washer fluid CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2009 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-35.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-32.
F.Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-38(If Equipped).
G.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-51.
H.Audio System(s) on page 3-83.
I.Exterior Lamps on page 3-14.
J.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-19.Instrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-18.Fog Lamps
on page 3-17(If Equipped).
K.Hood Release on page 5-13.
L. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
Towing a Trailer on page 4-50.
M. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-40.N.Cruise Control on page 3-12.
O.Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.
P.Horn on page 3-6.
Q.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-138.
R.Climate Control System on page 3-22orDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24
(If Equipped).
S.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-20. Cigarette
Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-21.
T.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped).
Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped). SeeAdjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-30.Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-56
(If Equipped). Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
Button (If Equipped). SeeWindshield Washer on
page 3-10.Power Assist Steps on page 2-18
(If Equipped).
U.Glove Box on page 2-78.
3-5

When Rainsense is active, the headlamps will turn on
automatically if the exterior lamp control is in the AUTO
position and the wipers are active.
Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
Windshield Washer
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
L(Washer Fluid):Push the paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever, to spray washer uid on the windshield. The
wipers clear the window and then either stop or return
to the preset speed.
Heated Windshield Washer
For vehicles with the heated windshield washer uid
system it can be used to help clear ice, snow, tree sap,
or bugs from the windshield.
_(Heated Washer Fluid):Press the heated washer
uid button to activate the heated windshield washer
uid system. This activation initiates four heated
wash/wipe cycles. The rst heated wash/wipe cycle may
take up to 40 seconds to occur, depending on outside
temperature. After the rst wash/wipe cycle, it may take
up to 20 seconds for each of the remaining cycles to
begin. Press the button again to turn off the heated
windshield washer uid system or it will automatically
turn off after four wipe cycles have been completed.
When the heated windshield washer uid system
is activated under certain outside temperature
conditions, steam may ow out of the washer nozzles
for a short period of time before washer uid is sprayed.
This is a normal condition.
HEATING WASH FLUID WASH WIPES PENDING is
displayed on the DIC when the washer system is heating
the uid. WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID is
displayed when the washer uid is low. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-64.
3-10

ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-35for
more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-42.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-37for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-35for
more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the engine
cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for
operation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating
temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine
further enters the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-35for further
information.
This message also displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel
level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-50andFuel on page 5-5for more
information.
HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM OFF
This message displays when the heated windshield
washer has been turned off. SeeWindshield Washer on
page 3-10for more information.
3-66

HEATING WASH FLUID WASH WIPES
PENDING
This message displays when the heated windshield
washer system is heating the uid. SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-10for more information.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the hood is
not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the
hood for obstructions, and close the hood again. Check to
see if the message still appears on the DIC.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when ice conditions are possible.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver
side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is shifted
out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the
door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to
see if the message still appears on the DIC.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for more information.
This message displays if low oil pressure levels
occur. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and
do not operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure
has been corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible
and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
PARK ASSIST OFF
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, after the vehicle has been started, this
message displays to remind the driver that the URPA
system has been turned off. Press the set/reset
button or the trip odometer reset stem to acknowledge
this message and clear it from the DIC display. To
turn the URPA system back on, seeUltrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-56.
3-67

WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for the location of the windshield
washer uid reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-39for more information.
DIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons)
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that
allow you to program certain features to one preferred
setting. Customization features can only be programmed
to one setting on the vehicle and cannot be programmed
to a preferred setting for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
To change customization preferences, use the following
procedure.
Entering the Feature Settings Menu
1. Turn the ignition on and place the vehicle in
P (Park).
To avoid excessive drain on the battery, it is
recommended that the headlamps are turned off.
2. Press the customization button to scroll through the
available customizable options.
Feature Settings Menu Items
The following are customization features that allow you
to program settings to the vehicle:
DISPLAY IN ENGLISH
This feature will only display if a language other than
English has been set. This feature allows you to change
the language in which the DIC messages appear to
English.
Press the customization button until the PRESS
VTO
DISPLAY IN ENGLISH screen appears on the DIC
display. Press the set/reset button once to display all
DIC messages in English.
3-74

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-27

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-25
Cooling System............................................5-28Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-35
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-37
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting..............................................
.5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-49
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-56
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-56
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-57
License Plate Lamp......................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-58
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-59
Tires..............................................................5-61
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-62
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-67
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-70
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-71
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 5-28.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-44.
D.Battery on page 5-43.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) on page 5-22orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on
page 5-25.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See
Jump Starting on page 5-44.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-38.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-40.L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-119.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer uid needs to be added, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Use a uid that has sufficient protection against freezing
in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer uid message in the DIC
that comes on when the washer uid is low. The message
is displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, you will need to add washer uid to
the windshield washer uid reservoir.Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-39