2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO radio

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system will turn on the headlamps at the normal
brightness, along with the taillamps, sidemarker, parking
lamps, and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then release
it. For vehicles rst sold in Canada, the transmission
must be in the PARK (P) position, before the automatic
headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel in the defroster grille that regulates
when the automatic headlamps turn on. Be sure it is not
covered, or the headlamps will come on whenever
the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp
systems so that driving under bridges or bright
overhead street lights does not affect the system.The DRL and automatic headlamp system will only be
affected when the light sensor detects a change in
lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is bright enough outside. During that
delay, the instrument panel cluster may not be as
bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel
brightness control is in the full bright position.
SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-21.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the control to the off position.
The headlamps will also stay on after you exit the
vehicle. This feature can be programmed using the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76.
The regular headlamp system can be turned on
when needed.
3-19

EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome and reading lamps,
if they are left on for more than 10 minutes after
the ignition is turned off. The cargo lamp shuts off
after 20 minutes. This prevents the battery from
running down.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets
located below the climate control system, or may have
one accessory power outlet and one cigarette lighter.
The cigarette lighter is designed to t only in the
receptacle closest to the driver.
There may be another accessory power outlet in the
rear cargo area. If the vehicle has a oor console, there
is an accessory power outlet inside the storage bin
and one on the rear of the oor console.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the protective
cap. When not in use, always cover the accessory
power outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied
to the outlets. Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.
3-23

Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn on
the ignition key, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66
for more information. This light could indicate that there
are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Voltmeter Gage
Your vehicle may have a
voltmeter gage.
When the ignition is on, this gage indicates the
battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage may
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading, this is normal. If the vehicle is operating outside
the normal operating range, the charging system light
will come on. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-45
for more information. The voltmeter gage may also
read lower when in fuel economy mode. This is normal.
3-45

EXIT FEATURE SETTINGS
This feature allows you to exit the feature settings menu.
Press the customization button until PRESS
VTO EXIT
FEATURE SETTINGS appears in the DIC display.
Press the set/reset button once to exit the menu.
If you do not exit, pressing the customization button
again will return you to the beginning of the feature
settings menu.
Exiting the Feature Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be exited when any of
the following occurs:
The vehicle is no longer in ON/RUN.
The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons
are pressed.
The end of the feature settings menu is reached
and exited.
A 40 second time period has elapsed with no
selection made.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read
the pages following to familiarize yourself with its
features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
3-84

Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2. Here are
some ways in which you can help avoid distraction
while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound equipment
can be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can
be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-24
for more information.
3-85

Setting the Clock
AM-FM Radio with Optional CD Player
If the vehicle has an AM/FM radio with an optional
CD player, it has a
H(clock) button for setting the time.
With these types of radios, the clock can be set with
either the radio turned on or off.
Set the time by following these steps:
1. Press the
Hbutton until the hour numbers begin
ashing on the display. Press the
Hbutton a
second time and the minute numbers begin ashing
on the display. Press the
Hbutton a third time
and the 12HR or 24HR time format begins ashing.
2. While either the hour or the minute numbers
are ashing, turn the
fknob, located on the upper
right side of the radio faceplate, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the time.
While the 12HR or 24HR time format is ashing,
turn the
fknob clockwise or counterclockwise
to select the default time settings.
3. Press the
Hbutton again until the clock display
stops ashing to set the currently displayed time;
otherwise, the ashing stops after ve seconds and
the current time displayed will be automatically set.
MP3 Radios with a Single CD or a
Single CD and DVD Player
If the vehicle has a radio with a single CD or a CD
and DVD player, it has a
Hbutton for setting the time
and date.
To set the time and date, follow the instructions:
1. Press the
Hbutton and the HR, MIN, MM, DD,
YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year)
displays.
2. Press the pushbutton located under any one of the
labels to change. Every time the pushbutton is
pressed again, the time or the date if selected,
increases by one.
Another way to increase the time or date,
is to press the right
¨SEEK arrow or the
\FWD (forward) button.
To decrease, press the left©SEEK arrow or the
sREV (reverse) button, or turn thefknob,
located on the upper right side of the radio, to
adjust the selected setting.
3-86

Changing the Time and Date Default
Settings
To change the time default setting from 12 hours to
24 hours or change the date default setting from
month/day/year to day/month/year.
To change the time or date default settings, follow these
instructions:
1. Press the
Hbutton and then the pushbutton
located under the forward arrow that is currently
displayed on the radio screen until the time
12H (hour) and 24H (hour), and the date MM/DD
(month and day) and DD/MM (day and month)
are displayed.
2. Press the pushbutton located under the desired
option.
3. Press the
Hbutton again to apply the selected
default, or let the screen time out.
MP3 Radio with a Six-Disc CD Player
If the vehicle has a radio with a six-disc CD player,
the radio has a MENU button instead of the
Hbutton
to set the time and date.
To set the time and date, follow these instructions:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Once the
Hoption displays, press the pushbutton
located under that label. The HR, MIN, MM, DD,
YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year) displays.
3. Press the pushbutton located under any one of the
labels to change. Every time the pushbutton is
pressed again, the time or the date if selected,
increases by one.
Another way to increase the time or date,
is to press the right
¨SEEK arrow or the
\FWD (forward) button.
4. To decrease, press the left
©SEEK arrow or the
sREV (reverse) button, or turn thefknob,
located on the upper right side of the radio, to adjust
the selected setting.
3-87

Changing the Time and Date Default
Settings
To change the time default setting from 12 hours
to 24 hours or change the date default setting from
month/day/year to day/month/year.
To change the time or date default settings, follow these
instructions:
1. Press the MENU button. Once the
Hoption
displays, press the pushbutton located under
the forward arrow that is currently displayed on the
radio screen until the 12H (hour) and 24H (hour),
and the date MM/DD (month and day) and
DD/MM (day and month) displays.
2. Press the pushbutton located under the desired
option.
3. Press the MENU button again to apply the selected
default, or let the screen time out.
Radio(s)
AM-FM Radio
3-88