instrument panel CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2012 1.G User Guide

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-21
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) uses sensors on the
rear bumper to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
URPA uses audible beeps to
provide distance and system
information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
SeeUltrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑33 for more information.
Storage Compartments
For vehicles with a second row
center console, press the
buttons (B) or (C) to access
storage areas.
Lift up on (A) for additional
storage area.
SeeFloor Console Storage on
page 4‑3.
Power Outlets
The vehicle has 12‐volt accessory
power outlets which can be used to
plug in electrical equipment, such as
a cell phone or MP3 player.
The power outlets are located:
.On the instrument panel below
the climate controls.
.Inside the center floor console.
.At the rear of the center floor
console.
.In the rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the
cover.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑8.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
1-22 In Brief
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 9‑19.
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 2‑22.
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
tlocated on the
instrument panel, and the
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑36.
.Press and releasetagain
to turn on the traction control
system. The StabiliTrak system
remains on.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑28.
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 9‑10. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
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

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
2-10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Doors
Liftgate
Manual Liftgate Operation
{WARNING
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open,
or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the
body and the trunk/hatch or
liftgate. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See “Climate
Control Systems” in the
Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑21.
To unlock the liftgate, use the
power door lock switch or press the
door unlock button on the RKE
transmitter twice. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3. To open the liftgate, press the touch
pad under the liftgate handle. The
vehicle must be in P (Park) to open
the liftgate. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup or pull strap as an aid.
The liftgate will not open if the
battery is disconnected or has low
voltage. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and the
liftgate still will not function, the
vehicle should be taken to a dealer
for service.
Power Liftgate Operation
The vehicle may have a power
liftgate. The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to use this feature.
The taillamps will flash and a chime
will sound when the power liftgate
is used.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-15
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The security light comes on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses an incorrect key, the vehicle
does not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.
If the engine does not start and
the security light on the instrument
panel comes on when trying to start
the vehicle, there may be a problem
with the theft-deterrent system. Turn
the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key and check
the fuses. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 10‑30 for
additional information. If the engine
still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the
vehicle does start, the first key may
be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the PASS-Key III+ to have a
new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7
or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑9.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
to the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all currently
programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have keys made
and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank that is cut exactly as
the ignition key that operates the
system. To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has
a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does not
start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within five seconds of
the original key being turned to
the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be
programmed.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Seats and Restraints 3-15
Why Safety Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel
as fast as the vehicle does. If the
vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the safety belts!
When you wear a safety belt, you
and the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because
you stop over a longer distance and,
when worn properly, your strongest
bones take the forces from thesafety belts. That is why wearing
safety belts makes such good
sense.
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?
A: You could be—whether you
are wearing a safety belt or not.
Your chance of being conscious
during and after a crash, so you
can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety
belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with
safety belts —not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. Also, in nearly all states and in
all Canadian provinces, the law
requires wearing safety belts.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
There are special things to know
about safety belts and children. And
there are different rules for smaller
children and infants. If a child will
be riding in the vehicle, see
Older
Children on page 3‑38 orInfants
and Young Children on page 3‑41.
Follow those rules for everyone's
protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
3-24 Seats and Restraints
All vehicle airbags have the word
AIRBAG on the trim or on an
attached label near the deployment
opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the center of the
steering wheel for the driver and on
the instrument panel for the front
outboard passenger.
For seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the side of the seatback closest to
the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
{WARNING
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt, even
with airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, not replace them. Also,
airbags are not designed to inflate
in every crash. In some crashes
safety belts are the only restraint.
See
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? on page 3‑27.
Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce the chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or
being ejected from it. Airbags are
“supplemental restraints” to the
safety belts. Everyone in the
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly, whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
{WARNING
Because airbags inflate with great
force and faster than the blink
of an eye, anyone who is up
against, or very close to any
airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
sit unnecessarily close to any
airbag, as you would be if sitting
on the edge of the seat or leaning
forward. Safety belts help keep
you in position before and during
a crash. Always wear a safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Seats and Restraints 3-25
{WARNING
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle's safety belt
system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in the
vehicle. To read how, seeOlder
Children on page 3‑38 orInfants
and Young Children on
page 3‑41.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑15 for
more information.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the
center of the steering wheel.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
3-26 Seats and Restraints
The front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is in the passenger
side instrument panel.Driver Side Shown, PassengerSide Similar
The driver and front outboard
passenger seat-mounted side
impact airbags are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
front outboard passenger, and
second and third row outboard
passengers are in the ceiling above
the side windows.

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
3-28 Seats and Restraints
The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags. See
Airbag System on page 3‑23.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, these
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags will
inflate if the crash severity is above
the system's designed threshold
level. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not intended to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts. Roof-rail
airbags are not intended to inflate in
rear impacts. A seat-mounted sideimpact airbag is intended to inflate
on the side of the vehicle that is
struck. Both roof-rail airbags will
inflate when either side of the
vehicle is struck, or the sensing
system predicts that the vehicle is
about to roll over on its side, or in a
severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one
can say whether an airbag should
have inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or the repair costs.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down. For
seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact. In a
rollover event, roof-rail airbag
deployment is determined by the
direction of the roll.What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag location, see
Where Are
the Airbags? on page 3‑25.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Seats and Restraints 3-31
Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front
outboard passenger position. The
passenger airbag status indicator
will light on the instrument panel
when the vehicle is started.
United States
Canada and Mexico
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, are visible
during the system check. If you use
remote start, if equipped, to start the
vehicle, you may not see the system
check. When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or
OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will
be visible. See Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 5‑16. The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag under
certain conditions. No other airbag
is affected by the passenger
sensing system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the front outboard passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
should be allowed to inflate or not.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.