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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 323
Check to see if the engine cooling fan(s) are
running. If the engine is overheating, the
fans should be running. If they are not, do
not continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious problem.
If there is an engine overheat warning, but
no steam is seen or heard, the problem may
not be too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer; seeTrailer Towing0284.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of steam, try
this for a minute or so: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle. If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays, the
vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the
vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a
safe vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and the
vehicle is equipped with an engine driven
cooling fan, push down the accelerator until
the engine speed is about twice as fast as
normal idle speed for at least five minutes
while the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for five minutes while parked. If the warning
is still displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
324 Vehicle Care
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans, the
fans may be heard spinning at low speed
during most everyday driving. The fans may
turn off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, high
outside temperatures, or operation of the air
conditioning system, the fans may change
to high speed and an increase in fan noise
may be heard. This is normal and indicates
that the cooling system is functioning
properly. The fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been turned. off. This is
normal and no service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs to be
added, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. Use a fluid 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 fluid message
on the DIC that comes on when the washer
fluid 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, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer fluid
reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview0312 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators
that make a high-pitched warning sound
when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound can come and
go or be heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the brake
pedal firmly.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 329
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear or cracking.
For the proper type and size, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts 0396.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Press the button in the middle of thewiper arm connector, and pull the wiper
blade away from the arm connector.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the rear wiper blade: 1. With the rear wiper in the off position,
open the liftglass to access the rear
wiper arm/blade.
The rear wiper blade will not lock in a
vertical position so use care when pulling
it away from the vehicle.
2. Push the release lever (2) to disengagethe hook and push the wiper arm (1) out
of the blade assembly (3).
3. Push the new blade assembly securely in the wiper arm hook until the release
lever clicks into place.
4. Return the wiper arm and blade assembly to the rest position on the
glass.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
330 Vehicle Care
Glass Replacement
If the windshield or front side glass must be
replaced, see your dealer to determine the
correct replacement glass.
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD system.
If the windshield must be replaced, get one
that is designed for HUD or the HUD image
may look out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0386.
Hood
Trunk

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 331
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps
Base Level Taillamp Assembly
1. Stop Lamp
2. Turn Signal Lamp
3. Back-Up Lamp
It is recommended to replace the grommets
when replacing a bulb. See your dealer.
To replace one of these bulbs:1. Open the liftgate.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
352 Vehicle Care
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi). SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 386.
Tires are rotated to achieve a more
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate
the tires as soon as possible, check for
proper tire inflation pressure, and check
for damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel alignment.
See When It Is Time for New Tires 0353
and
Wheel Replacement 0356.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See Tire
Pressure 0346 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0222.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 349. Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 398.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
build-up.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 359
1. Pull to open the trim panel door.
The third row driver side seat may
need to be folded to access the trim
panel door.
2. Turn the jack knob counterclockwise torelease the jack and wheel blocks from
the bracket. If equipped, remove the
wheel blocks from the jack and place
the wheel blocks on both sides of the
tire at the opposite corner of the tire
being changed. See If a Tire Goes Flat
0 357 for more information on the
placement of the wheel blocks. Place
the jack and wheel blocks near the tire
being changed.Short Wheel Base Shown, Extended Wheel
Base Similar
3. Lift the load floor. Remove the jackingtools and place them near the tire
being changed.
Use the following tools:

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
360 Vehicle Care
1. Jack
2. Wheel Blocks
3. Jack Handle
4. Jack Handle Extensions
5. Wheel Wrench
To access the spare tire, refer to the
following graphics and instructions:
1. Hoist Assembly
2. Hoist Shaft
3. Hoist Shaft Access Cover/Hole
4. Jack Handle Extension
5. Wheel Wrench
6. Spare Tire Lock
7. Hoist End of Extension Tool
8. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
9. Spare Tire (Valve Stem Pointed Up)
10. Tire/Wheel Retainer
11. Hoist Cable1. Open the hoist shaft access cover (3) onthe bumper to access the spare tire
lock (6).
2. To remove the spare tire lock (6), insert the mechanical key, turn it clockwise and
then pull it straight out.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 361
3. Assemble the jack handle extensions (4)and wheel wrench (5), as shown.
4. Insert the open end of the extension (7)through the hole in the rear bumper (8)
(hoist shaft access hole).
Be sure the hoist end of the extension
(7) connects to the hoist shaft. The
ribbed square end of the extension is
used to lower the spare tire.
5. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground.
Continue to turn the wheel wrench until
the spare tire can be pulled out from
under the vehicle.
6. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle.7. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle withsome slack in the cable to access the
tire/wheel retainer.
Tilt the retainer and pull it and the cable
and spring through the center of the
wheel.
8. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat 0357 for more
information.