Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-3
General Information
For service and parts needs,
visit your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non‐dealer accessories
to the vehicle can affect vehicle
performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking,
stability, ride and handling,
emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems
like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-7
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 10‑18.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10‑19.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump
Starting on page 10‑96.
D. Battery on page 10‑32.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑96.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on page 10‑11or Automatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑14.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 11‑2. H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System on page 10‑19.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid
on
page 10‑27.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
on
page 10‑30.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑48.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
on
page 10‑28.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax
®Diesel Supplement.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax Diesel
Supplement.
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle
must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6for the location
of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If this is not
done, the oil dipstick might
not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-13
4. Check both sides of the dipstick,and read the lower level. The
fluid level must be in the COLD
area, below the cross-hatched
area, for a cold check or in the
HOT or cross-hatched area for a
hot check. Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
5. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place. Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricantson page 11‑8to
determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use.
Using a funnel, add fluid down
the transmission dipstick tube only
after checking the transmission
fluid while it is hot. A cold check
is used only as a reference. If the
fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring the
level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It does not take much fluid,
generally less than 0.5 Liter (1 Pint).
Do not overfill. Notice:
Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 11‑8.
.After adding fluid, recheck the
fluid level as described under
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier
in this section.
.When the correct fluid level
is obtained, push the dipstick
back in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
5. If the fluid level is below theCOLD check band, add only
enough fluid as necessary to
bring the level into the COLD
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 Liter
(1 Pint). Do not overfill.
6. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the
transmission reaches a normal
operating temperature between
71°C to 93°C (160°F to 200°F).
7. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way,
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place. Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the
transmission fluid level when the
transmission fluid temperature
is between 71°C and 93°C
(160°F and 200°F).
The hot check is the most accurate
method to check the fluid level.
The hot check should be performed
at the first opportunity in order to
verify the cold check. The fluid level
rises as fluid temperature increases,
so it is important to ensure the
transmission temperature is within
range.1. Locate the transmission dipstick
at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 10‑6for
more information.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way; wait
three seconds, and then pull
it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.
Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-17
5. Safe operating level is within theHOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F
and 200°F), add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is
low, add only enough fluid to
bring the level into the HOT
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pint). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 11‑8for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly
check brake/clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system. Adding fluid will not correct
a leak. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
reservoir cap has this symbol on it.
The common hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder fluid reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6for reservoir location.
Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-23
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap. If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant as follows:
1. Remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means there
is still some pressure left. 2. Keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tankwith the proper mixture to the
FULL COLD mark.
Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-38 Vehicle Care
3. For automatic transmissionvehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start
the engine. The vehicle should
start only when the clutch pedal
is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the vehicle starts
when the clutch pedal is not
pushed all the way down,
contact your dealer for service.Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should
be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on
page 9‑68.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move. 3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition to ON/RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try
to move the shift lever out of
P (Park) with normal effort. If the
shift lever moves out of P (Park),
contact your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position.
.For automatic transmission
vehicles, the ignition should turn
to LOCK/OFF only when the
shift lever is in P (Park).
.For manual transmission
vehicles, the ignition should turn
to LOCK/OFF only when you
press the key release button.
Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-39
On all vehicles, the ignition key
should come out only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{WARNING
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift
to P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should
be inspected for wear or cracking.
See Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 11‑2for more information on
wiper blade inspection.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. To remove the wiper
blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from the
windshield.