CHEVROLET TAHOE 2010 3.G Owners Manual

The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so that
driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights
does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic
headlamp system is only affected when the light sensor
detects a change in lighting lasting longer than the
delay.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is bright enough outside. During that
delay, the instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 4‑14.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the control to the off position. The headlamps will also stay on after you exit the
vehicle. This feature can be programmed using the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
DIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 4‑71.
The regular headlamp system can be turned on when
needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the control is located next
to the exterior lamps control on the instrument panel, to
the left of the steering column.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position for the fog
lamps to come on.
#(Fog Lamps): Press to turn the fog lamps on or off.
A light will come on in the instrument panel cluster.
When the fog lamps are turned on, the parking lamps
automatically turn on.
When the headlamps are changed to high-beam, the
fog lamps also go off. When the high-beam headlamps
are turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
4-13

Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
If the vehicle has this feature, this button includes wiring
provisions for a dealer or a qualified service center to
install an auxiliary roof lamp.
This button is located on
the overhead console.
When the wiring is connected to an auxiliary roof
mounted lamp, pressing the bottom of the button will
activate the lamp and illuminate an indicator light at the
bottom of this button. Pressing the top of the button will
turn off the roof mounted lamp and indicator.
The emergency roof lamp circuit is fused at 30 amps,
so the total current draw of the attached lamps should
be less than this value. The attachment points for the
roof lamp circuits are two blunt cut wires located above
the overhead console, a dark green switched power
wire and a black ground wire.
For further information on roof mount emergency lamp
installation, please visit the GM Upfitter website at
www.gmupfitters.com or contact your dealer. If the vehicle has this button, the vehicle may have
the snow plow prep package. For further information
see
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
on
page 5‑36.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D (Instrument Panel Brightness): This feature
controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights
and is located next to the exterior lamp control.
Push the knob to extend out and then it can be turned.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the instrument panel lights. Turning the knob to
the farthest clockwise position turns on the dome lamps.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or
closed.
4-14

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 fixed 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 gauge 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.
4-15

The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high
speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads,
and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑61.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, and reading lamps if
they are left on for more than 10 minutes when the
ignition is off. This will keep the battery from
running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone.
There are two under the climate controls, one inside the
center floor console, one on the rear of the center floor
console and one accessory power outlet in the rear
cargo area on the passenger side.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the
protective cap. When not in use, always cover the
accessory power outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlets are powered, even with
the ignition off. Continuing to use accessory power
outlets while the ignition is in LOCK/OFF may cause
the vehicle's battery to run down.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing the
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off the vehicle.
4-16

Certain accessory plugs may not be compatible to the
accessory power outlet and could result in blown
adapter or vehicle fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer for additional information on the
accessory power plugs.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment. Do not use equipment exceeding the
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Notice: Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The front ashtray is located near the center of the
instrument panel or on the front console, if equipped.
Pull on the ashtray door to open it.
Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are
put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.
To remove the front ashtray pull the ashtray up.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
4-17

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. REAR
C. Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode Control E. Air Conditioning
F. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
G. Rear Window Defogger Temperature Control:
Move the thumbwheels up or
down to increase or decrease the temperature on the
driver's side or the passenger side of the vehicle for the
dual zone system.
9(Fan Control): Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan
speed. Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to
turn the front system off.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the airflow direction
inside the vehicle. By positioning the knob between
two modes, a combination of those modes is selected.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets. Some air is directed towards
the windshield and side window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the floor
outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some
of the air directed to the windshield, side window, and
second row floor outlets. In this mode, the system
automatically selects outside air. Recirculation cannot
be selected when in Floor Mode.
4-18

-(Defog):The defog mode is used to clear the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield, floor outlets, and side window vents. In this
mode, the system turns off recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature
is close to freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the defog mode.
0(Defrost): The defrost mode is used to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. Air is directed
to the windshield and side window vents, with some
directed to the floor vents. In this mode, the system
automatically forces outside air into the vehicle. The
recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor runs
automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on. The air
conditioning can be selected in any mode as long as
the fan switch is on.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently. The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This
is normal.
h(Recirculation):
Press this button to turn the
recirculation mode on or off. An indicator light comes on
to show that recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the
air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with floor,
defrost, or defogging modes. If recirculation is
selected while in one of those modes, the indicator
flashes three times and turns off. The air conditioning
compressor will also come on when this mode is
activated. While in recirculation mode the windows
may fog when the weather is cold and damp. To clear
the fog, select either the defog or defrost mode and
increase the fan speed. The recirculation mode can also
be turned off by turning off the engine.
REAR: Press to turn the rear heating and air
conditioning on. See Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System
on page 4‑26or Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and Electronic Climate Controlson
page 4‑28for more information.
4-19

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to
turn the rear window defogger on or off. The system
automatically turns off several minutes after it has been
activated. The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine. Do not drive the vehicle until all
the windows are clear.
For vehicles with heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed.
Notice: Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. The vehicle also has a
flow-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
If this vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
A. Fan Control
B. AUTO
C. Defrost D. Recirculation
E. REAR F. Air Delivery Mode Control
4-20

G. Driver TemperatureControl
H. Display
I. Power Button
J. Rear Window Defogger K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS
M. Passenger Temperature
Control
O(On/Off): Press to turn the climate control system
on or off. Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is
directed to the floor. This direction can be changed
by pressing the mode button. Recirculation can be
selected once you have selected vent or bi-level mode.
The temperature can also be adjusted using either
temperature button. If the air delivery mode or
temperature settings are adjusted with the system off,
the display illuminates briefly to show the settings and
then returns to off. The system can be turned back on
by pressing either
O,D,C,#, the defrost or the AUTO
button.
Driver and Passenger Side Temperature
Control
The driver and passenger side temperature buttons
are used to adjust the temperature of the air coming
through the system on the driver or passenger's side of
the vehicle. The temperature can be adjusted even if
the system is turned off. This is possible since outside
air always flows through the system as the vehicle is
moving forward unless it is set to recirculation mode.
See “Recirculation” later in this section.
Press the + or −buttons to increase or decrease the
cabin temperature. The driver side or passenger side
temperature display shows the temperature setting
decreasing or increasing.
The passenger's temperature setting can be set to
match the driver's temperature setting by pressing the
PASS button and turning off the PASS indicator. When
the passenger's temperature setting is set different than
the driver's setting, the indicator on the PASS button
illuminates and both the driver side and passenger side
temperature displays are shown.
When in defrost mode the passenger temperature
setting cannot be changed.
4-21

Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is active
the system will control the inside temperature, the air
delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button. When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current temperature(s) and AUTO will be
lit on the display. The current delivery mode and
fan speed will also be displayed for approximately
5 seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will
run when the outside temperature is over about
4°C (40°F). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to
help quickly cool down the vehicle. The light on
the button comes on in recirculation. 2. Set the driver's and passenger's temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start with a 23°C
(74°F) temperature setting and allow about
20 minutes for the system to regulate. Use the
driver's or passenger's temperature buttons to
adjust the temperature setting as necessary. If a
temperature setting of 15°C (60°F) is chosen, the
system remains at the maximum cooling setting.
If a temperature setting of 32°C (90°F) is chosen,
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Do not to cover the solar sensor located on the top of
the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load and also
turns on the headlamps. For more information on the
solar sensor, see “Sensors”later in this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan switch will override this
delay and change the fan to a selected speed.
4-22