2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO manual transmission

ii
Table of Contents
Windows
Keys and Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Tailgate
Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission
Four-Wheel Drive Operation (If Equipped)
Parking Brake
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
Turn Signal/Multifunction LeverWindshield Wipers
Cruise Control
Exterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Accessory Power Outlets
OnStar® System (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
Message Center Seats and Seat Controls
Safety BeltsAir Bag System
Restraint Systems for Children
Section
1
Section
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
Features and Controls

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-1 Windows
2-5 Keys
2-6 Door Locks
2-10 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2-13 Rear Doors
2-14 Tailgate
2-15 Theft
2-16 Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2-17 Passlock

2-18 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2-18 Ignition Positions
2-20 Starting Your Engine
2-23 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2-24 Automatic Transmission Operation
2-28 Manual Transmission Operation
2-34 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2-43 Parking Brake
2-44 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)2
-46 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-47 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
2
-47 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-48 Engine Exhaust
2-48 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-49 Manual Selectable Ride (If Equipped)
2-51 Locking Rear Axle
2-52 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-58 Exterior Lamps
2-61 Interior Lamps
2-63 Mirrors
2-76 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2-80 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-82 Instrument Panel Cluster
2-84 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-99 Message Center

2-15
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
If you have a manual transmission, your steering wheel
will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an
automatic transmission, your ignition and transmission
will be locked. Also remember to lock the doors.
If the key is in the ignition, with any door open, and you
try to lock your doors with the power door locks, the
driver's door will not stay locked. This will help to keep
you from locking your keys in the vehicle.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key? What if you have to leave something
valuable in your vehicle?

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.

Valuables can be locked in the center floor console.

If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

2-19
LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition and
transmission. It's a theft
-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned
to LOCK.
CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don't press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine.
Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while
the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is
being pushed).
RUN (D): This is the position for driving.
START (E): This position starts your engine.

2-20
Key Release Button (Manual Transmission)
The ignition key cannot be
removed from the ignition
of manual transmission
vehicles unless the key
release button is used.
To remove the key on manual transmission vehicles,
turn the key to OFF, then press the button and turn the
key to LOCK. Do not hold the button in while turning
the key to OFF. Pull the key straight out.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow
certain features on your vehicle to continue to work up
to 20 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF.Your radio, power windows and overhead console will work
when the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY. Once the
key is turned from RUN to OFF, these features will continue
to work for up to 20 minutes or until a door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start
the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is
not all the way down
-- that's a safety feature.

2-27
If your vehicle is equipped with the Allison Transmission,
it will initially attain first range when DRIVE (D) is
selected. As vehicle speed increases, the transmission
will upshift automatically through each available range
up to FIFTH (5). As the vehicle slows, the transmission
will downshift automatically.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D).
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
If you manually select SECOND (2) in a light duty
automatic transmission, the transmission will drive in
second gear. You may use this feature for reducing the
speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start
your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission won't shift into
first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use your brakes or shift into
PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position
on a hill.
On cold days, approximately 32
F (0
C) or colder,
your transmission is designed to shift differently until
the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
This is intended to improve heater performance.

2-28
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Switch
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow/haul mode. The
selector switch is located on the end of the column shift
lever. You can use this feature to assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load. See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the
Index for more information.
Manual Transmission Operation
5-Speed (VORTEC 6000 V8 Engine)
Here's how to operate
your transmission.
FIRST (1) is intended only for heavy loads or trailer
towing and is not recommended for normal driving.
During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start
your vehicle moving in FIRST (1). This allows clutch
components to break
-in properly.

2-31
6-Speed
(VORTEC 8100 V8 and DURAMAX

6600 V8 Engines)
Here's how to operate
your transmission.
This 6
-speed pattern is unique to GM manual
transmissions. The transmission always repositions the
shift lever to NEUTRAL, which is located between
FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) gear.
To prevent unintentional gear selections, additional force
is required to move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) or
FIRST (1). Use FIRST (1) when trailer towing, driving
with payload in the pickup box or launching on a grade.
Otherwise, start in SECOND (2) gear. Only shift into
FIRST (1) when the vehicle has stopped moving.During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start
the vehicle moving in FIRST (1) gear. This allows the
clutch components to wear
-in properly.
FIRST (1): With the vehicle at a stop, release the
brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. Only downshift into FIRST (1) when
the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the shift
lever will not go into FIRST (1), put the lever in
NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal to fully
engage the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again.
Then, shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2): With the vehicle at a stop, release
the brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into
SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal. With the vehicle moving,
press the clutch pedal and upshift into SECOND (2) from
FIRST (1) while applying light pressure to the right on
the shifter. Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal. If you come to a complete stop
and the shift lever will not go into SECOND (2), put the
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal to
fully engage the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again.
Then, shift into SECOND (2).