Cooling CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2023 User Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 267
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 Overheating0268.
The coolant surge tank is located in the
engine compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0260.
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.
{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.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
268 Vehicle Care
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressurecap 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.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with theproper 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 0106. 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
0 341.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 269
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,
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
0260 for
reservoir location.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 303
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has a tire size other than
255/65R18, do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains used on
a vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the vehicle.
Do not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on the
front tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with 255/65R18
size tires, use tire chains only where legal
and only when necessary. Use low profile
chains that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and inner
sidewall. Use chains that are the proper
size for the tires. Install them on the tires
of the front axle. Do not use chains on
the tires of the rear axle. Tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
If the chains contact the vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues,
(Continued)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
328 Service and Maintenance
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 263.
.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 0264.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Or every 24 months, 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. Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See
Gas Strut(s)0274.
Every 156 000 km (97,500 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. 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.
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0265.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles. ‐
Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Service and Maintenance 329
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 120 000 km (75,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. 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.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid. Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant 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.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐
Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
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 0265.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco
dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0261.
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 4 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-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Technical Data 335
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants0331 for more
information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See yourdealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System*
I3.6L V6 Engine without the V92 towing package 14.6 L 15.4 qt
I3.6L V6 Engine with the V92 towing package 14.7 L 15.5 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 5.7 L 6.0 qt
Fuel Tank IFront-Wheel Drive 73.4 L 19.4 gal
IAll-Wheel Drive 82.1 L 21.7 gal

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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336 Technical Data
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Rear Axle (AWD) 0.75 L 0.79 qt
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-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Index 359
Cleaning (cont'd)Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97, 99, 102
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Connected Services
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 212
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180, 184
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 343
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Customer Assistance
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 345
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 338
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . 155
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Diagnostics
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Disabled Vehicle Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209, 272
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 119
Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Mode Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 245
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Distracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196