tow CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
124 Lighting
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal
lever toward you, and release.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of your vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The dedicated DRL will come on when all of
the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
.The parking brake is released or the
vehicle is not in P (Park).
The taillamps, instrument panel lights, and
other lamps will not be on. The DRL turn off when the headlamps are
turned to
Oor the ignition is off. For
vehicles sold in Canada, this control only
works when the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor;
otherwise the headlamps will come on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel. If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light outside when the
vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slight
delay before the automatic headlamp
system changes to the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the
instrument cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument panel
brightness control is in the full bright
position. See
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0126.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Lighting 125
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|: Press to make the front and rear turn
signal lamps flash on and off. This warns
others that you are having trouble.
Press
|again to turn the flashers off.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever all the way up or down to
signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster will
flash in the direction of the turn or lane
change.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow
starts to flash to signal a lane change. Hold
it there until the lane change is complete.
If the lever is moved momentarily to the
lane change position, the arrow will flash
three times. It will flash six times if Tow/
Haul Mode is active.
The lever returns to its starting position
when it is released.
If after signaling a turn or lane change, the
arrow flashes rapidly or does not come on, a
signal bulb may be burned out. Have any burned out bulbs replaced. If a
bulb is not burned out, check the fuse. See
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
0280.
Fog Lamps
The ignition and parking lamps or
headlamps must be on for the front fog
lamps to work.
If equipped, the front fog lamps provide
extra illumination to the sides of the road
and improve visibility in fog or snow.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off.
An indicator light on the instrument cluster
comes on when the fog lamps are on.
Some localities have laws that require the
headlamps to be on along with the fog
lamps.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 131
.When the power is on and the
system is not muted, a quick
status pane will display when
Ois
pressed. Pressing
Owill mute the
system and trigger this pane to
show a long press is required to
actually power down the system.
.Turn to decrease or increase the
volume.
4.6
.Radio: Press and release to go to
the next station or channel. Press
and hold to fast seek the next
strongest station or channel.
.USB/Bluetooth: Press to seek the
next track. Press and hold to fast
forward through a track. Release to
return to playing speed. See USB
Port 0138 or
Bluetooth Audio 0141.
5.Por5
.PressPto open. PressPagain
to close. Keep the storage area
closed when not in use.
.Press5and release to access the
phone display or answer an
incoming call. Home Page
The Home Page is where vehicle application
icons are accessed. Some applications are
disabled when the vehicle is moving.
Swipe left or right across the display to
access the pages of icons.
Managing Home Page Icons
1. Touch and hold any of the Home Page icons to enter edit mode.
2. Continue holding the icon and drag it to the desired position.
3. Release your finger to drop the icon in the desired position.
4. To move an application to another page, drag the icon to the edge of the display
toward the desired page.
5. Continue dragging and dropping application icons as desired.
Steering Wheel Controls
If equipped, some audio controls can be
adjusted at the steering wheel.
g:Press to answer an incoming call or
start voice recognition. See Bluetooth
(Overview) 0160 orBluetooth (Pairing and
Using a Phone) 0160. Press and hold to
activate Bluetooth Voice Recognition/Siri
Eyes Free. See Voice Recognition 0154.
i:Press to decline an incoming call or
end a current call. Press to mute or unmute
the infotainment system when not on a call.
oorp: Press the five-way control to go
to the previous or next area of a display in
the instrument cluster.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 137
.Display messages from radio stations.
This system relies on receiving specific
information from these stations and only
works when the information is available.
It is possible that a radio station could
broadcast incorrect information that causes
the radio features to work improperly. If this
happens, contact the radio station.
When information is broadcast from a RDS
station, the station name or call letters
display on the audio screen. Radio text
supporting the currently playing broadcast
may also appear.
Satellite Radio
SiriusXM Radio Service
If equipped, vehicles with a valid SiriusXM
radio subscription can receive SiriusXM
programming.
SiriusXM radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free music,
coast to coast, in digital-quality sound. In
the U.S., see www.siriusxm.com or call
1-888-601-6296. In Canada, see
www.siriusxm.ca or call 1-877-438-9677.
When SiriusXM is active, the channel name,
number, song title, and artist appear on the
display.
SiriusXM with 360L
SiriusXM with 360L interface has enhanced
in-vehicle listening experience for
subscribers. The experience now offers more
categories and system learned
recommendations toward discovering more
personalized content.
To use the full SiriusXM 360L program,
including streaming content and listening
recommendations, OnStar Connected Access
is required. Connected vehicle services vary
by model and require a complete working
electrical system, cell reception, and GPS
signal. An active connected plan is required.
Reference the SiriusXM user guide for use
and subscription information.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the accessory
power outlets if there is interference or
static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to 65 km (10
to 40 mi). Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically works to reduce interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble on the
radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 173
to listen to SiriusXM stations that contain
explicit content, and the Explicit Content
Filter selection in the Audio Settings will be
unavailable for change.
When Teen Driver is Active:
.If equipped with Buckle to Drive, shifting
out of P (Park) will be prevented if the
driver seat belt, and in some vehicles the
front passenger seat belt, is not buckled.
.The radio will mute when the driver seat
belt, and in some vehicles the front
passenger seat belt, is not buckled. The
audio from any device paired to the
vehicle will also be muted.
.An object placed on the front passenger
seat, such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device, could cause the passenger sensing
system to falsely sense an unbuckled
front passenger and mute the radio.
If this happens, remove the object from
the seat. SeePassenger Sensing System
0 61.
.Some safety systems, such as Forward
Collision Alert, if equipped, cannot be
turned off.
.The gap setting for the Forward Collision
Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control,
if equipped, cannot be changed.
.When trying to change a safety feature
that is not configurable in Teen Driver,
the DIC displays a message indicating
that Teen Driver is active and the action
is not available.
.Super Cruise, if equipped, is not available.
.Enhanced Low Fuel Warning (if equipped)
–When the vehicle is low on fuel, the
low fuel light on the instrument cluster
flashes and the DIC low fuel warning
cannot be dismissed.
.Do not tow a trailer.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is only recorded when a
registered Teen Driver key is used to
operate the vehicle.
The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven –the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed detected.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts –the number of
times the driver was notified when
approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly
and at potential risk for a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.
.Traction Control –the number of times
the Traction Control System activated to
reduce wheel spin or loss of traction.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.Antilock Braking System Active –The
number of Antilock Brake System
activations.

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188 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 189
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 205
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 207
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . 208
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) . . . . 219
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 232 Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 243
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 254

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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198 Driving and Operating
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0214.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0215 and
All-Wheel Drive 0211.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see
Towing the
Vehicle 0311.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Example Label
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar). The tire and
loading information label shows the

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 199
number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum vehicle
capacity weight (2) in kilograms and
pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label
also shows the size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more information on
tires and inflation seeTires0284 and
Tire Pressure 0290.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle Certification/
Tire label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axle. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in this
section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit–
1.
Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing 0247 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules and trailering tips.
Example 1
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs).
3.Available Occupant and Cargo
Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).

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204 Driving and Operating
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the increased
number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer0101. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released. Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle is in any gear other than
D (Drive).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes
have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Engine Heater
The engine 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 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 heater operation
at temperatures above 0 °F (−18 °C).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.

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206 Driving and Operating
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set theparking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 212.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the shift lever
and pushing the shift lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0206. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0244.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pressing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may
need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle
to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to prevent movement of
the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on or in Service Mode and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting
- North America 0309.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Turn the ignition on.