towing CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road
if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the
trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so the rig
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 1,000 lbs (450 kg) needs to
have its own brake system that
is adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not try to tap into the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to know
the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of
handling and braking with the added
weight of the trailer. And always keep
in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.Before starting, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to
be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that
require heavy braking and sudden
turns.
4-30 Driving Your Vehicle

Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
ash whenever signaling a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also ash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel ash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may
think other drivers are seeing the
signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Because of the added load of the
trailer, the vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days, when going up
a long or steep grade with a trailer. If
the engine coolant temperature gage
indicates overheating, turn off the air
conditioning to reduce engine load,
pull off the road and stop in a safe
spot. Let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,
with the transmission in P (Park) for
a few minutes before turning the
engine off.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforestarting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the transmission
is not shifted down, the brakes
might have to be used so much that
they would get hot and no longer
work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down
and reduce the vehicle speed
to around 55 mph (88 km/h) to
reduce the possibility of the engine
and the transmission overheating.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-31

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not
shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-3
for more information. Things that
are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system and brake system.
It is a good idea to inspect these
before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle is equipped with the
following wiring harness for towing
a trailer.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-33

Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness, with a
seven-pin connector, is located at
the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle’s frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty
trailer connector available through
your dealer/retailer.
The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
Brown: Taillamps
Black: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red/Black: Battery Feed
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuse for this circuit is installed
in the underhood electrical center,
but the wires are not connected.They should be connected by your
dealer/retailer or a qualied
service center.
If the back-up lamp circuit is not
functional, contact your
dealer/retailer.
If a remote (non-vehicle) battery is
being charged, press the Tow/Haul
mode switch located on the center
console near the climate controls.
This will boost the vehicle system
voltage and properly charge the
battery. If the trailer is too light
for Tow/Haul mode, turn on the
headlamps (Non-HID only) as a
second way to boost the vehicle
system and charge the battery.
Electric Trailer Brake Control
Wiring Provisions
These wiring provisions for an
electric trailer brake controller
are included with the vehicle as
part of the trailer wiring package.The instrument panel contains blunt
cut wires behind the steering column
for the electric trailer brake controller.
The harness contains the following
wires:
Red/Black: Power Supply
White: Brake Switch Signal
Gray: Illumination
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
Black: Ground
The electric trailer brake controller
should be installed by your dealer/
retailer or a qualied service center.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-22.
4-34 Driving Your Vehicle

If No Steam Is Coming From
The Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the
engine can get a little too hot when
the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.3. If in a traffic jam, shift to
N (Neutral), otherwise, shift
to the highest gear while
driving —D (Drive) or L (Low).
If the temperature overheat gage is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slow for about
10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle
distance from the car in front of you.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated
Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets
the vehicle be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is a signicant loss in
power and engine performance.
The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving
extended distances and/or towing a
trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 5-11.
Service and Appearance Care 5-23

(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

Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance

Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or
changing of snow tires, chains,
or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles

Fuel delivery:Reimbursement
is approximately $5 Canadian.
Diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle
registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed
maps of North America are
provided when requested either
with the most direct route or the
most scenic route. There is a
limit of six requests per year.
Additional travel information is
also available. Allow three weeks
for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets
and Assistance:Must be over
250 kilometres from where your
trip was started to qualify. General
Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization,
original detailed receipts, and a
copy of the repair orders. Once
authorization has been received,
the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements
and explain how to receive
payment.
Alternative Service:If
assistance cannot be provided
right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give you
permission to get local emergency
road service. You will receive
payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical
failures may be covered, however
any cost for parts and labor for
repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner
responsibility.
Scheduling Service
Appointments
When your vehicle requires warranty
service, contact your dealer/retailer
and request an appointment. By
scheduling a service appointment
and advising your service consultant
of your transportation needs, your
dealer/retailer can help minimize
your inconvenience.
7-8 Customer Assistance Information

