Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2009 Owner's Manual

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Two-Mode Hybrid M

Seats and Restraint System

Front Seats Restraint System Check

Features and Controls

Storage Areas Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

Instrument Panel

Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s)

............................................... 1-2

........................................... 2-2

............................................. 3-1

........................................ 3-2

....................................... 3-14

............................. 1-1

.............................. 1-3

..................................... 2-1

............. 2-3

.......... 3-3

.................. 3-12

Driving Your Vehicle

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle Towing

Service and Appearance Care

Service Checking Things Under the Hood Bulb Replacement Electrical System Tires Capacities and Speciﬁcations

Maintenance Schedule

Index

..................................................... 4-2

..................................................... 5-2

...................................................... 5-24

............................................................

....................................... 4-1

.......................... 5-1

.................................... 5-21

...................................... 5-22

..................... 5-52

..................................... 6-1

................................ 6-2

....... 4-2

................. 5-3

.... 1

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, GMC, the GMC Emblem, and the names TAHOE and YUKON are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

The information in this manual supplements the owner manual. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. GM reserves the right to make changes after that time without further notice.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.

Canadian Owners

A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer/retailer or from:

Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123 helminc.com

Propriétaires Canadiens

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès de concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante:

Helm Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123 helminc.com

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25785839 A First Printing

Introduction

Index

Your hybrid SUV is designed to be more fuel efficient than the standard SUV, which results in reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Using this Supplement

This supplement contains information speciﬁc to the hybrid components of the vehicle. It does not explain everything you need to know about the vehicle. Read this supplement along with the owner manual to learn about the vehicle’s features and controls.

A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of this supplement. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the supplement, and the page number where you will ﬁnd it.

iii

✍ NOTES

Section 1 Seats and Restraint System

Front Seats ......................................................1-2

Power Seats ..................................................1-2

Manual Lumbar ..............................................1-2

Manual Reclining Seatbacks .............................1-3

Restraint System Check ...................................1-3

Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash .............................................1-3

1-1

Front Seats

Power Seats

A. Power Seat Adjustment Control B. Manual Lumbar Control C. Manual Reclining Seatback Lever

Adjust the seat forward or rearward by sliding the control (A) forward or rearward.

Your vehicle may have additional features to adjust the power seat:

• Raise or lower the front part of the seat cushion by

moving the front of the control up or down.

• Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the rear of

the control up or down.

Manual Lumbar

Increase or decrease lumbar support by turning the control (B) forward or rearward.

1-2

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the reclining seatback lever (C).

2. Move the seatback to the desired position, then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to an upright position:

1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback and the seatback will return to the upright position.

2. Release the lever to lock the seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.

Restraint System Check

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

If an airbag inﬂates or the vehicle has been in a crash, the vehicle’s sensing system may command the automatic hybrid battery disconnect to open. The battery will disconnect. The hybrid battery will be off and the vehicle will not start. The airbag readiness light and/or SERVICE HYBRID SYSTEM message may come on in the driver information center. See “Airbag Readiness Light” in the owner manual and Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-12 for more information.

To operate the vehicle, the automatic hybrid battery disconnect must be reconnected by a qualiﬁed service technician and sensing system parts will need to be replaced. Have the vehicle serviced right away.

1-3

✍ NOTES

1-4

Section 2 Features and Controls

Storage Areas ..................................................2-2

Power Outlet Alternating Current .......................2-2

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle .................2-3

Starting the Vehicle ........................................2-3

Automatic Transmission Operation ....................2-6

Regenerative Braking ....................................2-10

Running the Vehicle While Parked ..................2-10

2-1

Storage Areas

Power Outlet Alternating 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 in the rear cargo area on the driver side.

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.

The indicator light does not come on when the ignition is in LOCK/OFF or if no equipment is plugged into the outlet.

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 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) off and then back on. The power restarts when equipment using 150 watts or less is plugged into the outlet and a system fault is not detected.

The power outlet is not designed for the following electrical equipment and may not work properly if these items are plugged into the power outlet:

• 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.

See High Voltage Devices and Wiring on page 5-3.

2-2

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

Starting the Vehicle

{ CAUTION:

Exiting the vehicle, without ﬁrst shifting into P (Park), may cause the vehicle to move, and you or others can be seriously injured. Because the vehicle has the Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, the vehicle’s engine might seem to be shut off when you come to a complete stop.

