check engine CHEVROLET TRAX 2021 User Guide

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
144 Driving and Operating
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electricalcord. The cord is in the driver side of the
engine compartment, near the battery.
It is shipped from the factory with a tie
holding it in place. Use care in removing
the tie so that the cord is not damaged.
Check the heater cord for damage. If it is
damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was
before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
150 Driving and Operating
2. Press the + (plus) end of the button onthe side of the shift lever to upshift,
or press the −(minus) end of the button
to downshift.
The instrument cluster will change from the
currently displayed message to the letter
“M,” for Manual position, and a number
indicating the requested gear.
While using the DSC feature, the
transmission will have firmer shifting and
sportier performance. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing hills to stay
in gear longer or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift
into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute (rpm):
.The transmission will not allow shifting to
the next higher gear if the vehicle speed
or engine rpm is too low.
.The transmission will not allow shifting to
the next lower gear if the vehicle speed
or engine rpm is too high. Automatic Transmission Adaptation Feature
While the vehicle is being driven and gear
shifting takes place, the transmission will
learn and adapt. This increases durability
and maintains the best shift quality of the
life of the vehicle.
During vehicle break-in (initial driving), it is
normal to experience some shift bumps.
Shift quality will improve with the normal
gear shifting as the transmission learns and
adapts.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
If equipped, this feature transfers engine
power, as required, to all four wheels. It is
fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed
for road conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact spare and
disables AWD to protect the system.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) message
will display on the instrument cluster. See
Vehicle Messages
092. To restore AWD
operation and prevent excessive wear on the system, replace the compact spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible. See
Compact Spare Tire
0220.
AWD will be disabled and the message will
display if there is excessive wheel spin.
When the system cools down, AWD will be
restored.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 086.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
152 Driving and Operating
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 129.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle may have a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), an electronic stability
control system. These systems help limit
wheel slip and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path. If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0133 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
164 Driving and Operating
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the fill nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The wrong
type of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may turn on the malfunction indicator
lamp, and could damage the fuel system
and emissions system. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 084.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your vehicle.
It was not designed or intended to tow a
trailer.
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 084.
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.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
166 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 167
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 168
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 170
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 175
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . 191
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 194
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 198
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 203
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 206 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 207
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 210
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 212
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 213
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 214
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . 221
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
168 Vehicle Care
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 053.
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 0257.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 53. If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 017.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 246.Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
Turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the engine is running with the
hood open, you or others could be
injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. It is on the lower left side of the
instrument panel.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Vehicle Care 173
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 0175.
.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 0170 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
1.4L L4 Turbo Engine (LUV - VIN B)
1.4L L4 Turbo Engine (LE2 - VIN M)
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
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0248.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Vehicle Care 175
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system might indicate that an oil changeis not necessary for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and, at this time, the
system must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Press the MENU button to show Remaining Oil Life on the display. This
display shows an estimate of the oil’s
remaining useful life. If 99% is displayed,
that means that 99% of the current oil
life remains. 2. To reset the engine oil life system, press
the SET/CLR button while the oil life
display is active. After a few seconds,
there will be a single chime and the oil
life will be reset to 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display
accidentally at any time other than after the
oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message comes back on when the vehicle is
started, the engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should have this
done at your dealer.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
178 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in the vehicle for
5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, seeEngine Overheating 0180.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the
upper coolant hose return line when the
engine is running.
1.4L Engine (LUV) Shown, 1.4L Engine (LE2)
Similar

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14609828) -
2021 - CRC - 8/21/20
Vehicle Care 179
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 is
not at or above the mark pointed to, add a
50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool before
this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank, add coolant as follows:
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.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure
cap 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.