air conditioning CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
iv Introduction
{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. 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)
%: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

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-15
Windshield Washer
J:Press the button at the end
of the turn signal/lane change
lever to spray washer fluid on the
windshield.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper and rear wash button
is located on the instrument panel
below the climate control system.
Z: Press to turn the rear wiper on
and off. The wiper speed cannot be
changed.
Y: Press to spray washer fluid on
the rear window. The window wiper
will also come on.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5 andRear Window Wiper/
Washer on page 5‑5.
Climate Controls
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Air Conditioning E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
F. Recirculation
G. Rear Window Defogger

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
1-16 In Brief
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
A. Fan Control
B. AUTO (Auto Operation)
C. Defrost
D. Recirculation
E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
F. Air Delivery Mode Control
G. Driver Side Temperature Control
H. Display
I. Power (On/Off)J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS (Passenger)
M. Passenger Side Temperature
Control
See Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1 orDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 8‑4 (If
Equipped). For more information
about the rear climate control, see
Rear Climate Control System (Rear
Climate Control Only) on page 8‑9 or
Rear Climate Control System
(Rear Climate with Rear Seat Audio)
on page 8‑10.
Transmission
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving downhill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic
shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS mode a number will
display next to the L, indicating the
current gear that has been selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press the plus/minus button located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑24.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-33
HOOD OPEN
On some models, this message
displays and a chime sounds if the
hood is not fully closed. Stop and
turn off the vehicle, check the hood
for obstructions, and close the hood
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the driver side rear door is
not fully closed and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for
obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
LIFTGATE OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the liftgate is open while
the ignition is in ON/RUN. Turn off
the vehicle and check the liftgate.
Restart the vehicle and check for
the message on the DIC display.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger door is
not fully closed and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for
obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
POWER LIFTGATE OFF
This message displays when the
power liftgate has been turned off
by pressing the power liftgate button
on the center console.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the passenger side rear
door is not fully closed and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
Stop and turn off the vehicle, check
the door for obstructions, and close
the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air
Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5‑13. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the
coolant temperature returns to
normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-37
drive, however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System
on page 9‑28 for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑28 for more
information. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned on. See StabiliTrak
®Systemon page 9‑28
for more information.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑15 and
Airbag System on page 3‑23 for
more information.
Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation on page 2‑14 for more
information.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the content
theft-deterrent system has detected
a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑13 for more information.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE A/C (Air
Conditioning) SYSTEM
This message displays when the
electronic sensors that control the
air conditioning and heating
systems are no longer working.
Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you notice
a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when a
problem is detected with the power
steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may
notice that the effort required to
steer the vehicle increases or feels

