gas CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 385
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . 392
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . 396
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
General Information
This maintenance section applies to vehicles
with a gasoline engine. For diesel engine
vehicles, see "Maintenance Schedule" in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
388 Service and Maintenance
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check058.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0376.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 328.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0330.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof034.
.Verify spare tire key lock operation and
lubricate as needed. See Tire Changing
0 358.
.Visually inspect the spare tire to ensure
that it is tightly stowed under the vehicle.
Push, pull, and try to turn the tire. If the
spare tire moves, tighten as necessary.
See Tire Changing 0358.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 389
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (3)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
390 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition. (3)
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(4) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0319.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0326. (7)
Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0329.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0330.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 391
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2)
Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
392 Service and Maintenance
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(4)Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0319.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0326.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0329.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0330.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0376.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0395 for GM approved fluids.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 395
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Chassis Lubrication Lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling System
0 319.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0315.
Front Axle (4WD Only) and Rear Axle. See your dealer. Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges, Body Door
Hinge Pins, Power Assist Steps, Liftgate Hinge, and Fuel Door Hinge Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer.
Transfer Case (4WD Only) See your dealer.
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip lubricant. See your dealer. Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
OnStar 413
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the vehicle's
key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to an
AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or other
crisis situations and find evacuation
routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active safety
and security plan. With Automatic Crash
Response, built-in sensors can automatically
alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the vehicle
to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor who can contact emergency
service providers, direct them to your exact
location, and relay important information. With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially trained
Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, to provide a central point of
contact, assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to help with
a flat tire, a battery jump, or an empty
gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance, OnStar
Advisors can use GPS to pinpoint the
vehicle and help authorities quickly
recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block, if equipped,
OnStar can block the engine from being
restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with law
enforcement to gradually slow the
vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked and the
vehicle alarm sounds, a notification by text,
e-mail, or phone call will be sent. If the
vehicle is stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase. PressQto set
up an account.
.After change in ownership and at
90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor can
cancel or change account information.
Selling/Transferring the Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
immediately to terminate your OnStar or
connected services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the lease ends.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
414 OnStar
Reactivation for Subsequent Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to speak to
an Advisor as soon as possible. The Advisor
will update vehicle records and explain
OnStar or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response, Emergency
Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Remote Services, and Roadside
Assistance are available on most vehicles.
Not all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For more
information, a full description of OnStar
services, system limitations, and OnStar User
Terms, Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
.Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
.See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
.See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
.Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
.PressQto speak with an Advisor.
OnStar or connected services cannot work
unless the vehicle is in a place where OnStar
has an agreement with a wireless service
provider for service in that area. The
wireless service provider must also have
coverage, network capacity, reception, and technology compatible with OnStar or
connected services. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot work
unless GPS signals are available,
unobstructed, and compatible with the
OnStar hardware. OnStar or connected
services may not work if the OnStar
equipment is not properly installed or it has
not been properly maintained. If equipment
or software is added, connected,
or modified, OnStar or connected services
may not work. Other problems beyond the
control of OnStar
—such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather, electrical system
design and architecture of the vehicle,
damage to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless
phone network congestion or jamming —
may prevent service.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0409.
Services for People with Disabilities
Advisors provide services to help with
physical disabilities and medical conditions.
Press
Qto help:
.Locate a gas station with an attendant to
pump gas.
.Find a hotel, restaurant, etc., that meets
accessibility needs.
.Provide directions to the closest hospital
or pharmacy in urgent situations.
TTY Users
OnStar has the ability to communicate to
deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired
customers while in the vehicle. The available
dealer-installed TTY system can provide
in-vehicle access to all OnStar services,
except Virtual Advisor and OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
If equipped, TTY mode can be turned on or
off by touching Settings, then Apps, and
then Phone. When TTY mode is on, phone
calls can be made or received with OnStar
using the infotainment display.
OnStar Personal Identification
Number (PIN)
A PIN is needed to access some OnStar
services. The PIN will need to be changed
the first time when speaking with an
Advisor. To change the OnStar PIN, contact
an OnStar Advisor by pressing
Qor calling
1-888-4ONSTAR.
Warranty
OnStar equipment may be warranted as part
of the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
424 Index
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Front Seats Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Dynamic Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 279
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 333
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 339
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 101
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . .174
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
H
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 135
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . 43
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204, 207
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . .53
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204, 207