
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
326 Driving and Operating
The fuel cap is behind a hinged fuel
door on the driver side of the
vehicle. Vehicles that have a
FlexFuel badge and a yellow fuel
cap can use either unleaded
gasoline or ethanol fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). SeeE85
or FlexFuel 0324.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise.
If the vehicle is a dual fuel tank
chassis cab model, and it runs out
of fuel, refuel the front fuel tank first
to ensure a quick restart.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause: . Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires. Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care
0452.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it
clockwise until it clicks. It will require
more effort to turn the fuel cap on
the last turn as you tighten it. Make
sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0143.
The TIGHTEN GAS CAP message
displays on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) if the fuel cap is not
properly installed. See Fuel System
Messages 0158 for more
information.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0143.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
328 Driving and Operating
.The trailer must be equipped
with brakes adequate for the
intended use. A loaded trailer
weighing more than 900 kg
(2,000 lb) must be equipped with
its own brake system, with
brakes working on all axles.
Trailer braking equipment
conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
The Tow/Haul Mode may be
used if the transmission shifts
too often. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0295.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing.{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0288. Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself.
The structure, tires and brakes of
the trailer must be rated to carry the
load. Inadequate trailer equipment
can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. Get familiar with
the handling and braking of the rig.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start
the combination moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 329
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See
Tow/Haul Mode 0295.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see Engine Overheating 0382.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
330 Driving and Operating
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0462.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See
New Vehicle Break-In 0280.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
350 Driving and Operating
selection of Tow/Haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.
Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to
the trailer brakes is based on the
amount of brake pressure being
applied by the vehicle’s brakesystem, and on the type of trailer
brakes detected. This available
power output to the trailer brakes
can be adjusted to a wide range of
trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’
s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
or StabiliTrak systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC
system may not be fully functional
or may not function at all. Make sure
all of these systems are fully
operational to ensure full
functionality of the ITBC system.
The ITBC system is powered
through the vehicle's electrical
system. Turning the ignition off will
also turn off the ITBC system. The
ITBC system is fully functional only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or
trailer instability which could
result in personal injury or
damage to the vehicle, trailer,
or other property. Use the ITBC
system only with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
354 Driving and Operating
A GM dealer may be able to
diagnose and repair problems with
the trailer. However, any diagnosis
and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty.
Contact your trailer dealer for
assistance with trailer repairs and
trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
TSC feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a
trailer while being towed. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the
TSC detects that sway is increasing,
the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help
reduce excessive trailer sway. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has
the electric actuated brake system,
StabiliTrak may also apply the trailer
brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on theinstrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0308.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment 0345 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations. Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications
0362.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 355
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 143. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 087 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 087.
For information on wiring auxiliary
switches, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 64 km/h (40 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, here are some things you
need to know:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, adding
a plow can damage the vehicle,
and the repairs would not be
covered by warranty. Unless the
vehicle was built to carry a snow
plow, do not add one to the
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
snow plow prep package, called
RPO VYU, then the payload the
vehicle can carry will be reduced (Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
360 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 361
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 362
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 372
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 373
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 376
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 376
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 377
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 382 Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Power Steering Fluid (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Battery - North America . . . . . . 388
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 392
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 393
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 394
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 394
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 395
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 395 Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Electrical System Overload . . . 399
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405