
Black plate (99,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-99
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFFand remove the key —the
steering wheel will still turn.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive on
page 9‑45 for the proper procedure
to take the vehicle out of the Neutral
position.
Dolly Towing
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground) –Two-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles
Notice: If a two-wheel drive
vehicle is towed with the rear
wheels on the ground, the
transmission could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Never
tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with the rear wheels on
the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being
towed.
To dolly tow a two‐wheel‐drive
vehicle, the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels on the dolly.
See “Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)” later in this section for
more information. Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground)
–Four-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow a four-wheel-drive vehicle from
the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow
vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.

Black plate (104,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
10-104 Vehicle Care
Wheels and Trim—Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
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
chrome with soap and water
after exposure. Notice:
To avoid surface damage,
do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and
axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
11-14 Service and Maintenance
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 12345349,
in Canada 10953465).
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift Linkage Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293, in Canada 992723)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle (1500 Series) ‐
Four‐Wheel Drive SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
Front Axle (1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD Series) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678).
Rear Axle SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678).
Transfer Case (Four‐Wheel Drive) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
Customer Information 13-21
The OnStar Terms and Conditions
provides information on data
collection and use and is available
at www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada), or by
pressing the
Qbutton and
speaking to an advisor. See OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1 for more
information.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation
system, use of the system may
result in the storage of destinations,
addresses, telephone numbers, and
other trip information. Refer to the
navigation manual for information
on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some
vehicles for functions such as tire
pressure monitoring and ignition
system security, as well as in
connection with conveniences
such as key fobs for remote door
locking/unlocking and starting, and
in-vehicle transmitters for garage
door openers. RFID technology in
GM vehicles does not use or record
personal information or link with
any other GM system containing
personal information.
Radio Frequency
Statement
This vehicle has systems that
operate on a radio frequency that
comply with Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and with Industry Canada
Standards RSS‐GEN/210/220/310.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful interference.
2. The device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modifications to any of
these systems by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
14-2 OnStar
PushQto connect to a live
Advisor to:
.Verify account information or
update contact information.
.Get driving directions. Requires
the available Directions and
Connections service plan.
.Receive On-Demand
Diagnostics for a check on the
vehicle’s key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
Push
]to get a priority connection
to an Emergency Advisor available
24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or
respond to an AMBER Alert.
.Get crisis assistance and
evacuation routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
With Automatic Crash Response,
the built-in system can automatically
connect to help in a crash even if
you cannot ask for it.
Push
]to connect to an
Emergency Advisor. GPS
technology is used to identify the
vehicle location and can provide
critical information to emergency
personnel. The Advisor is also
trained to offer critical assistance in
emergency situations.
Security
OnStar provides services like Stolen
Vehicle Assistance, Remote Ignition
Block, and Roadside Assistance,
if the vehicle is equipped with these
services. OnStar can unlock the
vehicle doors remotely, if it is
equipped with automatic door locks,
and can help police locate the
vehicle if it is stolen.
Navigation
OnStar navigation requires the
Directions and Connections
service plan.
Push
Qto receive directions or
have them sent to the vehicle
navigation screen. Destinations
can also be forwarded to the
vehicle from Google Maps™ or
MapQuest.com. The OnStar
mapping database is continuously
updated. Visit www.onstar.com for
coverage maps.
Turn‐by‐Turn Navigation
1. PushQto connect to a live
Advisor.
2. Request directions.
3. Directions are downloaded to the vehicle.
4. Follow the voice-guided commands.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
INDEX i-7
J
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-92
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-46
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-55
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Lamps Auxiliary RoofMounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-3
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-24 Lamps (cont'd)
Pick-up Box Identification
and Fender Marker . . . . . . . . 10-43
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-60
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Light StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Lights Airbag On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27 Lights (cont'd)
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 5-26
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-19
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-65
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
i-8 INDEX
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-30
Lower Anchors andTethers for Children
(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-17
Maintenance Schedule Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-13
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-24
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 9-44 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Messages
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-48
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . . 5-48
Battery Voltage and
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 5-44
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Object Detection System . . . . . 5-47
Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . . 5-47
Starting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 5-49
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-49
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-50
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Vehicle Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-50
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51 Mirrors
Automatic Dimming
Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Park Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Trailer Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-64
N
NavigationVehicle Data Recordingand Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-21
Navigation, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 10-36

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2012
i-10 INDEX
Pregnancy,Using Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Privacy Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-21
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . 13-13
Proposition 65 Warning, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
R
Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) . . . . . . . . 13-21
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-21
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
CD/DVD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-65
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50 Rear Seat Entertainment
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) . . . . . . . 7-50
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11, 3-12
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 9-70
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Rearview Mirror Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-76
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-17
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-97
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Replacement Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-16
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . 3-41
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 3-60
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-19
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-18
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Ride Control Systems Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-47
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7, 13-9