check engine CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER 2008 1.G Workshop Manual

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your
dealer/retailer for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep your vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered
by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We want to help you keep your vehicle in good working
condition. But we do not know exactly how you will
drive it. You might drive very short distances only a few
times a week. Or you might drive long distances all
the time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use your
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you might drive it to
work, to do errands, or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You might need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer/retailer.
6-2

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

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-22.An Emission Control
Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-72and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.See footnote (g).•
6-5

(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

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-28.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-65. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-85.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-72.
6-9

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-32.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.
6-10

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only
when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front of your
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to
apply the regular brake at once should the
vehicle begin to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and the transmission
in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
6-11

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