2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO parking brake

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Delayed Locking.............................................2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks
(Crew Cab)...............................................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Rear Doors..................................................2-13
Tailgate.......................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Manual Windows..........................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Swing-Out Windows......................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
Passlock
ž....................................................2-19Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-20
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-20
Ignition Positions..........................................2-20
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-22
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-24
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-25
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-29
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-33
All-Wheel Drive............................................2-44
Parking Brake..............................................2-44
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-46
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-49
Parking Your Vehicle.....................................2-49
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-50
Engine Exhaust............................................2-51
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked. . . .2-52
Mirrors...........................................................2-53
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-53
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
ž, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-53
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
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
10 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 LOCK, these
features will continue to work for up to 10 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. If you have a diesel engine refer
to the diesel supplement for starting procedure.
Notice:Do not 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 ¯oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down ± that's a safety feature.
2-22

Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, it features an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display
must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of
being moved out of PARK (P). See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-110.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It's the
best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle can't move easily. If your vehicle is equipped
with the Allison
žTransmission, use park for stationary
operation of the Power Takeoff (PTO) (if equipped).
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake ®rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
You or others could be injured. To be sure
your vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into Park (P)º in the Index. If you
are pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will be
free to roll Ð even if your shift lever is in PARK
(P) Ð if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL. So,
be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear,
two-wheel high (2H) or four-wheel high (4H) or
four-wheel low (4L) Ð not in NEUTRAL. See
ªShifting into Park (P)º in the index.
2-25

NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, ®rst press down the clutch
pedal. Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then,
shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal
slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shift into REVERSE (R) only after your
vehicle is stopped. Shifting into REVERSE (R) while
your vehicle is moving could damage your
transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
when turning off your engine and parking your
vehicle.
Five-Speed (VORTECŸ 4300 V6 and
4800 V8 Engines)
Here's how to operate your transmission:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you're going less than
20 mph (32 km/h). If you've come to a complete stop and
it's hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever into
NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch
pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to
NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, ®rst press down the clutch
pedal. Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then,
shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal
slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shift into REVERSE (R) only after your
vehicle is stopped. Shifting into REVERSE (R) while
your vehicle is moving could damage your
transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
when turning off your engine and parking your
vehicle.
2-30

FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6):Upshift into the
higher forward gears the same way as you do
THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press the clutch pedal.
Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift
to REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal. Also, use REVERSE (R),
along with the parking brake, when turning off your
engine and parking your vehicle.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Don't shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.Do not allow the engine rpm to overspeed and enter the
tachometer red lines. Engine overspeed occurs when
downshifting, or descending a grade, at too high a
vehicle speed. When going down steep grades, always
select a gear at least one position lower than you
would use on climbing a grade. This will allow the
vehicle's engine to provide some braking and help to
slow the vehicle as it goes down the grade. Monitor your
vehicle speed, acceleration and engine rpm while
applying the brakes as you go down the grade to ensure
you have complete control over the vehicle.
If your engine speed drops below 600 rpm, or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. When operating on slippery
surfaces, downshift at lower than normal vehicle speeds
to prevent the tires from slipping.
In bench seat equipped vehicles, move the tallest
beverage containers to the right cupholder to provide
additional clearance for the shift lever.
For vehicles equipped with a center console, the front
cup holder pulls out and turns 180É to provide additional
clearance between tall beverage containers and the
shift lever.
2-32

An indicator on the bezel near the lever shows you the
transfer case settings:
2-Wheel High (2HI):This setting is used for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle
is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting
also provides the best fuel economy.
4-Wheel High (4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also engages your front
axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P), or if you have a
manual transmission, even if you are in gear.
You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
See ªParking Brakeº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N):Shift to this setting only when your
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle
Towing on page 4-55orTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-55.
4-Wheel Low (4L0):This setting also engages your
front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need 4LO. It sends maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing
or descending steep hills.
You can shift from 2-Wheel High (2HI) to 4-Wheel High
(4HI) or from 4-Wheel High (4HI) to 2-Wheel High
(2HI) while the vehicle is moving. Your front axle will
engage faster if you take your foot off of the accelerator
for a couple of seconds after you shift. In extremely
cold weather, it may be necessary to stop or slow the
vehicle to shift into 4-Wheel High (4HI).
2-35

When Using the Manual Transfer Case
·
All shifts should be made using quick motions. Slow
shifts may make it harder to shift.
·You may notice that it is harder to shift when the
vehicle is cold. When the vehicle warms up it the
shifting will return to normal.
·While in 4-Wheel (4HI) or 4-Wheel Lo (4LO) you may
experience reduced fuel economy.
·Avoid driving in 4-Wheel Drive on clean, dry
pavement. It may cause your tires to wear faster, and
make your transfer case harder to shift and run
noisier.
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI
·
Shifts between 2HI and 4HI can be made at any
vehicle speed.
·It is easiest to shift the transfer case when
maintaining a constant speed or a slight acceleration.
If possible, avoid shifting during while slowing down,
as it will may make it harder to shift.
·Shift your transfer case lever in one continuous
motion into either the 4HI or 2HI position.
·In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to
slow or stop the vehicle to shift into 4HI until your
vehicle has warmed up.
·While in 4HI, your vehicle can be driven at any
posted legal speed limit.
Shifting In or Out of 4LO
Notice:Shifting the transfer case into 4LO while
moving at speeds faster than 3 mph (5 km/h)
may cause premature wear to the transfer cse, and
may cause the gears to grind. To avoid causing
premature wear, and grinding the gears, do not shift
the tranfer case into 4LO when the vehicle is
moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Shifts into 4LO can be made with the vehicle at a stop,
or while slowly rolling about 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h).
·Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
(N), or with a manual transmission, press the
clutch pedal, or shift into NEUTRAL (N).
·Shift the transfer case shift lever in one continuous
motion into the 4LO position.
·When in 4LO do not drive faster than 45 mph. This
will reduce wear and extend the life of your
transfer case.
Shifting In or Out of NEUTRAL
1. With the vehicle running and the engine at an idle
set the parking brake.
2. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL (N).
Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion into or
out of the NEUTRAL (N) position.
2-36

G(4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such
a on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
This setting also engages your front axle to help
drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when
plowing snow.
g(4LO):This setting also engages your front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It
sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might
choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in deep
sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing or descending
steep hills.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. See ªParking Brakeº in the
Index.NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-55orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-55for more information.
Indicator lights in the switches show which setting your
transfer case is in. The indicator lights will come on
brie¯y when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will
¯ash while the transfer case is being shifted. It will
remain illuminated when the shift is complete. If
for some reason the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.
If the SERVICE 4WD light stays on, you should take
your vehicle to your dealer for service. See
Service on
page 5-3for further information.
Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This
can be done at any speed (except when shifting
from 4LO), and the indicator light will ¯ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
2-38