steering CHEVROLET TRAX 2024 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
17041293) - 2024 - CRC - 12/6/22
168 Driving and Operating
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues
—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
17041293) - 2024 - CRC - 12/6/22
Driving and Operating 169
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires 0243.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check brakes, tires, cooling system, and
all fluid levels.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
17041293) - 2024 - CRC - 12/6/22
170 Driving and Operating
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated. For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0188.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0186.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 300. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
(Continued)

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 171
Warning (Continued)
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0183.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 188.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it may
need to be towed out. If the vehicle does
need to be towed out, see
Transporting a
Disabled Vehicle 0274.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
(Continued)

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 175
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
I0. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF
I1. ACC/ACCESSORY
I2. ON/RUN
I3. START
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal
applied.
0 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/OFF) : This
position turns off the vehicle. It also locks
the ignition, the transmission on an automatic transmission vehicle, and the
steering column, if equipped with a locking
steering column.
To turn off the vehicle:
1. Make sure that the vehicle is stopped.
2. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic transmission, or Neutral with a manual
transmission.
3. Push the key all the way in towards the steering column, then turn the key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0187.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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176 Driving and Operating
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 181.
A warning chime will sound when the driver
door is opened and the key is in the
ignition.
If equipped with a locking steering column,
the steering can bind with the front wheels
turned off center, which may prevent key
rotation out of LOCK/OFF. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right to left
while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this does not work, then the vehicle needs
service.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
In an emergency, if the vehicle cannot be
pulled over and must be turned off while
driving: 1. Push the key all the way in toward the steering column, then turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY. 2. Brake using firm and steady pressure. Do
not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
Continue braking and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
4. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic transmission,
or Neutral with a manual transmission.
Push the key all the way in toward the
steering column, then turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0187.Caution
Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in —or pushed all the way in
toward the steering column when turning
off the vehicle —and turn it only with
your hand.
1. (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This position allows
features such as the infotainment system
to operate while the vehicle is off. It also
unlocks the steering column, if equipped
with a locking steering column. Use this position if the vehicle must be pushed or
towed. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP). From ON/RUN, push the key all
the way in toward the steering column,
then turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the key is left in ACC/ACCESSORY with
the engine off, the battery could drain
and the vehicle may not start. A warning
chime will sound when the driver door is
opened and the key is in the ignition.
2. (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories and to
display some instrument cluster warning
and indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and diagnostics,
and to verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. The switch stays in this
position when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.
3. (START) : This is the position that starts
the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition returns to
ON/RUN for driving.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
17041293) - 2024 - CRC - 12/6/22
Driving and Operating 177
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have
pushbutton starting.
The Remote Key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
SeeRemote Key Operation (Keyless Access)
0 10 or
Remote Key Operation (Key Access) 015.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in Service Mode, and the brake pedal
must be applied.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0181.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition system will
turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Hold the brake pedal down and shift to P (Park). The
vehicle must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Continue to hold the brake pedal down.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0187.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the ignition off.
7. Release the brake pedal.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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186 Driving and Operating
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever, to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When shifting to L (Manual Mode), the
transmission will shift to a preset lower gear
range. For this preset range, the highest
gear available is displayed next to the L in
the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0101 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 103 for more information. All gears below
that number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to
the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or shift into
D (Drive).
L (Manual Mode) will prevent shifting to a
lower gear range if the engine speed is too
high. If vehicle speed is not reduced within
the time allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the vehicle,
then press the
−(Minus) button to the
desired lower gear range.
While using the ERS, cruise control can
be used.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
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 095.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
17041293) - 2024 - CRC - 12/6/22
Driving and Operating 187
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can be
applied when the vehicle is on or off.
If there is not enough electrical power, theEPB cannot be applied or released. To
prevent draining the battery, avoid
unnecessary repeated cycles of the EPB.
The EPB status light displays red and the
Service EPB warning light displays amber.
See
Electric Parking Brake Light 095 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 095.
There are also EPB-related Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, look for the red
EPB status light to ensure that the EPB is
applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch.
The red EPB status light will flash and then
stay on once the EPB is fully applied. If the
red EPB status light flashes continuously, the
EPB is only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC message will
display. Release the EPB and try to apply it
again. If the light does not come on,
or continues flashing, have the vehicle
serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if the red
EPB status light is flashing. See your dealer. If the amber Service EPB warning light is on,
pull the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red EPB status light remains
on. If the amber Service EPB warning light is
on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or as required by other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch.
The EPB is released when the red EPB status
light turns off.

Chevrolet TRAX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 195
.To increase vehicle speed in smaller
increments, press RES+ briefly. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
.To increase vehicle speed in larger
increments, hold RES+. While holding
RES+, the vehicle speed increases to the
next 10 km/h (5 mph) step, then continues
to increase by 10 km/h (5 mph) at a time.
When it is determined that there is no
vehicle ahead or the vehicle ahead is beyond
the selected following gap, then the vehicle
speed will increase to the set speed.
Reducing Speed While ACC Is at a Set
Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one of the
following:
.Use the brake to get to the desired lower
speed. Release the brake and press SET–.
The vehicle will now cruise at the lower
speed.
.Press and hold SET– until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in smaller
increments, press SET– briefly. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in larger
increments, hold SET–. While holding
SET–, the vehicle speed decreases to the
next 10 km/h (5 mph) step, then continues
to decrease by 10 km/h (10 mph) at
a time.
Selecting the Follow Distance Gap
When a slower moving vehicle is detected
ahead within the selected following gap,
ACC will adjust the vehicle's speed and
attempt to maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to adjust
the following gap. Each press cycles the gap
button through three settings: Far, Medium,
or Near.
When pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument cluster.
The gap setting will be maintained until it is
changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds to a
following time (Far, Medium, or Near), the
following distance will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the
further back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the following gap. The range of selectable gaps
may not be appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting automatically
changes the alert timing sensitivity (Far,
Medium, or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. See
Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0203.
Alerting the Driver
If ACC is engaged, driver action may be
required when ACC cannot apply sufficient
braking because of approaching a vehicle
too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, six red lights
will flash on the windshield. Either eight
beeps will sound from the front. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under“Vehicle
Personalization.”
See Defensive Driving 0166.