Chevrolet Traverse 2011 User Manual

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4

Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-18

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-3

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-31

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47

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

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Additional Storage Features . . . 4-3

Roof Rack System . . . . . . . .. . . . . 4-5

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

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

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-24

Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-41

Universal Remote System . . . . 5-48

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

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-4

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-6

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-35

Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-46

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-24

Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 9-27

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-30

Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-32

Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-34

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-57

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual M

Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-81

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-85

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-89

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-6

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 11-9

Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1

Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-16

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names,
and vehicle body designs appearing
in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET
Emblem, and TRAVERSE are
trademarks and/or service marks
of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20759682 A First Printing

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

©

2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens

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

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

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

1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

iv Introduction

Using this Manual

To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.

Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury
or death.

WARNING

{

These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.

Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.

A circle with a slash through
it is a safety symbol which means

“Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”

Symbols

The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.

M : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction v

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the Index.

9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls

or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gauge

+ : Fuses

3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

j : LATCH System Child

Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure

g : Outside Power Foldaway

Mirrors

} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor

_ : Tow/Haul Mode
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak

M : Windshield Washer Fluid

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

vi Introduction

2 NOTES

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

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

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

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

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

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Heated and Ventilated

Seats . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-9

Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9

Safety Belt . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 1-10

Sensing System for

Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Steering Wheel

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-13

Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-14

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18

Bluetooth

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-18

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Navigation System . . . . . . . .. . . 1-19

Driver Information Center

(DIC) (With DIC Buttons) . . . 1-19

Storage Compartments . . . . . . 1-20

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-21

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-21

Tire Sealant and

Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-22

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-22

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-23

®

OnStar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-3

A. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change

Signals on page 6‑4.

Windshield Wiper/Washer
page 5‑5

B. Instrument Cluster

page 5‑11

.

on

.

C. Steering Wheel Controls

page 5‑2

.

D. Instrument Panel Storage

page 4‑1

.

on

on

on

E. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑6.

F. Air Vents on page 8‑12.

G. Exterior Lamp Controls

page 6‑1

.

on

H. Instrument Panel Illumination

Control on page 6‑4.

I. Data Link Connector (DLC).

See Malfunction Indicator Lamp

on page 5‑16

.

J. Cruise Control on page 9‑32.

K. Steering Wheel Adjustment

page 5‑2

.

on

L. Horn on page 5‑4.

M. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Buttons (If Equipped). See

Driver Information Center (DIC)
(With DIC Buttons)
page 5‑24

or Driver Information

on

Center (DIC) (Without DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑29.

N. Climate Control Systems

page 8‑1

(If Equipped).

on

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System

on page 8‑4

(If Equipped).

O. Shift Lever. See Shifting Into

Park on page 9‑20.

P. Power Outlets on page 5‑8.

Q. Rear Window Wiper/Washer

page 5‑6

.

Traction Control System (TCS)
Disable Button. See

StabiliTrak
page 9‑30

Tow/Haul Mode

®

System

.

on page 9‑27

on

(If Equipped) .

Power Liftgate. See Liftgate

page 2‑9

R. Heated Front Seats

page 3‑9

S. Hazard Warning Flashers

page 6‑3

(If Equipped).

on

.

on

.

T. Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator

on page 5‑15

(If Equipped).

U. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

on

on

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-4 In Brief

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The RKE transmitter is used to
remotely lock and unlock the doors
from up to 60 m (195 feet) away
from the vehicle.

Press K to unlock the driver door.

K again within five seconds

Press
to unlock all remaining doors.

Q to lock all doors.

Press

Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.

To open or close the liftgate, press
and hold

begins to move.

Press
the vehicle.

& until the liftgate

L and release to locate

L and hold for more

Press
than two seconds to sound the
panic alarm.

L again to cancel the

Press
panic alarm.

See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.

Remote Vehicle Start

Starting the Vehicle

With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.

1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press

3. Immediately after completing

When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.

Q.

Step 2, press and hold
the parking lamps flash.

/ until

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-5

The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold

until the parking lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.

See Remote Vehicle Start

page 2‑5

.

/

on

Door Locks

To lock or unlock a door manually:

.

From the inside use the door
lock knob on the window sill.

.

From the outside turn the key
toward the front or rear of the

vehicle, or press the
button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.

Q or K

Power Door Locks

On vehicles with power door locks,
the controls are located on the front
doors.

K : Press to unlock the doors.
Q : Press to lock the doors.

See Power Door Locks

page 2‑8

.

on

Liftgate

To open the liftgate the vehicle must
be in P (Park). Press the touchpad
under the liftgate handle. To close
the liftgate, use the pull cup or pull
strap as an aid.

Power Liftgate

On vehicles with a power liftgate,
the vehicle must be in P (Park) to
operate it.

.

Press and hold the liftgate
button

& on the Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-6 In Brief

.

Press the liftgate button on the
center console.

.

Press the touchpad switch on
the outside liftgate handle.

For more information see Liftgate

on page 2‑9

.

Windows

On vehicles with power windows,
the switches are on the doors.

Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.

For more information, see Power
Windows on page 2‑19.

Seat Adjustment

Manual Seats

1. Pull the handle under the seat to
unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.

Try to move the seat to be sure it is
locked in place.

See Seat Adjustment
for more information.

on page 3‑3

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-7

Power Seats

A. Power Seat Adjustment Control

B. Reclining Seatbacks

C. Lumbar Adjustment

Move the seat forward or rearward
by moving the control (A) forward or
rearward.

Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the control (A) up or down.

See Power Seat Adjustment

page 3‑4

.

on

To raise or recline the seatback, tilt
the top of the control (B) forward or
rearward.

See Reclining Seatbacks

page 3‑7

Press the front or rear of the
control (C) to increase or decrease
lumbar support.

See Lumbar Adjustment

page 3‑6

.

.

on

on

Memory Features

On vehicles with the memory
feature, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat
and outside mirrors.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback
recliner, and both outside
mirrors.

See Power Mirrors

page 2‑16

for more information.

on

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1-8 In Brief

Not all vehicles will have the
ability to save and recall the
mirror positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall the memory positions,
press and release “1” or “2.” The
vehicle must be in P (Park). A single
beep will sound. The seat and
outside mirrors will move to the
position previously stored for the
identified driver.

See “Memory Seat and Mirrors”
under Power Seat Adjustment

page 3‑4
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

and Vehicle

for more information.

on

Easy Exit Driver Seat

The easy exit driver seat feature
can move the seat rearward to allow
extra room to exit the vehicle.

S : Press to recall the easy exit

seat position. The vehicle must be
in P (Park).

See “Memory Seat and Mirrors”
under Power Seat Adjustment

page 3‑4
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

and Vehicle

for more information.

on

Second Row Seats

The second row seat can be folded
to access the third row. Pull the
sliding seat lever forward, the seat
cushion folds, and the seat slides
forward.

See Rear Seats on page 3‑11.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-9

Third Row Seats

The third row seats can be folded
forward or removed.

Pull up on the release lever located
on the back of the seat and push
the seatback forward.

See Third Row Seats on page 3‑13.

Heated Seats

Heated Front Seats

On vehicles with this feature, the
heated seat controls are located on
the center console. The engine
must be running to operate them.

I : Press to turn on the heated
seatback.

J : Press to turn on or off the
heated seat and seatback.

See Heated Front Seats

page 3‑9

.

on

Heated and Ventilated Seats

On vehicles with this feature, the
controls are on the center console.

H : Press to ventilate.
J : Press to heat.

See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3‑10.

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.

For more information see Head

Restraints
Adjustment on page 3‑3.

on page 3‑2

and Seat

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1-10 In Brief

Safety Belt

Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.

.

Safety Belts on page 3‑16.

.

How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑19.

.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑24.

.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
page 3‑56

.

on

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

United States

Canada and Mexico

The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbag,

seat‐mounted side impact airbags,
and roof‐rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.

The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the vehicle is
started. See Passenger Sensing

System

on page 3‑39

for more

information.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-11

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors

Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the driver
door armrest.

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.

2. Press one of the four arrows
located on the control pad to
adjust the mirror.

3. Press either (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.

Manually fold the mirrors inward
to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward to
return it to the original position.

Interior Mirror

If equipped, a manual inside
rearview mirror can be adjusted so
that the driver can see behind the
vehicle more clearly. Hold the mirror
in the center to move it up or down
and side to side. Use the day/night
adjustment to help prevent glare
from the headlamps behind you.
Move the lever located at the
base of the mirror, to the right for
nighttime use and to the center for
daytime use.

For vehicles with an automatic
dimming rearview mirror, the mirror
will move automatically to reduce
the glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.

See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2‑18.

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1-12 In Brief

Steering Wheel Adjustment

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Pull the lever (A) down.

2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.

3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.

4. Push the lever (A) up to lock the
steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps

The dome lamps are located in the
overhead console and above the
rear seat passengers.

The dome lamps come on when a
door is opened, unless the dome
lamp override button is pressed in.

To manually turn them on, turn the
instrument panel brightness control
clockwise to the farthest position.

Dome Lamp Override

The dome lamp override button is
next to the exterior lamps control.

E: Press the button in and the
dome lamps remain off when a door
is opened. Press the button again to
the extended position so the dome
lamps come on when a door is
opened.

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In Brief 1-13

Reading Lamps

Press the button near each lamp to
turn them on or off.

For more information, see:

.

Dome Lamps on page 6‑5.

.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑4.

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel, to the left
of the steering wheel.

O : Turns the automatic light

control on or off.

AUTO : Automatic operation
of the headlamps at normal
brightness and other exterior lamps.

;: Manual operation of the parking
lamps and other exterior lamps.

2: Manual operation of the
headlamps and other exterior
lamps.

For more information, see:

.

Exterior Lamp Controls
page 6‑1

.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)/
Automatic Headlamp System
page 6‑3

.

Delayed Headlamps
page 6‑3

.

.

.

on

on

on

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper/washer lever
is located on the left side of the
steering column.

Turn the band with the wiper symbol
to control the windshield wipers.

8 : Use for a single wiping cycle.
9 : Turns the wipers off.

6 : Delays wiping cycle. Turn the

band up for more frequent wipes or
down for less frequent wipes.

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1-14 In Brief

1 : Slow wipes.

2 : Fast wipes.

Windshield Washer

J : Press the button at the end of

the turn signal/lane change lever to
spray washer fluid on the
windshield.

Rear Window Wiper/Washer

The rear wiper and rear wash button
is located on the instrument panel
below the climate control system.

Z (Rear Wiper): Press to turn the
rear wiper on and off. The wiper
speed cannot be changed.

Y (Wash): Press to spray washer
fluid on the rear window. The
window wiper will also come on.

See Windshield Wiper/Washer

page 5‑5
Washer on page 5‑6.

and Rear Window Wiper/

on

Climate Controls

A. Fan Control

B. Temperature Control

C. Air Delivery Mode Control

D. Air Conditioning

E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)

F. Air Recirculation

G. Rear Window Defogger

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-15

Dual Automatic Climate Control System

A. Fan Control

B. AUTO

C. Defrost

D. Air Recirculation

E. REAR (Rear Climate Control)

F. Air Delivery Mode Control

G. Driver Side Temperature Control

H. Display

I. Power (On/Off)

J. Rear Window Defogger

K. Air Conditioning

L. PASS (Passenger)

M. Passenger Side Temperature

Control

See Climate Control Systems

page 8‑1
Climate Control System
page 8‑4

information about the rear climate
control, see Rear Climate Control

System (Rear Climate Control Only)
on page 8‑10
Control System (Rear Climate with
Rear Seat Audio) on page 8‑11.

or Dual Automatic

(If Equipped). For more

or Rear Climate

on

on

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-16 In Brief

Transmission

Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode

ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving down hill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS Mode a number will
display next to the L, indicating the
current gear that has been selected.

To use this feature:

1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).

2. Press the plus/minus button
located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.

See Manual Mode on page 9‑26.

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

Radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port

O : Press to turn the system on

and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.

BAND: Press to choose between
FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.

f : Select radio stations.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-17

© ¨ : Seek or scan stations.

4 : Change the display between the

radio station frequency and the
time, if equipped. While the ignition

is off, press

For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑2.

For vehicles with a Rear Seat
Entertainment System (RSE) and
Rear Seat Audio System (RSA), see

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System
Seat Audio (RSA) System
page 7‑44

Storing a Favorite Station

A maximum of 36 stations can be
stored as favorites using the six
softkeys located below the radio
station frequency tabs and by using
the radio FAV button. Press FAV to
go through up to six pages of
favorites, each having six favorite
stations available per page.

4 to display the time.

on page 7‑35

for more information.

and Rear

on

Each page of favorites can contain
any combination of AM, FM, or

XM stations.

See AM-FM Radio on page 7‑6.

Setting the Clock

To set the time and date for the
radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port:

1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then

O, to turn the radio on.

press

2. Press

3. Press the pushbutton located

4. To increase or decrease the time

For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for the vehicles specific
audio system, see Clock

page 5‑8

G to display HR, MIN,

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

under any one of the labels to be
changed.

or date, turn
counter‐clockwise.

f clockwise or

on

.

Satellite Radio

Vehicles with an XM™ Satellite
Radio tuner and a valid XM Satellite
Radio subscription can receive
XM programming.

XM Satellite Radio Service

XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM Satellite Radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.

For more information refer to:

.

www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).

.

www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).

For more information, see Satellite
Radio on page 7‑8.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-18 In Brief

Portable Audio Devices

This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input located on the radio faceplate
and a USB port located in the center
console. External devices such as

®

iPod

, laptop computers, MP3
players, CD changers, USB storage
device, etc. can be connected to the
auxiliary port using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in)
input jack or the USB port
depending on the audio system.

See Auxiliary Devices

page 7‑33

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth®system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle’s audio
system, microphone, and controls.

The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.

See Bluetooth on page 7‑46.

.

®

on

Steering Wheel Controls

w / x : Press to change favorite

radio stations, select tracks on a
CD/DVD, or to navigate tracks or
folders on an iPod

®

or USB device.

b g : Press to silence the vehicle

speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with

®

OnStar

or Bluetooth systems.

e − e : Increases or decreases

+

volume.

c : Press to reject an incoming

call, or to end a call.

SRCE : Press to switch between
the radio, CD, and for vehicles with,
DVD, front auxiliary, and rear
auxiliary.

¨ : Press to seek the next radio

station, the next track or chapter
while sourced to the CD or DVD
slot, or to select tracks and folders
on an iPod

For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

®

or USB device.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-19

Cruise Control

T : Press to turn cruise control on

and off. The indicator comes on
when cruise control is on.

+ RES: Press briefly to make
the vehicle resume to a previously
set speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.

SET– : Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or to make
the vehicle decelerate.

[ : Press to disengage cruise

control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

See Cruise Control on page 9‑32.

Navigation System

The vehicle's navigation system
provides detailed maps of most
major freeways and roads
throughout the United States and
Canada. After a destination has
been set, the system provides
turn-by-turn instructions for reaching
the destination. In addition, the
system can help locate a variety of
points of interest (POI), such as
banks, airports, restaurants,
and more.

See the vehicle's Navigation System
manual for more information.

Driver Information Center (DIC) (With DIC Buttons)

To access the DIC, some vehicles
have buttons located on the
instrument panel.

V : Press to set or reset certain

functions and to turn off or
acknowledge messages on the DIC.

