Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
270 Driving and Operating
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.
SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment0345.
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 power steering
system and there may be loss of
power steering assist.
Place the transmission in theproper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) orN(Neutral). To restart the enginewhen the vehicle is already moving,use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutraland the parking brake engaged.Hold the clutch pedal down to thefloor and start the engine.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off theaccelerator pedal, turn theignition key to START. Whenthe engine starts, let go of thekey. The idle speed will godown as the engine gets warm.Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.
Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow theoil to warm up and lubricate allmoving parts.
When the low fuel warning lightis on and the FUEL LEVELLOW message is displayed inthe Driver Information Center(DIC), hold the ignition switchin the START position tocontinue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not startafter five to 10 seconds,especially in very cold weather(below✓18 °C or 0 °F), it couldbe flooded with too much
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 275
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with anelectronic shift lock release system.The shift lock release isdesigned to:
.Prevent ignition key removalunless the shift lever is inP(Park).
.Prevent movement of the shiftlever out of P (Park), unless theignition is in ON/RUN and theregular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is alwaysfunctional except in the case of anuncharged or low voltage (less than9volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an unchargedbattery or a battery with low voltage,try charging or jump starting thebattery. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) :
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If you still are unable to shift out ofP(Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shiftlever.
2. While holding down the brakepedal, press the shift lever allthe way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If you are still having a problemshifting, then have the vehicleserviced soon.
This vehicle may have the SafetyBelt Assurance System, which mayprevent the vehicle from shifting outof P (Park). SeeSafety BeltMessages0155.
Parking (Manual
Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manualtransmission, before you get out ofthe vehicle, move the shift lever intoR(Reverse), and firmly apply theparking brake. Once the shift leverhas been placed into R (Reverse)with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,remove the key and release theclutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if thevehicle is pulling a trailer, seeDriving Characteristics and TowingTips0315.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management®
Vehicles with a V8 or V6 gasolineengine may have Active FuelManagement. This system allowsthe engine to operate on either all ofits cylinders, or in V4 mode,depending on the driving conditions.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 283
If equipped, on vehicles with agasoline engine, to disable orenable Tow/Haul Grade Brakingwithin the current ignition key cycle,press and hold the Tow/Haul buttonfor five seconds. When the button isreleased, the requested modechange is made. A DIC message isdisplayed. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages0157.
On vehicles with a diesel engine,To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n g c a nbe enabled or disabled by pressingthe Tow/Haul Mode button. Use theexhaust brake and Tow/Haul Modefor maximum grade braking.
SeeTo w i n g E q u i p m e n t0335.
For other forms of grade braking,seeAutomatic Transmission0277andCruise Control0298.
Manual Transmission
If equipped with a manualtransmission, this is the shiftpattern.
To o p e r a t e t h e m a n u a l t r a n s m i s s i o n :
1(First) :Press the clutch pedaland shift into 1 (First). Then, slowlylet up on the clutch pedal as youslowly press down on theaccelerator pedal.
Yo u c a n s h i f t i n t o 1 ( F i r s t ) w h e n y o uare going less than 30 km/h(20 mph). If you have come to acomplete stop and it is hard to shiftinto 1 (First), put the shift lever in
Neutral and let up on the clutch.Then press the clutch pedal backdown and shift into 1 (First).
2(Second) :Press the clutch pedalas you let up on the acceleratorpedal and shift into 2 (Second).Then, slowly let up on the clutchpedal as you press the acceleratorpedal.
3(Third), 4(Fourth), and 5(Fifth) :Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and5(Fifth) the same way you do for2(Second). Slowly let up on theclutch pedal as you press theaccelerator pedal.
To s t o p , l e t u p o n t h e a c c e l e r a t o rpedal and press the brake pedal.Just before the vehicle stops, pressthe clutch pedal and the brakepedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral :Use this position whenyou start or idle the engine.
R(Reverse) :To b a c k u p , p r e s s t h eclutch pedal. After the vehicle stops,shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let upon the clutch pedal as you press theaccelerator pedal. If it is hard toshift, let the shift lever return to
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
284 Driving and Operating
Neutral and release the clutchpedal. Then press the clutch againand shift into R (Reverse). Do notattempt to shift into 5 (Fifth) prior toshifting into R (Reverse). Thetransmission has a lock out feature,which prevents a 5 (Fifth) gear toR(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 theparking brake, for parking thevehicle.
Shift Speeds
{Warning
If you skip a gear when
downshifting, you could lose
control of the vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not
shift down more than one gear at
atimewhendownshifting.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel driveengages the front axle for extratraction. Read the appropriatesection for transfer case operationbefore using.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4mand 4n(if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle’spowertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in4HI or 4LO may:
.Cause a vibration to be felt inthe steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Make the transfer case harder toshift, and cause it to run noisier.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
350 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 351California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 352Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 362Automatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 363Automatic Transmission Fluid(8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 366Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 366Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 367Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 372
Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374Power Steering Fluid (1500Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377Battery - North America . . . . . . 378Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 382Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 383Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 384Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 384Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 385
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385High Intensity Discharge (HID)Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and ParkingLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Ta i l l a m p s ( C h a s s i s C a bModels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) andCargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices andWiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389Electrical System Overload . . . 389Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390Instrument Panel Fuse Block(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393Instrument Panel FuseBlock (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 355
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
2.Battery - North America0378.
3. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeCoolingSystem0368.
4.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0367.
5. Automatic TransmissionDipstick (If Equipped). See“How to Check AutomaticTransmission Fluid”underAutomatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission)0363orAutomatic TransmissionFluid (8-SpeedTr a n s m i s s i o n )0366.
6. Remote Negative (–)Location.SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0368.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“Whento Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrake Fluid0377.
11 . W i n d s h i e l d Wa s h e r F l u i dReservoir. See“Adding WasherFluid”underWasherFluid0375.
12. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (IfEquipped). SeeHydraulicClutch0366.
13.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0390.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
366 Vehicle Care
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at leasttwice using the procedure describedpreviously. Consistency (repeatablereadings) is important to maintainingproper fluid level. If readings are stillinconsistent, contact the dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. This vehicle is notequipped with a transmission fluidlevel dipstick. There is a specialprocedure for checking andchanging the transmission fluid inthese vehicles. Because thisprocedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact thedealer for additional information orthe procedure can be found in theservice manual. SeeServicePublications OrderingInformation0481.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Change the fluid and filter at thescheduled maintenance intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0452.Besuretousethetransmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check themanual transmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer service department and haveit repaired as soon as possible. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462for the proper fluidto use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manualtransmission, it is not necessary toregularly check clutch fluid unlessyou suspect there is a leak in thesystem. Adding fluid will not correctaleak.Afluidlossinthissystemcould indicate a problem. Have thesystem inspected and repaired.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 367
When to Check and What
to Use
The hydraulic clutch fluid reservoiris filled with DOT 3 brake fluid asindicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch fluidreservoir to make sure the fluid levelis at the MIN (minimum) line on theside of the reservoir. The hydraulicclutch fluid system should be closedand sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check thefluid level or to top-off the fluid level.Remove the cap only whennecessary to add the proper fluiduntil 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”inthe Duramax diesel supplement forthe correct inspection andreplacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is onthe passenger side of the enginecompartment. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0354.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing andinspecting the engine air filter, seeMaintenance Schedule0452.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have theengine running with the engine aircleaner/filter housing open. Beforeremoving the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine aircleaner/filter housing and nearbycomponents are free of dirt anddebris. Remove the engine aircleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shakethe engine air cleaner/filter (awayfrom the vehicle), to release loosedust and dirt. Inspect the engine aircleaner/filter for damage, andreplace if damaged. Do not cleanthe engine air cleaner/filter orcomponents with water orcompressed air.
To i n s p e c t o r r e p l a c e t h e e n g i n e a i rcleaner/filter:
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connectors
3. Air Duct Clamp
1. Locate the air cleaner/filterassembly. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0354.
2. Disconnect the outlet duct byloosening the air ductclamp (3).
3. Disconnect the electricalconnectors (2) and theconnector harness from thecover.