2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO tow

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 259
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 268
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 269
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 271
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 280
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 285
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Parking (Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . 288
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 289
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 296
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 307
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 310
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 314
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 314
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 324
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
260 Driving and Operating
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 354
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
262 Driving and Operating
Steering
Electric Power Steering (1500
Series)
If the vehicle has electric power
steering, it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is
held in that position for an extended
period of time, power steering assist
may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages underSteering System
Messages 0161.
Hydraulic Power Steering
(2500/3500 Series)
(2500/3500 Series –All Regular
Cab, Double Cab/Crew Cab
without Digital Steer Assist)
The power steering system may
require maintenance. See Power
Steering Fluid (1500 Series) 0385
or Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500
Series) 0385.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system malfunctions, the vehicle
can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer.
(2500/3500 Series –Double Cab/
Crew Cab with Digital Steer
Assist)
The vehicle has a Digital Steer
Assist power steering system that
varies the amount of effort required
to steer the vehicle. Less steering
effort is required at slower speeds.
At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases. The system helps the
steering wheel return to center at
low speeds. Pressing the Tow/Haul button adjusts steering effort for
driving conditions described in
Tow/
Haul Mode 0295.
The power steering system may
require maintenance, see Power
Steering Fluid (1500 Series) 0385
or Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500
Series) 0385.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system malfunctions, the vehicle
can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
for more than 15 seconds,
damage may occur to the power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Curve Tips
. Take curves at a reasonable
speed.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
272 Driving and Operating
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into Four-Wheel Drive
High. Turn the TCS off. Shift back
and forth between R (Reverse) and
a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. See
Towing the Vehicle0447. Recovery
hooks can be used, if the vehicle
has them.
Recovery Hooks
{Warning
Never pull on recovery hooks
from the side. The hooks could
break and you and others could
be injured. When using recovery
hooks, always pull the vehicle
from the front.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
There are recovery hooks at the
front of the vehicle. Use them if the
vehicle is stuck off-road and needs
to be pulled some place to continue
driving.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it was
designed to carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
274 Driving and Operating
3.Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred toyour vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing 0330 for
important information on towing
a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 1 = (453 kg)
(1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lb) × 2 =
136 kg (300 lb) 3. Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lb)
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lb) × 5 =
340 kg (750 lb)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
280 Driving and Operating
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:. Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for
the first 805 km (500 mi).
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
. Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer Towing
0 330 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal
If equipped, the position of the
throttle and brake pedals can be
changed.
The pedals can only be adjusted
when the vehicle is in P (Park).
The switch used to adjust the
pedals is on the center stack, below
the climate controls.
Lift the switch up to move the
pedals closer to your body. Press
the switch down to move the
pedals away.
Before you start driving, fully press
the brake pedal to confirm the
adjustment is right for you.
The vehicle may have a memory
function, which lets pedal settings
be saved and recalled. See Memory
Seats 062.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
282 Driving and Operating
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This
position lets things like the radio
and the windshield wipers operate
while the engine is off. It also
unlocks the steering wheel. Use this
position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.
If the key is left in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. The vehicle may not
start if the battery is allowed to drain
for an extended period of time.
3 (START) :
This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition is
in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/
OFF, and the key is in the ignition.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0355.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
286 Driving and Operating
4. Before starting the engine, besure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. With four-wheel drive,
if the transfer case is in (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
N (Neutral), the vehicle will be
free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear. If towing a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0327.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake 0306.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by pulling the
shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case (if equipped) is in a drive
gear —not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the
vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, the vehicle is in
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll,
even if the shift lever is in
P (Park). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear —not in
N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You
or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the