U : Press to customize the feature

settings on your vehicle. See

Vehicle Personalization (With DIC
Buttons)

information.

on page 5‑41

for more

T : Press to display the oil life,

park assist on vehicles with this
feature, units, tire pressure readings
on vehicles with this feature, and
compass calibration and zone
setting on vehicles with this feature.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-20 In Brief

3 : Press this button to display

the odometer, trip odometers, fuel
range, average economy, timer, fuel
used, and average speed.

Some vehicles do not have the
buttons shown, however some of
the menus can be viewed by using
the trip odometer reset stem.

See Driver Information Center (DIC)

(With DIC Buttons)
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Without DIC Buttons)
page 5‑29

.

on page 5‑24

on

Storage Compartments

or

For vehicles with a second row
center console, press the
buttons (B) or (C) to access storage
areas.

Lift up on (A) for additional
storage area.

See Floor Console Storage

page 4‑2

.

on

Power Outlets

The vehicle may have four
accessory power outlets that can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.

The power outlets are located:

.

On the instrument panel below
the climate controls.

.

Under the center floor console
cupholder.

.

At the rear of the center floor
console.

.

In the rear cargo area.

To use the outlets, remove the
cover.

See Power Outlets on page 5‑8.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-21

Sunroof

The ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY to operate the
sunroof and power sunshade. See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑18

The switch to operate the front
sunroof is on the headliner above
the rearview mirror.

Vent: Press the front or rear of the
switch to vent or close the sunroof.

Express-open/Express-close:

From the closed position, press and
release the rear or front of the
switch to express-open or
express-close the sunroof.

For more information see Sunroof

on page 2‑21

.

.

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System

The vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin, and
the StabiliTrak system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. Both
systems turn on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.

.

To turn off traction control, press
and release

instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Vehicle Messages

on page 5‑31

.

Press and release 5 again to
turn on traction control system.

For more information, see

StabiliTrak

5 located on the

.

®

System on page 9‑30.

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load

Limits

on page 9‑12

light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.

. The warning

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-22 In Brief

During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System

on page 10‑45

.

Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit

This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. The kit can be used
to seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire.

See Tire Sealant and Compressor

Kit

on page 10‑61

operating information.

for complete

If the vehicle came with a jack and
spare tire, see If a Tire Goes Flat

page 10‑58

.

on

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.

Resetting the Oil Life System

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
with the engine off.

2. If the vehicle has Driver
Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press the vehicle
information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays.

If the vehicle does not have
Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to access this display.

Press the trip odometer reset
stem until OIL LIFE REMAINING
displays.

3. If the vehicle has Driver
Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press and hold the set/
reset button until “100%” is
displayed. Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.

If the vehicle does not have
Driver Information Center (DIC)
buttons: Press and hold the trip
odometer reset stem until OIL
LIFE REMAINING shows
“100%.” Three chimes sound
and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message goes off.

4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.

See Engine Oil Life System

page 10‑1 1

.

on

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.

.

Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.

.

Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.

.

Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.

.

When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.

.

Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.

.

Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.

.

Combine several trips into a
single trip.

.

Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.

.

Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

Roadside Assistance Program

U.S.: 1-800-243-8872

TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438

Canada: 1-800-268-6800

Mexico: 01-800-466-0800

As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides technically trained
advisors who are available 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year, to give
minor repair information or make
towing arrangements.

For more information see Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13‑8.

In Brief 1-23

Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(United States and Canada)

If you have a current OnStar
subscription, press the

and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.

Online Owner Center (United
States and Canada)

The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.

Sign up today at:

www.chevyownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).

Q button

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-24 In Brief

OnStar

For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide a wide range
of safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.

Automatic Crash Response

In a crash, built‐in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see if
you need help.

®

How OnStar Service Works

Q : Push this blue button to

connect to a specially trained
OnStar advisor to verify your
account information and to answer
questions.

] : Push this red emergency

button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar emergency
advisors.

X : Push this button for hands‐free,

voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.

Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available on

all vehicles. For more information,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide;
visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or
TTY 1‐877‐248‐2080; or

press

Q to speak with an

OnStar advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.

For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.

OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar terms and conditions
included in the OnStar Subscriber
Information.

OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.

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In Brief 1-25

OnStar service can’t work unless
your vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area, and the wireless
service provider has coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar's
service. Service involving location
information about your vehicle can’t
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle has to have a
working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment isn’t properly
installed or you haven’t maintained
it and your vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance
with all government regulations.
If you try to add, connect, or modify

any equipment or software in your
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems OnStar can’t
control may prevent service to you,
such as hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather, electrical system design
and architecture of your vehicle,
damage to important parts of your
vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone
network congestion or jamming.

See Radio Frequency Statement

page 13‑19

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

for information

on

OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls

This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls

page 5‑2

for more information.

on

On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.

Your Responsibility

Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.

If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly. Push

the

Q button and request a vehicle

diagnostic. If the light appears clear
(no light appears), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.

Push the
the OnStar equipment is active.

Q button to confirm that

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

1-26 In Brief

2 NOTES

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Doors

Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . 2-9

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . ...... 2-12

Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-12

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-14

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 2-16

Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 2-16

Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . ... . 2-17

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-18

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 2-18

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 2-21

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-21

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.

The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.

See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.

Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out.
Always carry a spare key.

If locked out of the vehicle, call
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside

Assistance Program

on page 13‑8

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement
page 13‑19

Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

for information regarding

on

.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

If there is a decrease in the
RKE operating range:

.

Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle.

.

Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.

.

Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.

.

If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 feet) away from the
vehicle.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.

With Remote Start and Power

Liftgate Shown, Without Similar

/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For

vehicles with this feature, see

Remote Vehicle Start

for additional information.

on page 2‑5

Q (Lock): Press to lock all

the doors.

If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the
parking lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn sounds

Q is pressed again within

when
five seconds. See Vehicle

Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

information.

Pressing
theft‐deterrent system. See

Anti-Theft Alarm System
page 2‑12

for additional

Q may arm the content

on

.

K (Unlock): Press once to unlock

only the driver door. If
again within five seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.

If enabled through the DIC, the
parking lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle

Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

.

K is pressed

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

Pressing K on the RKE transmitter
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft Alarm
System on page 2‑12.

& (Power Liftgate): Press and

hold until the liftgate begins to move
to open or close the liftgate. The
taillamps flash and a chime sounds
to indicate when the liftgate is
opening or closing.

L (Vehicle Locator/Panic

Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The parking
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.

Press and hold
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The parking lamps flash and
the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to

ON/RUN or
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.

L for more than

L is pressed again.

The vehicle comes with two
transmitters. Each transmitter will
have a number on it, "1" or "2".
These numbers correspond to the
driver of the vehicle. For example,
the memory seat position for driver
1 will be recalled when using the
transmitter labeled "1", if enabled
through the vehicle personalization.
See “Memory Seat and Mirrors”
under Power Seat Adjustment

page 3‑4
Recall” under Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

and “Memory Seat

for more information.

on

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be

reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
to program transmitters to this
vehicle.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.

Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5

1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.

.

Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.

.

Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.

2. Remove the old battery. Do not
use a metal object.

3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.

4. Snap the transmitter back
together.

Remote Vehicle Start

This vehicle may have a remote
starting feature that starts the
engine from outside of the vehicle.

/ (Remote Start): This button is
located on the RKE transmitter if the
vehicle has remote start.

Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle could run out of fuel.

If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions have an increased range
of operation. However, the range
may be less while the vehicle is
running.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) System

for additional information.

on page 2‑2

Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start

To start the vehicle:

1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press

3. Immediately after completing

Q on the RKE transmitter.

Step 2, press and hold
the parking lamps flash. If the
vehicle's lights can not be seen,

press and hold
four seconds.

