2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO check engine light

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel ash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also ash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.The tow/haul mode may be used if the transmission
shifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-51.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-34.
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Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle is equipped with one of the following wiring
harnesses for towing a trailer or hauling a slide-in
camper.
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, extended cab and crew cab pickups have a
seven-wire trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with heavy duty trailering, the
harness is secured to the vehicle’s frame behind the
spare tire mount. The harness requires the installation of
a trailer connector, which is available through your
dealer/retailer.
If towing a light-duty trailer with a standard four-way
round pin connector, an adapter is available from your
dealer/retailer.
4-80

This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-90.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-19.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System” in the DURAMAX®
Diesel manual.
For vehicles with gasoline engines, please read this.
Gasoline
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-122.
If the vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code 2), you can use either unleaded gasoline
or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 5-8. In all other
gasoline engines, use only unleaded gasoline. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-6.
Gasoline Octane
For all vehicles except those with the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code 2), use regular unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is
less than 87, you might notice an audible knocking noise
when you drive, commonly referred to as spark knock.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the
engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code 2), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
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notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-7
for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunctionIndicator Lamp on page 3-45. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
5-7

Maintenance Footnotes
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. For diesel engine vehicles, see
the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX
®
Diesel manual.
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,
and parking brake cable guides. Control arm ball joints
on 2500/3500 series vehicles require lubrication but
should not be lubricated unless their temperature is
10°F (−12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.
Control arm ball joints on 1500 series vehicles are
maintenance-free. Vehicles used under severe
commercial operating conditions require lubrication
on a regular basis every 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-64 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-119 for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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 see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-92.
6-9

Capacities and Specications..........................5-130
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-12, 2-55, 4-28
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-117
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-21
Cargo Management System.............................2-83
CD, MP3 ............................................3-108, 3-113
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-82
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp...............................................5-59
Center Seat...................................................1-14
Chains, Tire...................................................5-90
Charging System Light....................................3-41
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-45
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-121
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-45
Infants and Young Children...........................1-41
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-49
Older Children.............................................1-38
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-58Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position..................1-61, 1-66, 1-71
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-47
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-23
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-120
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-118
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-116
Finish Care...............................................5-119
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-117
Interior.....................................................5-114
Leather....................................................5-116
Tires........................................................
5-121
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-121
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-118
Weatherstrips............................................5-117
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-119
Climate Control System...........................3-24, 3-26
Dual Automatic............................................3-28
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-33
3

Driving (cont.)
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-27
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-25
Off-Road ....................................................4-12
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-31
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-30
Winter........................................................4-28
Driving for Better Fuel Economy......................... 4-2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-28
Dual Tire Operation.........................................5-75
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-129
E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-123
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-126
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-127
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-45
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-44
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-55
Fan Noise..................................................5-37
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-37
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-20
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-37
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
5

Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-7
Glove Box.....................................................2-81
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-8
Head Restraints............................................... 1-3
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-55
Headlamps....................................................5-58
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-58
Daytime Running Lamp................................3-17
Exterior Lamps............................................3-16
Flash-to-Pass..............................................3-10
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
High/Low Beam Changer..............................3-10
On Reminder..............................................3-17
Pickup Box Identication and Fender Marker
Lamps ....................................................5-60
Heated Seats................................................... 1-8Heater...................................................3-24, 3-26
Engine Coolant...........................................2-26
Heater...........................................................3-28
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-50
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-74
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-27
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-13
Horn ............................................................... 3-8
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-21
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-41
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-73
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-20
Cluster.......................................................3-34
Overview...............................................3-4, 3-6
Storage Area..............................................2-81
7