
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
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

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
Vehicle Care 377
side of the reservoir. The 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“8-Cylinder Pickup Models”
under “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in
the Duramax diesel supplement for
the correct inspection and
replacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is near
the center of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0364.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0462.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connectors
3. Air Duct Clamp
1. Locate the air cleaner/filter
assembly. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0364.
2. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct
clamp (3).
3. Disconnect the electrical connectors (2) and the
connector harness from the
cover.
4. Remove the four screws (1) on top of the cover of the housing
and lift up the cover.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
388 Vehicle Care
{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.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0144.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0462.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0364.
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 MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0472.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0364 for battery location.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
444 Vehicle Care
four-wheel-drive vehicle, be
sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear, not in N (Neutral).
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all the lamps
that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save
both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that
vehicle. The positive (+) terminal is
under a red plastic cover at the
positive battery post. To
uncover the positive (+)
terminal, open the red plastic
cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote
negative (−) terminals, see
Engine Compartment
Overview
0364.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
Service and Maintenance 469
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0472 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
520 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . . . 288
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 355
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507, 512
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 244
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 377
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 82 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 76
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 141
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197, 199
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 305

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
522 Index
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
CaliforniaFuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .361, 388, 442
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 120
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430 Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 142
Check Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 393
Malfunction IndicatorEngine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 90
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107, 110
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250, 252
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . 250, 252
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250, 252
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 493
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505
Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Control Light Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 137
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 486 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 485
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 486