CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Climate Controls 8-5
outside temperature is over 4°C
(40°F). The system is
automatically set to outside air,
unless it is hot outside and then
the air inlet changes to
recirculation mode to help
quickly cool the vehicle. The
recirculation indicator light will
come on.
2. Set the temperature for the driver and passenger.
To find a comfortable setting,
start with a 22°C (73°F)
temperature setting and allow
about 20 minutes for the system
to regulate. Use the driver side
or passenger side temperature
control to adjust the temperature
setting as necessary. The
system will remain at the
selected setting. Choosing the
warmest or coolest temperatures
does not cause the vehicle to
heat or cool more quickly.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold
weather, the system delays
turning on the fan until warm air is available. Turn the fan knob to
override this delay and select
the fan speed.
Temperature Control
The driver and passenger side
temperature controls are used to
adjust the temperature of the air
coming through the system. The
temperature can be adjusted even if
the system is turned off since
outside air still enters the vehicle,
unless the recirculation mode is
selected. See “Recirculation” later in
this section.
Driver Side Temperature
Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the driver side
temperature. The driver side
temperature display will show the
temperature setting.
Passenger Side Temperature
Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the passenger side temperature. The passenger side
display will show the temperature
setting.
SYNC (Synchronized
Temperature):
Press to set the
passenger temperature to match the
driver temperature setting.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed
can be manually adjusted.
9(Fan Control): Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turning the fan control knob while in
automatic control places the fan
speed under manual control.
The air delivery mode remains in
automatic control. The fan setting
displays momentarily and then no
longer displays.
Air Delivery Modes: Press
H,),
6, or-to change the direction of
the airflow in the vehicle. An
indicator light comes on in the
selected mode button. Pressing a

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
8-6 Climate Controls
mode button while the system is off
changes the air delivery mode
without turning the system on.
Changing the air delivery mode
while in automatic control places the
system into manual control. The air
delivery mode button indicator
displays, and the AUTO button
indicator light turns off.
H(Vent):Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
towards the windshield and side
window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some of the air
directed to the windshield, side
window, and second row floor
outlets. In this mode, the system
uses outside air.
-(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor outlets, and side window vents.
When this mode is selected, the
system turns off recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is
less than 4°C (40°F). Do not drive
the vehicle until all the windows are
clear.
0(Defrost):
Press to turn the
defrost on or off. This mode quickly
clears the windshield of fog or frost.
Air is directed to the windshield,
side window, and floor vents. In this
mode, outside air is pulled inside
the vehicle. The air conditioning
system runs automatically in this
setting, unless the outside
temperature is less than 4°C (40°F).
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Air Conditioning
A/C (Air Conditioning): Press to
turn the air conditioning on and off.
An indicator light comes on when
A/C is on. The A/C does not work when the
outside temperature is below 4°C
(40°F). If A/C is pressed the
indicator flashes three times and
turns off to show that the A/C mode
is not available. If the A/C is on and
the outside temperature drops
below a temperature which is too
cool for air conditioning to be
effective, the A/C indicator turns off
to show that the A/C mode has
been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows
briefly to let hot inside air escape.
This helps reduce the time it takes
for the interior of the vehicle to
cool down.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so
water might drip under the vehicle
while idling or after turning off the
engine. This is normal.@(Recirculation):
Press to turn
the recirculation mode on or off. An
indicator light comes on when
recirculation is on. When the engine
is turned off, the recirculation mode

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Climate Controls 8-7
automatically turns off and must be
re-selected when the engine is
turned on again.
This mode recirculates and helps to
quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering
the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defog, or defrosting
modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator flashes
three times and turns off. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
While in recirculation mode the
windows can fog when the weather
is cold and damp. To clear the fog,
select either the defog or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed.
REAR:Press to turn the rear
heating and air conditioning on or
off. See Rear Climate Control
System on page 8‑8 orRear
Climate Control System (with Rear
Seat Audio) on page 8‑9.Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
R
1(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. The rear window
defogger stays on for about
10 minutes, before turning off. The
defogger also turns off when the
engine is turned off. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are
clear.
For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, fog or frost is
cleared from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defog
button is pressed.
Notice: Do not use a razor blade
or sharp object to clear the inside
rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid
lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
Sensors
The solar sensor in the defrost grille
in the middle of the instrument
panel, monitors the solar heat. Do
not cover the solar sensor or the
system will not work properly.
The interior temperature sensor, on
the instrument panel to the right of
the steering column, measures the
temperature of the air inside the
vehicle.
There is also an exterior
temperature sensor behind the front
grille. This sensor reads the outside