/ for at least

/ until

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

When the vehicle starts the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on
as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and the
climate control system will operate
automatically if the vehicle has the
automatic system, or at the same
setting as when the vehicle was last
turned off.

If the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated
seats, the heated seats turn on
during colder outside temperatures
and shut off when the key is turned
to ON/RUN. See Heated Front

Seats

on page 3‑9
Ventilated Front Seats
page 3‑10

for more information.

or Heated and

on

The rear window defogger and
heated mirrors, if the vehicle has
them, turn on during colder outside
temperatures and turn off when the
key is turned to ON/RUN.

After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to the ON/RUN position to drive the
vehicle.

If the vehicle is left running it
automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.

Extending Engine Run Time

To extend the engine run time by
10 minutes, repeat Steps 1 though 3
while the engine is still running. The
engine run time can only be
extended if it is the first remote start
since the vehicle has been driven.
Remote start can be extended
one time.

If the remote start procedure is used
again before the first 10 minute time
frame has ended, the first
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.

For example, if the lock button and
then the remote start buttons are
pressed again after the vehicle has
been running for five minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing the
engine to run for a total of
15 minutes.

A maximum of two remote starts or
remote start attempts are allowed
between ignition cycles.

After the vehicle's engine has been
started two times using the remote
start button, the ignition must be
turned on and then back off before
the remote start procedure can be
used again.

Shutting the Engine Off After a
Remote Start

To manually shut off a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press

parking lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.

/ until the

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

Conditions in Which the
Remote Start Will Not Work

The vehicle cannot be started using
the remote start feature if the key is
in the ignition, the hood is open, or if
there is an emission control system
malfunction.

The engine turns off during a remote
start if the coolant temperature gets
too high or if the oil pressure
gets low.

Door Locks

WARNING

{

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

.

Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.

.

Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.

To lock or unlock a door, use the
key from the outside or the door
lock from the inside.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Door Locks

The power door lock switches are
located on the front doors.

K (Unlock): Press to unlock

the doors.

Q (Lock): Remove the key

from the ignition and press to lock
the doors.

Delayed Locking

When locking the doors with the
power lock switch and a door or the
liftgate is open, the doors will lock
five seconds after the last door is
closed. You will hear three chimes
to signal that the delayed locking
feature is in use.

Pressing the power lock switch
twice or the lock button on the
RKE transmitter twice will override
the delayed locking feature and
immediately lock all the doors.

This feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition.

This feature can be programmed by
using the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See “DELAY DOOR LOCK”
under Vehicle Personalization (With
DIC Buttons) on page 5‑41.

Automatic Door Locks

Vehicles with an automatic
lock/unlock feature enable you to
program the vehicle's power door
locks. This feature can be
programmed through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See

Vehicle Personalization (With DIC
Buttons)

information.

on page 5‑41

for more

Lockout Protection

This feature protects you from
locking the key in the vehicle when
the key is in the ignition and a front
door is open.

If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver's
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.

If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.

Safety Locks

The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9

Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.

To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to the
vertical position.

Doors

Liftgate

Manual Liftgate Operation

WARNING

{

Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

.

Close all of the windows.

.

Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.

.

If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑22.

To unlock the liftgate, use the
power door lock switch or press
the door unlock button on the
RKE transmitter twice. See Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad under the liftgate handle.
The vehicle must be in P (Park) to
open the liftgate. To close the
liftgate, use the pull cup or pull strap
as an aid.

The liftgate will not open if the
battery is disconnected or has low
voltage. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.

If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and the
liftgate still will not function, the
vehicle should be taken to a
dealer for service.

Power Liftgate Operation

The vehicle may have a power
liftgate. The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to use this feature.

The taillamps will flash and a chime
will sound when the power liftgate
is used.

WARNING

{

You or others could be injured if
caught in the path of the power
liftgate. Make sure there is no one
in the way of the liftgate as it is
opening and closing.

Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the
area above and behind the liftgate
is clear before opening it.

The power liftgate can be power
opened and closed in the
following ways:

.

Press and hold the power liftgate
button on the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System Operation
page 2‑3

for more information.

on

.

Press the liftgate button on the
center console.

.

Press the touchpad on the
outside liftgate handle.

Pressing the buttons or touchpad a
second time while the liftgate is
moving reverses the direction.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11

Power Liftgate Button near

Liftgate Latch

The liftgate can also be closed by
pressing the power liftgate button
next to the liftgate latch. Press the
button a second time during liftgate
operation to reverse that operation.

The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.

If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function is
in progress, the liftgate power

function will continue to completion.
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates
before the power liftgate latches
closed, the liftgate may reverse to
the open position. Cargo could fall
out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.

If you power open the liftgate and
the liftgate support struts have lost
pressure, the lights will flash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will
stay open temporarily, then slowly
close. See your dealer for service
before using the liftgate if this
occurs.

Obstacle Detection Features

A warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or open
position if the liftgate encounters an
obstacle during a power open or
close cycle. After removing the
obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again.

If the liftgate comes across more
obstacles on the same power cycle,
the power function deactivates, and
you must manually open or close
the liftgate. A message displays,
LIFTGATE OPEN, to indicate that
the liftgate is open. See Driver

Information Center (DIC) (With DIC
Buttons)
Information Center (DIC) (Without
DIC Buttons)

more information. After removing
the obstructions, manually open the
liftgate to the full open position or
close the liftgate to the fully closed
and latched position. The liftgate
resumes normal power operation.

The vehicle has pinch sensors
located on the side edges of the
liftgate. If an object is caught
between the liftgate and the body
and presses against this sensor, the
liftgate will reverse direction and
open fully. The liftgate will remain
open until it is activated again or
closed manually. Do not force the
liftgate open or closed during a
power cycle.

on page 5‑24

on page 5‑29

or Driver

for

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate

To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press the switch on the
center console to the OFF position.
A message displays, POWER
LIFTGATE OFF, to indicate that the
liftgate is manual operation. See

Driver Information Center (DIC)
(With DIC Buttons)
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Without DIC Buttons)
page 5‑29

for more information.

on page 5‑24

on

With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and
closed.

To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad on the handle on the
outside of the liftgate and lift the
gate open. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup to lower the liftgate and
close. The liftgate latch will power
close. Always close the liftgate
before driving.

If the RKE button or the power close
button on the liftgate is pressed
while power operation is disabled,
the lights will flash three times, but
the liftgate will not move.

It is not recommended that you
drive with the liftgate open.
However, if you must drive with
the liftgate open, the liftgate should
be set to manual operation by

or

pressing the OFF switch on the
center console.

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm System

On vehicles with an anti-theft alarm
system, to activate the system:

.

Press Q on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or the
power door lock switch when
any door is open.

The security light flashes.

When the door is closed, the
security light stops flashing and
stays on solid for approximately
30 seconds. The content theft
deterrent alarm is not armed
until the security light goes off.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-13

If the delayed locking feature is
active, the alarm is not activated
until all doors are closed and the
security light goes off.

.

Press Q when the driver door is
closed. The security light comes
on solid for approximately
30 seconds and then goes off.
The content theft deterrent alarm
is not armed until the security
light goes off.

The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the vehicle's key or the manual
door lock.

If a locked door is opened without
using the RKE transmitter, a ten
second pre-alarm occurs. The horn
chirps and the lights flash. If the key
is not placed in the ignition and
turned to START or the door is not

unlocked by pressing
ten second pre-alarm, the alarm
goes off. The headlamps flash and
the horn sounds for about

Q during the

30 seconds, then turns off to save
the battery power.

The vehicle can be started with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has
been set off.

To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:

.

Lock the vehicle with the door
key after the doors are closed.

.

Unlock the door with the RKE
transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way sets off the alarm if
the system has been armed.

