2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO towing

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline
Engine) on page 5-20.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
C. Engine Cooling Fan8.1L V8 Engines
5-40

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan, when
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is not
fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages, so you may
hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should
not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning
properly. The fan will slow down when additional cooling
is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If your vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating your
air conditioning system, the fans may change to
high speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans will change to low
speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
5-45

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door
hinge, locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is
over 8600 lbs or if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-35 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-10

(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve works properly, if equipped.
Replace as needed.
(l)Change clutch uid (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst).
(m)Change automatic transmission uid and external
transmission lter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(n)Vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a
Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles
sold in the United States and recommended for
vehicles sold in Canada.(p)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter or change indicator (if equipped) at each
engine oil change.
(q)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline
Engine) on page 6-15.
6-11

If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are all
right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one else
in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Do not
leave the scene of an accident until all matters have
been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This
will help guard against post-accident legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states with
“no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a private
collision repair facility to x the damage, make sure
you are comfortable with them. Remember, you will
have to feel comfortable with their work for a
long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-12

Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-17
R
Radios..........................................................3-70
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-72
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-128
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-130
Care of Your CDs and DVDs .......................3-129
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-85
Radio with CD............................................3-74
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-99
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-125
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-71
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-126
Understanding Reception............................3-128
Rear Axle......................................................5-56
Locking......................................................4-12
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Doors....................................................2-13
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-30
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-125
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-114
Rear Seat Operation...............................1-10, 1-11Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-27
Rearview Mirror, Automatic
Dimming with Compass................................2-60
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-62
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with OnStar®and Compass..........................2-56
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with OnStar®,
Compass and Temperature Display..................2-58
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-56
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-15
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-47
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-62
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-99
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-95
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-72
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-13
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-88
Replacing Restraint System
Parts After a Crash..................................1-89
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-22
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Tires (cont.)
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-75
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-78
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-89
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-90
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-90
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-86
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-76
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................2-30
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-49
Towing
Power Take-Off (PTO)..................................4-95
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-62
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-67
Your Vehicle...............................................4-61
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-9
Manual Selectable Ride................................4-11
Off Light.....................................................3-42
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-95Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-27, 5-30
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-32
Temperature Gage.......................................3-43
Up-Shift Light..............................................3-40
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-24
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-32
Trip Odometer................................................3-32
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-59
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-128
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-89
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-71
Operation...................................................2-72
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-40
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