
Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Chevrolet Silverado Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-8
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-53
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-61
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-38
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-32
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-43
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-70
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-73
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-76
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-83
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-90
Conversions and
Add-Ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-123

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the Index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: LATCH System Child
Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
}: Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_: Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

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 (33,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-33
.To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and
hold
5untilFilluminates and
the appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages
on
page 5‑49.
.Press and release5again to
turn on both systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 9‑70.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits
on page 9‑23. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected. During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑65.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7
To manually shut off a remote start,
do any of the following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press the remote
start button until the parking
lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition switch on and
then off.
The vehicle can be remote started
two separate times between driving
sequences. The engine will run for
10 minutes after each remote start.
Or, you can extend the engine run
time by another 10 minutes within
the first 10 minute remote start time
frame, and before the engine stops. For example, if the lock button and
then the remote start buttons are
pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for 5 minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing
the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional 10 minutes are
considered a second remote vehicle
start.
Once two remote starts, or a single
remote start with one time extension
has been done, the vehicle must be
started with the key. After the key
is removed from the ignition, the
vehicle can be remote started again.
The vehicle cannot be remote
started if the key is in the ignition,
the hood is not closed, or if there
is an emission control system
malfunction and the check engine
light comes on.Also, the engine will turn off during
a remote vehicle start if the coolant
temperature gets too high or if the
oil pressure gets low.
Remote Start Ready
If the vehicle does not have the
remote vehicle start feature, it may
have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer to
add the manufacturer's remote
vehicle start feature.
See your dealer to add the
manufacturer's remote vehicle
start feature to the vehicle.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11
Tailgate
{WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride
on the tailgate, even when the
vehicle is operated at low speeds.
People riding on the tailgate
can easily lose their balance
and fall in response to vehicle
maneuvers. Falling from a moving
vehicle may result in serious
injuries or death. Do not allow
people to ride on the tailgate.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle
is in a seat and using a safety
belt properly.
On vehicles with a lock on the
tailgate, use the key to lock or
unlock the tailgate. Open the tailgate by lifting up on
its handle while pulling the tailgate
toward you.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it
upward until it latches.
After you put the tailgate back up,
pull it back towards you to be sure it
latches securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate can be removed to
allow for different loading situations.
Someone may need to assist with
removal to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
On vehicles with a Rear Vision
Camera, it must be disconnected
before removing the tailgate. See
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
on
page 9‑78for more information. To remove the tailgate:
1. Raise the tailgate slightly and
release both retaining cable
clips. To release the retaining
cable clips, lift the cable so it
points straight out. Lift the clip
over the bolt, and push the cable
forward then rotate down.

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15
Up to 10 keys may be programmed
for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must
see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®III+ to have
keys made and programmed to the
system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®III+ to get
a new key blank cut exactly as
the ignition key that operates the
system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has
a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your
dealer for service. 3. After the engine has started,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within
five seconds of turning the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF
position in Step 3.
The security light will turn
off once the key has been
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be
programmed.
If you lose or damage your
PASS-Key
®III+ key, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to have
a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{WARNING
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.