towing CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 2022 User Guide

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
206 Driving and Operating
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0234.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 182.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies

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212 Driving and Operating
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0182
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the camera sensor is blocked by snow,
ice, or dirt. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead. Keep the
windshield and headlamps clean.
.When visibility is poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust;
when other foreign objects obscure
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the camera’s view; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat.
.When towing a trailer.
5:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume the previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by
about 1 km/h (1 mph), press RES+ briefly. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph)
mark on the speedometer, hold RES+.
SET− :Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press SET– briefly.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
hold SET–.
*: Press to disengage ACC without erasing
the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap setting
for ACC of Far, Medium, or Near.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 089. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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218 Driving and Operating
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert and/
or braking that is considered unnecessary.
It could respond to vehicles in different
lanes or stationary objects when entering or
exiting a curve. This is normal operation.
The vehicle does not need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead until it
is completely in the lane. The brakes may
need to be manually applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your
Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of the
vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not within
your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not centered,
or is shifted to one side of the lane.
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or roadside
objects may be incorrectly detected when
located along the roadway.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When
Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
or when towing a trailer. ACC will not detect
a vehicle in the lane while driving on steep
hills. If the brakes are applied, ACC
disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The ACC set speed is erased from memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
If the interior temperature is extremely
high, the instrument cluster may indicate
that ACC is temporarily unavailable. This can
be caused by extreme hot weather
conditions with direct sunlight on the front
camera. ACC will return to normal operation
once the cabin temperature is lower.
Conditions that are associated with low
visibility, such as fog, rain, snow, or road
spray, may limit ACC performance. Water

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222 Driving and Operating
RPA operates at speeds less than 8 km/h
(5 mph), and the sensors on the rear bumper
detect objects up to 2.5 m (8 ft) behind the
vehicle, and at least 25 cm (10 in) off the
ground. The distance objects can be detected
may be less during warmer or humid
weather.
Blocked sensors will not detect objects and
can also cause false detections. Keep the
sensors clean of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and
slush; and clean sensors after a car wash in
freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects located below the bumper or
that are too close or too far from the
vehicle. It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent
injury, death, or vehicle damage, even
with Park Assist, always check the area
around the vehicle and check all mirrors
before moving forward or backing.
The instrument cluster may have a Park
Assist display with bars that show“distance
to object” and object location information
for the Park Assist system. As the object
gets closer, more bars light up and the bars
change color from yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will be heard from the rear. When
an object is very close (< 0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, five beeps will sound from
the rear.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA displays a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of the vehicle. When an object is detected,
either three beeps sound from the left or
right depending on the direction of the
detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
RCTA and Rear Park Assist symbols can be
turned on or off through vehicle
personalization. See
“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 110.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) Lane Keep Assist (LKA),
Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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226 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert, or if the vehicle has ACC to Off,
when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System
If equipped, the FPB system may help avoid
or reduce the harm caused by front-end
crashes with nearby pedestrians when
driving in a forward gear. FPB displays an
amber indicator,
~, when a nearby
pedestrian is detected directly ahead. When
approaching a detected pedestrian too
quickly, FPB provides a red flashing alert on the windshield and rapidly beeps. FPB can
provide a boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This system includes
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), and the
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system
may also respond to pedestrians. See
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
0224.
The FPB system can detect and alert to
pedestrians in a forward gear at speeds
between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph). During daytime driving, the
system detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance is
very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle, unless it
detects a pedestrian. FPB may not detect
pedestrians, including children:
.When the pedestrian is not directly
ahead, fully visible, or standing
upright, or when part of a group.
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving 0182. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair.
FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert and
Brake through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0110.
Detecting the Pedestrian Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking will not
occur unless the FPB system detects a
pedestrian. When a nearby pedestrian is

