2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Tahoe
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Instrument Panel Overview
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
10
Door Locks
11
Liftgate
12
Windows
13
Seat Adjustment
13
Memory Features
16
Second Row Seats
17
Third Row Seats
17
Heated and Ventilated Seats
17
Head Restraint Adjustment
18
Safety Belts
18
Passenger Sensing System
18
Mirror Adjustment
19
Steering Wheel Adjustment
21
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment
21
Interior Lighting
22
Exterior Lighting
23
Windshield Wiper/Washer
23
Climate Controls
24
Transmission
25
Four-Wheel Drive
26
Vehicle Features
27
Radio(s)
27
Satellite Radio
29
Portable Audio Devices
29
Bluetooth®
29
Steering Wheel Controls
30
Cruise Control
30
Navigation System
31
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
31
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
31
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
32
Power Outlets
32
Universal Remote System
32
Sunroof
33
Performance and Maintenance
34
StabiliTrak® System
34
Tire Pressure Monitor
34
Engine Oil Life System
35
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
35
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
35
Roadside Assistance Program
36
OnStar®
36
Keys, Doors, and Windows
37
Keys and Locks
38
Keys
38
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
39
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
39
Remote Vehicle Start
42
Door Locks
44
Power Door Locks
45
Delayed Locking
45
Automatic Door Locks
45
Lockout Protection
45
Safety Locks
46
Doors
46
Liftgate
46
Power Assist Steps
50
Vehicle Security
51
Anti-theft Alarm System
51
Immobilizer
53
Immobilizer Operation
53
Exterior Mirrors
54
Convex Mirrors
54
Manual Mirrors
55
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
55
Power Mirrors
55
Folding Mirrors
57
Heated Mirrors
57
Automatic Dimming Mirror
57
Park Tilt Mirrors
58
Interior Mirrors
58
Manual Rearview Mirror
58
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
58
Windows
59
Power Windows
60
Sun Visors
61
Roof
61
Sunroof
61
Seats and Restraints
63
Head Restraints
64
Front Seats
65
Seat Adjustment
65
Center Seat
66
Power Seat Adjustment
66
Lumbar Adjustment
67
Reclining Seatbacks
68
Memory Seats
70
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
72
Rear Seats
73
Heated Rear Seats
73
Second Row Seats
74
Third Row Seats
78
Safety Belts
82
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
83
Lap-Shoulder Belt
84
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
90
Lap Belt
90
Safety Belt Extender
91
Safety System Check
91
Safety Belt Care
91
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
92
Airbag System
92
Where Are the Airbags?
94
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
97
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
98
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
99
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
99
Passenger Sensing System
101
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
106
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
106
Airbag System Check
108
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
108
Child Restraints
109
Older Children
109
Infants and Young Children
111
Child Restraint Systems
113
Where to Put the Restraint
115
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
117
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
124
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position)
125
Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)
128
Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)
128
Storage
133
Storage Compartments
133
Glove Box
133
Cupholders
133
Armrest Storage
133
Rear Storage
134
Center Console Storage
134
Additional Storage Features
134
Cargo Cover
134
Roof Rack System
135
Instruments and Controls
137
Controls
138
Steering Wheel Adjustment
138
Steering Wheel Controls
139
Horn
141
Windshield Wiper/Washer
141
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
142
Compass
142
Clock
144
Power Outlets
145
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
147
Instrument Cluster
148
Speedometer
149
Odometer
149
Trip Odometer
149
Tachometer
149
Fuel Gauge
149
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
150
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
151
Voltmeter Gauge
152
Safety Belt Reminders
153
Airbag Readiness Light
154
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
154
Charging System Light
156
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
156
Brake System Warning Light
159
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
159
Tow/Haul Mode Light
160
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
160
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
161
Tire Pressure Light
161
Engine Oil Pressure Light
162
Low Fuel Warning Light
162
Security Light
162
High-Beam On Light
163
Front Fog Lamp Light
163
Cruise Control Light
163
Information Displays
164
Driver Information Center (DIC)
164
Vehicle Messages
173
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
173
Brake System Messages
173
Door Ajar Messages
174
Engine Cooling System Messages
175
Engine Oil Messages
176
Engine Power Messages
176
Fuel System Messages
177
Key and Lock Messages
177
Lamp Messages
177
Object Detection System Messages
