overheating CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2017 1.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9955676) - 2017 - crc - 3/29/16
120 Instruments and Controls
Here are some situations that may
occur with the fuel gauge. None of
these indicate a problem with the
fuel gauge.
.At the gas station, the gas pump
shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
. It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge
indicated. For example, the
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 0279 for
more information.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9955676) - 2017 - crc - 3/29/16
128 Instruments and Controls
This light flashes while the
StabiliTrak system or the Traction
Control System (TCS) is working.
The light comes on when there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak system.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0240.
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.
See
Engine Overheating 0279 for
more information.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. See Tire Messages 0144.
Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Tire
Pressure 0304.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0306.Engine Oil Pressure Light
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will
vary engine oil pressure according
to engine needs. Oil pressure may
change quickly as the engine speed
or load varies. This is normal. If the
oil pressure warning light or Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the
normal operating range, check the
vehicle's oil as soon as possible.
See Engine Oil Messages 0140.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9955676) - 2017 - crc - 3/29/16
140 Instruments and Controls
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode 0281 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
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
0 270 andMaintenance
Schedule 0344. Acknowledging the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING.
See
“Oil Life” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) (With DIC
Buttons) 0130 orDriver Information
Center (DIC) (Without DIC Buttons)
0 135 andEngine Oil Life
System 0273.
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 0270.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
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 0128.
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
0279 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.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9955676) - 2017 - crc - 3/29/16
Instruments and Controls 145
warning comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the
TPMS. See your dealer.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the
Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is relearning the tire
positions on your vehicle. The tire
positions must be relearned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a
tire or sensor. SeeTire Rotation
0 310, Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0305, and Tire Pressure
0 304 for more information.
Transmission Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when there is a temporary
condition making the AWD system
unavailable. The vehicle will run in
2WD. This could be caused by:
.
A compact spare tire on the
vehicle
. AWD system overheat
. Loss of wheel or vehicle speed .
Certain other vehicle electrical
conditions
This message turns off when the
compact spare tire is replaced by a
full-size tire, the differential fluid
cools or the above conditions are no
longer present and the warning
message is reset. To reset the
warning message manually, turn the
ignition off and then back on again
after 30 seconds. If the message
stays on, see your dealer. See
All-Wheel Drive 0238.
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
This message displays if a problem
occurs with the All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) system. The vehicle will run
in 2WD. This could be caused by:
.
An electronics problem
. Worn out or overheated clutch
plates
. Various electrical issues
If this message appears, stop as
soon as possible and turn off the
ignition for 30 seconds. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message still displays or appears again when
you begin driving, the system needs
service. See your dealer right away.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer for service.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Caution
Do not drive the vehicle while the
transmission fluid is overheating,
or the transmission can be
damaged. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty.
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in
the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 221
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0297.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.
Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission. .
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line. .
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0240.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9955676) - 2017 - crc - 4/1/16
Driving and Operating 231
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
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.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned off:
. Audio System
. Power Windows
. Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof
will work up to 10 minutes or until a
door is opened.
The radio continues to work for
10 minutes or until the driver door is
opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and
turn the key to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9955676) - 2017 - crc - 4/1/16
Driving and Operating 259
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 Overheating0279.
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.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0344.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine
Overheating 0279.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 265
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 266
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 266
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 273
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 274
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 279
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 281
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Battery - North America . . . . . . 284
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 285
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 286
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 287Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 289
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Electrical System Overload . . . 290
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 291
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 315
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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276 Vehicle Care
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. See Maintenance Schedule
0 344 andRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0353.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0279.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 277
.Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0353.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant recovery tank. If the
coolant inside the coolant recovery
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the FULL COLD ISO
symbol mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
recovery tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this is
done. See
Engine
Overheating 0279.
The coolant recovery tank cap has
this symbol on it.
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at or above the
FULL COLD ISO symbol mark on
the recovery tank.
When the engine is hot, the level
could be higher than the FULL
COLD ISO symbol mark. If the
coolant is below the FULL COLD
ISO symbol mark when the engine
is hot, there could be a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to your dealer for
service.