:These mean there is
something that could damage
your vehicle.
Many times, this damage would not
be covered by the vehicle’s
warranty, and it could be costly. The
notice tells what to do to help
avoid the damage.
There are also warning labels on
the vehicle which use the same
words, CAUTION or Notice.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead
of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation
or information relating to a specic
component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
*:This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
Preface iii

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv Preface

The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There
may be some smoke and dust
coming from the vents in the
deated airbags. Airbag ination
does not prevent the driver
from seeing out of the windshield
or being able to steer the vehicle,
nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION
When an airbag inates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
breathing problems but cannot get
out of the vehicle after an airbag
inates, then get fresh air by
opening a window or a door. If
you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors,
turn the interior lamps on, and turn
the hazard warning ashers on
when the airbags inate. You can
lock the doors, turn the interior
lamps off, and turn the hazard
warning ashers off by using the
controls for those features.
In many crashes severe enough to
inate the airbag, windshields
are broken by vehicle deformation.Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.Airbags are designed to inate
only once. After an airbag
inates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system. If
you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to
help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the
need to replace other parts.
The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a crash.
SeeVehicle Data Recording and
Privacy on page 7-16andEvent
Data Recorders on page 7-16.
Let only qualied technicians work
on the airbag systems. Improper
service can mean that an airbag
system will not work properly. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
1-52 Seats and Restraint System

3. If it is the rst remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps while the
engine is still running, to extend
the time by 10 minutes for
the engine to continue to run.
Remote start can be extended
one time.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to the ON/RUN position to drive
the vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running it
automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning
ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.The vehicle can be started using the
remote start feature two separate
times between driving sequences.
The engine runs for 10 minutes after
each remote start. Or, the engine
run time can be extended another
10 minutes within the rst 10 minute
remote start time frame, and before
the engine stops.
For example, if
Qand then/are
pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing
the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional 10 minutes are
considered a second remote start.
The vehicle must be started with the
key once two remote starts, or a
single remote start with one time
extension has been done.
The vehicle can be started using the
remote start feature again after
the key is removed from the ignition.The vehicle cannot be started using
the remote start feature if the key
is in the ignition, the hood is open,
or if there is an emission control
system malfunction.
The engine turns off during a
remote start if the coolant
temperature gets too high or if the
oil pressure gets low.
Vehicles that have the remote
vehicle start feature are shipped from
the factory with the remote vehicle
start system enabled. The system
may be enabled or disabled through
the DIC if the vehicle has DIC
buttons. See “REMOTE START”
underDIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons) on page 3-65for
additional information. If the vehicle
does not have DIC buttons, see your
dealer/retailer to enable or disable
the remote start system.
Features and Controls 2-7

Press the liftgate button on the
center console.
Press the touchpad switch on the
outside liftgate handle.
Pressing the buttons or touchpad
switch a second time while the
liftgate is moving reverses the
direction.The liftgate can also be closed by
pressing the power liftgate button
next to the liftgate latch. Press the
button a second time during liftgate
operation to reverse the operation.
The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.If the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function is
in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park)
and the vehicle accelerates before
the power liftgate latches closed, the
liftgate may reverse to the open
position. Cargo could fall out of the
vehicle. The power liftgate must be
closed and latched before driving.
If the liftgate is power opened and
the support struts have lost pressure,
the lights will ash and a chime will
sound. The liftgate will stay open
temporarily, then slowly close. See
your dealer/retailer for service before
using the liftgate if this occurs.
Obstacle Detection Features
A warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or
open position if the liftgate
encounters an obstacle during a
power open or close cycle. Power Liftgate Button on Center
Console
Power Liftgate Button near
Liftgate Latch
2-12 Features and Controls

If the PASS-Key®III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith to have a new
key made.
The SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 3-56for additional information.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does
not need an elaborate break-in.
But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these
guidelines:
If you have all-wheel drive,
keep your speed at 55 mph
(88 km/h) or less for the
rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for
the rst 200 miles (322 km)
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.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-25for the
trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
2-20 Features and Controls

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
In order to shift out of P (Park),
the ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the
brake pedal must be applied.Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand,
see your dealer/retailer.
((LOCK/OFF):This position locks
the ignition and transmission. The
key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning
the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle
needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is
the position in which you can operate
the electrical accessories or items
plugged into the accessory poweroutlets. This position unlocks the
ignition and steering wheel. Use this
position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning and
indicator lights. The switch stays in
this position when the engine is
running. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position. If you leave
the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off,
the battery could be drained.
You may not be able to start the
vehicle if the battery is allowed to
drain for an extended period of time.
/(START):This is the position
that starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to
ON/RUN for driving.
Features and Controls 2-21

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

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel OverviewInstrument Panel Overview.....3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers.......3-5
Horn....................................3-5
Tilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever.................................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals...............................3-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer.............................3-7
Flash-to-Pass........................3-7
Windshield Wipers.................3-7
Windshield Washer................3-8
Rear Window Wiper/Washer. . .3-9
Cruise Control......................3-9
Exterior Lamps....................3-11
Delayed Headlamps.............3-12
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System..............3-12
Fog Lamps.........................3-13
Instrument Panel
Brightness.........................3-13Courtesy Lamps..................3-14
Dome Lamps......................3-14
Dome Lamp Override...........3-14
Entry Lighting......................3-14
Delayed Entry Lighting.........3-15
Delayed Exit Lighting...........3-15
Parade Dimming..................3-15
Reading Lamps...................3-15
Electric Power
Management.....................3-15
Battery Run-Down
Protection.........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s). . . .3-17
Power Outlet 115 Volt
Alternating Current.............3-18
Climate ControlsClimate Control System........3-19
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System..................3-22
Outlet Adjustment................3-27
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System.................3-28
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and
Electronic Climate
Controls............................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators..........................3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster.......3-31
Speedometer and
Odometer.........................3-32
Tachometer........................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders..........3-32
Airbag Readiness Light.........3-33
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator...........................3-33
Charging System Light.........3-34
Voltmeter Gage...................3-35
Brake System Warning
Light................................3-36
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light...........3-37
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light. . . .3-37
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light....................3-38
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage.............3-38
Tire Pressure Light..............3-39
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp..................3-39
Oil Pressure Light................3-42
Security Light......................3-43
Instrument Panel 3-1