check engine light CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2009 1.G User Guide

TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the
vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened
properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-39. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-7. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed
should turn this light and
message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the TPMS
is re-learning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must
be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-48,Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-43,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-42for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-5for more
information. This message
clears itself after 10 seconds.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
while the transmission uid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster
and/or DIC, you can damage the
transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not
drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning
is displayed.
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission uid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission uid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool.
This message clears when the uid
temperature reaches a safe level.
3-64 Instrument Panel

And, of course, actual stopping
distances vary greatly with the
surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of
the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy;
tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the
amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some
people drive in spurts — heavy
acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace
with traffic. This is a mistake. The
brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will
wear out much faster with a lot of
heavy braking. Keeping pace with
the traffic and allowing realistic
following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while
the vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the
pedal could get harder to push down.If the engine stops, there will still be
some power brake assist but it will
be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake
pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock
Brake System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 3-37.
Let us say the road is wet and you
are driving safely. Suddenly, an
animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes and continue
braking. Here is what happens
with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work
the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
4-4 Driving Your Vehicle

{CAUTION
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from
around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window about
two inches (5 cm) on the side
of the vehicle that is away
from the wind to bring in
fresh air.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in
the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, seeEngine Exhaust on
page 2-30.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can cause
deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome
you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it
is in your vehicle. Clear away snow
from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust.Run the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm,
but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for
only short periods as needed
to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and close the window
most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but
only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help
to arrive, now and then when you
run the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-15

Notice:If you leave the radio or
other accessories on during the
jump starting procedure, they
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off the
radio and other accessories
when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both
vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the accessory
power outlets. Turn off the radio
and all lamps that are not needed.
This will avoid sparks and help
save both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on the other
vehicle. Your vehicle has a
remote positive (+) and a remote
negative (−) jump starting
terminal. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-10for more information
on the terminal locations.{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.
Be sure the batteries have
enough water. You do not need to
add water to the ACDelco
®
battery (or batteries) 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.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
5-30 Service and Appearance Care

(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 1-59.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood latch assemblies, secondary
latches, pivots, spring anchor and
release pawl, hood and door hinges,
rear folding seats, and liftgate
hinges. 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)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.(h)Change automatic transmission
fluid 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 5-17 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.(j)Check system for interference or
binding and for damaged or missing
parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control
cables.
(k)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
(m)Change transfer case fluid 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.
6-8 Maintenance Schedule

B
Battery...............................5-28
Electric Power
Management.................3-15
Run-Down Protection.........3-16
Belt Routing, Engine.............6-15
Blind Spot Mirrors................2-34
Bluetooth
®.........................3-103
Brake
Emergencies...................... 4-5
Brake Fluid.........................5-25
Brakes...............................5-25
Antilock............................. 4-4
Parking...........................2-27
System Warning Light.......3-36
Braking................................ 4-3
Braking in Emergencies.......... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle..........2-20
Bulb Replacement................5-34
Fog Lamp ........................3-13
Halogen Bulbs..................5-33
Headlamp Aiming..............5-33
Headlamps......................5-33
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.........5-33
Buying New Tires.................5-50
C
Calibration..........................3-54
California
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements................. 5-4
California Fuel....................... 5-5
California Proposition
65 Warning........................ 5-4
Camera, Rear Vision............2-38
Canadian Owners..................... ii
Capacities and
Specications...................5-92
Carbon Monoxide.................2-11
Engine Exhaust................2-30
Liftgate............................2-10
Winter Driving..................4-14
Care of
Safety Belts.....................5-80
Cargo
Tie Downs .......................2-55
Cargo Cover.......................2-55
Cargo Management System . . . 2-55
CD, MP3 ....................3-92, 3-96
Center Console Storage........2-52
Chains, Tire........................5-55
Charging System Light..........3-34Check
Engine Lamp...................3-39
Checking Things Under
the Hood ........................... 5-9
Chemical Paint Spotting........5-84
Child Restraints
Infants and Young
Children.......................1-29
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children..................1-35
Older Children..................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint
in a Rear Seat Position....1-41
Securing a Child Restraint
in the Right Front Seat
Position.......................1-43
Systems..........................1-32
Where to Put the
Restraint......................1-33
Circuit Breakers...................5-86
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels........................5-83
Exterior Lamps/Lenses......5-81
Fabric/Carpet...................5-79
Finish Care......................5-81
i-2 INDEX