Press

K or place the key in the

ignition and turn it to START to turn
off the alarm.

Testing the Alarm

To test the alarm:

1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver side window and open
the driver door.

2. Press

Q.

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the
door and wait for the security
light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the
window, unlock the door with the
manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the
alarm.

If the alarm does not sound when it
should, but the vehicle's headlamps
flash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, see Fuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 10‑32.

If the alarm does not sound or the
vehicle's headlamps do not flash,
see your dealer for service.

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2-14 Keys, Doors and Windows

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement
page 13‑19

for information regarding
Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

on

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
theft-deterrent system.

The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.

The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned to
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or
START from the LOCK/OFF
position.

®

III+ is a passive

You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.

The security light comes on if there
is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.

®

When the PASS-Key

III+ system
senses an incorrect key, the vehicle
does not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical
key codes.

If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument
panel comes on when trying to start
the vehicle, there may be a problem
with your theft-deterrent system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.

If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key and check
the fuses. See Fuses and Circuit

Breakers

on page 10‑32

for

additional information. If the engine
still does not start with the other key,
the vehicle needs service. If the
vehicle does start, the first key may
be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the PASS-Key

®

III+ to have
a new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance. See

Roadside Assistance Program
page 13‑8

.

It is possible for the PASS-Key

®

on

III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
to the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key

®

III+ to have
keys made and programmed
to the system.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15

See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key

®

III+ to get a
new key blank that is cut exactly
as the ignition key that operates
the system.

To program the new additional key:

1. Verify that the new key has a

1

stamped on it.

2. Insert the already programmed

key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine does not
start, see your dealer for service.

3. After the engine has started, turn

the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.

4. Insert the key to be programmed
and turn it to the ON/RUN
position within five seconds of
the original key being turned to
the LOCK/OFF position.

The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
additional keys are to be
programmed.

®

If the PASS-Key

III+ key is lost or
damaged, see your dealer or a
locksmith to have a new key made.

The SERVICE THEFT
DETERRENT SYSTEM message
displays on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when there is a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft Alarm

System Messages

on page 5‑37

for additional information.

Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.

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2-16 Keys, Doors and Windows

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

WARNING

{

A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.

The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Power Mirrors

Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the
driver door.

To adjust each mirror:

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
mirror.

2. Press on the control pad to
adjust the mirror.

3. Press (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.

Folding Mirrors

Manual

Manually fold the mirrors inward
to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return it to the original position.

Heated Mirrors

For vehicles with heated mirrors:

< (Rear Window Defogger):

Press to heat the mirrors.

See “Rear Window Defogger” under

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System

information.

on page 8‑4

for more

Blind Spot Mirrors

The blind spot mirror is a small
convex mirror built into the upper
and outer corner of both outside
mirrors. It can show objects that
may be in the vehicle's blind zone.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-17

Driving with the Blind Spot
Mirror

Actual Mirror View

1. When the approaching vehicle is
a long distance away, the image
in the main mirror is small and
near the inboard edge of the
mirror.

2. As the vehicle gets closer, the
image in the main mirror gets
larger and moves outboard.

3. As the vehicle enters the blind
zone, the image transitions from
the main mirror to the blind spot
mirror.

4. When the vehicle is in the blind
zone, the image only appears in
the blind spot mirror.

Using the Outside Mirror with
the Blind Spot Mirror

1. Set the main mirror so that the
side of the vehicle can just be
seen and the blind spot mirror
has an unobstructed view.

2. When checking for traffic or
before changing a lane, look at
the main driver/passenger side
mirror to observe traffic in the

adjacent lane, behind your
vehicle. Check the blind spot
mirror for a vehicle in the blind
zone. Then, glance over your
shoulder to double check before
moving slowly into the
adjacent lane.

Park Tilt Mirrors

If the vehicle has the memory
package, the outside mirrors have a
park tilt feature. This feature tilts the
outside mirrors to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This allows the driver
to view the curb for parallel parking.

The passenger and/or driver mirror
returns to its original position when
the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned
off or to OFF/LOCK.

This feature can be turned on or off
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Vehicle

Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

for more information.

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2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Adjust the inside rearview mirror
for a clear view of the area behind
your vehicle. To avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind, move the
lever to the right for nighttime use
and to the center for daytime use.

®

Vehicles with OnStar
additional control buttons located at
the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See the OnStar Owner's Guide for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.

Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming

have three

feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.

O (On/Off): Press to turn the

dimming feature on or off.

The vehicle may also have a Rear
Vision Camera (RVC). See Rear

Vision Camera (RVC)

for more information.

If the vehicle has RVC, the

on page 9‑36

O button for turning the dimming

feature on or off will not be
available.

Vehicles with OnStar have three
additional control buttons for the
OnStar system. See your dealer for
more information about OnStar and
how to subscribe to it. See the
OnStar Owner Guide for more
information about the services
OnStar provides.

Cleaning the Mirror

Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.

Black plate (19,1)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-19

Power Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.

When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.

Uplevel shown, base similar

The power window controls are
located on each of the side doors.

The driver door also has switches
that control the passenger and
rear windows. The power windows
work with the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY, ON/RUN or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑18.

Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull up on the front edge of
the switch to raise the window.

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2-20 Keys, Doors and Windows

Express-Up/Express-Down
Windows

A window with the express‐up/down
feature allows it to be raised or
lowered without holding the switch.
Press or pull the window switch fully
and release it to activate the
express feature. The express mode
can be canceled by pressing or
pulling the switch.

Programming the Power
Windows

If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected,
or replaced, windows with the
express-up feature need to be
reprogrammed for this feature to
work. To program the window:

1. Close all doors with the ignition
in the ACC/ACCESSORY,
ON/RUN position, or when
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See

Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑18.

2. Press and continue to hold the
window switch until the window
is fully open.

3. Pull up and hold the window
switch to close the window.
Continue to hold it briefly after
the window is fully closed.

4. Repeat for each window that has
the express-up feature.

Anti-Pinch Feature

The anti-pinch feature is on
windows with the express-up
feature. If an object is in the way of
the window as it is express-closing,
or in certain weather conditions like
severe icing, the window will stop
and open to a factory preset
position. The window functions
normally once the obstruction is
removed.

Window Lockout

o (Window Lockout): The window
lockout switch is located with the
power window switches on the
driver door armrest. This feature
prevents the rear windows from
being operated, except from the
driver position. Press the switch to
turn the lockout feature on or off.
An indicator light will come on to
show the lockout feature is on.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-21

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod if
available.

Roof

Sunroof

The ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY to operate the
sunroof and power sunshade. See

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑18

The vehicle may have a sunroof
over the front seats and a rear
sunroof over the second row seats.
The rear sunroof does not open.
The switch to operate the front
sunroof is on the headliner above
the rearview mirror.

.

Do not keep the sunroof open for
long periods of time while the
vehicle is not in use. Dirt and debris
may collect on the sunroof seal or
in the tracks that could cause an
issue with sunroof operation, noise
or plug the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water.
Do not remove grease from sunroof.

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2-22 Keys, Doors and Windows

Vent: From the closed position,

press and hold the front of the
switch to vent the sunroof.
Press and hold the rear of the
switch to close the sunroof.

Express-open/Express-close:

From the closed position, press and
release the rear of the switch to
express-open the sunroof. Press
and release the front of the switch to
express-close the sunroof.

The front sunshade must be opened
and closed manually. Push up on
the sunshade handle to open the
sunshade.

Manual Sunshades

On a vehicle with only manual
sunshades, press the button on the
sunshade handle to release it and
guide it back. Pull the sunshade
forward until it latches to close it.

Rear Power Sunshade

On vehicles with a rear power
sunshade, the switch is on the
headliner above the rearview mirror.