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Driving and Operating 227
detected directly in front of the vehicle, the
pedestrian ahead indicator will display
amber.
Front Pedestrian Alert
When the vehicle approaches a pedestrian
ahead too rapidly, the red FPB alert display
will flash on the windshield. Eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from the
front. When this Pedestrian Alert occurs, the
brake system may prepare for driver braking
to occur more rapidly which can cause a
brief, mild deceleration. Continue to apply
the brake pedal as needed. Cruise control
may be disengaged when the Front
Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash into a
pedestrian directly ahead, and the brakes
have not been applied, FPB may
automatically brake moderately or brake
hard. This can help to avoid some very lowspeed pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can automatically
brake to detected pedestrians between
8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
Automatic braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as higher
speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking may
engage the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to
hold the vehicle at a stop. Release the EPB.
A firm press of the accelerator pedal will
also release Automatic Braking and the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See “Front Pedestrian
Detection” in“Collision/Detection Systems”
under Vehicle Personalization 0110.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian Braking
system while towing a trailer could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle and
crash. Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate properly,
cleaning the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or spot)
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.

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Driving and Operating 229
LCA can be disabled. When you disable LCA,
Side Blind Zone Alert is also disabled. See
“Collision/Detection Systems”underVehicle
Personalization 0110. If LCA is disabled by
the driver, the LCA mirror displays will not
light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. The LCA
detection zones that extend back from the
side of the vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution while
changing lanes when towing a trailer. LCA
may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service. LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over, especially in
wet conditions or when driving on sharp
curves. The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA sensors
in the left or right corners of the rear
bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0307. If the
DIC still displays the system unavailable
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up when
moving vehicles are in the side blind zone or
are rapidly approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0340.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid crashes due
to unintentional lane departures. This
system uses a camera to detect lane
markings between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph). It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking. It may
also provide a Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) alert if the vehicle crosses a detected
lane marking. LKA can be overridden by
turning the steering wheel. This system is
not intended to keep the vehicle centered in
the lane. LKA will not assist and alert if the
turn signal is active in the direction of lane
departure, or if it detects that you are
accelerating, braking or actively steering.
{Warning
The LKA system does not continuously
steer the vehicle. It may not keep the
vehicle in the lane or give a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
The LKA and LDW systems may not:
(Continued)

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230 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Provide an alert or enough steering
assist to avoid a lane departure or
crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
If LKA only detects lane markings on one
side of the road, it will only assist or
provide an LDW alert when approaching
the lane on the side where it has
detected a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the vehicle.
Always keep your attention on the road
and maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always keep
the windshield, headlamps, and camera
sensors clean and in good repair. Do not
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
use LKA in bad weather conditions or on
roads with unclear lane markings, such as
construction zones.
{Warning
Using LKA while towing a trailer or on
slippery roads could cause loss of control
of the vehicle and a crash. Turn the
system off.
How the System Works
LKA uses a camera sensor installed on the
windshield ahead of the rearview mirror to
detect lane markings. It may provide brief
steering assist if it detects an unintended
lane departure. It may further provide an
audible alert or the driver seat may pulse
indicating that a lane marking has been
crossed.
To turn LKA on and off, press
Aon the
center stack. If equipped, the indicator light
on the button comes on when LKA is on and
turns off when LKA is disabled. When on,
Ais white, if equipped,
indicating that the system is not ready to
assist.
Ais green if LKA is ready to
assist. LKA may assist by gently turning the
steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a
detected lane marking.
Ais amber when
assisting. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert by flashing
Aamber if the vehicle crosses a
detected lane marking. Additionally, there
may be three beeps, on the right or left,
depending on the lane departure direction.
Take Steering
The LKA system does not continuously steer
the vehicle. If LKA does not detect active
driver steering, an alert and chime may be
provided. Steer the vehicle to dismiss. LKA
may become temporarily unavailable after
repeated take steering alerts.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The system performance may be
affected by:
.Close vehicles ahead.
.Sudden lighting changes, such as when
driving through tunnels.
.Banked roads.

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234 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0304. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0305.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly. The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.

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Driving and Operating 235
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode SeeManual Mode 0203.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0200.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment
0240. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.