charging CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in
the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-44for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-35

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Exit Lighting.................................................3-18
Reading Lamps............................................3-18
Electric Power Management...........................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-19
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-21
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. . . .3-39
StabiliTrak Service Light................................3-39
StabiliTrak Indicator Light...............................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-44
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-45
Security Light...............................................3-46
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Entry Lighting
The vehicle has entry lighting.
When any door is opened, the dome lamps come on as
long as the dome override lamp override button is
not pressed in. When all the doors are closed, the lamps
stay on for a short period of time and then turn off
automatically. If you use the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter to unlock the vehicle, the interior
lamps come on for a short time whether or not the
dome lamp override is on.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps come on when you
remove the key from the ignition. If the dome override
is off, these lamps stay on for a short period of time and
then go out.
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located in the front console.
Press the lens on the lamps to turn the reading lamps
on or off.
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 put the charge back in. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage 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.
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.
3-18

A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: 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 or Service Battery Charging System. 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 3-53.Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, courtesy, and vanity
lamps if they are left on for more than 20 minutes
when the ignition is off. This will keep the battery from
running down.
If the battery run-down protection shuts off the interior
lamps, it may be necessary to do one of the following to
return to normal operation:
Shut off all lamps and close all doors.
Turn the ignition key to RUN.
This feature will also turn off the parking lamps and
headlamps under most circumstances, if they are left on.
If you would like to turn them back on, turn the exterior
lamps knob.
3-19

Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn on
the ignition key, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays on,
or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53for more
information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If you
must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to
turn off all the accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is not
running, but the ignition is
on, this gage displays
the battery voltage in
DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage may
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading. This is normal. Readings between the low and
high warning zones indicate the normal operating range.
The voltmeter gage may also read lower when in fuel
economy mode. This is normal.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left idling for an extended
period. This condition is normal since the charging
system is not able to provide full power at engine idle.
As engine speeds are increased, this condition should
correct itself as higher engine speeds allow the charging
system to create maximum power.
3-37

SERVICE CHARGING SYS (System)
This message displays if there is a problem with
the battery charging system. Under certain conditions,
the charging system light may also turn on in the
instrument panel cluster. SeeCharging System Light on
page 3-37. The battery will not be charging at an
optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the ability to enter
the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however you should have the electrical system checked
by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If this message displays, it means there may be a
problem with the StabiliTrak®system. If this message
appears, try to reset the system by performing the
following: stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes on, it means there
is a problem. You should see your dealer/retailer
for service. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, you
do not have the benet of StabiliTrak
®, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light onpage 3-41. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-69for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
This message displays anytime the StabiliTrak®system
activates to maintain vehicle stability. Any combination
of engine speed management, brake traction control,
and stability control displays this message.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
This message may display if driving conditions delay
StabiliTrak®system initialization. This is normal.
Once the system initializes, this message will no longer
be displayed on the DIC.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when you press the StabiliTrak®
button for more than ve seconds or when stability control
has been automatically disabled. The StabiliTrak®button
is located on the transmission shift handle. To limit
wheel spin and realize the full benets of the stability
enhancement system, you should normally leave
StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak®off
3-56

If you are charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, turn
on the headlamps to boost the vehicle system voltage
and properly charge the battery.
Your vehicle is also equipped with wiring for an electric
trailer brake controller. These wires are located
inside the vehicle on the driver’s side under the
instrument panel. These wires should be connected to
an electric trailer brake controller by your dealer or
a qualied service center.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a four-pin trailer
towing harness. This harness has a four-pin trailer
connector that contains the following trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Running Lamps
White: GroundThis harness also contains the following trailer circuits
that are not connected to the four-pin trailer connector:
Light Green: Back-Up Lamps
Dark Blue: Electric Brakes
Red: Battery Feed
If your vehicle is a TrailBlazer SS, you were provided with
a trailer wiring harness extension, and instructions for
installing this extension, when your vehicle was delivered.
This extension will allow your vehicle’s trailer wiring
harness to be more easily accessible. There is a four-way
connector on the harness. A seven-way adapter plug is
also included in case your trailer requires it.
4-60

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

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