CAUTION: (Continued)

However, once the brake pedal is released, the vehicle can move. The vehicle’s engine can also restart at any time.

Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF, before exiting the vehicle.

Start the engine as you would any other engine. See “Starting the Engine” in the owner manual for more information on starting. The hybrid system provides very quiet engine starting. If pulling a trailer with trailer brakes, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-2 for more information.

2-3

Auto Stop

The vehicle has an Auto Stop feature. After a successful engine start, the engine may turn off and operate in the Auto Stop mode. Some of the vehicle conditions that allow the engine to stop running and enter the Auto Stop mode are:

• Ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.

• The hood is closed.

• The gear selector is in P (Park), N (Neutral) or

D (Drive).

• The hybrid battery is at an acceptable state of

charge.

• The hybrid battery voltage, temperature or power

limits are not exceeded. In very hot conditions, Auto Stop may be unavailable until the hybrid battery has cooled.

• The engine is at operating temperature.

If you are on an incline, the hybrid drive motor can help keep the vehicle from rolling backwards, even if the engine is in Auto Stop.

With your foot off the brake and the vehicle on level ground, the hybrid drive motor may cause the vehicle to roll slowly forward, even when the engine is in Auto Stop.

Keep your foot ﬁrmly on the brake pedal until you are ready for the vehicle to move.

Engine OFF and AUTO STOP modes are indicated on the tachometer display. When the tachometer needle indicates OFF, the engine is not running and will remain off until the ignition key is placed in the START position or a remote vehicle start is performed. When the tachometer needle indicates AUTO STOP, the hybrid system is on, the engine is not running, but may Auto Start at any time without notice. See Tachometer on page 3-4 for more information.

A chime will sound if the driver door is opened while in Auto Stop as a reminder that the ignition switch is not in the LOCK/OFF position. Always turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF and remove the key from the ignition switch when exiting the vehicle.

2-4

Auto Start

The vehicle also has an Auto Start feature. The engine will remain off while in Auto Stop mode until vehicle conditions require the engine to run. The near-instant starting of the engine from Auto Stop mode is called Auto Start. Some of the vehicle conditions that may cause the engine to Auto Start are:

• The hood is opened.

• The gear selector is in M (Manual Mode) or

R (Reverse).

• The hybrid battery state of charge is too low.

• The hybrid battery voltage, temperature or power

limits are exceeded.

• The engine is not at operating temperature.

• Acceleration demands require the use of the engine.

EV Mode

The vehicle also has an EV mode which uses only the electric motor to move the vehicle. Depending on the state of battery charge, the vehicle can travel up to two miles (3.2 km) in EV mode. EV mode is unavailable when the vehicle is out of fuel.

With light acceleration, the vehicle will drive in EV mode. If increased acceleration is required, or the vehicle

reaches approximately 25 mph (40 km/h), the engine will start automatically. The engine shuts off at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h) unless the transmission is in M (Manual Mode) or Auto Stop is disabled.

During heavy acceleration, both the engine and hybrid electric motors supply power. A sensation similar to a transmission gear change can be felt as the transmission changes modes. Engine RPM may remain above 4,000 RPM for a longer period during hard acceleration.

2-5

Automatic Transmission Operation

The vehicle has an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument panel cluster.

There are several different positions for the shift lever.

See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section. P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the

best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle has a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the effort to shift out of P (Park). See “Shifting Into P (Park)” in the Index of vehicle’s owner manual for more information.

{ CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park in the Owner Manual. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-2.

2-6

{ CAUTION:

If you have Four-Wheel Drive, the vehicle will be free to roll — even if the shift lever is in P (Park) — if the transfer case is in Neutral. So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, Two-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low — not in Neutral. See ‘‘Shifting into Park’’ in the owner manual.

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see “If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow” in the Index of the vehicle’s owner manual.

N (Neutral): In this position, the engine and transmission are not connected with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

{ CAUTION:

Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

2-7

D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

• Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the

accelerator pedal about halfway down.

• Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the

accelerator all the way down.

D (Drive) or M (Manual Mode) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving. You may want to shift the transmission to a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding. See “Skidding” under “Loss of Control” in the Index of the vehicle’s owner manual for more information.

