check engine light CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

Look for this on the oil container, and use only those oils
that are identied as meeting GM Standard GM4718M
and have the starburst symbol on the front of the oil
container.
Your vehicle’s engine is lled at the factory with a
Mobil 1
®synthetic oil, which meets all requirements for
your vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain engine
oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M may not be
available. You can add substitute oil designated
SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol at all temperatures.
Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard GM4718M
should not be used for an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM standards are all
you need for good performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light will come on, and, if your vehicle
has a Driver Information Center (DIC), a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL message will come on. See the oil as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained people who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last
oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
5-22

How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Add uid only after checking the transmission uid while it
is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the
uid level is low, add only enough of the proper uid to
bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It does
not take much uid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L).
Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-28

4. Open both hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on each
battery. Your vehicle has a remote negative (−) jump
starting terminal. You should always use this remote
terminal instead of the terminal on the battery. The
remote negative (−) terminal is located on the front
engine lift bracket on vehicles with the 4.2L L6
engine or the engine accessory drive bracket for
vehicles with the 5.3L or 6.0L V8 engines, and is
marked GND (Ground). SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on
location.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
5-45

Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9tells you what
should be checked, when to check it, and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-15. When your vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light or CHANGE ENGINE
OIL DIC message comes on, it means that service is
required for your vehicle. SeeChange Engine Oil Light
on page 3-45orDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-53. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle
service is necessary for over a year. However, your
engine oil and lter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service technicians who will perform
this work using genuine parts and reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to
reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-22for information
on the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the change engine oil light or CHANGE ENGINE
OIL DIC message appears, certain services, checks,
and inspections are required. Required services
are described in the following for “MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is recommended that your
rst service be MaintenanceI, your second service be
MaintenanceII, and that you alternate MaintenanceI
and MaintenanceIIthereafter. However, in some cases,
MaintenanceIImay be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the light or
message comes on within 10 months since the vehicle
was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the light or message comes
on 10 months or more since the last service or if the light
or message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-66.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
rear compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot
points, rear door detent link, roller mechanism,
liftgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge,
cargo door hinge, locks, and folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Inspect hoses for cracks, chafing, leaks, kinks,
and proper installation.(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-8

Audio System (cont.)
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-103
Setting the Clock.........................................3-66
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-104
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-107
Audio System(s).............................................3-66
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-25
Operation...................................................2-24
B
Battery..........................................................5-43
Electric Power Management..........................3-18
Run-Down Protection...................................3-19
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-40
System Warning Light..................................3-38
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-52
License Plate Lamps....................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-54
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-75
C
Calibration.....................................2-38, 2-40, 2-42
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-121
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-36, 4-29, 4-48
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-103
Cargo Cover..................................................2-57
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-58
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-83
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-55
Chains, Tire...................................................5-82
Charging System Light....................................3-37
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-41
Gages Warning Light...................................3-47
Check Gas Cap Light......................................3-48
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-107
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-45
2

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-7
Diesel
Running Out of Fuel....................................2-36
Disc, MP3......................................................3-83
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-17
Dome Lamps .................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-50
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-58
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-53
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-26
Before a Long Trip......................................4-27
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-28
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-28
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-26
Off-Road ....................................................4-14Driving (cont.)
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-34
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-34
Winter........................................................4-29
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-24
Dual Climate Control System............................3-21
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-89
E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-109
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-111
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-110
Headlamps...............................................5-110
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-110
Rear Underseat Fuse Block.........................5-118
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-110
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III .............................................2-17
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-17
Electronically Controlled Air Suspension System....4-47
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-24
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-45
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
4

Engine (cont.)
Coolant......................................................5-28
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Fan Noise..................................................5-37
Oil .............................................................5-17
Oil Life System...........................................5-22
Overheating................................................5-30
Reduced Power Light...................................3-46
Starting......................................................2-21
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-24
Finish Damage.............................................5-107
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-106
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-84Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-85
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-97
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-28, 5-50
Front Axle......................................................5-51
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Check Gas Cap Light...................................3-48
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-48
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-48
Running Out of...........................................2-36
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-111
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-110
Rear Underseat Fuse Block.........................5-118
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-110
5

G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-47
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-48
Oil Pressure...............................................3-44
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-37
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-50
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Gate Ajar Light...............................................3-47
Glove Box.....................................................2-55
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-9
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-52
Headlamps....................................................3-14
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-52
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Electrical System.......................................5-110Headlamps (cont.)
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-21
Heater...........................................................3-24
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-47
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-66
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-28
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-28
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-65
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-17
Cluster.......................................................3-31
Overview..................................................... 3-4
6

J
Jump Starting.................................................5-44
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-60
Lamps
Dome ........................................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override...................................3-17
Reading.....................................................3-18
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-25
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-54
Liftgate/Liftglass..............................................2-11
Liftglass/Liftgate..............................................2-11
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-34
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning...........3-39
Brake System Warning.................................3-38
Change Engine Oil......................................3-45
Charging System.........................................3-37
Check Gages Warning.................................3-47Light (cont.)
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-48
Cruise Control.............................................3-46
Gate Ajar...................................................3-47
Highbeam On.............................................3-47
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-48
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-41
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-35
Reduced Engine Power................................3-46
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-33
Security.....................................................3-46
Service Four-Wheel-Drive Warning Light.........3-47
StabiliTrak Indicator.....................................3-40
StabiliTrak Service.......................................3-39
Tire Pressure..............................................3-41
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-18
Exit...........................................................3-18
Lights............................................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-35
Locking Rear Axle............................................ 4-5
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Door ........................................................... 2-6
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door .................................................. 2-7
7