177
Ride Control System Messages
179
Airbag System Messages
180
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
180
Tire Messages
180
Transmission Messages
181
Vehicle Reminder Messages
182
Washer Fluid Messages
183
Vehicle Personalization
183
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
183
Universal Remote System
192
Universal Remote System Programming
192
Universal Remote System Operation
197
Lighting
199
Exterior Lighting
199
Exterior Lamp Controls
199
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
200
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
200
Flash-to-Pass
201
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
201
Automatic Headlamp System
202
Hazard Warning Flashers
203
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
203
Fog Lamps
204
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
205
Interior Lighting
205
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
205
Dome Lamps
206
Reading Lamps
206
Lighting Features
207
Entry Lighting
207
Exit Lighting
207
Battery Load Management
207
Battery Power Protection
208
Infotainment System
209
Introduction
209
Infotainment
209
Theft-Deterrent Feature
210
Operation
211
Radio
216
AM-FM Radio
216
Satellite Radio
217
Radio Reception
221
Rear Side Window Antenna
222
Satellite Radio Antenna
222
Audio Players
222
CD Player
222
CD/DVD Player
228
Auxiliary Devices
239
Rear Seat Infotainment
243
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
243
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System
254
Phone
256
Bluetooth
256
Trademarks and License Agreements
263
Climate Controls
265
Climate Control Systems
265
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
268
Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate Control Only)
274
Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate with Rear Seat Audio)
275
Air Vents
277
Driving and Operating
279
Driving Information
280
Distracted Driving
280
Defensive Driving
281
Drunk Driving
281
Control of a Vehicle
281
Braking
282
Steering
282
Off-Road Recovery
283
Loss of Control
283
Off-Road Driving
284
Driving on Wet Roads
289
Highway Hypnosis
290
Hill and Mountain Roads
290
Winter Driving
291
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
293
Vehicle Load Limits
294
Starting and Operating
300
New Vehicle Break-In
300
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
300
Ignition Positions
301
Starting the Engine
303
Engine Heater
304
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
305
Shifting Into Park
305
Shifting out of Park
307
Parking over Things That Burn
307
Active Fuel Management®
308
Engine Exhaust
308
Running the Vehicle While Parked
309
Automatic Transmission
310
Manual Mode
313
Tow/Haul Mode
314
Drive Systems
315
Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed Automatic Transfer Case)
315
Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic Transfer Case)
320
Brakes
322
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
322
Parking Brake
324
Brake Assist
324
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
325
Ride Control Systems
325
StabiliTrak® System
325
Locking Rear Axle
329
Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
329
Automatic Level Control
329
Cruise Control
330
Object Detection Systems
332
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
332
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
334
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
337
Fuel
341
Recommended Fuel
341
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
342
California Fuel Requirements
342
Fuels in Foreign Countries
342
Fuel Additives
343
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
344
Filling the Tank
345
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
347
Towing
347
General Towing Information
347
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
348
Trailer Towing
352
Towing Equipment
357
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
368
Conversions and Add-Ons
368
Add-On Electrical Equipment
368
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
368
Vehicle Care
373
General Information
374
California Proposition 65 Warning
375
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
375
Accessories and Modifications
375
Vehicle Checks
376
Doing Your Own Service Work
376
Hood
377
Engine Compartment Overview
378
Engine Oil
379
Engine Oil Life System
382
Automatic Transmission Fluid
383
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
386
Cooling System
388
Engine Coolant
389
Engine Overheating
393
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
395
Engine Fan
395
Power Steering Fluid
396
Washer Fluid
397
Brakes
398
Brake Fluid
399
Battery
400
Four-Wheel Drive
401
Front Axle
402
Rear Axle
403
Starter Switch Check
404
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
404
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
405
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
405
Wiper Blade Replacement
406
Glass Replacement
407
Headlamp Aiming
407
Bulb Replacement
409
Halogen Bulbs
409
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
410
License Plate Lamp
411
Replacement Bulbs
411
Electrical System
412
Electrical System Overload
412
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
413
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
413