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-1
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate
Control Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate with Rear
Seat Audio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Air Conditioning
E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
F. Recirculation
G. Rear Window Defogger9(Off): Turn the fan control all the
way counterclockwise to turn the
front climate control system off.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
8-2 Climate Controls
Temperature Control:Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the
temperature of the air flowing
from the system.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
By positioning the right knob
between two modes, a combination
of those two modes is selected.
H(Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
toward the windshield and side
window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some of the air
directed to the windshield, side
window, and second row floor
outlets. In this mode, the system automatically selects outside air.
Recirculation cannot be selected
while in floor mode.
-(Defog):
This clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor
outlets, and side window vents.
When this mode is selected, the
system turns off recirculation and
runs the air conditioning unless the
outside temperature is less than 4°C
(40°F). Recirculation cannot be
selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
0(Defrost): This clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window vents,
with some to the floor vents. In this
mode, outside air is pulled inside
the vehicle. Recirculation cannot be
selected while in the defrost mode.
The air conditioning system runs
automatically in this setting, unless
the outside temperature is less than
4°C (40°F). Do not drive the vehicle
until all windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning): Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on
when A/C is on. The air conditioning
system does not operate when the
outside temperature is below 4°C
(40°F). The indicator light flashes
three times and turns off when
outside conditions affect air
conditioning operation. This is
normal.
For quicker cool down on hot days:
1. Open the windows to let hot air escape.
2. Select
Hmode.
3. Select
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
6. Close the windows after the hot air has escaped.
7. Once the vehicle's interior temperature is below the outside
temperature, select
@mode
for faster cooling.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-3
Using recirculation for long periods
of time could cause the air inside
the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after
the inside of the vehicle has cooled,
turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so
water might drip under the vehicle
while idling or after turning off the
engine. This is normal.
@(Recirculation):Press to turn
the recirculation mode on or off. An
indicator light comes on when
recirculation is on. When the engine
is turned off, the recirculation mode
automatically turns off and must be
re‐selected when the engine is
turned on again.
This mode recirculates and helps
to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering
the vehicle. The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defrost, or defogging
modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator flashes
three times and turns off. The air
conditioning also comes on when
this mode is activated unless the
outside air temperature is less than
4°C (40°F). While in recirculation
mode the windows can fog when
the weather is cold and damp. To
clear the fog, select either the defog
or defrost mode and increase the
fan speed.
REAR (Rear Climate Control):
Press to turn the rear heating and
air conditioning on or off. See
Rear
Climate Control System (Rear
Climate Control Only) on page 8‑9
or Rear Climate Control System
(Rear Climate with Rear Seat Audio)
on page 8‑10.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
1(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. The rear window
defogger stays on for about
10 minutes, before automatically
turning off. The defogger will also
turn off when the engine is
turned off.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, fog or frost is
cleared from the surface of the
mirror when
1is pressed.
Notice: Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
8-4 Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
A. Fan Control
B. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
C. Defrost
D. Recirculation
E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
F. Air Delivery Mode Control
G. Driver Side Temperature ControlH. Display
I. Power (On/Off)
J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS (Passenger)
M. Passenger Side Temperature
Control Display Function
Each time the temperature, mode,
or fan control buttons are pressed,
the climate control display shows
that function along with the inside
temperature setting. The outside
temperature is displayed on the
instrument panel cluster.
O(On/Off):
Press to turn the
climate control system on or off.
While the system is off, outside air
still enters through the floor outlets,
but the air delivery mode can be
adjusted.
The climate control system will also
turn on if either the fan control,
defrost, AUTO, or air conditioning
buttons are pressed.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-5
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):The system
automatically controls the inside
temperature, the air delivery, and
the fan speed.
To use automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the
current temperature(s) selected
and AUTO is shown on the
display. The current air delivery
mode and fan speed also
appear for approximately
five seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air
conditioning and air inlet are
automatically controlled. The air
conditioning runs when the
outside temperature is over
4°C (40°F). The system is
automatically set to outside
air, unless it is hot outside and
then the air inlet changes to
recirculation mode to help quickly cool the vehicle. The
recirculation indicator light will
come on.
2. Set the temperature for the driver and passenger.
To find a comfortable setting,
start with a 22°C (73°F)
temperature setting and allow
about 20 minutes for the system
to regulate. Use the driver side
or passenger side temperature
buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as
necessary. The system will
remain at the selected setting.
Choosing the warmest or coolest
temperatures does not cause the
vehicle to heat or cool more
quickly.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold
weather, the system delays
turning on the fan until warm
air is available. Press the fan
control to override this delay and
select the fan speed. Temperature Control
The driver and passenger side
temperature buttons are used to
adjust the temperature of the air
coming through the system. The
temperature can be adjusted even
if the system is turned off since
outside air still enters the vehicle,
unless the recirculation mode is
selected. See
“Recirculation” later in
this section.
Driver Side Temperature
Control: Press the + or −buttons
to increase or decrease the driver
side temperature. The driver side
temperature display will show the
temperature setting.
Passenger Side Temperature
Control: Press the + or −buttons
to increase or decrease the
passenger side temperature. The
passenger side display will show the
temperature setting.
PASS (Passenger): Press to set
the passenger temperature to match
the driver temperature setting.
The PASS indicator will turn off.