spare wheel CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2009 1.G Owners Manual

DIC Warnings and
Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC
to notify the driver that the status of
the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by
the driver to correct the condition.
Multiple messages may appear
one after another.
Some messages may not require
immediate action, but you can
press any of the DIC buttons on the
instrument panel or the trip odometer
reset stem on the instrument panel
cluster to acknowledge that you
received the messages and to
clear them from the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared
from the DIC display because they
are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can becleared. You should take any
messages that appear on the display
seriously and remember that clearing
the messages will only make the
messages disappear, not correct
the problem.
The following are the possible
messages that can be displayed
and some information about them.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when there is a compact
spare tire on the vehicle, when
the Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning light comes on, or when the
rear differential uid is overheating.
This message turns off when
the differential uid cools.
The AWD system is disabled until
the compact spare tire is replaced
by a full-size tire. If the warningmessage is still on after putting on
the full-size tire, you need to reset
the warning message. To reset the
warning message, turn the ignition
off and then back on again after
30 seconds. If the message stays on,
see your dealer/retailer right away.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
on page 4-7for more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned off.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned on.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
3-56 Instrument Panel

When using a compact spare tire
on the AWD equipped vehicle, the
AWD system automatically detects
the presence of the compact spare
and the AWD is disabled. To restore
the AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the AWD system,
replace the compact spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible. See
Compact Spare Tire on page 5-77
for more information.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system is not functioning, the vehicle
can be steered but it will take more
effort.
Variable Effort Steering
If the vehicle has this steering
system, the system continuously
adjusts the effort felt when steering
at all vehicle speeds. It provides
ease when parking, yet a rm, solid
feel at highway speeds.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the curve
is banked, and vehicle speed. While
in a curve, speed is the one factor
that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve,
while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you
can drive through the curve.
Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until out
of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
nd a truck stopped in your lane, or a
car suddenly pulls out from nowhere,
or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of
you. These problems can be avoided
by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in
time because there is no room.
That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the
problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First,
apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-3. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around
the problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
4-8 Driving Your Vehicle

Notice:If the vehicle is
towed without performing
each of the steps listed under
“Dinghy Towing,” the automatic
transmission could be damaged.
Be sure to follow all steps of the
dinghy towing procedure prior to
and after towing the vehicle.
Notice:If 65 mph (105 km/h) is
exceeded while towing the
vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
while towing the vehicle.Once the destination is reached:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Reinstall the 50 amp BATT1 fuse
to the underhood fuse block.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park),
turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF
and remove the key from
the ignition.
4. Disconnect the vehicle from the
towing vehicle.
Notice:Do not tow a vehicle
with the front drive wheels on the
ground if one of the front tires
is a compact spare tire. Towing
with two different tire sizes on the
front of the vehicle can cause
severe damage to the
transmission.Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be
towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four
wheels off of the ground or dinghy
towed from the front.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-23

Different Size Tires and
Wheels.............................5-52
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading............................5-52
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance............................5-54
Wheel Replacement.............5-54
Tire Chains.........................5-55
If a Tire Goes Flat...............5-56
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit..................5-57
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit Storage......5-64
Changing a Flat Tire............5-65
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools.........................5-66
Removing the Flat Tire
and Installing the
Spare Tire........................5-68
Secondary Latch System......5-72
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools...................5-74
Compact Spare Tire.............5-77
Appearance CareInterior Cleaning..................5-78
Fabric/Carpet......................5-79
Leather..............................5-80Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces...........................5-80
Care of Safety Belts............5-80
Weatherstrips......................5-81
Washing Your Vehicle..........5-81
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses.............................5-81
Finish Care.........................5-81
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades....................5-82
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels and Trim................5-83
Tires..................................5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...........5-84
Finish Damage....................5-84
Underbody Maintenance.......5-84
Chemical Paint Spotting........5-84
Vehicle IdenticationVehicle Identication
Number (VIN)....................5-85
Service Parts Identication
Label...............................5-85
Electrical SystemHigh Voltage Devices and
Wiring..............................5-85
Add-On Electrical
Equipment........................5-86
Windshield Wiper Fuses.......5-86
Power Windows and Other
Power Options...................5-86
Fuses and Circuit Breakers. . .5-86
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block.......................5-86
Underhood Fuse Block.........5-88
Capacities and SpecicationsCapacities and
Specications....................5-92
5-2 Service and Appearance Care