If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are
involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you
are all right. If you are uninjured,
make sure that no one else in
your vehicle, or the other vehicle,
is injured.
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help.
Do not leave the scene of a crash
until all matters have been taken
care of. Move your vehicle only if
its position puts you in danger or
you are instructed to move it by a
police officer.
Give only the necessary and
requested information to police
and other parties involved in
the crash. Do not discuss your
personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to
the crash. This will help guard
against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance,
call GM Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6for more
information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven,
know where the towing service
will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write
down the driver’s name, the
service’s name, and the phone
number.
Remove any valuables from your
vehicle before it is towed away.
Make sure this includes your
insurance information and
registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
Gather the important information
you will need from the other
driver. Things like name, address,
phone number, driver’s license
number, vehicle license plate,
vehicle make, model and model
year, Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN), insurance
company and policy number,
and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance
company from the scene of
the crash. They will walk you
through the information they will
need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police
department headquarters the next
day and you can get a copy of the
report for a nominal fee. In some
states/provinces with “no fault”
insurance laws, a report may not
be necessary. This is especially
true if there are no injuries and
both vehicles are driveable.
7-12 Customer Assistance Information

Rearview Mirror, Automatic
Dimming ..........................2-31
Rearview Mirrors..................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks............... 1-8
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants........................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . 4-21
Reimbursement Program,
GM Mobility....................... 7-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System............................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, Operation.............. 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start............. 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.....5-68
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools........................5-66
Replacement Bulbs..............5-34
Replacement Parts,
Maintenance....................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects
to the Canadian
Government.....................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects
to the United States
Government.....................7-14Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint
Systems.......................1-59
Replacing Restraint System
Parts After a Crash........1-60
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) ....................2-22
Roadside Assistance
Program............................ 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ........................4-16
Roof
Sunroof...........................2-56
Running the Vehicle While
Parked............................2-30
S
Safety Belt Reminders..........3-32
Safety Belts
Care of ...........................5-80
Extender.........................1-27
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly.......................1-17
Lap-Shoulder Belt.............1-22
Safety Belts Are for
Everyone.....................1-14
Use During Pregnancy......1-26Safety Defects
Reporting to Canadian
Government..................7-14
Reporting to
General Motors.............7-14
Reporting to the United
States Government........7-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.... iii
Scheduled Maintenance.......... 6-3
Additional Required
Services........................ 6-6
Scheduling Appointments........ 7-8
Sealant Kit, Tire...................5-57
Seats
Driver Seat Height
Adjuster......................... 1-3
Head Restraints................. 1-2
Heated and Cooled Seats.... 1-5
Heated Seats..................... 1-5
Manual Lumbar.................. 1-4
Memory, Mirrors................. 1-6
Power Lumbar ................... 1-5
Power Seats...................... 1-4
Rear Seat Operation........... 1-9
Reclining Seatbacks............ 1-8
Third Row Seat................1-12
Second Row Center
Console..........................2-53
INDEX i-9

Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit................5-64
Tires..................................5-36
Aluminum or
Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning......................5-83
Buying New Tires.............5-50
Chains............................5-55
Changing a Flat Tire.........5-65
Cleaning..........................5-83
Compact Spare................5-77
Different Size...................5-52
If a Tire Goes Flat............5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.....5-42
Inspection and Rotation.....5-48
Installing the Spare Tire.....5-68
Pressure Monitor
Operation.....................5-45
Pressure Monitor System . . . 5-43
Removing the Flat Tire......5-68
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools.....................5-66
Sealant and
Compressor Kit.............5-57
Secondary Latch System....5-72
Sidewall Labeling..............5-37
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools.....................5-74Tires (cont.)
Terminology and
Denitions....................5-39
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading.......................5-52
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.................5-54
Wheel Replacement..........5-54
When It Is Time for
New Tires....................5-50
Tow/Haul Mode ....................2-26
Tow/Haul Mode Light............3-43
Towing
Recreational Vehicle..........4-21
Towing a Trailer................4-25
Your Vehicle.....................4-21
Traction
StabiliTrak®System............ 4-5
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic................5-16
Transmission Operation,
Automatic........................2-24
Transportation, Courtesy......... 7-9
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................ 3-6
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)..................2-36
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................5-52
Universal Home Remote
System...........................2-47
Operation........................2-47
V
Vehicle
Control............................. 4-3
Loading...........................4-16
Running While Parked.......2-30
Symbols.............................. iii
Vehicle Customization, DIC....3-65
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy............................7-16
Vehicle Data Recording,
Radio Frequency (RFID)....7-17
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)...................5-85
Service Parts Identication
Label...........................5-85
Vehicle, Remote Start............. 2-6
INDEX i-11