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
8-8 Climate Controls
air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle.
Any cover on the front of the vehicle
could cause a false reading in the
displayed temperature.
The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
maintain comfort settings by
adjusting the temperature, fan
speed, and air delivery mode. The
system may also supply cooler air to
the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also
be used as needed to maintain cool
outlet temperatures.Rear Climate Control System
1. Fan Control
2. Temperature Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
For vehicles with the rear climate
control system, the controls are
located on the rear of the center
console. The system can also be
controlled with the front controls.Press the REAR button on the front
climate control system to control the
rear climate control system. The
REAR text displays when the rear
system is on.
Sync Mode:
This mode matches
the rear climate control to the front
climate control settings. It comes on
when REAR is pressed.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Climate Controls 8-9
Independent Mode:This mode
directs rear seating airflow
according to the settings of the rear
controls. It comes on when any rear
control is adjusted.
Fan Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Turn the
knob to
(to turn the fan off.
Temperature Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the airflow
temperature.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
to the desired mode to change the
airflow direction.
H (Vent): Air is directed through
the overhead outlets.
) (Bi-Level): Air is directed
through the rear floor outlets, as
well as the overhead outlets.
6 (Floor): Air is directed through
the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.
Rear Climate Control System (with Rear Seat Audio)
1. Fan Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Control
3. Temperature Control
For vehicles with the rear climate
control system, the controls are
located on the rear of the center
console.
Press the REAR button on the front
climate control system to control the
rear climate control system. The
system also turns on if any of the rear controls, exceptC, are
pressed. The display is activated
when the rear system is on.
The system can also be turned off,
by pressing
Cuntil the fan goes off.
Sync Mode: This mode matches
the rear climate control to the front
climate control settings. It comes on
when REAR is pressed.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
8-10 Climate Controls
Independent Mode:This mode
directs rear seating airflow
according to the settings of the rear
controls. It comes on when any rear
control is adjusted.
DandC(Fan Control): Press the
fan up or down buttons to increase
or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control: Press + or
− to increase or decrease the air
temperature. The temperature
settings will display in
0-12 increments, going from the
coolest (0) to the warmest (12)
setting.
N(Air Delivery Mode Control):
Press to manually change the
direction of the airflow. Repeatedly
press the button until the desired
mode appears on the display.
H(Vent): Air is directed through
the overhead outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is directed
through the rear floor outlets, as
well as the overhead outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed through
the floor outlets. The rear system
floor outlets are located under the
third row seats.
Air Vents
Use the slider switch in the center of
the outlet, to change the direction of
the airflow. Use the thumbwheel
near the outlet to control the amount
of airflow or to shut off the airflow.
Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Climate Controls 8-11
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
can block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
.If fogging reoccurs while in vent
or bi-level modes with mild
temperature throughout the
vehicle, turn on the air
conditioner to reduce windshield
fogging.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air and inside air when in
recirculation mode.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule on
page 11‑2. To find out what type of
replacement filter to use, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 11‑13. 1. Open the glove box.
2. Twist the compartment
retainers (1) and pull outward to
remove.
3. Lower the instrument panel compartment assembly (2)
beyond the stops.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
8-12 Climate Controls
4. If needed, unsnap the instrumentpanel compartment assembly (2)
from the instrument panel. When
reinstalling, be sure the
instrument panel compartment
dampener arm is aligned
properly to the dampener gear
assembly.
5. Squeeze the housing cover (1)
tabs to remove. 6. Remove the old air filter from the
passenger compartment air filter
housing (2).
7. Install the new air filter.
8. Replace the housing cover.
9. If removed, reinstall the instrument panel compartment
assembly.
10. Reinstall the compartment retainers.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-6
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-13
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-21
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-26
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-31
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-39
California Fuel
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-39
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Towing
General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
9-2 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{WARNING
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the Infotainment section
and the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system, including pairing and using
a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety Belts on
page 3‑13.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.