brake CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2023 Repair Manual

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Driving and Operating 247
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0268.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
248 Driving and Operating
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal:
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0327. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0268.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 249
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0252 to determine
if equalizer bars are required to obtain the
maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0252 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the Tow Rating Chart
following.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle,
follow these steps:
1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information Label. 2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with
cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value shown on the Trailering
Information Label.
The gross combined weight can also be
confirmed by weighing the truck and trailer
on a public scale. The truck and trailer
should be loaded for the trip with
passengers and cargo.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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-
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Vehicle Care 257
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 258
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 258
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 260
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 264
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 276
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 279
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 284
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 289
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 295
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298 Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 299
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 301
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 301
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 302
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . 311
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . 313
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
258 Vehicle Care
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material–special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, Driver Assistance
Systems, and electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability control.
These accessories or modifications could
even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 064.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0345.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 261
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0264.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0261.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0261.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0265.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 270.
6. Battery - North America 0271.
7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0265.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0311.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0269.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0279.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0311.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0263.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0260
for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level. Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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270 Vehicle Care
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn andnew linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applications. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0335. Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid