2011 Chevrolet Suburban Owners Manual

seats by lap belts or the lap belt

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (59,1)

Seats and Restraints

3-59

Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint

{ WARNING

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint.

portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑61 for more information. Children can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it. In some areas of the United States and Canada, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to locate the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation office.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (60,1)

3-60

Seats and Restraints

Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. The vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing system, if equipped, has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑45 for additional information.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (61,1)

Depending on where you place the child restraint and the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the routing of the safety belt. Wherever a child restraint is installed, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it.

Seats and Restraints

3-61

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle's safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.

{ WARNING

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. Child restraints and booster seats vary considerably in size, and some may fit in certain seating positions better than others. Always make sure the child restraint is properly secured.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (62,1)

3-62

Seats and Restraints

When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be attached using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments.

Lower Anchors

Top Tether Anchor

Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B).

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (63,1)

Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints with top tethers are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

Seats and Restraints

3-63

Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

Second Row — 60/40

j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.

Second Row — Bucket

j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (64,1)

3-64

Seats and Restraints

For models with a third row seat, see the information following for installing a child restraint with a top tether in the third row, if your vehicle has one. Never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor. For models with 60/40 second row seating, the rear right side passenger and center seating positions have exposed metal anchors located in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion. For models with second row bucket seats, both rear seating positions have exposed metal anchors located in the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

Third Row Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. There is one top tether anchor that can be used for either the third row center or driver side seating position but not both at the same time.

Second Row Seat — Bucket

For models with bucket second row seating, the top tether anchors are located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion for each seating position in the second row. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (65,1)

Seats and Restraints

3-65

Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑60 for additional information.

Second Row Seat — 60/40

Third Row Seat

For models with 60/40 second row seating, the top tether anchors are located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion for each seating position in the second row. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

For vehicles with a third row seat, there is one top tether anchor located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion that can be used for either the third row center or driver side seating position. Never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (66,1)

3-66

Seats and Restraints

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

{ WARNING

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (67,1)

Seats and Restraints

3-67

are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback.

If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback.

2.

Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat. 1. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if the vehicle has one. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (68,1)

3-68

Seats and Restraints

If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, raise the headrest or head restraint and route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts.

If the position you are using has a fixed headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether around the inboard or outboard side of the headrest or head restraint.

If the position you are using has a fixed or an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint.

3. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐ and‐forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement, for proper installation.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (69,1)

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { WARNING

A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑61 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑61 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.

Seats and Restraints

3-69

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑60. The vehicle's lap‐shoulder belts for the first and second row seating positions are equipped with free‐falling latch plates. If the vehicle has a third row, the lap‐shoulder belts have either free‐falling or cinching latch plates.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (70,1)

3-70

Seats and Restraints

Use the following pictures to determine the latch plate style:

Free‐Falling Latch Plate

Cinching Latch Plate

1. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

For third row seating positions, with cinching latch plates, tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (71,1)

Seats and Restraints

3-71

3. Push the latch plate into the

4. For passenger seating positions

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

with a lap‐shoulder belt and a free‐falling latch plate, pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. When installing a child restraint using a lap‐shoulder belt and a cinching latch plate, skip Step 4 and proceed to Step 5.

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 4 and 5.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (72,1)

3-72

Seats and Restraints

6.

If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑61 for more information.

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐ and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)

{ WARNING

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position.

Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑60. In addition, the vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑45 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑19 for more information, including important safety information.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (73,1)

A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great if the airbag deploys.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. The vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing system, if equipped, has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑45 for additional information.

Seats and Restraints

3-73

If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑61 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑61 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (74,1)

3-74

Seats and Restraints

You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it

will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint.

2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. Push the latch plate into the

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (75,1)

Seats and Restraints

3-75

If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑45 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐ and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, and when the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑19.

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (76,1)

3-76

Seats and Restraints

2 NOTES

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (1,1)

Storage

4-1

Storage

Storage Compartments

Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . 4-2

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Roof Rack System

Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Storage Compartments

Glove Box Lift up on the glove box lever to open it.

Cupholders For vehicles with cupholders located in the front and rear of the floor console or in the fold down armrest, adjust the front cupholders by moving the insert forward or rearward.

Pull downward on the lid to access the rear floor console cupholders. There could also be cupholders located in the second and third row seat armrest areas.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (2,1)

4-2

Storage

Armrest Storage For vehicles with a rear seat armrest, pull the loop at the top of the armrest down to access the cupholders.

Rear Storage For vehicles with a rear storage area, it is located in the rear cargo area of the vehicle on the driver side. Turn the knobs and pull the storage door to access. The door can be removed.

Center Console Storage For vehicles with a console compartment, it is located between the bucket seats. Press the button and lift the lid to access the console compartment. A cupholder located in the rear of the console, swings down for the rear seat passenger to use.

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover

{ WARNING

An improperly stored cargo cover could be thrown about the vehicle during a collision or sudden maneuver. Someone could be injured. If the cover is removed, always store it in the proper storage location. When it is replaced, always be sure that it is securely reattached.

To use the cargo cover, if equipped: 1. Pull the cover handle toward the

rear of the vehicle.

2. Latch the cover posts into the retaining sockets on the cargo area trim panels.

To return the cover to the retracted position: 1. Pull up on the cover handle to

release the cover posts from the retaining sockets.

2. Let the cover move forward to

the full retracted position.

To remove the cover from a regular wheelbase model: 1. Let the cover go all the way into

the holder.

2. Then, grasping the driver side cover end cap, push the cover end cap toward the passenger side of the vehicle.

3. Swing the cover rearward and

take it out of the vehicle.

To put the cover in the vehicle: 1. Make sure the cover slot in the holder faces rearward with the round surface facing down.

2. Then, hold the cover at an angle and place the cover end cap into the slot in the passenger side trim panel.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (3,1)

3. Move the other end of the cover

forward and hold it next to the driver side trim panel slot.

4. Press the end caps in, to allow the cover to fit into the trim slot.

5. Pull lightly on the cover holder to

make sure it is secure. On extended wheelbase models there are two cover positions. The slots furthest forward allow the cover to be used if the third seat is removed or folded down. The cover can be installed and removed from either side.

Storage

4-3

Notice: Loading cargo on the roof rack that weighs more than 91 kg (200 lbs) or hangs over the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage the vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests evenly between the crossrails, making sure to fasten cargo securely. To prevent damage or loss of cargo when driving, check to make sure crossrails and cargo are securely fastened. Loading cargo on the roof rack will make the vehicle’s center of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control. If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, occasionally stop the vehicle to make sure the cargo remains in its place.

Roof Rack System

{ WARNING

If something is carried on top of the vehicle that is longer or wider than the roof rack — like paneling, plywood, or a mattress — the wind can catch it while the vehicle is being driven. The item being carried could be violently torn off, and this could cause a collision and damage the vehicle. Never carry something longer or wider than the roof rack on top of the vehicle unless using a GM certified accessory carrier.

For vehicles with a roof rack, the rack can be used to load items. For roof racks that do not have crossrails included, GM Certified crossrails can be purchased as an accessory. See your dealer for additional information.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (4,1)

4-4

Storage

Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading the vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑22.

If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, cut a piece of 9 mm or 3/8 inch plywood to fit inside the crossrails and siderails to spread the load. Tie the plywood to the siderail supports. Tie the load and secure it to the crossrails or the siderail supports. Use the crossrails only to keep the load from sliding. To move a crossrail, lift the release lever up, on both sides of the rail. Then slide the crossrail to the desired position balancing the force side to side. Press the release lever down on both sides of the rail, down to tighten it. Try to slide the crossrail back and forth slightly to make sure it is tight.

To carry long items, move the crossrails as far apart as possible. Tie the load to the crossrails and the siderails or siderail supports. Also tie the load to the bumpers, but do not tie the load so tightly that the crossrails or siderails are damaged.

. After moving a crossrail, be sure

it is securely locked into the siderail.

A Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) is located above the rear window glass. Make sure items loaded on the roof of the vehicle do not block or damage the CHMSL.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (1,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-1

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-3
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-5
Rear Window Wiper/

Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Engine Oil Pressure

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Engine Coolant Temperature

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-17
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-18
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-20
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

Brake System Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . 5-24
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light . . . 5-24
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-25
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-26
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-26
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Battery Voltage and Charging

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-37
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Engine Cooling System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-39
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-40
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-40
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-41
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
Object Detection System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41

Ride Control System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Airbag System Messages . . . . 5-43
Anti-Theft Alarm System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-44
Transmission Messages . . . . . 5-44
Vehicle Reminder

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . 5-46

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (2,1)

5-2

Instruments and Controls

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization (With

DIC Buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46

Universal Remote System

Universal Remote System . . . 5-54
Universal Remote System

Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-54

Universal Remote System

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-59

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Hold the steering wheel and pull

the lever.

2. Move the steering wheel up

or down.

3. Release the lever to lock the

wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

The tilt lever is located on the lower left side of the steering column.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (3,1)

Steering Wheel Controls

If equipped, some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel. w / c x (Next/Previous): Press to select preset or favorite radio stations, select tracks on a CD/DVD, or navigate an iPod or USB device.

Instruments and Controls

5-3

Navigating Folders on an iPod or USB Device (Vehicles without a Navigation System): 1. Press and hold w or c x

while listening to a song until the contents of the current folder display on the radio display. 2. Press and hold c x to go

back to the previous folder list. 3. Press and release w or c x

to scroll up or down the list.

To select a folder, press and hold w, or press ¨ when the folder is highlighted. To go back further in the folder list, press and hold c x.

Radio To select preset or favorite radio stations: Press and release w or c x to go to the next or previous radio station stored as a preset or favorite.

CD/DVD To select tracks on a CD/DVD: Press and release w or c x to go to the next or previous track.

Selecting Tracks on an iPod or USB Device (Vehicles without a Navigation System) 1. Press and hold w or c x

while listening to a song until the contents of the current folder display on the radio display.

2. Press and release w or c x to scroll up or down the list, then press and hold w, or press ¨ to play the highlighted track.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (4,1)

5-4

Instruments and Controls

Navigating an iPod or USB Device on the Main Audio Screen (Vehicles with a Navigation System) 1. Press and release w or c x

to select the next or previous track within the selected category.

2. Press and hold w or c x to move quickly through the tracks. 3. Press and release ¨ to move up

one track within the selected category.

Navigating an iPod or USB Device on the Music Navigator Screen (Vehicles with a Navigation System) 1. Press and release w or c x

to select the next or previous track within the selected category.

2. Press and hold w or c x to move quickly through the tracks within the selected category.

3. Press and release ¨ to move up

one track within the selected category.

b g (Mute/Push to Talk): Press to silence the vehicle speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. For vehicles with Bluetooth or OnStar systems, press and hold for longer than two seconds to interact with those systems. See Bluetooth on page 7‑47 and the OnStar Owner's Guide for more information. c x (End): Press to reject an incoming call, or end a current call. SRCE (Source/Voice Recognition): Press to switch between the radio and CD, and for equipped vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary. For vehicles with the navigation system, press and hold this button for longer than one second to

initiate voice recognition. See “Voice Recognition” in the Navigation System manual for more information. ¨ (Seek): Press to go to the next radio station while in AM, FM, or XM™. For vehicles with or without a navigation system: Press ¨ to go to the next track or chapter while sourced to the CD or DVD slot. Press ¨ to select a track or a folder when navigating folders on an iPod or USB device. For vehicles with a navigation system: 1. Press and hold ¨ until a beep is

heard, to place the radio into SCAN mode. A station will play for five seconds before moving to the next station.

2. To stop the SCAN function,

press ¨ again.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (5,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-5

9 (Off): Turns the windshield wipers off. 6 (Adjustable Interval Wipes): Turn the band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes. 6 (Low Speed): Slow wipes. ? (High Speed): Fast wipes. Clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced. See Wiper Blade Replacement on page 10‑33. Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.

Windshield Washer

{ WARNING

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

L (Washer Fluid): Push this paddle to spray washer fluid on the windshield. The wipers clear the window and then either stop or return to the preset speed.

While listening to a CD/DVD, press and hold ¨ to quickly move forward through the tracks. Release to stop on the desired track.

+ e − e (Volume): Press to increase or to decrease the volume.

Horn To sound the horn, press the center pad on the steering wheel.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

Turn the band with the wiper symbol to control the windshield wipers. 8 (Mist): Single wipe, turn to 8, then release. Several wipes, hold the band on 8 longer.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (6,1)

5-6

Instruments and Controls

Rear Window Wiper/ Washer

{ WARNING

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

The rear wiper control is located on the turn and lane‐change lever. To turn the rear wiper on, slide the lever to a wiper position. 9 (Off): Turns the wiper off. 5 (Rear Wiper Delay): Turns on the rear wiper delay. Z (Rear Wiper): Turns on the rear wiper. = (Rear Wiper Wash): Press this button on the end of the lever to spray washer fluid on the rear window. The wipers will clear the rear window and either stop or

return to your preset speed. For more washer cycles, press and hold the button. The rear window wiper/washer will not operate if the liftgate or liftglass is open or ajar. If the liftgate or liftglass is opened while the rear wiper is on, the wiper returns to the parked position and stops.

Compass The vehicle may have a compass in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Compass Zone The zone is set to zone eight upon leaving the factory. Your dealer will set the correct zone for your location. Under certain circumstances, such as during a long-distance, cross-country trip or moving to a new state or province, it will be necessary to compensate for compass variance by resetting the zone through the DIC if the zone is not set correctly.

Compass variance is the difference between the earth's magnetic north and true geographic north. If the compass is not set to the zone where you live, the compass may give false readings. The compass must be set to the variance zone in which the vehicle is traveling. To adjust for compass variance, use the following procedure:

Compass Variance (Zone) Procedure 1. Do not set the compass zone

when the vehicle is moving. Only set it when the vehicle is in P (Park). Press the vehicle information button until PRESS V TO CHANGE COMPASS ZONE displays. Or, if the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, press the trip odometer reset stem until CHANGE COMPASS ZONE displays.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (7,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-7

two seconds to select the next available variance zone. Repeat this step until the appropriate variance zone is displayed. If calibration is necessary, calibrate the compass. See “Compass Calibration Procedure” following.

5.

Compass Calibration The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location, such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers, or other industrial structures, if possible. If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the compass should be calibrated. If the DIC display does not show a heading, for example, N for North, or the heading does not change after making turns, there may be a

strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Such interference may be caused by a magnetic CB or cell phone antenna mount, a magnetic emergency light, magnetic note pad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn on the vehicle and calibrate the compass. To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:

Compass Calibration Procedure 1. Before calibrating the compass, make sure the compass zone is set to the variance zone in which the vehicle is located. See “Compass Variance (Zone) Procedure” earlier in this section. Do not operate any switches such as window, sunroof, climate controls, or seats during the calibration procedure.

2. Find the vehicle's current

location and variance zone number on the map. Zones 1 through 15 are available.

3. Press the set/reset button to scroll through and select the appropriate variance zone.

4. Press the trip/fuel button until

the vehicle heading, for example, N for North, is displayed in the DIC. Or, if the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, press and hold the trip odometer reset stem for

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (8,1)

5-8

Instruments and Controls

2. Press the vehicle information

button until PRESS V TO CALIBRATE COMPASS displays. Or, if the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, press the trip odometer reset stem until CALIBRATE COMPASS displays.

3. Press the set/reset button to start the compass calibration. Or, if the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, press and hold the trip odometer reset stem for two seconds to start the compass calibration. 4. The DIC will display

CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in tight circles at less than 8 km/h (5 mph) to complete the calibration. The DIC will display CALIBRATION COMPLETE for a few seconds when the calibration is complete. The DIC display will then return to the previous menu.

Clock To set the time and date: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/

ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then press the O button to turn the radio on.

2. Press the H button to display

HR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year).

3. Press the softkey located under

any one of the tabs to change that setting.

4. To increase the time or date, do

one of the following:

Press the softkey below the selected tab. Press the ¨ SEEK button. Press the \ FWD button. Turn the f knob clockwise.

5. To decrease the time or date, do

one of the following:

Press the © SEEK button. Press the s REV button. Turn the f knob counterclockwise.

To change the time default setting from 12 hour to 24 hour or to change the date default setting from month/ day/year to day/month/year: 1. Press the H button and then the softkey located below the forward arrow tab. 12H, 24H, the date MM/DD (month and day), and DD/MM/ (day and month) displays.

2. Press the softkey located below

the desired option.

3. Press the H button again to

apply the desired option, or let the screen time out.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (9,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-9

Power Outlets The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player. There are two under the climate controls, one inside the center floor console, one on the rear of the center floor console and one accessory power outlet in the rear cargo area on the passenger side. Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use. The accessory power outlets are powered, even with the ignition off. Continuing to use accessory power outlets while the ignition is in LOCK/ OFF may cause the vehicle's battery to run down.

{ WARNING

Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in when the vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could catch fire and cause injury or death.

Notice: Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for an extended period of time while the vehicle is off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.

Certain accessory plugs may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could overload adapter or vehicle fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. Do not use equipment exceeding the maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9‑91. Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone charge cords.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (10,1)

5-10

Instruments and Controls

Power Outlet 110 Volt Alternative Current The vehicle may have a power outlet that can be used to plug in electrical equipment that uses a maximum limit of 150 watts.

The power outlet is located on the rear of the center console.

An indicator light on the outlet turns on to show it is in use. The light comes on when the ignition is in ON/RUN and equipment requiring less than 150 watts is plugged into the outlet, and no system fault is detected. If equipment is connected using more than 150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator light turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back in or turn the Remote Accessory Power (RAP) off and then back on. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑32

The power outlet is not designed for and may not work properly, if the following are plugged in: . Equipment with high initial

peak wattage such as: compressor-driven refrigerators and electric power tools.

. Other equipment requiring an extremely stable power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (11,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-11

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.

Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Follow this manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (12,1)

5-12

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster

English 6‐Speed Shown, Metric and 2500 Series Similar

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (13,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-13

If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Speedometer The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).

Odometer The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.

Trip Odometer The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero. Press the reset button, located on the instrument panel cluster next to the trip odometer display, to toggle between the trip odometer and the regular odometer. Holding the reset button for approximately one second while the trip odometer is displayed resets it. To display the odometer reading with the ignition off, press the reset button.

Tachometer The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (14,1)

5-14

Instruments and Controls

Fuel Gauge

When the fuel tank is low, the FUEL LEVEL LOW message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Fuel System Messages on page 5‑40 for more information. Here are some situations owners may experience with the fuel gauge. None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gauge. . At the gas station, the fuel pump

Metric

English

The fuel gauge, when the ignition is on, shows how much fuel the vehicle has left in the tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. The gauge first indicates empty before the vehicle is out of fuel, and the vehicle's fuel tank should be filled soon.

shuts off before the gauge reads full. It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill the tank. The gauge goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (15,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-15

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

Metric

English

The oil pressure gauge shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kPa (kilopascals).

Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the low pressure zone indicate the normal operating range. When the oil pressure reaches the low pressure zone, the OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Engine Oil Messages on page 5‑39 and Engine Oil on page 10‑8 for more information. A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil level or some other problem causing low oil pressure. Check the oil as soon as possible.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (16,1)

5-16

Instruments and Controls

{ WARNING

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. The engine can become so hot that it catches fire. Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon as possible and have the vehicle serviced.

Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Metric

English

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. It also provides an indicator of how hard the vehicle is working. During a majority of the operation, the gauge reads 100°C (210°F) or less. If you are pulling a load or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to fluctuate and approach the 122°C (250°F) mark. If the gauge reaches the 125°C (260°F) mark, it indicates that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (17,1)

See Engine Overheating on page 10‑21. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Voltmeter Gauge

When the engine is not running, but the ignition is on, this gauge shows the battery's state of charge in DC volts.

Instruments and Controls

5-17

When the engine is running, the gauge shows the condition of the charging system. The charging system regulates voltage based on the state of the battery for improved fuel economy and battery life. The gauge may transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher reading, this is normal. Readings between the low and high warning zones indicate the normal operating range. The gauge may also read low during the fuel economy mode, this is normal. Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a large number of electrical accessories are operating in the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an extended period. This condition is normal since the charging system is not able to provide full power at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds allow the charging system to create full power. If there is a problem with the battery charging system, this light

will come on or the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM DIC message will display. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on page 5‑36 and Charging System Light on page 5‑20 for more information.

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.

The safety belt light comes on and stays on for several seconds, then flashes for several more.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (18,1)

5-18

Instruments and Controls

This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light For vehicles equipped with the passenger safety belt reminder light, several seconds after the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and then flashes for several more.

This chime and light are repeated if the passenger remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other electronic device. To turn off the warning light and or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.

Airbag Readiness Light The system checks the airbag's electrical system for possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 3‑37.

The airbag readiness light comes on solid for a few seconds when the engine is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual - 2011

Black plate (19,1)

Instruments and Controls

5-19

{ WARNING

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.

If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come on. See Airbag System Messages on