Notice: The rear sunshade could
be damaged if you attempt to
open or close it manually. Do not
manually open or close the rear
sunshade.

To open the rear sunshade, located
over the second row seats, press
and release the rear of the switch.
Press and release the front of the
switch to close the sunshade.

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Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .... . . 3-2

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4

Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Heated and Ventilated Front

Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 3-10

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Third Row Seats . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-13

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 3-16

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-19

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-29

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-30

Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30

Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-30

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. 3-31

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-33

When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 3-35

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 3-36

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . 3-37

What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-45

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-46

Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-46

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3-49

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-52

Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-54
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System) . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 3-56

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-63

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat ) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 3-63

Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front

Passenger Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . 3-66

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3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The vehicle's front seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.

WARNING

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

1. Pull the head restraint up to
raise it. To lower the head
restraint, press the release
button, located on the head
restraint post on the top of the
seatback, while you push the
head restraint down.

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Seats and Restraints 3-3

2. Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to
make sure that it is locked in
place.

The vehicle's second‐row seats
have head restraints in the outboard
seating positions that cannot be
adjusted.

The vehicle's third‐row seats have
headrests in the outboard seating
positions that cannot be adjusted.

The vehicle's head restraints and
headrests are not designed to be
removed.

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

WARNING

{

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

A. Manual Seat Adjustment

Handle.

B. Driver Seat Height Adjuster.

C. See Reclining Seatbacks

page 3‑7

To adjust a manual seat:

1. Lift the handle (A) under the seat
to unlock it.

2. Slide the seat and release the
handle.

Try to move the seat to be sure it is
locked in place.

.

on

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3-4 Seats and Restraints

To manually raise or lower the seat,
move the lever (B) repeatedly
upward or downward.

Power Seat Adjustment

Driver Seat with Power Seat

Control, Power Recline,

and Power Lumbar Shown

A. Power Seat Adjustment Control

B. Reclining Seatbacks

page 3‑7

.

C. Lumbar Adjustment

page 3‑6

.

on

on

On vehicles with power seats, the
controls are on the outboard side of
the seats.

Move the seat forward or rearward
by sliding the power seat
adjustment control (A) forward or
rearward.

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

.

Raise or lower the entire seat
by moving the power seat
adjustment control (A) up
or down.

.

Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.

.

Raise or lower the rear part of
the seat cushion by moving the
rear of the control up or down.

Memory Seat and Mirrors

On vehicles with the memory
package, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat
and outside mirrors.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-5

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback
recliner, and both outside
mirrors.

See Power Mirrors

page 2‑16

Not all vehicles will have the
ability to save and recall the
mirror positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall the memory positions,
press and release “1” or “2.” The
vehicle must be in P (Park). A single
beep will sound. The seat and
outside mirrors will move to the
position previously stored for the
identified driver.

for more information.

on

Memory Remote Recall

The memory feature can recall the
driver seat and outside mirrors to
stored positions when entering
the vehicle.

To activate memory remote recall,
unlock the driver door with the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. The driver seat and
outside mirrors will move to the
memory position associated with the
transmitter used to unlock the
vehicle.

The automatic recall feature can be
turned on or off using the vehicle
personalization menu. See “Memory
Seat Recall” under Vehicle

Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

To stop recall movement of the
memory feature, press one of the
power seat controls, memory
buttons, or the power mirror buttons.

for more information.

If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling a memory
position, the recall may stop.
Remove the obstruction; then press
and hold the appropriate manual
control for the memory item that is
not recalling for two seconds. Try
recalling the memory position again
by pressing the appropriate memory
button. If the memory position is still
not recalling, see your dealer for
service.

Easy Exit Driver Seat

The easy exit driver seat feature
can move the seat rearward to allow
extra room to exit the vehicle.

S (Easy Exit Driver Seat): Press

to recall the easy exit seat position.
The vehicle must be in P (Park).

If the easy exit seat feature is
programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, automatic
seat movement occurs when the
ignition key is removed.

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3-6 Seats and Restraints

A single beep sounds. The driver
seat moves back approximately
8 cm (3 in). To move the seat back
farther, press the easy exit seat
button again until the seat is all
the way back.

If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling the exit position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold the
power seat control rearward for
two seconds. Try recalling the exit
position again. If the exit position is
still not recalling, see your dealer
for service.

See “Easy Exit Seat” under Vehicle

Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑41

for more information.

Lumbar Adjustment

Manual Lumbar

On vehicles with this feature, the
handle is located on the inboard
side of the seatback.

Move the handle forward or
rearward to increase or decrease
lumbar support.

Power Lumbar

On vehicles with power lumbar, the
controls used to operate this feature
are located on the outboard side of
the seats. See Power Seat

Adjustment

information.

To increase or decrease lumbar
support, press and hold the front or
rear of the control (C).

Release the control when the
seatback reaches the desired level
of lumbar support.

on page 3‑4

for more

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Seats and Restraints 3-7

Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you
could go into it, receiving neck or
other injuries.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.

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3-8 Seats and Restraints

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they
are locked.

On vehicles with seats that have
manual reclining seatbacks, the
lever used to operate them is
located on the outboard side of
the seat.

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the lever.

2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and 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 the
upright position:

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

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

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Seats and Restraints 3-9

Power Reclining Seatbacks

On vehicles with seats that have
power reclining seatbacks, the
controls used to operate them are
on the outboard side of the seats.

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline the seatback.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise the seatback.

Heated Front Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything
on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, cover or similar item.
This may cause the seat heater
to overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.

On vehicles with heated front seats,
the controls are on the center
console. To operate the heated
seats the engine must be running.

I (Heated Seatback): Press to
turn on the heated seatback.

J (Heated Seat and Seatback):

Press to turn on or off the heated
seat and seatback.

Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then the off setting. Three lights
indicate the highest setting and one
light the lowest.

The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.

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3-10 Seats and Restraints

Remote Start Heated Seats

When it is cold outside, the heated
seats may turn on automatically
during a remote vehicle start. The
heated seats will be canceled when
the ignition is turned on. Press the
desired heated seat button to use
the heated seats after the vehicle
is started.

The heated seat button lights will
not turn on during a remote start.

The temperature of an unoccupied
seat may be reduced.

See Remote Vehicle Start

page 2‑5

for more information.

on

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. See
the Warning under Heated Front
Seats on page 3‑9.

On vehicles with the heated and
ventilated seat feature, the controls
are on the center console. To
operate the heated seats the
engine must be running.

H (Ventilated Seat): Press to

ventilate the entire seat.

J (Heated Seat and Seatback):

Press to heat the entire seat.

Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the seat will change to
the next lower setting, and then to

the off setting. The lights indicate
three for the highest setting and one
for the lowest.

The passenger heated seat may
take longer to heat up.

The heated and ventilated seats are
canceled after the ignition is
turned off.

Remote Start Heated Seats

When it is cold outside, the heated
seats may turn on automatically
during a remote vehicle start. The
heated seats will be canceled when
the ignition is turned on. Press the
heated seat button to use the
heated seats after the vehicle is
started.

The heated seat button lights will
not turn on during a remote start.

The temperature of an unoccupied
seat may be reduced.

See Remote Vehicle Start

page 2‑5

for more information.

on

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Seats and Restraints 3-11

Rear Seats

A. Seat Adjustment Handle

B. Reclining Seatback Strap

C. Sliding Seat Lever

Entering and Exiting the
Third Row

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked
into place.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

To access the third row:

1. Remove objects on the floor in
front of or on the second row
seat, or in the seat tracks on
the floor.

2. Move the front center console
armrest completely forward.
See Center Console Storage

on page 4‑2

3. Place folding armrests in the
upright position.

4. Ensure that the safety belt is
unfastened and in the stowed
position.

.

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3-12 Seats and Restraints

5. Pull the sliding seat lever (C)
forward and move the seatback
forward. The seat cushion will
fold, and the entire seat will slide
forward. The head restraints will
fold out of the way automatically.

