trailer CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2023 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Driving and Operating 253
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper attachments.
To reinstall hitch cover: 1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper tabs into the
slots in the bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line up with the
lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be useful
with some trailers.
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height above the
front axle distance (2) before and after
connecting the trailer. Adjust the spring bars
until the front fender height distance (2) is
approximately half way between the first
and second measurements.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 286 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
254 Driving and Operating
Read and follow the instructions for the
trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted,
and maintained properly.
{Warning
Never attempt to tamper with the
hydraulic brake system for your trailer
brakes. Do not connect a trailer's
hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both the vehicle antilock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness (if equipped), with
a seven-pin connector is located at the rear
of the vehicle, and it is tied to the vehicle's
frame.
If the vehicle is not equipped with a
seven-pin trailer connector, the body harness
has provisions to connect a trailer harness
and a seven-pin trailer connector which is
available through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire connector with
flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper electrical
connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:1 Stop/Turn
Signal Left Yellow/Blue
2 Tail/Parking Lamps Gray/Brown
3 Reverse Lamps White/Green 4 Battery Feed Red/Green
5
Stop/Turn Signal
Right Green/Brown
6 Electric Trailer
Brake* Blue
7 Ground Black
* Circuit powered by electric trailer brake
control wiring provisions.
Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
Wiring provisions for an aftermarket electric
trailer brake controller are included with the
vehicle as part of the trailer wiring package.
The harness contains the following circuits: Electric Trailer
Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Green or
Red/Blue
Brake Apply Signal White/Blue
Ground Black
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer brake
controller owner's manual to determine wire
color coding of the electric trailer brake

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Driving and Operating 255
controller. The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different from the vehicle.
The electric trailer brake controller should be
installed by your dealer or a qualified
service center.
If equipped, there are four blunt cut wires
inside the front driver side instrument panel.
It will be necessary to have a technician
connect the 12-volt power to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0214. Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0248.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when pulling
a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel, to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
212.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
256 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment0252 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs. Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0109. A device connected
to the DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems. This
could affect vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 064 and Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 064.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 281
FusesUsage
F22 Electronic Brake Control Module
F23 Parking/Trailer Lamps
F24 Right Trailer Stoplamp/ Turnlamp
F25 Steering Column Lock
F26 –
F27 Left Trailer Stoplamp/ Turnlamp
F28 –
F29 –
F30 Washer Pump F31 –
F32 Left Low –Beam
Headlamp
F33 Daylight Running Lamps
F34 Horn F35 –
F36 –
F37 Right Low –Beam
Headlamp Fuses
Usage
F38 Automatic Headlamp Leveling Motor
F39 Transmission Control Module
F40 Left Rear Bus Electrical Center/Ignition
F41 Instrument Cluster
F42 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
F43 Head-up Display/ Reflective Light
Auxiliary Display
F44 Communication Gateway Module/Run/
Crank
F45 –
F46 –
F47 –
F48 –
F49 Interior Rearview Mirror F50 Fuel Tank Zone Module/ Shifter Interface Board/
Run/Crank Fuses
Usage
F51 Heated Steering Wheel
F52 Folding Seats Switch
F53 Coolant Pump
F54 –
F55 Air Conditioning Clutch
F56 –
F57 Engine Control Module/ Ignition
F58 Transmission Control Module/Ignition
F59 Engine Control Module Battery
F60 Engine Control Module–Even
F61 O2 Sensor 1/Air Flow
F62 –
F63 O2 Sensor 2/Canister/ Engine Oil/Turbo
F64 Aeroshutter F65 Engine Control Module Powertrain 1

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
284 Vehicle Care
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
The rear compartment fuse block is behind a
trim panel on the driver side of the rear
storage compartment.
The trim panel is removed by prying along
the top edge of the trim panel at two
notched locations. Remove the trim panel to
access the fuse block, or see your dealer.
To remove a fuse, use the fuse puller in the
engine compartment fuse block.
The fuse block label is on the back of the
access door in the driver side rear trim
panel.
FusesUsage
F1 –
F2 Trailer Fuses
Usage
F3 Folding Seats
F4 Rear Blower

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 285
FusesUsage
F5 Rear Drive Control
F6 –
F7 Right Window
F8 Rear Defogger
F9 Left Window
F10 –
F11 Trailer Reverse
F12 USB Port/Third Row Seats
F13 –
F14 –
F15 –
F16 –
F17 –/Air Quality Sensor
F18 –
F19 Ventilated Seats/ Massage
F20 –
F21 –
F22 – Fuses
Usage
F23 –
F24 Lumbar F25 –
F26 Trailer Brake Lamps F27 Massage
F28 Passive Entry/Passive Start
F29 –
F30 Canister Vent F31 –
F32 Heated Mirrors
F33 USB Port/Second Row Seats
F34 Liftgate Module F35 Fuel System Control Module/Fuel Tank Zone
Module
F36 –
F37 –
F38 Window Module
F39 Rear Closure Fuses
Usage
F40 Memory Seat Module F41 Automatic Occupancy Sensor
F42 –
F43 –
F44 –
F45 Liftgate Motor
F46 Rear Heated Seats F47 –
F48 –
F49 –
F50 –
F51 –
F52 Semi-Active Dampening System Module
F53 –
F54 External Object Calculating Remote
System/Side Blind Zone
Alert
F55 –

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 315
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used by the towing
provider. These holes may be used to pull
the vehicle from a flat road surface onto the
flatbed tow truck.
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.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.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.
.If 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
Run the ignition of a vehicle that is being
dinghy towed in the beginning of each day,
and at each fuel stop for about five minutes
to ensure proper lubrication of transmission
components.
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can damage
the transmission. Be sure that the
transmission fluid is at the proper level
before towing with all four wheels on the
ground.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Service and Maintenance 327
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 0196.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0242.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal Service.
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 Service.
{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 0258.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0299 and
Wheel Replacement 0302.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 329.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0317.
Additional Required Services —Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. Or
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.

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