lights CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2009 Owner's Manual

Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the
exterior lamps control.
k(Dome Off):Press the button in and the dome
lamps remain off when a door is opened. Press
the button again to return it to the extended position so
that the dome lamps come on when a door is opened.
Entry Lighting
The vehicle has an illuminated entry feature.
When the doors are opened, the dome lamps will come
on if the dome override button is in the extended
position. If the dome override button is pressed in, the
lamps will not come on.
Exit Lighting
The interior lamps come on when the key is removed
from the ignition. They turn off automatically in
20 seconds. The lights do not come on if the dome
override button is pressed in.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps they are located on the
overhead console.
To turn on the reading lamps, press the button located
next to each lamp. To turn them off, press the button
again.
The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn the lamps on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp.
The lamps are xed and cannot be adjusted.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
3-19

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-34

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System on page 1-90for important
safety information. The overhead console has a
passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and
off, for several seconds as a system check. If you are
using remote start to start the vehicle from a distance, if
equipped, you may not see the system check.
Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol
to let you know the status of the right front passenger
frontal airbag.If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-37
for more information, including important safety
information. United States
Canada
3-38

AUTO DOOR UNLOCK
This feature allows you to select whether or not to
turn off the automatic door unlocking feature. It also
allows you to select which doors and when the doors will
automatically unlock. SeeProgrammable Automatic
Door Locks on page 2-11for more information.
Press the customization button until AUTO DOOR
UNLOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the
set/reset button once to access the settings for this
feature. Then press the customization button to scroll
through the following settings:
OFF:None of the doors will automatically unlock.
DRIVER AT KEY OUT:Only the driver’s door will
unlock when the key is taken out of the ignition.
DRIVER IN PARK:Only the driver’s door will unlock
when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
ALL AT KEY OUT:All of the doors will unlock when
the key is taken out of the ignition.
ALL IN PARK (default):All of the doors will unlock
when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
REMOTE DOOR LOCK
This feature allows you to select the type of feedback
you will receive when locking the vehicle with the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. You will not
receive feedback when locking the vehicle with the RKE
transmitter if the doors are open. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5for more
information.
Press the customization button until REMOTE DOOR
LOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset
button once to access the settings for this feature.
Then press the customization button to scroll through
the following settings:
OFF:There will be no feedback when you press the
lock button on the RKE transmitter.
LIGHTS ONLY:The exterior lamps will ash when you
press the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
HORN ONLY:The horn will sound on the second press
of the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
HORN & LIGHTS (default):The exterior lamps will
ash when you press the lock button on the RKE
transmitter, and the horn will sound when the lock button
is pressed again within ve seconds of the previous
command.
3-76

NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
REMOTE DOOR UNLOCK
This feature allows you to select the type of feedback you
will receive when unlocking the vehicle with the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. You will not receive
feedback when unlocking the vehicle with the RKE
transmitter if the doors are open. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5for more
information.
Press the customization button until REMOTE DOOR
UNLOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset
button once to access the settings for this feature. Then
press the customization button to scroll through the
following settings:
LIGHTS OFF:The exterior lamps will not ash when
you press the unlock button on the RKE transmitter.
LIGHTS ON (default):The exterior lamps will
ash when you press the unlock button on the RKE
transmitter.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
DELAY DOOR LOCK
This feature allows you to select whether or not the
locking of the vehicle’s doors and liftgate will be delayed.
When locking the doors and liftgate with the power
door lock switch and a door or the liftgate is open, this
feature will delay locking the doors and liftgate until
ve seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear
three chimes to signal that the delayed locking
feature is in use. The key must be out of the ignition for
this feature to work. You can temporarily override
delayed locking by pressing the power door lock switch
twice or the lock button on the RKE transmitter twice.
SeeDelayed Locking on page 2-11for more information.
Press the customization button until DELAY DOOR
LOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset
button once to access the settings for this feature.
Then press the customization button to scroll through
the following settings:
OFF:There will be no delayed locking of the vehicle’s
doors.
ON (default):The doors will not lock until ve seconds
after the last door or the liftgate is closed.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
3-77