Driver
Seat Height Adjuster........... 1-3
Driver Information
Center (DIC)....................3-44
DIC Operation and
Displays...............3-45, 3-51
DIC Vehicle
Customization...............3-65
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................3-56
Driving
At Night..........................4-10
Before a Long Trip............4-12
Defensive.......................... 4-2
Drunk............................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis............4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads....4-13
In Rain and on
Wet Roads...................4-11
Loss of Control................4-10
Off-Road Recovery............. 4-9
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................4-16
Winter.............................4-14
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy........................... 4-1Dual Automatic Climate
Control System.................3-22
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment
System......................3-114
E
EDR ..................................7-16
Electrical Equipment
Add-On Equipment............5-86
Electrical System
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers......................5-86
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block...................5-86
Power Windows and Other
Power Options..............5-86
Underhood Fuse Block......5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses....5-86
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+................2-18
Electronic Immobilizer
Operation
PASS-Key
®III+................2-18Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...............5-15
Check and Service Engine
Soon Lamp..................3-39
Compartment Overview......5-10
Coolant...........................5-17
Coolant Heater.................2-23
Coolant
Temperature Gage.........3-38
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light...............3-38
Cooling System................5-17
Drive Belt Routing.............6-15
Exhaust...........................2-30
Oil ..................................5-11
Oil Life System.................5-13
Overheated Protection
Operating Mode............5-23
Overheating.....................5-22
Starting...........................2-22
Entry Lighting......................3-14
Event Data Recorders..........7-16
Extender, Safety Belt............1-27
Exterior Lamps....................3-11
i-4 INDEX

Hood
Checking Things Under....... 5-9
Release............................ 5-9
Horn .................................... 3-5
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly..........................1-17
I
Ignition Positions..................2-21
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints........................1-29
Ination - Tire Pressure.........5-42
Instrument Panel
Brightness.......................3-13
Cluster............................3-31
Overview........................... 3-4
Storage Area....................2-52
Introduction........................... 6-1
J
Jump Starting......................5-29
K
Keyless Entry, Remote
Operation.......................... 2-4
Keyless Entry System............ 2-3
Keys.................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall..........5-37
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator.........3-39
Lamps
Courtesy.........................3-14
Dome .............................3-14
Dome Lamp Override........3-14
Reading..........................3-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt................1-22
LATCH System for Child
Restraints........................1-35
Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide.............2-10
Liftgate, Power....................2-11
Lighting
Delayed Entry..................3-15
Delayed Exit....................3-15
Entry..............................3-14
Parade Dimming...............3-15Lights
Airbag Readiness.............3-33
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning..............3-37
Brake System Warning......3-36
Charging System..............3-34
Cruise Control..................3-43
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning.....3-38
Exterior Lamps.................3-11
Flash-to-Pass..................... 3-7
Highbeam On...................3-43
High/Low Beam Changer..... 3-7
Oil Pressure.....................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator.......................3-33
Safety Belt Reminders.......3-32
Security...........................3-43
StabiliTrak
®Indicator.........3-37
Tire Pressure...................3-39
Tow/Haul Mode................3-43
Loading Your Vehicle............4-16
Locks
Delayed Locking................. 2-8
Door ................................. 2-8
Lockout Protection.............. 2-9
i-6 INDEX

Locks (cont.)
Power Door ....................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks.................... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.... 2-9
Loss of Control....................4-10
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children......................1-35
Luggage Carrier...................2-54
Lumbar
Manual Controls................. 1-4
Power Controls.................. 1-5
M
Maintenance
Footnotes.......................... 6-7
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services........................ 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill................ 6-9
At Least Once a Month....... 6-9
At Least Once a Year.......6-10
Maintenance Record.........6-16
Maintenance Replacement
Parts...........................6-14
Maintenance Requirements . . . 6-1Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Owner Checks and
Services........................ 6-9
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants....................6-12
Scheduled Maintenance....... 6-3
Using............................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the
Environment................... 6-1
Malfunction Indicator Lamp....3-39
Manual Lumbar Controls......... 1-4
Manual Seats........................ 1-3
Memory Seat and Mirrors....... 1-6
Message
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................3-56
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming
Rearview......................2-31
Blind Spot.......................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror.....2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.......2-35
Outside Heated Mirrors......2-35
Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors.........................2-33
Outside Power Mirrors.......2-32
Park Tilt..........................2-35
MP3 ...........................3-92, 3-96
N
Navigation System, Privacy....7-17
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual....3-103
Net
Convenience....................2-55
New Vehicle Break-In...........2-20
O
Odometer...........................3-32
Off-Road
Recovery.......................... 4-9
Oil
Engine............................5-11
Engine Oil Life System......5-13
Pressure Light..................3-42
Older Children, Restraints......1-27
Online Owner Center.............. 7-3
OnStar, Privacy....................7-17
OnStar
®System, see
OnStar®Manual...............2-43
Operation, Universal Home
Remote System................2-47
Outlet Adjustment.................3-27
Outlets
Accessory Power..............3-17
INDEX i-7