When temperatures are very cold, the transmission’s gear shifting may be delayed, providing more stable shifts until the engine warms up. Shifts may be more noticeable with a cold transmission. This difference in shifting is normal.

M (Manual Mode): This position lets drivers select the range of gears appropriate for current driving conditions. If the vehicle has this feature, see “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that adjusts the transmission shifting to the current driving conditions to reduce rapid upshifts and downshifts. If the shift stabilization feature determines that a current vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission does not upshift. In some cases, this may appear to be a delayed shift, however the transmission is operating normally.

2-8

Range Selection Mode

The Range Selection Mode controls the vehicle’s transmission.

To use this feature:

1. Move the shift lever to the M (Manual Mode).

2. Press the plus/minus button, to upshift or downshift selecting the desired range of gears.

A number displays next to the M, indicating the current gear that has been selected. The number displayed in the gear indicator is the highest gear that can be used.

The vehicle can automatically shift to lower gears as it adjusts to driving conditions. When 3 (Third)isselected, 1 (First) through 3 (Third) gears are automatically shifted by the vehicle, but 4 (Fourth) cannot be used until it is selected.

The Range Selection Mode controls the vehicle and engine speed while driving down a hill or towing a trailer, by allowing you to select a desired range of gears.

When you move the shift lever into M, the transmission will default to M4. In this gear range, effective engine braking occurs at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).

Pushing the minus (−) button on the shift lever reduces the gear range.

In the M3 gear range, effective engine braking occurs at speeds above 35 mph (56 km/h).

In the M2 gear range, effective engine braking occurs at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h).

In the M1 gear range, effective engine braking occurs at speeds above 10 mph (16 km/h).

When operating in M (Manual Mode), Auto Stop is disabled. For better vehicle efficiency, operate the vehicle in D (Drive) not M (Manual Mode).

Cruise control can be used while using the Range Selection Mode.

2-9

Regenerative Braking

Running the Vehicle While Parked

Regenerative braking is a hybrid technology that enables the electric drive motor to operate as a generator when coasting or braking. Energy from the moving vehicle recharges the hybrid battery.

The hydraulic disc brakes work with the regenerative braking to insure effective braking, such as when a high braking demand is requested.

The braking system is computer controlled and blends the regenerative braking with the conventional hydraulic disc brakes to meet any requirements for deceleration. The controller interprets the braking request and uses regenerative braking, conventional hydraulic braking or a combination of both as necessary. Because the controller applies the hydraulic brakes through its high pressure accumulator, you may occasionally hear the motor driven pump when it recharges the system. This is normal.

See “Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators” and “Driver Information Center (DIC)” in the Index of the owner manual. In the event of a controller problem, the brake pedal may be harder to push and the stopping distance may be longer.

2-10

It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

{ CAUTION:

Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF, before exiting the vehicle.

Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move. See “Shifting Into Park” in the owner manual for more information.

If pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-2 for more information.

Section 3 Instrument Panel

Climate Controls ..............................................3-2

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ..............3-3

Instrument Panel Cluster .................................3-3

Tachometer ...................................................3-4

Charging System Light ....................................3-4

Fuel Economy Gage .......................................3-5

Brake System Warning Light ............................3-6

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light .......3-7

StabiliTrak

Indicator Light ...............................3-7

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage ...................3-8

Oil Pressure Gage ..........................................3-8

Oil Pressure Light .........................................3-10

Fuel Gage ...................................................3-11

Driver Information Center (DIC) .......................3-12

DIC Warnings and Messages .........................3-12

Audio System(s) .............................................3-14

Navigation/Radio System .............................. .3-14

3-1

Climate Controls

For more information on the vehicle’s climate control system, see “Climate Control System” in the owner manual.

Electric Air Conditioning Compressor

This hybrid vehicle has a electrically powered air conditioning compressor. This allows for continuous air conditioning operation and passenger comfort, even while the hybrid engine cycles on and off.

When operating the climate control system, select the AUTO mode and the desired temperature setting. The climate control system automatically adjusts the fan speed and airﬂow direction. The climate control system continues to adjust the climate control settings chosen for best use of electrical power.