Returning the Seat to the
Seating Position

To return the second row seat to its
normal seating position:

1. Remove objects on the floor
behind the second row seat or in
the seat tracks on the floor.

2. Pull the seatback rearward until
it is locked in place.

3. Slide the seat rearward by
pushing on the seatback until it
is locked into place.

4. Return the head restraint to the
upright position by reaching
behind the seat and pulling the
head restraint forward until it
locks into place.

Push and pull on the head
restraint to make sure that it
is locked.

5. Push down on the rear of the
seat cushion until it is locked
in place.

6. Push and pull on the seatback
and seat cushion to make sure
they are locked in place.

7. Check that the safety belt is not
under the seat cushion.

Reclining the Seatbacks

To recline the seatback:

1. Leaning forward in the seat, pull
the reclining seatback strap (B).

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

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

Folding the Rear Seat

To fold the second row seats:

1. Remove anything on or under
the seat.

2. Place the armrest in the upright
position, and unfasten the
safety belt.

3. Pull forward on the reclining
seatback strap (B) and push
down on the seatback.

The head restraint will fold down
automatically.

To return the seatback to the
seating position, lift the upper
corner of the seatback and push it
rearward until it locks into place.
Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked. Pull up on
the head restraint to return it to the
upright, locked position.

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Seats and Restraints 3-13

Adjusting the Seats

To adjust the second row seats, pull
outward on the seat adjustment
handle (A). Slide the seat forward or
rearward to the desired position.
Release the handle and push and
pull on the seat to make sure it
is locked.

Third Row Seats

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or pushed forward in the
entry position, could cause injury
in a sudden stop or crash. Be
sure to return the seat to the
passenger seating position. Push
and pull on the seat to make sure
it is locked into place.

The third row seats can be folded
forward or removed.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

To fold the seatback:

1. Remove anything on or under
the seat.

2. Disconnect the rear safety belt
mini-latch, using a key in the slot
on the mini-buckle, let the belt
retract into the headliner. Stow
the mini-latch in the holder
located in the headliner.

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3-14 Seats and Restraints

3. Pull up on the release lever
located on the back of the seat.

4. Push the seatback forward to
lay flat.

To return the seatback to the
seating position:

1. Raise the seatback into place by
using the pullstrap from the rear
of the vehicle, or by pushing it
into place from inside the
vehicle.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they
are locked.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked in place.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

3. Reconnect the center safety belt
mini-latch to the mini-buckle.
Do not let it twist.

4. Pull on the safety belt to be sure
the mini-latch is secure.

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Seats and Restraints 3-15

Removing the Third Row Seats

1. Remove the cargo management
system, if it is in the vehicle. See

Cargo Management System
page 4‑4

2. Remove anything on or under
the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

3. Fold the seatback down. See
“Folding the Seatback” earlier in
this section.

.

on

4. Remove the rear bolts located
on the floor on each side of
the seat.

5. Remove the seat by tilting it
slightly upward, and then pulling
it out of the rear of the vehicle in
one motion.

6. Replace the bolts in the floor
holes for storage.

Installing the Third Row Seats

1. Before installing the seat the
seatback must be folded
forward. See “Folding the
Seatback” earlier in this section.

The seats must be placed in the
proper locations to attach
correctly. The wider seat must
be installed on the driver side
and the narrower seat on the
passenger side. Remove the
bolts from the holes in the floor
before installing the seats.

2. Place the seat on the vehicle
floor so that the front seat hooks
are on the vehicle bars.

3. Reinstall the bolts, and torque to
55 Y (41 lb ft). Pull up on the
seat to make sure it is locked
in place.

4. Raise the seatback to its upright
position. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure it is
locked into place.

5. Reconnect the center safety belt
mini-latch to the mini-buckle.
Do not let it twist.

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3-16 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belts

This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.

WARNING

{

Do not let anyone ride where a
safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You and
your passenger(s) can be
seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be,
if you are buckled up. Always
fasten your safety belt, and check
that your passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.

WARNING

{

It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
your vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders

page 5‑14

information.

for additional

on

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash, you
do not know if it will be a
serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.

Seats and Restraints 3-17

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the
vehicle. The rider does not stop.

The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...

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3-18 Seats and Restraints

or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as
the vehicle does. You get more time
to stop. You stop over more
distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety
belts make such good sense.

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

wearing a safety belt or not. But
your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety
belt, even if you are
upside down.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags,

why should I have to wear
safety belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true not
only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-19

Q: If I am a good driver,

and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear
safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 miles) of home.
And the greatest number of
serious injuries and deaths
occur at speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children

page 3‑47
Children

those rules for everyone's
protection.

It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash. And they can strike
others in the vehicle who are
wearing safety belts.

or Infants and Young

on page 3‑49

on

. Follow

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.

Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this
applies force to the strong pelvic
bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force
on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.

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3-20 Seats and Restraints

The shoulder belt should go over
the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much
protection this way.

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Seats and Restraints 3-21

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap belt
and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
The lap belt should be worn low
and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the

wrong buckle.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
your belt is buckled in the wrong
place like this. In a crash, the belt
would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there,
not on the pelvic bones. This
could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt
into the buckle nearest you.

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3-22 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
your belt goes over an armrest
like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can slide
under the belt. The belt force
would then be applied on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

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Seats and Restraints 3-23

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
you wear the shoulder belt under
your arm. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward,
which would increase the chance
of head and neck injury. Also, the
belt would apply too much force
to the ribs, which are not as
strong as shoulder bones. You
could also severely injure internal
organs like your liver or spleen.
The shoulder belt should go over
the shoulder and across the
chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too
far forward increasing the chance
of head and neck injury. You
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

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3-24 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer to fix it.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.

If you are using a rear seating
position with a detachable safety
belt and the safety belt is not
attached, see Third Row Seats

page 3‑13

reconnecting the safety belt to the
mini-buckle.

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.

for instruction on

on

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.

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5. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.

Seats and Restraints 3-25

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.

4. Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 3‑29.

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

6. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

It may be necessary to pull the
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position. Slide
the latch plate up the safety belt
webbing when the safety belt is not
in use. The latch plate should rest
on the stitching on the safety belt,
near the guide loop on the side wall.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.

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3-26 Seats and Restraints

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
positions.

Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
but not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to but not
contacting the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash.

To move it down, push down on
the button (A) and move the height
adjuster to the desired position.
You can move the height adjuster
up by pushing up on the shoulder
belt guide.

After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without pushing the button to make
sure it has locked into position.

Safety Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for the front outboard
occupants. Although the safety belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety
belts during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal,
near frontal, or rear crash if the
threshold conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, for vehicles
with side impact airbags, safety belt
pretensioners can help tighten the
safety belts in a side crash or a
rollover event.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
they will need to be replaced, and
probably other new parts for the
vehicle's safety belt system. See

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts
After a Crash on page 3‑30.

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Seats and Restraints 3-27

Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides

This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides. If not, they are
available through your dealer. The
guides may provide added safety
belt comfort for older children who
have outgrown booster seats and
for some adults. When installed and
properly adjusted, the comfort guide
positions the shoulder belt away
from the neck and head.

Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:

Outboard Positions

1. For the outboard positions,
remove the guide from its
storage clip on the interior body.

For the third row center position,
locate the comfort guide which is
located in a storage pocket, at
the top of the seat, under the
headrest on the driver's side of
the vehicle. To access the

comfort guide, you will first need
to move the headrest forward by
pulling on the handle behind the
seatback. The comfort guide will
now be accessible.

Third Row Center Position

Pull the comfort guide out
of its storage location and
then return the headrest to its
upright position.

