Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-28 Vehicle Care
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, seeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 11‑8. Always
use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑8.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may
fall below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer
fluid message on the DIC that
comes on when the washer fluid
is low. The message is displayed
for 15 seconds at the start of each
ignition cycle. When the WASHER
FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message
displays, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer
fluid reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid
until the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6for reservoir location. Notice:
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer's instructions
for adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean
as well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could
damage the tank if it
is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Black plate (108,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-108 Vehicle Care
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Parts
Bright metal parts should be
cleaned regularly to keep their
luster. Washing with water is all that
is usually needed. However, chrome
polish may be used on chrome or
stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum
trim. To avoid damaging protective
trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap to
clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright metal
parts.Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using
a lint free cloth or paper towel
soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash
the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road
grime, sap and a buildup of vehicle
wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper
blades if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels and Trim
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft clean cloth with mild soap
and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium,
calcium or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as
ice and dust. Always wash the
vehicle's chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System
on
page 10‑9.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and
filter. Reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil
on page 10‑7andEngine Oil Life Systemon
page 10‑9. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check.
See Engine Coolanton
page 10‑20.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluidon
page 10‑28.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care
on page 10‑106. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑39.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑63.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑71.
.Rotate tires if necessary.
See Tire Rotation on
page 10‑71.
.Fluids visual leak check
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and
the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑18.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.For vehicles with Allison
Transmission®only: At the first
engine oil change only, replace
external transmission filter.
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
Additional Required Services
At the First 160 km/100 Miles,
1 600 km/1,000 Miles, and
10 000 km/6,000 Miles
.For vehicles with dual
wheels: Check dual wheel
nut torque. For proper
torque, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should
be rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 miles. See Tire Rotation
on page 10‑71. At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check.
See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
.Engine coolant level check.
SeeEngine Coolanton
page 10‑20.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluidon
page 10‑28.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑63.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑71.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped.
See Sunroof (Extended Cab)
on
page 2‑22or Sunroof (Crew
Cab) on page 2‑23. Once a Year
.See
Starter Switch Checkon
page 10‑37.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑38.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑38.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Checkon
page 10‑39.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Underbody flushing service.
Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (extreme duty
service) for vehicles mainly
driven off‐road in four‐wheel
drive. Vehicles used for farming,
mining, forestry, Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), and
snow plowing occupations meet
this definition. Check vent hose
at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During
any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody,
care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case
output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑18.
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (severe service) for
vehicles with Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) over
3 901 kg (8,600 lbs) or mainly
driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission)
on
page 10‑11or Automatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑14.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. Check
vent hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation.
Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance,
if a power washer is used to
clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer
case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-7
.Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
An Emission Control Service.
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.First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (normal service).
See
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
on
page 10‑11or Automatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑14.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (normal
service). Check vent hose at
transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During
any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody,
care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case
output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.
.Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wires inspection.
An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain,
flush, and refill (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See Engine Coolant
on
page 10‑20. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine drive belts inspection
for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.
.Manual transmission fluid
change.
Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
11-8 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine and/or an
Allison Transmission, see the maintenance schedule section in the Duramax Diesel Supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. To determine the proper viscosity for your vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®coolant.
See Engine Coolant on page 10‑20.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 12377967,
in Canada 89021320).
Hydraulic Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 12377967,
in Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-5
EngineAir Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-6
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-47
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-42
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35 Engine Oil
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-47
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 9-111
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-17
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Filter Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-5 Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Flat Tire, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-114
Fluid
AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . 10-11, 10-14
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . 10-32, 9-53
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . 5-31
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Front Fog Lamps Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11