oil CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2020 User Guide

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
210 Driving and Operating
2. If the engine does not startafter five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there
while holding the key in START
for up to 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Starting Procedure (Keyless
Access)
1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will
display a message.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by trying to start
the engine immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor,
and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each
try, to let the cranking motor
cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you press ENGINE START/
STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button, and
the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
258 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control
system and spark plugs.
. Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see Prohibited
Fuels 0257.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’ s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel sticker
on the fuel door can use either
unleaded gasoline or fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). All other
vehicles should use only the
unleaded gasoline as described in
Recommended Fuel (5.3L
V8 Engine) 0257 or
Recommended Fuel (6.2L
V8 Engine) 0257. The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuel website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
The starting characteristics of E85
or FlexFuel make it unsuitable for
use when temperatures fall below
−18 °C (0 °F). Use gasoline or add
gasoline to the E85 or FlexFuel.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
262 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the
entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0367. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0368.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 265
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 Overheating0305.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible. When parking your vehicle and your
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.
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.
Launching and Retrieving
a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out
of the vehicle before
backing onto the sloped part
of the ramp. Lower the
driver and passenger side
windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape
in the unlikely event the
vehicle slides into the water.
. If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver
remain in the vehicle with
the brake pedal applied
while the boat is being
launched. The boat launch
(Continued)

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 267
Caution (Continued)
and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule0383. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, 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
0 305.
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.
Trailering 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
. GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight
Rating-Rear
. Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment” underTowing
Equipment 0272 to determine if
equalizer bars are required to obtain
the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0272 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 283
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 284
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 285
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 295
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 296
Automatic Transmission Fluid (10-Speed Transmission) . . . 299
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 300
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 305
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Battery - North America . . . . . . 309
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 311
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 312
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 312
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 313
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 313
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . 316 Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 318
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 319
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 319
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 332
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338

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1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0363.
2. Battery - North America 0309.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0301.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0300.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “How to Check
Automatic Transmission Fluid”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (10-Speed Transmission)
0 299 or
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) 0296.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0363.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 301.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 306.
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0308.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0320.

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Vehicle Care 291
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0363.
2. Battery - North America 0309.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0301.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0300.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0363.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 301.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 306.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0308. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0320.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 293
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0363.
2. Battery - North America 0309.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0301.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0300.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0363.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 301.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0293.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 306.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0308. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0320.
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. See Engine Oil
Life System 0295.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
If equipped, the ENGINE OIL LOW
ADD OIL message displays when
the engine oil level may be too low.
Check the oil level before filling to
the recommended level. If the oil
is not low and this message remains
on, see your dealer.
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
0288 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.
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

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13566622) - 2020 - CRC - 4/15/19
294 Vehicle Care
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
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 0397.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If the oil level is
above the operating range (i.e.,
the engine has so much oil that
the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows
the proper operating range), the
engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 288 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0392.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.