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3-28 Seats and Restraints

WARNING (Continued)

and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

2. Place the guide over the belt
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder

(Continued)

4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.

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Seats and Restraints 3-29

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Slide
the guide into its storage location or
on its storage clip.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults. Never
use it for securing child seats. To
wear it, attach it to the regular safety
belt. For more information, see the
instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.

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3-30 Seats and Restraints

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt

Reminders

information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care

page 3‑30

on page 5‑14

on

.

for more

Safety Belt Care

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
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon
as possible.

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Seats and Restraints 3-31

After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑15.

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following
airbags:

.

A frontal airbag for the driver.

.

A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.

.

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the driver,
passenger seated directly
behind the driver, and the third
row outboard passenger
position.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger, passenger
seated directly behind the right
front passenger, and the third
row outboard passenger
position.

All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.

With seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

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3-32 Seats and Restraints

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

WARNING

{

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even if
you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should an
Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑35.

Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

WARNING

{

Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or

very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of your seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

WARNING

{

Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle's safety belt
system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see Older

Children
and Young Children
page 3‑49

on page 3‑47

on

.

or Infants

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There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag

Readiness Light

more information.

on page 5‑15

for

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.

Seats and Restraints 3-33

The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger side.

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3-34 Seats and Restraints

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Side similar

The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Side similar

The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, passengers
behind the driver and right front
passenger, and the third row
outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.

WARNING

{

If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.

Do not use seat accessories
that block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will
be blocked.

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Seats and Restraints 3-35

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver's or right
front passenger's head and chest.
However, they are only designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly your vehicle slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds. For
example:

.

If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.

.

If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.

.

If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).

.

If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.

Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.

In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.

The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact and roof-rail airbags. See

Airbag System

on page 3‑31

.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes. In addition, these
roof-rail airbags are intended
to inflate during a rollover or
in a severe frontal impact.

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3-36 Seats and Restraints

Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags will inflate if the
crash severity is above the system's
designed threshold level. The
threshold level can vary with
specific vehicle design.

Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not intended to inflate in frontal
impacts, near-frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts. Roof-rail
airbags are not intended to inflate in
rear impacts. A seat-mounted side
impact airbag is intended to deploy
on the side of the vehicle that is
struck. Both roof-rail airbags will
deploy when either side of the
vehicle is struck, or if the sensing
system predicts that the vehicle is
about to roll over, or in a severe
frontal impact.

In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because
of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
For seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact. In a
rollover event, roof-rail airbag
deployment is determined by the
direction of the roll.

What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are
all part of the airbag module.

Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
there are airbag modules in the
side of the front seatbacks closest
to the door. For vehicles with
roof-rail airbags, there are airbag
modules in the ceiling of the vehicle,
near the side windows that have
occupant seating positions.

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Seats and Restraints 3-37

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Frontal
airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually.

Seat‐mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the
occupant's upper body.

Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of
full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.

But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When

Should an Airbag Inflate?
page 3‑35

Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.

for more information.

on

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3-38 Seats and Restraints

What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?

After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbag modules, see What Makes
an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑36.

The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.

WARNING

{

When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the
fuel system after the airbags inflate.

You can lock the doors, turn off the
interior lamps and hazard warning
flashers by using the controls for
those features.

WARNING

{

A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.

Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.

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In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front
passenger airbag.

.

Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.

.

The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data

Recording and Privacy
page 13‑17

and Event Data

on

Recorders on page 13‑17.

.

Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.

Passenger Sensing System

The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible
on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.

Seats and Restraints 3-39

United States

Canada and Mexico

The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, are visible
during the system check. If you are
using remote start, if equipped, to
start the vehicle from a distance,
you may not see the system check.
When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or
OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will
be visible. See Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 5‑15.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

3-40 Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system
turns off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbag,
seat‐mounted side impact airbags
and the roof-rail airbags are not
affected by the passenger sensing
system.

The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part
of the right front passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right
front passenger frontal airbag
should be enabled (may inflate)
or not.

According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.

We recommend that children 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 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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.

Even if the passenger sensing
system 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 the
airbag 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.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-41

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front
passenger frontal airbag if:

.

The right front passenger seat is
unoccupied.

.

The system determines that an
infant is present in a child
restraint.

.

A right front passenger takes
his/her weight off of the seat for
a period of time.

.

Or, if there is a critical problem
with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front
passenger frontal airbag, the off
indicator will light and stay lit to
remind you that the airbag is off.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5‑15.

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate) the
right front passenger frontal airbag
anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting
properly in the right front
passenger seat.

When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbag to be
enabled, the on indicator will light
and stay lit to remind you that the
airbag is active.

For some children, including
children in child restraints, and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn
off the right front passenger frontal
airbag, depending upon the
person’s seating posture and body

build. Everyone in the vehicle
who has outgrown child restraints
should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there
is an airbag for that person.

WARNING

{

If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness

Light

on page 5‑15

for more
information, including important
safety information.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

3-42 Seats and Restraints

If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions provided
by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to

Securing Child Restraints (Rear
Seat )

on page 3‑63
Securing Child Restraints (Right
Front Passenger Seat)
page 3‑66

.

or

on

5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit,
turn the vehicle off. Then slightly
recline the vehicle seatback and
adjust the seat cushion,
if adjustable, to make sure that
the vehicle seatback is not
pushing the child restraint into
the seat cushion.

Also make sure the child
restraint is not trapped under the
vehicle head restraint. If this
happens, adjust the head
restraint. See Head Restraints

on page 3‑2

.

6. Restart the vehicle.

The passenger sensing system
may or may not turn off the
airbag for a child in a child
restraint depending upon the
child’s seating posture and body
build. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-43

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat, but
the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat. If this happens,

use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and
enable the right front passenger
frontal airbag:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation

Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the seat
during vehicle maneuvers and
braking, which helps the passenger
sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See
“Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints”
in the Index for additional
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.

A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, and
seat massagers can affect how well
the passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to

the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
page 3‑45

about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.

for more information

on

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

3-44 Seats and Restraints

A wet seat can affect the
performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:

.

The passenger sensing system
may turn off the passenger
airbag when liquid is soaked into
the seat. If this happens, the off
indicator will be lit, and the
airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel will also be lit.

.

Liquid pooled on the seat that
has not soaked in may make it
more likely that the passenger
sensing system will enable (turn
on) the passenger airbag while a
child restraint or child occupant
is on the seat. If the passenger
airbag is turned on, the on
indicator will be lit.

If the passenger seat gets wet, dry
the seat immediately. If the airbag
readiness light is lit, do not install a
child restraint or allow anyone to
occupy the seat. See Airbag

Readiness Light

important safety information.

on page 5‑15

for

The on indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop or
other electronic device, is put on an
unoccupied seat. If this is not
desired remove the object from
the seat.

WARNING

{

Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system.

To purchase a service manual, see

Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑15.

WARNING

{

For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-45

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add

to or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that

change the vehicle's frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.

In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger

seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly
if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or
device, installed under or on
top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system.
This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See

Passenger Sensing System
page 3‑39

If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer

.

on

Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure
page 13‑1

If the vehicle has rollover
roof-rail airbags, see Different

Size Tires and Wheels
page 10‑54

important information.

Q: Because I have a disability,

I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?

A: If you have questions, call

Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure
page 13‑1

.

for additional

.

on

on

on

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Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual - 2011

3-46 Seats and Restraints

In addition, the dealer and the
service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.

Airbag System Check

The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
See Airbag Readiness Light

page 5‑15

Notice: If an airbag covering is
damaged, opened, or broken,
the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag

Inflate?

See your dealer for service.

for more information.

on page 3‑36

on

.

Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the
airbag systems in your vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not work properly and may
not protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death.
To help make sure your airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.

If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light

page 5‑15

for more information.

on