check engine CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Vehicle Care 277
{Warning
Installation or use of fuses that do not
meet GM’s original fuse specifications is
dangerous. The fuses could fail, and result
in a fire. You or others could be injured
or killed, and the vehicle could be
damaged.
See Accessories and Modifications 0256 and
General Information 0256.
To check a fuse, look at the silver-colored
band inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure to
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can be
temporarily borrowed from another fuse
location, if a fuse goes out. Replace the fuse
as soon as possible.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The underhood fuse block is in the engine
compartment, on the driver side of the
vehicle.
Caution
Do not pull the engine compartment fuse
block lever, since it is intended only for
service purposes. If pulled, vehicle
malfunction may occur.
To remove the fuse block cover, press the
clips on the cover and lift it straight up.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may damage
it. Always keep the covers on any
electrical component.
To remove fuses, use the fuse puller and
pull straight out.

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
Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0198.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0241.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0257.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 260.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0290.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0296.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0268.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0262.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0263.

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 325
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal12 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)@@@
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
326 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 263. (4)
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0264.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed. (7)
Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0271.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0273.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.

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
328 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 263.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0264.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0271.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0273.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0314.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637844) - 2021 - CRC - 3/26/21
Service and Maintenance 329
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle. Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.

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.