engine overheat CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2019 User Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
278 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower 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, 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
0305.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 279
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer 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, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
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.
.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 used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0373. It is
especially important to check the
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system
before and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 305.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 289
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 290
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 291
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 298
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 300
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 305
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Battery - North America . . . . . . 309
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 310
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 311
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 311
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 313
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 315
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Electrical System Overload . . . 317
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 317
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321 Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 345
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 11/1/18
302 Vehicle Care
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan 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
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant needs to be
checked and replaced at
appropriate intervals. See
Maintenance Schedule 0373.
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 0305.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an 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. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 303
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
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 surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level mark is not
visible, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
surge tank to the top rib on the
middle of the tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is
done. See
Engine Overheating
0 305.
The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 293.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 11/1/18
304 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 305
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the
indicated level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0139.
The vehicle may also display a
message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 393.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface. Then
check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
(Continued)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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306 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary. 3. When it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the
overheated area, the vehicle can be
driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a
safe distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0293 for
reservoir location.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146157) - 2019 - CRC - 10/31/18
418 Index
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 256
Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 261
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 27
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 218
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 220
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 145
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 317
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 293
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 233
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 401
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 167
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
F
FeaturesMemory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 171
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 299
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 263

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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422 Index
OnStar AdditionalInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Operation Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 179
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
P
Park
Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Parking Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . .311
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 231
Parking or Backing Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 258
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 92
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . 146
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . . 291
Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Phone Apple CarPlay andAndroid Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192, 193
Hands-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Power
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 230
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 83
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 401
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 395 Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Proposition
65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .290, 309, 356, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 399
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rear Climate Control System . . . 204
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 258
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 128
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382