2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO service indicator

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

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this
occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service.Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
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 (Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine (Code 2),
you can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on
page 5-6. In all other engines, use only the unleaded
gasoline described underGasoline Octane on page 5-6.
Only vehicles that have the 5.3L V8 engine (Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine (Code 2)
can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage the use
of E85 in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanol
in E85 is a “renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn and other crops.
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U. S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html)
that can help you nd E85 fuel. Those stations that
do have E85 should have a label indicating ethanol
content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content
is greater than 85%.
5-8

Brake Wear
This vehicle has front disc brakes and could have rear
drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving,
except when applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-130.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if a rear brake rubbing noise is heard,
have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. Drum
brakes have an inspection hole to inspect lining wear
during scheduled maintenance. When the front brake
pads are replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return
to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-42

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Allison Transmission
®only: Replace external transmission lter at the rst
maintenance service performed on the vehicle.
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.See footnote (p).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-81and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-12.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
6-5

Additional Required Services
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (IorII) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Vehicles without a lter restriction
indicator: Replace engine air cleaner
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-19.•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (normal service).•
Four-wheel drive only: Change transfer
case uid (extreme duty service).
See footnotes (g) and (l).• •••••
6-7

(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 driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter 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 vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
At the First 100, 1,000 and
6,000 Miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km)
For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut
torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-130.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-29.
6-11

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-4
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-22
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-39
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-90
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-123
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-26
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning..............................3-24, 3-26, 3-28
Airbag
Off Light.....................................................3-38
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-40
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
Airbag System................................................1-74
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-90
Airbag Off Switch........................................1-82
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-80
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-85
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-90
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-79
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-80
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-78
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-76Antenna, Fixed Mast......................................3-142
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-142
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-43
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-120
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-117
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-121
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-118
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-116
Finish Care...............................................5-119
Finish Damage..........................................5-121
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-117
Interior Cleaning........................................5-114
Leather....................................................5-116
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-121
Tires........................................................5-121
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-121
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-118
Weatherstrips............................................5-117
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-119
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-23
1

Locking Rear Axle............................................ 4-9
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door ........................................................... 2-9
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door .................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-52
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-49
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-82
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-6
Power Controls............................................. 1-7
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-7
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-11
At Least Once a Month................................6-12
At Least Once a Year..................................6-12Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000km).......................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-19
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-17
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-11
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-15
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-45
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-6
Manual Seats................................................... 1-4
Manual Windows............................................2-14
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals...................... 1-8
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-66
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-57
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-57
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-61
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-61
9