automatic transmission CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
288 Vehicle Care
(4) Construction Code:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a
tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0290. Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0198.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0198.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0198.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Vehicle Care 303
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate018.
2. Lift the load floor.
3. Remove the cargo management system.
See Cargo Management System 086.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
310 Vehicle Care
The jump start positive (+) terminal (4) and
negative (-) terminal (3) are on the battery
of the vehicle providing the jump start.
The positive jump start connection for the
discharged battery is under a cover. Remove
the cover to expose the terminal.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a manual
transmission. See Shifting Into Park
0 206.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the remote
negative (–) terminal for the discharged
battery.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
312 Vehicle Care
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle–such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Before recreational vehicle towing, consider:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle will be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can be towed.
.The proper towing equipment. See your
dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
.Whether the vehicle is ready to be towed.
Just as preparing the vehicle for a long
trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to
be towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle
should be run at the beginning of each day
and at each RV fuel stop for about
five minutes. This will ensure proper
lubrication of transmission components.
To tow the vehicle from the front with all
four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle that will be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Put the vehicle in N (Neutral).
3. Shut engine off (vehicle will remain in accessory mode). 4. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal
connector from the 12-volt battery.
5. Close the hood of the vehicle.
Caution
If the vehicle is towed without
performing each of the steps listed under
“Dinghy Towing,” the automatic
transmission could be damaged. Be sure
to follow all steps of the dinghy towing
procedure prior to and after towing the
vehicle.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
Once the destination is reached: 1. Shift the vehicle to P (Park).
2. Reconnect the negative (-) terminal connector to the 12-volt battery.
3. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes before driving the
vehicle.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
324 Service and Maintenance
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0296.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0260 and
Engine Oil Life System 0262.
.If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, check the air filter
life percentage. If necessary, replace the
engine air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0263. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter life
system, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0263.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0264.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0268.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0290.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 296.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0314.
.Inspect power steering for proper
electrical connections, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 054.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0314.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 271.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the gas strut.
See Gas Strut(s) 0273.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof031.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Service and Maintenance 327
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed. Check engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air filter life
system, replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (4)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (9)@@
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Service and Maintenance 331
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling
System 0264.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco
dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0260.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer. Rear Axle See your dealer.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
336 Technical Data
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 Engine (LFY) WAutomatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–0.043 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
OnStar 353
These updates or changes may also collect
personal information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or
separately disclosed at the time of
installation. These updates or changes may
also cause a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to collect
information about vehicle system status,
identify whether updates or changes are
available, or deliver updates or changes. An
active OnStar agreement constitutes consent
to these software updates or changes and
agreement that either OnStar or GM may
remotely deliver them to the vehicle.
Privacy
The complete OnStar Privacy Statement may
be found at www.onstar.com (U.S.),
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). We recommend
that you review it. If you have any
questions, call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) or press
Qto speak with
an Advisor. Users of wireless
communications are cautioned that the
privacy of any information sent via wireless
cellular communications cannot be assured.
Third parties may unlawfully intercept or
access transmissions and private
communications without consent.
OnStar - Software Acknowledgements
To obtain the source code under GPL, LGPL,
MPL, and other open source licenses, that is
contained in this product, please visit
http://opensource.lge.com. In addition to
the source code, all referred license terms,
warranty disclaimers, and copyright notices
are available for download. This offer is valid
for a period of three years after our last
shipment of this product. This offer is valid
to anyone in receipt of this information.
*Provided through LG Electronics Inc., who is
solely responsible for provisions of related
OSS compliance.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
358 Index
Auto StopStop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . .138
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 128
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 270, 309
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Brakes (cont'd)
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Bulb Replacement Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256, 270, 309, Back CoverCanadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Cargo
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80, 82
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317