Vehicles with TPMS operate on a
radio frequency and comply with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn
the driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors
are mounted onto each tire
and wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire and wheel assembly,
if the vehicle has one. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the vehicle’s tires and transmits
the tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument panel
cluster.At the same time a message to
check the pressure in a specic tire
appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low
tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on
at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed by
the driver. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays seeDIC Operation
and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on
page 3-45orDIC Operation and
Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on
page 3-51andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-56.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This
could be an early indicator that the
air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the
proper pressure.
Service and Appearance Care 5-45

The TPMS sensor matching process
is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter’s LOCK
and UNLOCK buttons at the
same time for approximately
ve seconds. The horn sounds
twice to signal the receiver
is in relearn mode and TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC screen.
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
valve cap stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure
for ve seconds, or until a horn
chirp sounds. The horn chirp,
which may take up to 30 seconds
to sound, conrms that the sensor
identication code has been
matched to this tire and wheel
position.6. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 5. The horn sounds
two times to indicate the sensor
identication code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the
DIC display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, if
the vehicle has one, for signs of
wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is
Time for New Tires on page 5-50
for more information.
Tires should be rotated
every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). See
Scheduled Maintenance on
page 6-3.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that the vehicle
continues to perform most like it
did when the tires were new.
5-48 Service and Appearance Care

Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-50andWheel
Replacement on page 5-54.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
If the vehicle has a compact
spare tire, do not include it in
the tire rotation.After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-42andLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-16.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 5-45.
Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on
page 5-92.
{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or
on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after time.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
The wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you
can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the
rust or dirt off. SeeChanging
a Flat Tire on page 5-65.
Make sure the spare tire, if
the vehicle has one, is stored
securely. Push, pull, and then
try to rotate or turn the tire. If it
moves, tighten the cable. See
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools on page 5-74.
Service and Appearance Care 5-49

GM’s exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specications that impact
the overall performance of your
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure
monitoring performance. GM’s
TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall near the
tire size. If the tires have an
all-season tread design, the TPC
Spec number will be followed by
an MS for mud and snow. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling on
page 5-37for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing tires
in sets of four. This is because
uniform tread depth on all tires
will help keep your vehicle
performing most like it did when
the tires were new. Replacing
less than a full set of tires can
affect the braking and handling
performance of your vehicle.SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-48for information on
proper tire rotation.
{CAUTION
Mixing tires could cause you
to lose control while driving.
If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types (radial
and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type of
tires on all wheels. It is all right
to drive with your compact
spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare
Tire on page 5-77.
{CAUTION
If you use bias-ply tires on the
vehicle, the wheel rim anges
could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail
suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s
tires with those that do not have
a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load
range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and
bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give
an inaccurate low-pressure
warning if non-TPC Spec rated
tires are installed on your vehicle.
Service and Appearance Care 5-51

The grades are molded on the
sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG) system does
not apply to deep tread,
winter-type snow tires,
space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based
on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specied
government test course.For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half
(1.5) times as well on the
government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart signicantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences
in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specied
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades
are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. It should
be noted that the temperature
grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly
inated and not overloaded.
Service and Appearance Care 5-53

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain the tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-36. If air goes out of
a tire, It is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if you should ever
have a blowout, here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of
the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rearblowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well
off the road if possible.
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place and stopping.
1. Turn on the hazard warning
ashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-5.
2. Park the vehicle. Set the parking
brake rmly and put the shift
lever in P (Park).
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything
else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided
with the vehicle, only use it for
changing a at tire.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jack and
spare tire, seeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 5-65. To use the tire sealant
and compressor kit, seeTire Sealant
and Compressor Kit on page 5-57.
5-56 Service and Appearance Care