warning CHEVROLET BLAZER 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
Driving and Operating 243
If the transmission downshifts too often,
a lower gear may be selected using
Manual Mode. SeeManual Mode0209.
If equipped, Driver Assistance Systems must
be turned off when towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0207.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner. Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment
0248. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check that the trailer
brakes work.
During the trip, occasionally check that the
cargo and trailer are secure and that the
lamps and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
244 Driving and Operating
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0271.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking the vehicle and trailer on
a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
Driving and Operating 245
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See the Maintenance
Schedule 0332. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0271.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle. Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0248 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
246 Driving and Operating
See“Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0248 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the tow rating chart later
in this section.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits 0197. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a
driver, a front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment. This value
represents the heaviest trailer the vehicle
can tow, but it may be necessary to reduce
the trailer weight to stay within the GCW,
GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the tow rating chart to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model, powertrain, and trailering
options.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
Driving and Operating 251
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
Mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0214.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0210.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0245. Tow/Haul Mode is
most useful when towing a heavy trailer or
carrying a large or heavy load:
.Through rolling terrain.
.In stop-and-go traffic.
.In busy parking lots.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak light will flash on
the instrument cluster. Reduce vehicle speed
by gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator. If trailer sway continues,
StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine torque to
help slow the vehicle. TSC will not function
if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0213.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0248 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
252 Driving and Operating
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blowouts.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blowouts. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is on
the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0100
. A device connected to the DLC —such
as an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 058 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 059.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
Vehicle Care 253
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 254
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 254
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 255
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 257
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 279
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 280
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 284
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 292
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 297
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 301
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 303
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 303
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 305
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 307
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 318
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
254 Vehicle Care
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0274 and
Jump Starting - North America 0318 and the
back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
Vehicle Care 255
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 059.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0356.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 58. If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 013.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 343.Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start,
turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
driving.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with the
i. It is on the lower left side of the
instrument panel.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608203) - 2021 - CRC - 10/29/20
256 Vehicle Care
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locatethe secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release. 3. After you have partially lifted the hood,
the gas strut system will automatically
lift the hood and hold it in the fully
open position.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force
if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is
not latched completely. The hood could
open fully, block your vision, and cause a
crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before
driving.