coolant temperature CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
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
!: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
+: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
t:Traction Control/StabiliTrak®
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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.
Canceling 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.
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
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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.
.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
the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from
happening.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 5-4
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-4
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Clock (Radio without Touchscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Clock (Radio with Touchscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-14
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-15
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-16
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light . . . 5-21
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-22
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (With DIC Buttons) . . . 5-24
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Without DIC
Buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-32
Cruise Control Messages . . . . 5-32
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-34
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-35
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-35
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-35
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Airbag System Messages . . . . 5-38
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-38
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Instruments and Controls 5-13
gauge might have indicated the
tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than
half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up.
.The gauge does not go back to
empty when the ignition is
turned off.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the gauge
pointer moves into the red area, it
means that the engine coolant has
overheated. If the vehicle has been
operated under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑16 for more information.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Instruments and Controls 5-21
there are no antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 5‑19.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light comes on when the Tow/
Haul mode has been activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑24.
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light goes off.
If it stays on, or comes on while
driving, there could be a problem
with the StabiliTrak system and the
vehicle might need service. When
this warning light is on, the system
is off and will not limit wheel spin.
This light flashes when the
StabiliTrak system is active.
See StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑27 for more information.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on briefly when
the vehicle is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on
while driving, the vehicle may have
a problem with the cooling system.
Stop and turn off the vehicle to
avoid damage to the engine.
A warning chime sounds when this
light is on.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 10‑16 for more information.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Instruments and Controls 5-33
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.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
5-34 Instruments and Controls
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument cluster
and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Do not increase
the engine speed above normal
idling speed. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 10‑16 for
more information.
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge on
page 5‑13.
See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 10‑18 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument cluster
and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above normal
idling speed. See
Engine
Overheating on page 10‑16 for
more information.
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when
service is required for the vehicle.
See your dealer. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑7 andMaintenance
Schedule on page 11‑2 for more
information. Acknowledging the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
See
“Oil Life” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Without
DIC Buttons) on page 5‑29 orDriver
Information Center (DIC) (With DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑24 andEngine
Oil Life System on page 10‑9.
ENGINE OIL LOW —ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure is
low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), stop the

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Instruments and Controls 5-35
vehicle as soon as possible. Do
not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected. SeeEngine Oil on
page 10‑7 for more information.
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine oil pressure is low.
The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument cluster. See
Engine Oil Pressure Light on
page 5‑22.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as
engine damage can result from
driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
sounds when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 10‑16
for further information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel
as soon as possible. See
Fuel
Gauge on page 5‑12 andFuel on
page 9‑38 for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument cluster if the vehicle's
fuel cap is not tightened properly.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑17. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. See Filling the Tank on
page 9‑41. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap allows
fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs to
be replaced in the transmitter. See
“Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑2.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-17
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat these
steps. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice: The engine is designed to
work with the electronics in the
vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates.
Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, the engine
might not perform properly. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with an engine coolant heater
should be plugged in at least four
hours before starting. Some models
may have an internal thermostat in
the cord which will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The bundled cord
is located on the driver side of
the engine compartment,
between the engine air cleaner
and the windshield washer fluid
reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑5.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-45
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting 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.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 9‑24.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, 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. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑16.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
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 flat 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
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.
.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.