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
417
Wheels and Tires
421
Tires
421
Tire Sidewall Labeling
422
Tire Designations
425
Tire Terminology and Definitions
426
Tire Pressure
429
Tire Pressure Monitor System
431
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
432
Tire Inspection
435
Tire Rotation
436
When It Is Time for New Tires
437
Buying New Tires
438
Different Size Tires and Wheels
440
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
441
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
442
Wheel Replacement
443
Tire Chains
444
If a Tire Goes Flat
445
Tire Changing
447
Secondary Latch System
457
Full-Size Spare Tire
460
Jump Starting
461
Towing
465
Towing the Vehicle
465
Recreational Vehicle Towing
465
Appearance Care
471
Exterior Care
471
Interior Care
474
Floor Mats
477
Service and Maintenance
479
General Information
479
Maintenance Schedule
481
Special Application Services
486
Additional Maintenance and Care
487
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
490
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
490
Maintenance Replacement Parts
492
Maintenance Records
493
Technical Data
497
Vehicle Identification
497
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
497
Service Parts Identification Label
497
Vehicle Data
498
Capacities and Specifications
498
Engine Drive Belt Routing
500
Customer Information
501
Customer Information
501
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada)
501
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
503
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada)
505
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico)
506
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada)
506
Online Owner Center
507
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada)
508
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada)
508
Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico)
510
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada)
513
Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada)
514
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada)
515
Service Publications Ordering Information
518
Reporting Safety Defects
519
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
519
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
519
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
520
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
520
Event Data Recorders
520
OnStar®
521
Navigation System
521
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
522
Radio Frequency Statement
522
OnStar
523
OnStar Overview
523
OnStar Services
524
Emergency
524
Security
524
Navigation
524
Connections
526
Diagnostics
527
OnStar Additional Information
527
Index
531
Index_A
531
Index_B
532
Index_C
532
Index_D
533
Index_E
534
Index_F
535
Index_G
536
Index_H
536
Index_I
536
Index_J
537
Index_K
537
Index_L
537
Index_M
538
Index_N
538
Index_O
539
Index_P
539
Index_R
540
Index_S
541
Index_T
542
Index_U
543
Index_V
543
Index_W
544
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe stands as a paragon of ruggedness and reliability in the full-size SUV market. Combining spacious interiors, powerful performance, and an array of features, this versatile vehicle caters to families and adventurers alike. With a bold exterior design and a strong road presence, the Tahoe is engineered to tackle urban streets and off-road trails with equal aplomb.
Powertrains
The 2012 Tahoe is equipped with a robust 5.3-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. This powerful powertrain is paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration and capability for towing. Additionally, an optional 6.2-liter V8 engine is available for those seeking even more power. The Tahoe offers both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, ensuring versatility for various driving conditions.
Trims
Chevrolet offers the 2012 Tahoe in three distinct trims: the base LS, mid-level LT, and high-end LTZ. The LS trim comes well-equipped with essential features, while the LT trim adds enhancements like leather seating and upgraded audio systems. The LTZ trim elevates luxury to the next level with premium leather, advanced safety technologies, and exclusive styling touches, making it a perfect option for those who prioritize comfort and sophistication.
Features
Inside, the Tahoe boasts an expansive cabin that can accommodate up to nine passengers, making it one of the most spacious SUVs in its class. Standard features include a tri-zone climate control system, touchscreen infotainment center, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offer additional features such as a rear-seat entertainment system, navigation, and premium audio systems, enhancing the driving experience for all occupants.
Owner's Manual
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe owner's manual serves as an essential companion for Tahoe owners, providing valuable information on the vehicle's operation and maintenance. It includes guidelines for regular servicing, troubleshooting tips, and safety information, ensuring that drivers can maximize their experience and maintain optimal performance for years to come.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Tahoe owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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