tow CHEVROLET BLAZER 2023 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
242 Driving and Operating
Hitch Cover
To remove the hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the four fasteners on the lower tabs.
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper attachments.
To reinstall the hitch cover: 1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper tabs into
the slots in the bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line up with the
lower slots. 3. Snap the hitch cover into place by
pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the four fasteners on the lower tabs.
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be useful
with some trailers.
1. Front of the Vehicle
2. Body-to-Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height above the
front axle distance (2) before and after
connecting the trailer. Adjust the spring bars
until the front fender height distance (2) is
approximately halfway between the first
and second measurements.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 277 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions for safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
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. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

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Driving and Operating 243
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
antilock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pin
connector, is at the rear of the vehicle and
is tied to the vehicle's frame. The harness
requires the installation of a trailer
connector, which is available through your
dealer.Use only a round, seven-wire connector with
flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper electrical
connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Brown: Tail/Parking Lamps
.White: Trailer Ground
.Red: Stop Lamp Supply Voltage
.Black: Back Up Lamp Supply Voltage
.Blue: Service Brakes
The fuse for the electric trailer brake circuit
is in the engine compartment fuse block,
but the wires may not be connected. They
should be connected by your dealer or a
qualified service center. To control electric
trailer brakes, a trailer brake controller needs
to be installed on the vehicle by your dealer
or a qualified service center. See electric
brake control wiring provisions.
If a battery outside the vehicle is being
charged, place the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode. This will boost the vehicle system
voltage and properly charge the battery.
If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul Mode, turn on the non-HID only headlamps as a
second way to boost the vehicle system
voltage and charge the battery.
Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
Wiring provisions for an aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller are included with the
vehicle as part of the trailer wiring package.
The harness contains the following circuits:
These wiring provisions for an electric trailer
brake controller are included with the
vehicle as part of the trailer wiring package.
The body harness, inside the front driver
side instrument panel, contains blunt cut
wires below the headlamp switch for the
electric trailer brake controller. The harness
contains the following wires:
.Blue: Electric Trailer Brakes
.Blue: Battery Feed
.White/Blue: Brake Apply Signal
.Black: Ground
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
244 Driving and Operating
The electric trailer brake controller should be
installed by your dealer or a qualified
service center.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
Mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0206.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Driver
Mode Control 0206.
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 0238. 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 0204.
{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
(Continued)

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 245
Warning (Continued)
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment0241 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.
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. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0101.
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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 060 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 061.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 247
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 247
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . 268
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 270
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 281
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 286
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 290
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 292
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 292
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 293
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 301
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 303
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
248 Vehicle Care
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
seeServicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 60.
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 014.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 324.
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.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.

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Vehicle Care 253
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal.SeeJump Starting - North America 0301.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0255.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0250 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
2.0L L4 Engine
3.6L V6 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0326.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 Vehicle Care
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade:1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of thewiper blade where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end of
the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
The rear wiper blade and wiper arm have a
cover for protection.
To remove the cover:
1. Slide a plastic tool under the cover andpush upward to unsnap.
2. Slide the cover toward the wiper blade tip to unhook it from the blade
assembly.
3. Remove the cover.
4. After wiper blade replacement, ensure that the cover hook slides into the slot
in the blade assembly.
5. Snap the cover down to secure.
To replace the wiper blade: 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever (2) to disengagethe hook and push the wiper arm (1) out
of the blade assembly (3).
3. Push the new blade assembly securely on the wiper arm until the release lever
clicks into place.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.

Chevrolet Blazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16401961) - 2023 - CRC - 5/17/22
290 Vehicle Care
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. SeeTire
Pressure 0283 and Vehicle Load Limits
0 188.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 286.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 326, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0296.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0289 and
Tire Rotation 0289.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends
that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification

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Vehicle Care 295
Caution (Continued)
when necessary. Use low profile chains
that add no more than 12 mm (0.5 in)
thickness to the tire tread and inner
sidewall. Use chains that are the proper
size for the tires. Install them on the tires
of the drive axle only. Tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If the
chains contact the vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues,
slow down until it stops. Driving too fast
or spinning the wheels with chains on
will damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0277. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0121.
If your vehicle is loaded at or near
maximum cargo capacity, it may be difficult
to fit the jack under the vehicle due to the
environment (shoulder slope, road debris,
etc.). Removal of some weight may improve
the ability to fit the jack under the vehicle
at the correct jacking location.