
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
Driving and Operating 323
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap,
E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the
vehicle. SeeE85 or FlexFuel 0324.
For all vehicles except those with
the 6.2L V8 engine, use regular
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. Do not
use gasoline with an octane rating
below 87, as it may cause engine
damage and will lower fuel
economy.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code J), use premium
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher.
Regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher can be used,
but acceleration and fuel economy
will be reduced, and an audible
knocking noise may be heard. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 91 octane rating or
higher, the engine needs service. Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving or
starting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
324 Driving and Operating
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle may not pass a smog-check
test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0143.
If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer for diagnosis. If it
is determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, manganese, or any other fuel not recommended. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper
fuel would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See
Fuel0322.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of Fuel
System Treatment PLUS added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change can help. Fuel System
Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Do not use additives with E85 or
FlexFuel.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap can
use either unleaded gasoline or fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
All other vehicles should use only
the unleaded gasoline as described
in Fuel 0322. The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuels website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
For the 6.0L V8 engine, after
refueling, the vehicle calculates the
composition of the fuel. It is not
recommended to repeatedly switch
between fuels. If fuels are switched
frequently, add as much fuel as
possible and do not add less than
11 L (3 gal) when refueling. Drive at
least 11 km (7 mi) immediately after

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/27/15
Driving and Operating 325
refueling to allow the vehicle to
adapt to the change in ethanol
concentration.
Because E85 or FlexFuel has less
energy per liter (gallon) than
gasoline, the vehicle will need to be
refilled more often. SeeFilling the
Tank 0325.
Caution
Some additives are not
compatible with E85 or FlexFuel
and can harm the vehicle's fuel
system. Do not add anything to
E85 or FlexFuel. Damage caused
by additives would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
. To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
. Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Do not use a cell phone
while refueling.
. Do not re-enter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
. Fuel can spray out if the fuel
cap is opened too quickly.
This spray can happen if the
tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly
and wait for any hiss noise
to stop, then unscrew the
cap all the way.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15
524 Index
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 178
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 180
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 182
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 121
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Fluid
AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 373, 376
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385 Fluid (cont'd)
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 183, 396
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 297, 389
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 145
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 63
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 148
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 288
Requirements, California . . . . . 323 Fuel (cont'd)
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403, 405
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 172Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . 172, 175
Gauges Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 136
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 461
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395