Welcome to the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, a versatile three-row crossover SUV designed for families and individuals seeking comfortable and capable transportation. Built on the robust GM Lambda platform, this first-generation...
Welcome to the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, a versatile three-row crossover SUV designed for families and individuals seeking comfortable and capable transportation. Built on the robust GM Lambda platform, this first-generation Traverse, produced from 2008 to 2017, offers seating for seven or eight passengers and is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine delivering up to 288 horsepower. Known for its spacious interior, ample cargo capacity, and a strong safety record, including a 5-Star NHTSA overall rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for the 2012 model year, the Traverse is engineered for reliability and everyday driving needs across North America.
This comprehensive owner's manual provides essential information to help you understand and maintain your 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. It covers critical areas such as vehicle operation, comfort and convenience features, scheduled maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to address common issues. Within these pages, you will find detailed guidance on powertrain systems, chassis components, electrical systems, and body features, along with specifications for fluids, capacities, and service intervals. This resource is designed to empower owners and technicians in ensuring the optimal performance, longevity, and safety of the vehicle.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Traverse
Year:
2012
Generation
First Generation Start:
2008
First Generation End:
2017
Generation Designation:
First Generation (CY136)
Codes
Chassis Code:
CY136
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile and comfortable transportation
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder
Key Features
Body Style:
3-row Crossover SUV
Seating Capacity:
7 or 8 passengers
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
North America (USA, Canada)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
600+
Manual Type
Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF
Download Type:
Instant Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Climate Control, Power Accessories, Security System
Vehicle Operation, Driving Tips, Comfort and Convenience Features
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks, Filter Replacements, Appearance Care
Troubleshooting:
Taking Care of the Unexpected, Warning Lights, Basic Troubleshooting
Technical Depth
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information, basic maintenance, and operational guidance. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair procedures found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Quality:
High-resolution PDF, typically searchable text
Print Quality
Print Recommendation:
Optimized for digital viewing, can be printed for offline use
10.7 quarts (10.1 liters) (check manual for exact fill procedure)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
202.0 inches (5131 mm)
Width:
78.4 inches (1991 mm)
Height:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Wheelbase:
118.5 inches (3010 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
24.4 cubic feet (691 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
67.5 cubic feet (1911 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
116.3 cubic feet (3293 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
4,512 lbs (2,047 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
4,730 lbs (2,145 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
6,283 lbs (2,850 kg) (typical)
Towing Capacity:
5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) (with available trailering package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 model year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2012 model year)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-impact, and Curtain Airbags (for all rows)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with touchscreen, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional navigation.
Entertainment Options:
AM/FM stereo, CD/MP3 player, auxiliary input jack, available rear-seat entertainment system.
Driver Assistance
Rear Vision Camera:
Available
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking sensors
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, or based on Oil Life Monitoring System
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), or as needed based on inspection
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for normal service, more frequent for severe service.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, tires, suspension components (struts, control arms), spark plugs
Potential Issues:
Timing chain stretch (on early LLT engines), transmission shudder, power steering pump issues, infotainment system glitches (less common on 2012 models).