To get maximum engine off time, select a warmer temperature setting or turn off the air conditioning to shut off the compressor. Continuous air conditioning use can cause the engine to autostart more frequently.

Some noise may be heard occasionally from the compressor, especially when air conditioning use is high and the engine has turned off.

3-2

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators

Instrument Panel Cluster

United States version shown, Canada similar

The instrument cluster is designed to show at a glance how the vehicle is running. It indicates how fast the vehicle is going, about how much fuel is left, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.

3-3

Tachometer

United States Version

shown, Canada similar

When the gas engine is off and the key is in the ON/RUN position, the position of the tachometer indicator shows the state of the vehicle:

• AUTO STOP position indicates that the vehicle is

still able to move and the engine could restart, by an Auto Start, at any time.

• OFF position indicates that the engine is off.

When the engine is on, the tachometer indicator shows the engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm).

Charging System Light

This light will come on brieﬂy when the ignition is turned to ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, but the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working.

It should go out once the engine has been started. If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also appear. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-12 for more information. This light could indicate that there are electrical problems. Have it checked right away. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

3-4

Fuel Economy Gage

By modifying driving behavior to increase the economy time during driving, fuel mileage will be improved. When driving in a way that increases the fuel economy, the indicator moves into the high efficiency band. When driving in a way that decreases fuel economy, the indicator moves into the less efficient band. There are several zones on the gage, indicating several levels of efficiency when accelerating or decelerating.

United States

This gage shows when the vehicle is operating at a fuel efficient point.

Canada

3-5

Brake System Warning Light

With the ignition in ON/RUN, the brake system warning light comes on when the parking brake is set. If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged, a chime sounds when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking, though, both parts need to be working well.

If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there could be a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.

This light also comes on due to low brake ﬂuid. See the owner manual for more information.

This light should come on brieﬂy when the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have it ﬁxed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.

{ CAUTION:

The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.

If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal might be harder to push or can go closer to the ﬂoor. It may take longer to stop. If the light does not go out, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-2.

United States

3-6

Canada

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

For vehicles with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes on brieﬂy when the engine is in ON/RUN.

That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it ﬁxed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.

If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-6.

For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-12 for all brake related DIC messages.

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light

For vehicles with StabiliTrak, this warning light comes on brieﬂy when the ignition is in ON/RUN.

If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off.

When this light ﬂashes, the system is on. If it stays on while driving, there may be a problem with

the StabiliTrak system and the vehicle may need service. See the owner manual for more information.

3-7

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

Oil Pressure Gage

United States

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. It also provides an indicator of how hard the vehicle is

working. During a majority of the operation, the gage reads 210° F (100° C) or less. If a load is being pulled or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to ﬂuctuate and go over the 235° F (113° C) mark. However, if the gage reaches the 260° F (125° C) mark, it indicates that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.

3-8

Canada United States Canada

The oil pressure gage 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 should be 29 to 80 psi (200 to 550 kPa). In certain situations, such as long extended idles on hot days, it could read as low as 15 psi (105 kPa) and still be considered normal.

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.

{ CAUTION:

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 in this manual for changing engine oil.

AUTO STOP

When the engine goes into Automatic Engine Stop, the oil pressure gage drops to zero when the tachometer is at the AUTO STOP position. This is normal and oil pressure returns to the normal operating range once the engine starts.

See Starting the Vehicle on page 2-3 for more information.

AUTO STOP displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the vehicle speed is zero. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-12 for more information.

3-9

Oil Pressure Light

{ CAUTION:

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.

This light comes on brieﬂy as a check it works, when the ignition is in ON/RUN. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.

If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not ﬂowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem.

During an AUTO STOP there is zero oil pressure, but this light will not come on.

3-10

Fuel Gage

United States

When the ignition is on, the fuel gage shows approximately how much fuel is left in the tank. The gage will ﬁrst indicate E (empty) before it is out of fuel, but the vehicle should be refueled as soon as possible.

Canada

An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.

Listed are four situations that may occur with the fuel gage, none of these indicate a problem:

• At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before

the gage reads F (full).

• It takes a little more or less fuel to ﬁll up than the

fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage 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 gage moves a little while turning a corner or

speed up.

• The gage does not go back to E (empty) when the

ignition is turned off.

3-11

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