2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO brake fluid

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 (18,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch
fluid reservoir to make sure the
fluid level is at the MIN (minimum)
line on the side of the reservoir. The
brake/hydraulic clutch fluid system
should be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check
the fluid level or to top‐off the fluid
level. Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see“Pickup Models” under“Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter” in the Duramax
®
Diesel Supplement for the correct
inspection and replacement
procedures.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at
the scheduled maintenance
intervals and replace it at the first
oil change after each 80 000 km
(50,000 mi) interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2for
more information. If driving on
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the engine air cleaner/filter
from the vehicle by following
Steps 1 through 6. When the engine
air cleaner/filter is removed, lightly
shake it to release loose dust and
dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required. Never use compressed
air to clean the filter.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-30 Vehicle Care
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front
and rear brakes—for the worse.
The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways if
the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well. Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a
leak. If fluid is added when the
linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings
are installed. Add or remove brake
fluid, as necessary, only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{WARNING
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic
system. See
“Checking Brake
Fluid” in this section.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5‑29.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-31
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see
if there is a leak. After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above the MIN but not
over the MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑8.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in
the brake hydraulic system,
the brakes might not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always
use the proper brake fluid. Notice:
.Using the wrong fluid
can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the
brake hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not
to spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately.

Black plate (106,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-106 Vehicle Care
6. Use an adequate clampingdevice designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
{WARNING
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). The driver or others
could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before
the transfer case is shifted to
N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive
on page 9‑53for the proper
procedure to select the neutral
position for the vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive
on
page 9‑53.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be
required. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑8.
Washing the Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle's finish is to keep it clean
by washing it often.
Notice: Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by the
warranty. Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that
are petroleum based or that contain
acid or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal or plastic
on the vehicle. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer. Follow all manufacturers'
directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.

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 (4,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.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−12°C
(10°F) 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 5 000 km/3,000 miles..Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, folding seat
hardware, and tailgate hinges,
linkage, and handle pivot points
lubrication. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 11‑8. More frequent
lubrication may be required
when the vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth makes them
last longer, seal better, and not
stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑29.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
.Vehicles with diesel engine
or GVWR above 4 536 kg
(10,000 lbs) only: Shields
inspection 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.

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.