CHEVROLET TAHOE 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
310 Vehicle Care
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 068.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0408.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 68. If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 014.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 397.Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start,
turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 311
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locatethe secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will automatically
lift the hood and hold it in the fully
open position.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the gas strut system is no longer holding up the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force
if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is
not latched completely. The hood could
open fully, block your vision, and cause a
crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before
driving. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a message if the hood is not fully
closed, and the vehicle is moving. 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.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
312 Vehicle Care
Engine Compartment Overview
5.3L V8 Engine

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 313
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0369.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0369.
3. Battery - North America 0327.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0333.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0315.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0319. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
“When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0315.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0319.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0318.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 326.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0324.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
314 Vehicle Care
6.2L V8 Engine
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. See Jump
Starting - North America 0369.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0369.
3. Battery - North America 0327.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0333. 5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0315.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0319.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0315. 8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System 0319.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0318.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 326.

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Vehicle Care 315
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See“Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0324.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
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. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0316.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
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 0312 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.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
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 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 0398.
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
(Continued)

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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316 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
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 0312 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 0395.
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.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection. Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 317
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished,
a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
on to indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicate
that an oil change is not necessary for up to
a year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and, at this
time, the system must be reset. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
REMAINING OIL LIFE percentage is near 0%.
Your dealer has trained service people who
will perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system:
1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 119.
2. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip odometer reset stem if
the vehicle does not have DIC controls,
for several seconds. When the
confirmation message displays, select
YES. The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 119.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. 3. If the display changes to 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the oil
life percentage is near 0%, the engine oil
life system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the transmission fluid
in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See Publication Ordering
Information 0408.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
318 Vehicle Care
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0395.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0386. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0395.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing. When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0119.
3. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel to move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press the
thumbwheel for several seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on the driver
side of the engine compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0312.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system see Maintenance
Schedule 0386 for intervals on inspecting
and replacing the engine air cleaner filter.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/
filter:

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 319
5.3L V8 Engine Shown, 6.2L V8 Engine Similar1. Remove the three screws, tilt the cover, and slide it out of the assembly.
{Warning
If part replacement is necessary, the part
must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the
same fit, form, and function may result
in personal injury or damage to the
vehicle.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter. 3. Lower the cover, slide it into the
assembly, then secure with the three
screws.
4. If equipped, reset the engine air filter life system after replacing the engine air
filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System
0 318.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement. The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
5.3L V8 Engine
1. Engine Electric Cooling Fans (Out
of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap