2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO parking brake

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel (Base/UplevelVersion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Instrument Panel (Premium Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Sensing System for
Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-19
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-27
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-27
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-30
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Universal Remote System . . . 1-31
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
Performance and Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-33
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-34
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-34
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑11.
B. Turn and Lane-Change Signals
on page 6‑6.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
on
page 5‑5.
C. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑34.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers
on
page 6‑5.
E. Instrument Cluster
on
page 5‑13.
F. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission
on page 9‑43.
Tow/Haul Selector Button
(If Equipped). See Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑49.
Range Selection Mode (Allison
Transmission and Hydra-Matic
®
6‐Speed Button (If Equipped).
See Manual Modeon
page 9‑47. G.
AM-FM Radio on page 7‑8.
H. Instrument Panel Storage
on
page 4‑1.
I. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
See Trailer Towing
on
page 9‑94.
J. Exterior Lamp Controls
on
page 6‑1.
K. Data Link Connector (DLC). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑27.
L. Hood on page 10‑5.
M. Parking Brake on page 9‑68.
N. Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.
Fog Lamps
on page 6‑6(If Equipped).
O. Cruise Control on page 9‑73. P.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
on
page 5‑2.
Q. Horn on page 5‑5.
R. Steering Wheel Controls
on
page 5‑3(If Equipped).
S. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped).
See Four-Wheel Drive
on
page 10‑32.
T. Ashtray (If Equipped). See Ashtrays
on page 5‑12andCigarette Lighteron
page 5‑11.
U. StabiliTrak
®Systemon
page 9‑70(If Equipped).
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on
page 9‑76(If Equipped).
Pedal Adjust Button
(If Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal
on
page 9‑32.
Exhaust Brake (If Equipped).
See "Brakes" in the Duramax
Diesel Supplement.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-7
A.Air Vents on page 8‑11.
B. Turn and Lane-Change Signals
on page 6‑6.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
on
page 5‑5.
C. Instrument Cluster
on
page 5‑13.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers
on
page 6‑5.
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑43.
F. Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9‑49(If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑34.
H. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑8.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls
on
page 6‑1.
J. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
See Trailer Towing
on
page 9‑94. K.
Dome Lamps
on page 6‑8.
L. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).
See Four-Wheel Drive
on
page 10‑32.
M. Data Link Connector (DLC). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑27.
N. Hood on page 10‑5.
O. Parking Brake on page 9‑68.
P. Cruise Control on page 9‑73.
Q. Steering Wheel Adjustment
on
page 5‑2.
R. Horn on page 5‑5.
S. Steering Wheel Controls
on
page 5‑3.
T. Climate Control Systems (with
Air Conditioning)
on page 8‑1orClimate Control Systems
(with Heater Only)on
page 8‑4(If equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System
on page 8‑5(If Equipped). U.
Power Outlets on page 5‑10.
Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped).
See Ashtrays
on page 5‑12andCigarette Lighteron
page 5‑11.
V. StabiliTrak
®Systemon
page 9‑70(If Equipped).
Pedal Adjust Button
(If Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal
on
page 9‑32.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on
page 9‑76(If Equipped).
Exhaust Brake (If Equipped).
See "Brakes" in the Duramax
Diesel Supplement.
W. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If Equipped). See Airbag
On-Off Switch on page 3‑39.
X. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-29
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and
local governments may have
programs to inspect the on-vehicle
emission control equipment.
For the inspection, the emission
system test equipment is connected
to the vehicle’s Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on with the engine running, or if
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to ON/RUN
while the engine is off.
.The critical emission control
systems have not been
completely diagnosed by
the system. This can happen
if the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has
run down. The diagnostic
system evaluates critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection, your dealer can
prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Brake System Warning
Light
With the ignition on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set.
If the vehicle is driven with the
parking brake engaged, a chime
sounds when the vehicle speed is
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph).
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need
to be working
If the warning light comes on and
a chime sounds there could be a
brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . 9-18
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-19
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-22
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-32
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 9-37
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Parking (Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Active Fuel Management™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-43
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . 9-51
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Brake Assist (Except With 4.3L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-70
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 9-70
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-73
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-73
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-76
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-78
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-83
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-84
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-84
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-84
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-85
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-85

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-13
.Ease up on the speed as you
approach the top of the hill.
.Attach a flag to the vehicle to
be more visible to approaching
traffic on trails or hills.
.Sound the horn as you approach
the top of the hill to let opposing
traffic know you are there.
.Use headlamps even during the
day to make the vehicle more
visible to oncoming traffic.
