warning light CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2009 Owner's Guide

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is lled
with DOT 3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much uid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake uid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. See
“Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-40.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-40

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-122.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake
linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change in
many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
5-42

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
If your vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s tires and transmit
the tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the
vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specic tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the
driver. For additional information and details about the
DIC operation and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-52orDIC
Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on
page 3-58andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-64.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-33, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-70.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-76andTires on page 5-61.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could damage the Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors. Sensor
damage caused by using a tire sealant is not covered
by your warranty. Do not use liquid tire sealants.
5-73

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the
TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message
is also displayed. The low tire warning light and DIC
warning message come on at each ignition cycle until the
problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that can
cause the malfunction light and DIC message to come
on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you re-install the road
tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching process was started but
not completed or not completed successfully after
rotating the vehicle’s tires. The DIC message and
TPMS malfunction light should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is performed successfully.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process” later in this
section.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-78.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for service if
the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.
5-74

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power............................................2-28
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Active Fuel Management™...............................2-31
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-39
Additional Required Services, Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-6
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-114
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-30
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Conditioning..............................................3-22
Airbag
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-96
Airbag System
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-88
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-90
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-96
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-87
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-88
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-86
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-83Airbags
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-38
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
System Check.............................................1-81
Antenna
Rear Side Window.....................................3-140
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-140
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Warning Light.............................................3-41
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-112
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-109
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-113
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-110
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-108
Finish Care...............................................5-110
Finish Damage
..........................................5-113
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-109
Interior Cleaning........................................5-106
Leather....................................................5-108
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-113
Tires........................................................5-112
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-113
1

Appearance Care (cont.)
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-110
Weatherstrips............................................5-109
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades......5-111
Ashtray.........................................................3-21
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 7-7
Audio System.................................................3-83
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-138
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-115
Setting the Clock.........................................3-84
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-140
Audio System(s).............................................3-86
Audio Systems
Radio Reception........................................3-139
Rear Seat (RSA).......................................3-136
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-138
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-22, 5-25
Operation...................................................2-32
Autoride
®.......................................................4-50
Auxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp....................................3-18
Axle, Rear.....................................................5-49
B
Battery..........................................................5-43
Electric Power Management..........................3-19
Run-Down Protection...................................3-20
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................6-16
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................1-14
Bluetooth
®....................................................3-115
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-6
Pedal and Adjustable Throttle........................2-30
Brakes..........................................................5-40
Antilock....................................................... 4-5
Parking......................................................2-45
System Warning Light..................................3-40
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-26
Bucket Seats, Rear.........................................1-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-58
Fog Lamps .................................................3-17
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-56
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-53
Headlamps.................................................5-56
License Plate Lamps....................................5-58
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-57
Buying New Tires...........................................5-78
2

C
Calibration.....................................................3-61
California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements................. 5-4
Warning....................................................... 5-4
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Camera, Rear Vision.......................................2-62
Canadian Owners............................................... iii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-122
Carbon Monoxide...................................2-13, 2-15
Engine Exhaust...........................................2-50
Winter Driving.............................................4-29
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-109
Cargo Cover..................................................2-80
CD, MP3 ............................................3-105, 3-109
Center Console Storage...................................2-79
Center Seat...................................................1-13
Chains, Tire...................................................5-84
Charging System Light....................................3-39
Check Engine Lamp........................................3-43
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-113
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children...........................1-57
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-65
Older Children.............................................1-54Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-73
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-77
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-77
Systems.....................................................1-61
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-63
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Circuit Breakers............................................5-115
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-112
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-110
Fabric/Carpet............................................
5-108
Finish Care...............................................5-110
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-109
Interior.....................................................5-106
Leather....................................................5-108
Tires........................................................5-112
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-113
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-110
Weatherstrips............................................5-109
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades......5-111
3

Climate Control System...................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Electronic................................................3-32
Clock, Setting.................................................3-84
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass.......................................................3-61
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-22
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-42
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-34
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-8
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Courtesy Transportation Program......................7-10
Cruise Control................................................3-12
Light..........................................................3-49
Cupholders....................................................2-78
Customer Assistance......................................... 7-6
Offices......................................................... 7-6
Text Telephone (TTY) Users........................... 7-6
Customer Information
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
Customer Satisfaction Procedure........................ 7-2D
Damage Repair, Collision.................................7-11
Data Recorders
Event.........................................................7-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
DIC Compass.................................................3-61
Disc, MP3..........................................3-105, 3-109
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-19
Dome Lamps .................................................3-18
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Locks...............................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-51
DIC Operation and Displays..................3-52, 3-58
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-74
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-64
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-25
Before a Long Trip......................................4-27
Better Fuel Economy..................................... 4-2
4

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage.............................................5-113
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-85
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-86
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-102
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-22, 5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fog Lamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................3-17
Light..........................................................3-49
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-40, 5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-7
Economy Driving........................................... 4-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-11
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-8
Gage .........................................................3-50
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Fuel Warning Light................................3-51
Management, Active.....................................2-31
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-118
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-115
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-116
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-119
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-115
G
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-42
Fuel..........................................................3-50
Oil Pressure...............................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Trip Odometer.............................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-39
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-71
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-78
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
6

H
Halogen Bulbs................................................5-56
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-2
Headlamps
Aiming .......................................................5-53
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-56
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).....................3-16
Exterior Lamps............................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-15
Heated Seats............................................1-7, 1-8
Heater...........................................................3-22
Engine Coolant...........................................2-30
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-49
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-27
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-28
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-13
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-37
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-26
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-57
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-70
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-18
Cluster.......................................................3-35
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Introduction...................................................... 6-2
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-44
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
7