Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
292 Driving and Operating
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
If equipped with a gasoline engine
and an automatic transmission,
Normal Mode Grade Braking is
enabled when the vehicle is started,
but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle. The first time
the system engages for each
ignition key cycle, a DIC message
will be displayed. SeeTransmission
Messages 0162. To disable or enable Normal Mode
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message
displays. See
Transmission
Messages 0162.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Tow/Haul Mode 0295 and
Cruise Control 0311.
Kickdown Mode
The accelerator pedal provides an
additional downshift after pressing
through the kickdown feature.
It requires extra pedal pressure near
the end of its travel to engage.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Mode
helps control the vehicle's
transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a
trailer by letting you select a desired
range of gears.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttons on the shift lever to select the
desired range of gears for
current driving conditions.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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296 Driving and Operating
Manual Transmission
If equipped with a manual
transmission, this is the shift
pattern.
To operate the manual transmission:
1 (First) :Press the clutch pedal
and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as you
slowly press down on the
accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) when you
are going less than 30 km/h
(20 mph). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift
into 1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let up on the clutch.
Then press the clutch pedal back
down and shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second) :
Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and 5 (Fifth) :
Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and
5 (Fifth) the same way you do for
2 (Second). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral : Use this position when
you start or idle the engine.
R (Reverse) : To back up, press the
clutch pedal. After the vehicle stops,
shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let up
on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. If it is hard to
shift, let the shift lever return to Neutral and release the clutch
pedal. Then press the clutch again
and shift into R (Reverse). Do not
attempt to shift into 5 (Fifth) prior to
shifting into R (Reverse). The
transmission has a lock out feature,
which prevents a 5 (Fifth) gear to
R (Reverse) gear shift.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with the
parking brake, for parking the
vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 301
2. Turn the knob to 4n. Wait for
the 4
nindicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
nindicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob
to 4
mto see the indicator. With the
vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. To shift out of 4nthe vehicle
must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with
the transmission in N (Neutral)
and the ignition in ON/RUN.
It is best for the vehicle to be
moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h
(1 to 2 mph). 2. Turn the knob to 4
mor 2m.
Wait for the 4
mor 2mindicator
light to stop flashing before
shifting the transmission
into gear.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
mor 2mindicator light will flash
for 30 seconds, but will not complete
the shift. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking
Brake 0306.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then to D (Drive). There should
be no movement of the vehicle
while shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0447.
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
302 Driving and Operating
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next to
the steering wheel to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive.
An indicator light displays which
setting the transfer case is in.
N (Neutral) is indicated on the knob.
If the light displays momentarily
when the ignition is in ON/RUN, but
does not stay on, the knob may
have been turned while the vehicle
was off. To see the indicator, turn
the knob to another position so that
it matches the actual transfer case
setting. If no lights display, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light flashes while
shifting the transfer case and
remains illuminated when the shift is
complete.
If the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting. Turn the knob
back to the previous transfer case
setting to see the indicator.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0447
or Towing the Vehicle 0447.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
power is sent to the front and rear
wheels automatically based on
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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304 Driving and Operating
Shifting Out of 4n
To shift:1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the ignition in
ON/RUN. It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
m, AUTO,
or 2
m. Wait for the 4m, AUTO,
or 2
mindicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will not complete the shift. With the vehicle
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking
Brake 0306.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then shift the transmission to
D (Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0447.
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 305
4. Turn the transfer case knob tothe desired setting.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light 0145.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 307
A chime sounds and the warning
light flashes when the parking brake
is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 8 km/h (5 mph).
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down. Then
pull the bottom edge of the lever
with the parking brake symbol,
located to the right of the steering
column.
If the ignition is on when the parking
brake is released, the brake system
warning light goes off.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on any hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0327.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has an HSA feature,
which may be useful when the
vehicle is stopped on a grade. This
feature is designed to prevent the
vehicle from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
After you completely stop and hold
the vehicle in a complete standstill
on a grade, HSA will automatically
activate. During the transition period
between when you release the
brake pedal and start to accelerate
to drive off on a grade, HSA holds
the braking pressure for a maximum
of two seconds to ensure that there
is no rolling. The brakes will
automatically release when the
accelerator pedal is applied within
the two-second window. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, HSA may also apply
the trailer brakes. It will not activate
if the vehicle is in a drive gear and
facing downhill or if the vehicle is
facing uphill and in R (Reverse).
There may be situations on minor
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 309
disabled,gcomes on, and the
appropriate message will appear on
the DIC. Both traction control and
StabiliTrak are automatically
disabled in this condition.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
. Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center stack.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplays in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate message
will display in the DIC. See Ride
Control System Messages 0159. To
turn TCS on again, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
gbutton is pressed, the system
will not turn off until the wheels stop
spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
gbutton until
the traction off light
iand the
StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument