2012 Chevrolet Traverse Owners Manual

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aftermarket manufacturer when using accessory locking wheel nuts. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for original equipment wheel nut torque specifications. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (70,1) 10-70 Vehicle Care Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for the wheel nut torque specification. 14. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown. { WARNING Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. To store the spare tire: 1. Lay the compact spare tire near the rear of the vehicle with the valve stem down. 2. Reinstall the plastic spare tire heat shield on the compact spare tire. Notice: Wheel covers will not fit on the vehicle's compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on the compact spare, the cover or the spare could be damaged. Storing the Spare Tire { WARNING The underbody-mounted spare tire needs to be stored with the valve stem pointing down. If the spare tire is stored with the valve stem pointing upwards, the secondary latch will not work properly and the spare tire could loosen and suddenly fall from the vehicle. If this happened when the vehicle was being driven, the tire might contact a person or another vehicle, causing injury and damage to itself. Be sure the underbody-mounted spare tire is stored with the valve stem pointing down. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (71,1) Vehicle Care 10-71 Storing the Flat Tire 1. Remove the cable package from the jack storage area. 2. Remove the small center cap by tapping the back of the cap with the extension of the shaft, if the vehicle has aluminum wheels. 3. Put the flat tire in the rear storage area with the valve stem pointing toward the rear of the vehicle. 3. Slide the cable retainer through the center of the wheel and start to raise the compact spare tire. Make sure the retainer is fully seated across the underside of the wheel. 4. When the compact spare tire is almost in the stored position, turn the tire so the valve is toward the rear of the vehicle. This position helps when checking the air pressure in the compact spare tire. 5. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle. Continue turning the wrench until you feel more than two clicks. This indicates that the compact spare tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened. 6. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull (A), and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves, use the wrench to tighten the cable. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (72,1) 10-72 Vehicle Care A. Cable B. Liftgate Hinges C. Spare Tire Heat Shield D. Center of the Wheel E. Door Striker 5. Hook the cable onto the outside portion of the liftgate hinges (B). 6. Hook the other end of the cable onto the outside portion of the liftgate hinge on the other side of the vehicle. 8. Make sure the metal tube is centered at the striker. Push the tube toward the front of the vehicle. 9. Close the liftgate and make sure it is latched properly. 4. Pull the cable (A) through the 7. Pull on the cable to make sure it door striker (E), the center of the wheel (D), and the plastic spare tire heat shield (C), as shown. is secure. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (73,1) 3. Turn the jack (C) on its side and place down on the holding bracket. 4. Reinstall the wing bolt (B) by turning clockwise. 5. To replace the cover, line up the tab at the front of the cover with the notch in the cover opening. Push the cover in place and make sure that the rear clips are in the slots and push the cover closed. Store the center cap or the plastic bolt‐on wheel covers until a full size tire is put back on the vehicle. When you replace the compact spare with a full‐size tire, reinstall the bolt‐on wheel covers or the center cap. Hand‐tighten them over the wheel nuts, using the wrench. Vehicle Care 10-73 Compact Spare Tire { WARNING Driving with more than one compact spare tire at a time could result in loss of braking and handling. This could lead to a crash and you or others could be injured. Use only one compact spare tire at a time. The compact spare tire, if the vehicle has one, was fully inflated when the vehicle was new, however, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa (60 psi). Storing the Tools A. Tool Bag B. Wing Bolt C. Jack Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack storage compartment and put the compartment cover back on. 1. Ensure that the bottom of the jack is facing toward you. 2. Replace the tool bag (A). Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (74,1) 10-74 Vehicle Care After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 105 km/h (65 mph) for distances up to 5 000 km (3,000 mi), so you can finish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good shape in case it is needed again. Notice: When the compact spare is installed, do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails which can damage the tire, wheel, and other parts of the vehicle. Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles. And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep the spare tire and its wheel together. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system will be automatically disabled when you use the compact spare. To restore the AWD and prevent excessive wear on the clutch in your AWD, replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as possible. Notice: Tire chains will not fit the compact spare. Using them can damage the vehicle and can damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on the compact spare. Jump Starting For more information about the vehicle battery, see Battery on page 10‑23. If the vehicle's battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely. { WARNING Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: . They contain acid that can burn you. . They contain gas that can explode or ignite. . They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (75,1) Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty. Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12‐volt battery with a negative ground system. Notice: Only use a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a negative ground for jump starting. If the other vehicle does not have a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you do not want. You would not be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral before setting the parking brake. If one of the vehicles is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is not in Neutral. Vehicle Care 10-75 Notice: If the radio or other accessories are left on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other accessories when jump starting the vehicle. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save the radio! Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (76,1) 10-76 Vehicle Care 4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on the other vehicle. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and a remote negative (−) jump starting terminal. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑6 for more information on the terminal locations. { WARNING Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the batteries have enough water. You do not need to add water to the ACDelco® battery (or batteries) installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, (Continued) WARNING (Continued) add water to take care of that first. If you do not, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately. { WARNING Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running. 5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or you will get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on the dead battery because this can cause sparks. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (77,1) 7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part, or to a remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery. Vehicle Care 10-77 9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, and the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. Your vehicle has a remote negative (−) terminal for this purpose. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while. 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (78,1) 10-78 Vehicle Care 11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service. Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal. To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle. Jumper Cable Removal A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (−) Terminal B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (−) Terminals C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (79,1) Recreational Vehicle Towing Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a dolly. Towing Towing the Vehicle Notice: To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed with all four wheels off the ground. Care must be taken with vehicles that have low ground clearance and/or special equipment. Always flatbed on a car carrier. Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if the disabled vehicle must be towed. See Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 13‑9. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for recreational purposes, such as behind a motor home, see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” in this section. Vehicle Care 10-79 Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing: . What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. . What is the distance that will be travelled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (80,1) 10-80 Vehicle Care Dinghy Towing If the vehicle is front-wheel‐drive, it can be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles may also be towed by putting the front wheels on a dolly. See “Dolly Towing” later in this section. If the vehicle is all‐wheel‐drive, it can be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles can also be towed by placing them on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground. These vehicles cannot be towed using a dolly. For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components. Reinstall the fuse to start the vehicle. To tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground: 1. Position the vehicle to be towed, shift the transmission to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. 2. Secure the vehicle to the towing vehicle. 3. Set the parking brake. 4. Turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY. 5. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 6. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 15 amp ECM fuse and the 50 amp BATT1 fuse from the underhood fuse block and store in a safe location. See Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 10‑30. 7. Release the parking brake. Notice: If the vehicle is towed without performing each of the steps listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the automatic transmission could be damaged. Be sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing the vehicle. Notice: If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (81,1) Once the destination is reached: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Reinstall the fuses in the underhood fuse block. 3. Shift the transmission to P (Park), turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and remove the key from the ignition. 4. Disconnect the vehicle from the towing vehicle. Notice: Do not tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission. Vehicle Care 10-81 Dolly Towing (All-Wheel‐Drive Vehicles) Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel‐Drive Vehicles Only) All-wheel‐drive vehicles must not be towed with two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground or dinghy towed from the front. To tow a front-wheel‐drive vehicle from the front with two wheels on the ground: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly. 2. Move the shift lever to P (Park). 3. Set the parking brake. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (82,1) 10-82 Vehicle Care 4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing. 5. Remove the key from the ignition. 6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 7. Release the parking brake. Towing the Vehicle From the Rear Notice: Towing the vehicle from the rear could damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never have the vehicle towed from the rear. Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (83,1) Appearance Care Exterior Care Washing the Vehicle To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight. Notice: Do not use petroleum based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents as they can damage the vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer. Follow all manufacturer directions regarding correct product usage, necessary safety precautions, and appropriate disposal of any vehicle care product. Notice: Avoid using high pressure washes closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in damage or removal of paint and decals. Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after, to remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. Finish Care Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing should be done to remove residue from the paint finish. See your dealer for approved cleaning products. Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are made for a basecoat/ clearcoat paint finish on the vehicle. Vehicle Care 10-83 Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. To keep the paint finish looking new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Regularly clean bright metal parts with water or chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. For aluminum, never use auto or chrome polish, steam, or caustic soap to clean. A coating of wax, rubbed to a high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (84,1) 10-84 Vehicle Care Cleaning Exterior Lamps/ Lenses and Emblems Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth, and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing the Vehicle" later in this section. Windshield and Wiper Blades Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner. Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged. Damage can be caused by extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice. Weatherstrips Apply silicone grease on weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑12 Tires Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean the tires. Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressing products on the vehicle may damage the paint finish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing, always wipe off any overspray from all painted surfaces on the vehicle. Wheels and Trim — Aluminum or Chrome Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and water to clean the wheels. After rinsing thoroughly with clean water, dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax may then be applied. Keep the wheels clean using a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax may then be applied. Notice: Chrome wheels and other chrome trim may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after driving on roads that have been sprayed with magnesium, calcium, or sodium chloride. These chlorides are used on roads for conditions such as ice and dust. Always wash the chrome with soap and water after exposure. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (85,1) Notice: To avoid surface damage, do not use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Use only approved cleaners. Also, never drive a vehicle with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels through an automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. Damage could occur and the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Steering, Suspension, and Chassis Components Visually inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks. Body Component Lubrication Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel fuel door hinge unless the components are plastic. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Underbody Maintenance Use plain water to flush dirt and debris from the vehicle's underbody. Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do this. If not removed, rust and corrosion can develop. Sheet Metal Damage If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. Vehicle Care 10-85 Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the corrosion protection while maintaining the vehicle warranty. Finish Damage Quickly repair minor chips and scratches with touch-up materials available from your dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer's body and paint shop. Chemical Paint Spotting Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (86,1) 10-86 Vehicle Care Interior Care To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately remove any soils. Note that newspapers or dark garments that can transfer color to home furnishings can also permanently transfer color to the vehicle's interior. Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from knobs and crevices on the instrument cluster. Using a mild soap solution, immediately remove hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellant from all interior surfaces or permanent damage may result. Your dealer may have products for cleaning the interior. Use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned to prevent permanent damage. To prevent overspray, apply all cleaners directly to the cleaning cloth. Cleaners should be removed quickly. Never allow cleaners to remain on the surface being cleaned for extended periods of time. Cleaners may contain solvents that can become concentrated in the interior. Before using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning the interior, maintain adequate ventilation by opening the doors and windows. To prevent damage, do not clean the interior using the following cleaners or techniques: . Never use a razor or any other sharp object to remove a soil from any interior surface. . Never use a brush with stiff bristles. . Never rub any surface aggressively or with excessive pressure. . Do not use laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For liquid cleaners, use approximately 20 drops per 3.78L (1 gal) of water. A concentrated soap solution will leave a residue that creates streaks and attracts dirt. Do not use solutions that contain strong or caustic soap. . Do not heavily saturate the upholstery when cleaning. . Do not use solvents or cleaners containing solvents. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (87,1) Interior Glass To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a clean dry cloth. Commercial glass cleaners may be used, if necessary, after cleaning the interior glass with plain water. Notice: To prevent scratching, never use abrasive cleaners on automotive glass. Abrasive cleaners or aggressive cleaning may damage the rear window defogger. Fabric/Carpet Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft brush attachment. If a rotating brush attachment is being used during vacuuming, only use it on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as possible using one of the following techniques: . Gently blot liquids with a paper towel. Continue blotting until no more soil can be removed. For solid soils, remove as much as possible prior to vacuuming. To clean: 1. Saturate a clean lint-free colorfast cloth with water or club soda. Microfiber cloth is recommended to prevent lint transfer to the fabric or carpet. 2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from the cleaning cloth. Vehicle Care 10-87 3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Rotate the cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently to prevent forcing the soil in to the fabric. 4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color transfer from the soil to the cleaning cloth. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only by club soda or plain water. 5. If the soil is not completely removed, it may be necessary to use a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden area for colorfastness before using a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter. If ring formation occurs, clean the entire fabric or carpet. Following the cleaning process, a paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (88,1) 10-88 Vehicle Care Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with water to remove dust and loose dirt. For a more thorough cleaning, use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a mild soap solution. Notice: Soaking or saturating leather, especially perforated leather, as well as other interior surfaces, may cause permanent damage. Wipe excess moisture from these surfaces after cleaning and allow them to dry naturally. Never use heat, steam, spot lifters or spot removers. Do not use cleaners that contain silicone or wax-based products. Cleaners containing these solvents can permanently change the appearance and feel of leather or soft trim and are not recommended. Do not use cleaners that increase gloss, especially on the instrument panel. Reflected glare can decrease visibility through the windshield under certain conditions. Notice: Use of air fresheners may cause permanent damage to plastics and painted surfaces. If an air freshener comes in contact with any plastic or painted surface in the vehicle, blot immediately and clean with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution. Damage caused by air fresheners would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. { WARNING Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to (Continued) WARNING (Continued) provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water. Floor Mats { WARNING If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly installed, it can interfere with the accelerator pedal and/or brake pedal. Interference with the pedals can cause unintended acceleration and/or increased stopping distance which can cause a crash and injury. Make sure the floor mat does not interfere with the pedals. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (89,1) Use the following guidelines for proper floor mat usage. The original equipment floor mats were designed for your vehicle. If the floor mats need replacing, it is recommended that GM certified floor mats be purchased. Non-GM floor mats may not fit properly and may interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal. Always check that the floor mats do not interfere with the pedals. . Use the floor mat with the correct side up. Do not turn it over. . Do not place anything on top of the driver side floor mat. . Use only a single floor mat on the driver side. . Do not place one floor mat on top of another. Button Retainer Floor mats with a button-type retainer. Vehicle Care 10-89 3. Make sure the floor mat is properly secured and verify that it does not interfere with the pedals. Knob Retainer Floor mats with a knob retainer. Removing and Replacing the Floor Mat 1. Pull up on the rear of the mat to unlock and remove. 2. Reinstall the floor mat by lining up the floor mat openings over the carpet retainers and snapping into position. Removing and Replacing the Floor Mat 1. Turn the knob until it is aligned with the slot in the floor mat grommet. 2. Pull up on the floor mat. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (90,1) 10-90 Vehicle Care 3. Center the slot in the floor mat grommet with the knob on the floor and set into position. 4. Turn the knob until it is perpendicular to the slot in the grommet to lock the mat in place. 5. Make sure the floor mat is properly secured and verify that it does not interfere with the pedals. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (1,1) Service and Maintenance General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3 Special Application Services Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8 Additional Maintenance and Care Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12 Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13 Maintenance Records Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-14 Service and Maintenance 11-1 General Information Your vehicle is an important investment. This section describes the required maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this schedule to help protect against major repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance. It may also help to maintain the value of the vehicle if it is sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to have all required maintenance performed. Your dealer has trained technicians who can perform required maintenance using genuine replacement parts. They have up‐to‐date tools and equipment for fast and accurate diagnostics. Many dealers have extended evening and Saturday hours, courtesy transportation, and online scheduling to assist with service needs. Your dealer recognizes the importance of providing competitively priced maintenance and repair services. With trained technicians, the dealer is the place for routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations and additional maintenance items like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades. Notice: Damage caused by improper maintenance can lead to costly repairs and may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections, recommended fluids, and lubricants are important to keep the vehicle in good working condition. The Tire Rotation and Required Services are the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is recommended to have your dealer perform these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi. Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep the vehicle in good working condition, improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle emissions. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (2,1) 11-2 Service and Maintenance Because of the way people use vehicles, maintenance needs vary. There may need to be more frequent checks and services. The Additional Required Services ‐ Normal are for vehicles that: . Carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑10. . Are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. . Use the recommended fuel. See Recommended Fuel on page 9‑39. Refer to the information in the Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ‐ Normal chart. The Additional Required Services ‐ Severe are for vehicles that are: . Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous terrain. Frequently towing a trailer. . Used for high speed or competitive driving. . Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ‐ Severe chart. { WARNING Performing maintenance work can be dangerous and can cause serious injury. Perform maintenance work only if the required information, proper tools, and equipment are available. If they are not, see your dealer to have a trained technician do the work. See Doing Your Own Service Work on page 10‑4. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (3,1) Service and Maintenance 11-3 Maintenance Schedule Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Stop . Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil on page 10‑8. Once a Month . Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire Pressure on page 10‑42. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire Inspection on page 10‑47. . Check the windshield washer fluid level. See Washer Fluid on page 10‑20. Engine Oil Change When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message displays, have the engine oil and filter changed within the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven under the best conditions, the engine oil life system might not indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your trained dealer technician can perform this work. If the engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service. Reset the oil life system when the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life System on page 10‑10. Tire Rotation and Required Services Every 12 000 km/ 7,500 mi Rotate the tires, if recommended for the vehicle, and perform the following services. See Tire Rotation on page 10‑48. . Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. If needed, change engine oil and filter, and reset oil life system. See Engine Oil on page 10‑8 and Engine Oil Life System on page 10‑10. . Check engine coolant level. See Engine Coolant on page 10‑13. . Check windshield washer fluid level. See Washer Fluid on page 10‑20. . Visually inspect windshield wiper blades for wear, cracking, or contamination. See Exterior Care on page 10‑83. Replace worn or damaged wiper blades. See Wiper Blade Replacement on page 10‑25. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (4,1) 11-4 Service and Maintenance . Check tire inflation pressures. . Visually inspect exhaust system . Check accelerator pedal for See Tire Pressure on page 10‑42. Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection on page 10‑47. . Visually check for fluid leaks. Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑11. Inspect brake system. . Visually inspect steering, suspension, and chassis components for damaged, loose, or missing parts or signs of wear. See Exterior Care on page 10‑83. . Check restraint system components. See Safety System Check on page 3‑22. . Visually inspect fuel system for damage or leaks. and nearby heat shields for loose or damaged parts. Lubricate body components. See Exterior Care on page 10‑83. . Check starter switch. See Starter Switch Check on page 10‑24. . Check automatic transmission shift lock control function. See Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check on page 10‑24. . Check ignition transmission lock. See Ignition Transmission Lock Check on page 10‑25. . Check parking brake and automatic transmission park mechanism. See Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check on page 10‑25. damage, high effort, or binding. Replace if needed. . Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the hold open ability of the strut. See your dealer if service is required. . Check tire sealant expiration date, if equipped. See Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 10‑57. Inspect sunroof track and seal, if equipped. See Sunroof on page 2‑22. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (5,1) Service and Maintenance 11-5 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (6,1) 11-6 Service and Maintenance Footnotes — Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services — Normal a) Or every two years, whichever comes first. More frequent replacement may be needed if the vehicle is driven in areas with heavy traffic, areas with poor air quality, or areas with high dust levels. Replacement may also be needed if there is a reduction in air flow, excessive window fogging, or odors. b) Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook‐up, routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as needed. c) Or every four years, whichever comes first. d) Do not directly power wash the transfer case output seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the transfer case and should be replaced. e) Or every five years, whichever comes first. See Cooling System on page 10‑13. f) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first. Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking, or damage; replace, if needed. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (7,1) Service and Maintenance 11-7 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (8,1) 11-8 Service and Maintenance Footnotes — Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services — Severe a) Or every two years, whichever comes first. b) Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook‐up, routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as needed. c) Or every four years, whichever comes first. d) Do not directly power wash the transfer case output seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the transfer case and should be replaced. e) Or every five years, whichever comes first. See Cooling System on page 10‑13. f) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first. Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking, or damage; replace, if needed. Special Application Services . Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis components every 5 000 km/ 3,000 mi. . Have underbody flushing service performed once a year. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (9,1) Service and Maintenance 11-9 Additional Maintenance and Care Your vehicle is an important investment and caring for it properly may help to avoid future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle performance, additional maintenance services may be required. It is recommended that your dealer perform these services — their trained dealer technicians know your vehicle best. Your dealer can also perform a thorough assessment with a multi‐point inspection to recommend when your vehicle may need attention. The following list is intended to explain the services and conditions to look for that may indicate services are required. Battery The battery supplies power to start the engine and operate any additional electrical accessories. To avoid break‐down or failure to start the vehicle, maintain a battery with full cranking power. Trained dealer technicians have the diagnostic equipment to test the battery and ensure that the connections and cables are corrosion‐free. Belts . Belts may need replacing if they squeak or show signs of cracking or splitting. Trained dealer technicians can inspect the belts and recommend replacement when necessary. Brakes Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to safe driving. . Signs of brake wear may include chirping, grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty stopping. Trained dealer technicians have access to tools and equipment to inspect the brakes and recommend quality parts engineered for the vehicle. Fluids Proper fluid levels and approved fluids protect the vehicle’s systems and components. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑12 for GM approved fluids. . Engine oil and windshield washer fluid levels should be checked at every fuel fill. Instrument cluster lights may come on to indicate that fluids may be low and need to be filled. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (10,1) 11-10 Service and Maintenance Hoses Hoses transport fluids and should be regularly inspected to ensure that there are no cracks or leaks. With a multi‐point inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses and advise if replacement is needed. Lamps Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and brake lamps are important to see and be seen on the road. . Signs that the headlamps need attention include dimming, failure to light, cracking, or damage. The brake lamps need to be checked periodically to ensure that they light when braking. . With a multi‐point inspection, your dealer can check the lamps and note any concerns. Shocks and Struts Shocks and struts help aid in control for a smoother ride. . Signs of wear may include steering wheel vibration, bounce/ sway while braking, longer stopping distance, or uneven tire wear. . As part of the multi‐point inspection, trained dealer technicians can visually inspect the shocks and struts for signs of leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can advise when service is needed. Tires Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated, and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save money, fuel, and can reduce the risk of tire failure. . Signs that the tires need to be replaced include three or more visible treadwear indicators; cord or fabric showing through the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire. Trained dealer technicians can inspect and recommend the right tires. Your dealer can also provide tire/wheel balancing services to ensure smooth vehicle operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells and services name brand tires. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (11,1) Service and Maintenance 11-11 Windshield For safety, appearance, and the best viewing, keep the windshield clean and clear. . Signs of damage include scratches, cracks, and chips. Trained dealer technicians can inspect the windshield and recommend proper replacement if needed. Wiper Blades Wiper blades need to be cleaned and kept in good condition to provide a clear view. . Signs of wear include streaking, skipping across the windshield, and worn or split rubber. Trained dealer technicians can check the wiper blades and replace them when needed. Vehicle Care To help keep the vehicle looking like new, vehicle care products are available from your dealer. For information on how to clean and protect the vehicle’s interior and exterior, see Interior Care on page 10‑86 and Exterior Care on page 10‑83. Wheel Alignment Wheel alignment is critical for ensuring that the tires deliver optimal wear and performance. . Signs that the alignment may need to be adjusted include pulling, improper vehicle handling, or unusual tire wear. . Your dealer has the required equipment to ensure proper wheel alignment. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (12,1) 11-12 Service and Maintenance Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Usage Engine Oil Engine Coolant Hydraulic Brake System Windshield Washer Hydraulic Power Steering System Automatic Transmission Carrier Assembly — Differential (Rear Drive Module) and Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) Fluid/Lubricant Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine Oil on page 10‑8. 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Engine Coolant on page 10‑13. DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 88862806, in Canada 88862807). Optikleen® Washer Solvent. GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 89021184, in Canada 89021186). DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. SAE 75W‐90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021677, in Canada 89021678). Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474). Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (13,1) Service and Maintenance 11-13 Usage Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Fluid/Lubricant Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293, in Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB. Hood and Door Hinges Weatherstrip Conditioning Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474). Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 992887). Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer. Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Engine Oil Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter Spark Plugs Wiper Blades Front Driver – 62.5 cm (24.6 in) Front Passenger – 53.0 cm (20.8 in) Rear – 30.0 cm (11.6 in) 15278634 89017525 20958479 12622561 15254805 15254804 25920067 A3083C PF63 CF179C 41-109 — — — Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (14,1) 11-14 Service and Maintenance Maintenance Records After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts. Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (15,1) Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed Service and Maintenance 11-15 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (16,1) 11-16 Service and Maintenance Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (1,1) Technical Data Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 Vehicle Data Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . 12-3 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This legal identifier is in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the left side of the vehicle. It can be seen through the windshield from outside. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and certificates of title and registration. Technical Data 12-1 Engine Identification The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code. This code identifies the vehicle's engine, specifications, and replacement parts. See “Engine Specifications” under Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for the vehicle's engine code. Service Parts Identification Label This label, on the inside of the glove box, has the following information: . Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). . Model designation. . Paint information. . Production options and special equipment. Do not remove this label from the vehicle. Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (2,1) 12-2 Technical Data Vehicle Data Capacities and Specifications The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑12 for more information. Application Metric English Capacities Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge amount, see the refrigerant label located under the hood. See your dealer for more information. Cooling System Engine Oil with Filter Fuel Tank Transmission Fluid* (Drain and Refill) Wheel Nut Torque *See Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 10‑11 for information on checking fluid level. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling. 11.4 qt 6.0 qt 22.0 gal 5.3 qt 140 lb ft 10.8 L 5.7 L 83.3 L 5.0 L 190 Y Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (3,1) Technical Data 12-3 Engine 3.6L V6 Engine Engine Specifications VIN Code Transmission Automatic Spark Plug Gap 1.10 mm (0.043 in) Engine Drive Belt Routing Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (4,1) 12-4 Technical Data 2 NOTES Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2012 Black plate (1,1) Customer Information Customer Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico) . . . . . . . . 13-3 Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . 13-4 Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6 Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . 13-6 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7 Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . 13-7 Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-9 Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13 Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . 13-14 Service Publications

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2012 Chevrolet Traverse Owners Manual