EXIT LIGHTING
This feature allows you to select the amount of time you
want the exterior lamps to remain on when it is dark
enough outside. This happens after the key is turned
from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF.
Press the customization button until EXIT LIGHTING
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then
press the customization button to scroll through the
following settings:
OFF:The exterior lamps will not turn on.
30 SECONDS (default):The exterior lamps will stay on
for 30 seconds.
1 MINUTE:The exterior lamps will stay on for
one minute.
2 MINUTES:The exterior lamps will stay on for
two minutes.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
APPROACH LIGHTING
This feature allows you to select whether or not to have
the exterior lights turn on briey during low light
periods after unlocking the vehicle using the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Press the customization button until APPROACH
LIGHTING appears on the DIC display. Press the
set/reset button once to access the settings for
this feature. Then press the customization button to
scroll through the following settings:
OFF:The exterior lights will not turn on when you
unlock the vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
ON (default):If it is dark enough outside, the exterior
lights will turn on briey when you unlock the vehicle
with the RKE transmitter.
The lights will remain on for 20 seconds or until the lock
button on the RKE transmitter is pressed, or the
vehicle is no longer off. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-5for more
information.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
3-78

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is
going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-41.
Along with ABS, the vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights and
chime will come on each time the ignition is turned on
until the problem is repaired. See your dealer/retailer
for service.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel,
as required, faster than any driver could. This can
help the driver steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed
to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. The brakes might
vibrate or some noise might be heard, but this is normal.
4-5

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to
free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-31.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started. It will activate and the
StabiliTrak light will ash if it senses that any of
the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction
while driving. If traction control is turned off, only
the brake-traction control portion of traction control will
work. The engine speed management will be disabled.
In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically
and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can
cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brake
warning lights and any relevant DIC messages are
displayed, the transfer case could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin
the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and
messages are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry
or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction
in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration
may be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the system
activates, the StabiliTrak light will ash and cruise
control will automatically disengage. Cruise control
may be reengaged when road conditions allow.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-12.
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if it
determines that a problem exists with the system.
If the problem does not clear itself after restarting
the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
4-8

Surface Obstacles:Unseen or hidden obstacles
can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can
startle you if you are not prepared for them. Often these
obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow, or even
the rise and fall of the terrain itself.
Some things to consider:
Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill?
Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction
quickly?
When driving over obstacles or rough terrain, keep
a rm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other
surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands.
When driving over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles,
the wheels can leave the ground. If this happens,
even with one or two wheels, you cannot control
the vehicle as well or at all.Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden turns, or sudden braking.
Off-roading requires a different kind of alertness from
driving on paved roads and highways. There are no road
signs, posted speed limits, or signal lights. Use good
judgment about what is safe and what is not.
Driving on Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across
a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and
an understanding of what the vehicle can and cannot
do. There are some hills that simply cannot be driven,
no matter how well built the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive
down them, you cannot control your speed. If you
drive across them, you will roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt
about the steepness, do not drive the hill.
4-17

L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-62
Lamps
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp........................3-18
Daytime Running (DRL)................................3-16
Dome ........................................................3-18
Dome Lamp Override...................................3-19
License Plate..............................................5-58
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-43
Reading.....................................................3-19
Lap Belt ........................................................1-52
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-45
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-65
Level Control..................................................4-49
Liftgate, Power...............................................2-15
Liftgate/Liftglass..............................................2-13
Liftglass/Liftgate..............................................2-13
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-19
Exit ...........................................................3-19
Lights
Airbag Readiness........................................3-37
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-41
Brake System Warning.................................3-40
Charging System.........................................3-39
Cruise Control.............................................3-49
Exterior Lamps............................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8Lights (cont.)
Fog Lamps .................................................3-49
Highbeam On.............................................3-49
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-51
Oil Pressure...............................................3-48
On Reminder..............................................3-15
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-38
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-36
Security.....................................................3-48
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................3-42
Tire Pressure..............................................3-43
Tow/Haul Mode ...........................................3-49
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Locking Rear Axle............................................ 4-9
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-51
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-65
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-79
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-6
Power Controls............................................. 1-6
8