{WARNING
Driving to the top (crest) of a
hill at full speed can cause an
accident. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff,
or even another vehicle. You
could be seriously injured or
killed. As you near the top of a
hill, slow down and stay alert.If the vehicle stalls, or is about to
stall, and you cannot make it up
the hill:
.Push the brake pedal to stop
the vehicle and keep it from
rolling backwards and apply
the parking brake.
.If the engine is still running, shift
the transmission to R (Reverse),
release the parking brake, and
slowly back down the hill in
R (Reverse).
.If the engine has stopped
running, you need to restart it.
With the brake pedal pressed
and the parking brake still
applied, shift the transmission to
P (Park) and restart the engine.
Then, shift to R (Reverse),
release the parking brake,
and slowly back down the
hill as straight as possible
in R (Reverse).
.While backing down the hill, put
your left hand on the steering
wheel at the 12 o'clock position so you can tell if the wheels are
straight and can maneuver as
you back down. It is best to back
down the hill with the wheels
straight rather than in the left or
right direction. Turning the wheel
too far to the left or right will
increase the possibility of a
rollover.
Things not to do if the vehicle stalls,
or is about to stall, when going up
a hill:
.Never attempt to prevent a stall
by shifting into N (Neutral) to
rev-up the engine and regain
forward momentum. This will
not work. The vehicle can roll
backward very quickly and could
go out of control.
.Never try to turn around if about
to stall when going up a hill.
If the hill is steep enough to stall
the vehicle, it is steep enough
to cause it to roll over. If you
cannot make it up the hill,
back straight down the hill.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-14 Driving and Operating
If, after stalling, you try to back
down the hill and decide you just
cannot do it, set the parking brake,
put your transmission in P (Park),
and turn off the engine. Leave
the vehicle and go get some help.
Exit on the uphill side and stay clear
of the path the vehicle would take if
it rolled downhill. Do not shift the
transfer case to Neutral when you
leave the vehicle. Leave it in
some gear.
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
Neutral can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park). This is because the
Neutral position on the transfer
case overrides the transmission.
You or someone else could be
injured. If you are going to leave
your vehicle, set the parking
brake and shift the transmission
to P (Park). But do not shift the
transfer case to Neutral.
Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you
downhill, consider:
.How steep is the downhill?
Will I be able to maintain vehicle
control?
.What is the surface like?
Smooth? Rough? Slippery?
Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
.Are there hidden surface
obstacles? Ruts? Logs?
Boulders?
.What is at the bottom of the hill?
Is there a hidden creek bank or
even a river bottom with large
rocks?
If you decide you can go down a
hill safely, try to keep the vehicle
headed straight down. Use a low
gear so engine drag can help the
brakes so they do not have to do all
the work. Descend slowly, keeping
the vehicle under control at all
times.
{WARNING
Heavy braking when going down
a hill can cause your brakes to
overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and a
serious accident. Apply the
brakes lightly when descending a
hill and use a low gear to keep
vehicle speed under control.
Things not to do when driving down
a hill:
.When driving downhill, avoid
turns that take you across the
incline of the hill. A hill that is
not too steep to drive down
might be too steep to drive
across. The vehicle could
roll over.
.Never go downhill with the
transmission in N (Neutral),
called free-wheeling. The brakes
will have to do all the work and
could overheat and fade.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-15
Vehicles are much more likely to
stall when going uphill, but if it
happens when going downhill:
1. Stop the vehicle by applying theregular brakes and apply the
parking brake.
2. Shift to P (Park) and, while still braking, restart the engine.
3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake, and drive
straight down.
4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help.Driving Across an Incline
An off-road trail will probably go
across the incline of a hill. To decide
whether to try to drive across the
incline, consider the following:
{WARNING
Driving across an incline that is
too steep will make your vehicle
roll over. You could be seriously
injured or killed. If you have any
doubt about the steepness of the
incline, do not drive across it.
Find another route instead.
.A hill that can be driven straight
up or down might be too steep
to drive across. When going
straight up or down a hill, the
length of the wheel base —the
distance from the front wheels to
the rear wheels —reduces the
likelihood the vehicle will tumble
end over end. But when driving across an incline, the narrower
track width
—the distance
between the left and right
wheels —might not prevent the
vehicle from tilting and rolling
over. Driving across an incline
puts more weight on the downhill
wheels which could cause a
downhill slide or a rollover.
.Surface conditions can be a
problem. Loose gravel, muddy
spots, or even wet grass can
cause the tires to slip sideways,
downhill. If the vehicle slips
sideways, it can hit something
that will trip it —a rock, a rut,
etc. —and roll over.
.Hidden obstacles can make the
steepness of the incline even
worse. If you drive across a rock
with the uphill wheels, or if the
downhill wheels drop into a rut
or depression, the vehicle can tilt
even more.