warning CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-3
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-41
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-48
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-35
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-24
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-30
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-34
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-57

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
iv Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Dangerindicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning orCaution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury
or death.
{WARNING
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through
it is a safety symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
*: This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: LATCH System Child
Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
}: Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_: Tow/Haul Mode
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-3
A. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑4.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
on
page 5‑5.
B. Instrument Cluster
on
page 5‑11.
C. Steering Wheel Controls
on
page 5‑2.
D. Instrument Panel Storage
on
page 4‑1.
E. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑6.
F. Air Vents on page 8‑12.
G. Exterior Lamp Controls
on
page 6‑1.
H. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑4.
I. Data Link Connector (DLC). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑16. J.
Cruise Control on page 9‑32.
K. Steering Wheel Adjustment
on
page 5‑2.
L. Horn on page 5‑4.
M. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons (If Equipped). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(With DIC Buttons)
on
page 5‑24or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Without DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑29.
N. Climate Control Systems
on
page 8‑1(If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
on page 8‑4(If Equipped).
O. Shift Lever. See Shifting Into
Park on page 9‑20.
P. Power Outlets on page 5‑8. Q.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
on
page 5‑6.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Disable Button. See
StabiliTrak
®Systemon
page 9‑30.
Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9‑27(If Equipped) .
Power Liftgate. See Liftgate
on
page 2‑9(If Equipped).
R. Heated Front Seats
on
page 3‑9.
S. Hazard Warning Flashers
on
page 6‑3.
T. Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
on page 5‑15(If Equipped).
U. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-5
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start
on
page 2‑5.
Door Locks
To lock or unlock a door manually:
.From the inside use the door
lock knob on the window sill.
.From the outside turn the key
toward the front or rear of the
vehicle, or press the
QorK
button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door locks,
the controls are located on the front
doors.
K: Press to unlock the doors.
Q:Press to lock the doors.
See Power Door Locks
on
page 2‑8.
Liftgate
To open the liftgate the vehicle must
be in P (Park). Press the touchpad
under the liftgate handle. To close
the liftgate, use the pull cup or pull
strap as an aid.
Power Liftgate
On vehicles with a power liftgate,
the vehicle must be in P (Park) to
operate it.
.Press and hold the liftgate
button
&on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-21
Sunroof
The ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY to operate the
sunroof and power sunshade. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑18.
The switch to operate the front
sunroof is on the headliner above
the rearview mirror.
Vent:Press the front or rear of the
switch to vent or close the sunroof.
Express-open/Express-close:
From the closed position, press and
release the rear or front of the
switch to express-open or
express-close the sunroof.
For more information see Sunroof
on page 2‑21.
Performance and
Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin, and
the StabiliTrak system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. Both
systems turn on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.
.To turn off traction control, press
and release
5located on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Vehicle Messages
on page 5‑31.
.Press and release5again to
turn on traction control system.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑30.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits
on page 9‑12. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
1-22 In Brief
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑45.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. The kit can be used
to seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire.
SeeTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit
on page 10‑61for complete
operating information. If the vehicle came with a jack and
spare tire, see
If a Tire Goes Flat
on
page 10‑58.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. If the vehicle has Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press the vehicle
information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.
If the vehicle does not have
Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to access this display. Press the trip odometer reset
stem until OIL LIFE REMAINING
displays.
3. If the vehicle has Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press and hold the set/
reset button until “100%”is
displayed. Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
If the vehicle does not have
Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press and hold the trip
odometer reset stem until OIL
LIFE REMAINING shows
“100%.” Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System
on
page 10‑11.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
Notice:
If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out.
Always carry a spare key.
If locked out of the vehicle, call
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program
on page 13‑8.
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statementon
page 13‑19for information regarding
Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
When the vehicle starts the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on
as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and the
climate control system will operate
automatically if the vehicle has the
automatic system, or at the same
setting as when the vehicle was last
turned off.
If the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated
seats, the heated seats turn on
during colder outside temperatures
and shut off when the key is turned
to ON/RUN. SeeHeated Front
Seats
on page 3‑9or Heated and
Ventilated Front Seatson
page 3‑10for more information.
The rear window defogger and
heated mirrors, if the vehicle has
them, turn on during colder outside
temperatures and turn off when the
key is turned to ON/RUN.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to the ON/RUN position to drive the
vehicle. If the vehicle is left running it
automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.
Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by
10 minutes, repeat Steps 1 though 3
while the engine is still running. The
engine run time can only be
extended if it is the first remote start
since the vehicle has been driven.
Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the remote start procedure is used
again before the first 10 minute time
frame has ended, the first
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
For example, if the lock button and
then the remote start buttons are
pressed again after the vehicle has
been running for five minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing the
engine to run for a total of
15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or
remote start attempts are allowed
between ignition cycles.
After the vehicle's engine has been
started two times using the remote
start button, the ignition must be
turned on and then back off before
the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Shutting the Engine Off After a
Remote Start
To manually shut off a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7
Conditions in Which the
Remote Start Will Not Work
The vehicle cannot be started using
the remote start feature if the key is
in the ignition, the hood is open, or if
there is an emission control system
malfunction.
The engine turns off during a remote
start if the coolant temperature gets
too high or if the oil pressure
gets low.
Door Locks
{WARNING
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.
To lock or unlock a door, use the
key from the outside or the door
lock from the inside.