2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner's Manual

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Trailblazer
Rating:
(8)

Online manual

Size:
2.7 MB

Table of Contents

2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer BookTOC
1
Seats and Restraint Systems
5
Front Seats
6
Manual Seats
6
Power Seats
7
Manual Lumbar
7
Power Lumbar
7
Heated Seats
8
Memory Seat and Pedals
8
Reclining Seatbacks
10
Head Restraints
13
Rear Seats
14
Rear Seat Operation
14
Safety Belts
16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
21
Lap-Shoulder Belt
29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
33
Safety Belt Extender
33
Child Restraints
34
Older Children
34
Infants and Young Children
36
Child Restraint Systems
40
Where to Put the Restraint
42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
52
Airbag System
55
Where Are the Airbags?
58
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
60
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
61
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
62
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?
62
Passenger Sensing System
64
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
68
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
69
Restraint System Check
70
Checking the Restraint Systems
70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
71
Features and Controls
73
Keys
75
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
76
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
77
Doors and Locks
78
Door Locks
78
Power Door Locks
79
Delayed Locking
79
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
80
Rear Door Security Locks
82
Lockout Protection
83
Liftgate/Liftglass
83
Windows
84
Power Windows
85
Sun Visors
86
Theft-Deterrent Systems
87
Content Theft-Deterrent
87
Passlock® (U. S. Only)
88
Electronic Immobilizer
89
Electronic Immobilizer Operation (Canada Only)
89
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
91
New Vehicle Break-In
91
Ignition Positions
92
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
93
Starting the Engine
93
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
94
Engine Coolant Heater
95
Active Fuel Management™
96
Automatic Transmission Operation
96
Four-Wheel Drive
100
Parking Brake
104
Shifting Into PARK (P)
105
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
107
Parking Over Things That Burn
107
Engine Exhaust
108
Running the Vehicle While Parked
108
Mirrors
109
Manual Rearview Mirror
109
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
110
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar® and Compass
110
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display
112
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display
114
Outside Manual Mirrors
117
Outside Power Mirrors
117
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror
118
Outside Convex Mirror
118
Outside Heated Mirrors
118
OnStar® System
119
Universal Home Remote System
122
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With One Triangular LED)
123
Storage Areas
127
Glove Box
127
Overhead Console
127
Center Console Storage
127
Luggage Carrier
128
Rear Floor Storage Lid
129
Convenience Net
129
Cargo Cover
129
Cargo Tie Downs
130
Sunroof
130
Instrument Panel
131
Instrument Panel Overview
134
Hazard Warning Flashers
136
Other Warning Devices
136
Horn
136
Tilt Wheel
136
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
137
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
137
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
138
Flash-to-Pass
138
Windshield Wipers
139
Windshield Washer
139
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
140
Cruise Control
140
Headlamps
144
Headlamps on Reminder
144
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
145
Automatic Headlamp System
145
Fog Lamps
146
Instrument Panel Brightness
147
Dome Lamps
147
Dome Lamp Override
147
Entry Lighting
148
Exit Lighting
148
Reading Lamps
148
Electric Power Management
148
Battery Run-Down Protection
149
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
150
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
151
Climate Controls
151
Dual Climate Control System
151
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
154
Outlet Adjustment
158
Rear Climate Control System
158
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
160
Instrument Panel Cluster
161
Speedometer and Odometer
162
Trip Odometer
162
Tachometer
162
Safety Belt Reminders
163
Airbag Readiness Light
164
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
165
Charging System Light
167
Voltmeter Gage
167
Brake System Warning Light
168
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
169
StabiliTrak Service Light
169
StabiliTrak Indicator Light
170
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
170
Tire Pressure Light
171
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
171
Oil Pressure Gage
174
Change Engine Oil Light
175
Security Light
176
Cruise Control Light
176
Reduced Engine Power Light
176
Highbeam On Light
177
Service Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light
177
Check Gages Warning Light
177
Gate Ajar Light
177
Fuel Gage
178
Low Fuel Warning Light
178
Check Gas Cap Light
178
Driver Information Center (DIC)
179
DIC Operation and Displays
180
DIC Warnings and Messages
183
DIC Vehicle Customization
188
Audio System(s)
194
Setting the Clock
196
Radio(s)
196
Using an MP3
213
XM Radio Messages
217
Navigation/Radio System
219
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
219
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
233
Theft-Deterrent Feature
234
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
235
Radio Reception
236
Fixed Mast Antenna
236
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
237
Chime Level Adjustment
237
Driving Your Vehicle
239
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
240
Defensive Driving
240
Drunk Driving
240
Control of a Vehicle
241
Braking
241
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
242
Braking in Emergencies
243
Locking Rear Axle
243
StabiliTrak® System
243
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System (TrailBlazer SS)
248
Steering
248
Off-Road Recovery
250
Passing
250
Loss of Control
250
Competitive Driving
251
Off-Road Driving (Except SS)
252
Driving at Night
264
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
264
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
265
Highway Hypnosis
266
Hill and Mountain Roads
266
Winter Driving
267
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
271
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
272
Recovery Hooks
272
Loading Your Vehicle
273
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
279
Towing
279
Towing Your Vehicle
279
Recreational Vehicle Towing
280
Electronically Controlled Air Suspension System
285
Towing a Trailer
286
Service and Appearance Care
299
Service
301
Accessories and Modifications
301
California Proposition 65 Warning
302
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
302
Doing Your Own Service Work
302
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
303
Fuel
303
Gasoline Octane
303
Gasoline Specifications
304
California Fuel
304
Additives
304
Fuels in Foreign Countries
305
Filling the Tank
306
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
308
Checking Things Under the Hood
308
Hood Release
309
Engine Compartment Overview
310
Engine Oil
315
Engine Oil Life System
320
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
322
Automatic Transmission Fluid
323
Engine Coolant
326
Radiator Pressure Cap
328
Engine Overheating
328
Cooling System
330
Engine Fan Noise
335
Power Steering Fluid
336
Windshield Washer Fluid
337
Brakes
338
Battery
341
Jump Starting
342
All-Wheel Drive
347
Rear Axle
347
Four-Wheel Drive
348
Front Axle
349
Headlamp Aiming
350
Bulb Replacement
350
Halogen Bulbs
350
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps
351
License Plate Lamp
352
Replacement Bulbs
352
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
353
Tires
356
Winter Tires
357
Tire Sidewall Labeling
358
Tire Terminology and Definitions
360
Inflation - Tire Pressure
363
High-Speed Operation
364
Tire Pressure Monitor System
365
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
367
Tire Inspection and Rotation
370
When It Is Time for New Tires
372
Buying New Tires
373
Different Size Tires and Wheels
375
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
376
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
378
Wheel Replacement
378
Tire Chains
380
Accessory Inflator
380
If a Tire Goes Flat
382
Changing a Flat Tire
383
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
384
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
387
Secondary Latch System
392
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
395
Spare Tire
398
Appearance Care
398
Interior Cleaning
398
Fabric/Carpet
399
Leather
400
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces
401
Care of Safety Belts
401
Weatherstrips
401
Washing Your Vehicle
402
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
402
Finish Care
402
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades
403
Aluminum Wheels
404
Tires
404
Sheet Metal Damage
404
Finish Damage
405
Underbody Maintenance
405
Chemical Paint Spotting
405
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
406
Vehicle Identification
407
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
407
Service Parts Identification Label
407
Electrical System
407
Add-On Electrical Equipment
407
Headlamps
408
Windshield Wiper Fuses
408
Power Windows and Other Power Options
408
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
408
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
409
Rear Underseat Fuse Block
416
Capacities and Specifications
419
Maintenance Schedule
421
Maintenance Schedule
422
Introduction
422
Maintenance Requirements
422
Your Vehicle and the Environment
422
Using the Maintenance Schedule
422
Scheduled Maintenance
424
Additional Required Services
426
Maintenance Footnotes
427
Owner Checks and Services
429
At Each Fuel Fill
429
At Least Once a Month
429
At Least Once a Year
430
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
432
Maintenance Replacement Parts
435
Engine Drive Belt Routing
436
Maintenance Record
437
Customer Assistance Information
441
Customer Assistance and Information
442
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
442
Online Owner Center
444
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
445
Customer Assistance Offices
445
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
446
Roadside Assistance Program
447
Scheduling Service Appointments
449
Courtesy Transportation
450
Collision Damage Repair
451
Reporting Safety Defects
454
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
454
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
455
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
455
Service Publications Ordering Information
455
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
457
Event Data Recorders
457
OnStar®
458
Navigation System
458
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
458
Index
459

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Overview

Introduction

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer stands as a versatile midsize SUV, merging rugged capability with refined comfort. This robust vehicle is designed for both urban commutes and outdoor adventures, offering a balanced blend of power, spaciousness, and technology. With its muscular stance and available 4WD, the Trailblazer invites drivers to explore diverse terrains with confidence.

Powertrains

For 2008, the Trailblazer offers two robust powertrains. The base model comes equipped with a 4.2-liter inline-six engine that delivers an impressive 285 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking additional power, an optional 5.3-liter V8 engine ramping up to 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque is available, providing exceptional towing capacity and performance. Both engines pair with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission, optimizing power delivery and fuel efficiency.

Trims

The 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in various trims including the base LS, mid-level LT, and the rugged LTZ. Each trim level offers a distinctive set of features, allowing buyers to choose a Trailblazer that fits their lifestyle. The LT adds desirable upgrades such as enhanced sound systems and keyless entry, while the LTZ offers luxury features like leather seating, heated front seats, and upgraded audio for a more refined driving experience.

Features

This SUV is packed with convenience and safety features, including standard full-length curtain airbags, stability control, and anti-lock braking systems. Available features range from a premium sound system, navigation, and a rear entertainment system, to a power sunroof, making every ride enjoyable for drivers and passengers alike. With ample cargo space and versatile rear seats, the Trailblazer is perfect for families and adventurers alike.

Owner's Manual

The 2008 Trailblazer’s owner’s manual serves as an essential guide for maintaining and maximizing the vehicle’s performance. It includes troubleshooting tips, routine maintenance schedules, and details on warranty coverage, ensuring that owners can find solutions and care instructions tailored to their vehicle. With comprehensive information compiled, it empowers drivers to get the most out of their Trailblazer, promoting longevity and reliability.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Trailblazer owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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