Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
276 Driving and Operating
When less power is required, suchas cruising at a constant vehiclespeed, the system will operate inthe V4 mode, allowing the vehicle toachieve better fuel economy. Whengreater power demands arerequired, such as accelerating fromastop,passing,ormergingontoafreeway, the system will maintainfull-cylinder operation.
If the vehicle has an Active FuelManagement indicator, seeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0145orDriver InformationCenter (DIC) (Uplevel)0147formore information on using thisdisplay.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areaswith poor ventilation(parking garages, tunnels,deep snow that may blockunderbody airflow or tailpipes).
.The exhaust smells orsounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaksdue to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust systemhas been modified,damaged, or improperlyrepaired.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openingsin the vehicle body fromdamage or aftermarketmodifications that are notcompletely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with thewindows completely down.
.Have the vehicle repairedimmediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 277
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with theengine running.
If the vehicle is left with the enginerunning, follow the proper steps tobe sure the vehicle will not move.SeeShifting Into Park0273andEngine Exhaust0276.Ifthevehiclehas a manual transmission, seeParking (ManualTr a n s m i s s i o n )0275.
If parking on a hill and pulling atrailer, seeDriving Characteristicsand Towing Tips0315.
Automatic
Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronicshift lever position indicator withinthe instrument cluster. This displaycomes on when the ignition key isturned to the ON/RUN position.
There are several different positionsfor the shift lever.
Heavy-Duty 6-Speed Automatic
Transmission Shown, Others
Similar
See“Range Selection Mode”underManual Mode0280.
P:This position locks the rearwheels. It is the best position to usewhen starting the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.When parked on a hill, especiallywhen the vehicle has a heavy load,you might notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of P (Park). See“To r q u e L o c k”underShifting IntoPark0273.
{Warning
It is 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.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. 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,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park0273and
Driving Characteristics and
To w i n g T i p s0315.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
278 Driving and Operating
{Warning
If you have four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll—even
if the shift lever is in P (Park)—if
the transfer case is in N (Neutral).
So, be sure the transfer case is in
adrivegear,Two-WheelDrive
High or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low—not in
N(Neutral). SeeShifting Into
Park0273.
R:Use this gear to back up.
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.
To r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0258.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart when you are alreadymoving, use N (Neutral) only. Also,use N (Neutral) when the vehicle isbeing towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
Yo u c o u l d l o s e c o n t r o l a n d h i t
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N(Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D:This position is for normaldriving. It provides the best fueleconomy. If you need more powerfor passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 55 km/h(35 mph), push the acceleratorpedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) ormore, push the accelerator allthe way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shiftsdown to the next gear and hasmore power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Modewhen towing a trailer, carrying aheavy load, driving on steep hills,
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
Driving and Operating 285
{Warning
Shifting the transfer case to
N(Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N(Neutral). SeeParking
Brake0293.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4nand 4mor from
N(Neutral), with the engine running,is normal.
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak®off. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i c S t a b i l i t yControl0295.
Manual Transfer Case
Move the lever to shift into and outof four-wheel drive.
An indicator light comes on whenfour-wheel drive is engaged. SeeFour-Wheel-Drive Light0141.
N(Neutral) :Use only when thevehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0437orTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0436.
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use
this setting for driving on moststreets and highways. The front axleis not engaged. This settingprovides the best fuel economy.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting also engages the front axleand delivers extra torque. Choose 4nif driving off-road in deep sand,deep mud, or deep snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.When engaged, keep vehicle speedbelow 72 km/h (45 mph).
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :Use
this setting when extra traction isneeded. The front axle engages andhelps when driving on snowy or icyroads, when off-roading, or whenplowing snow.
The vehicle can be shifted between
2mand 4mwhile the vehicle is
moving. In extremely cold weather,it may be necessary to stop or slow
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
292 Driving and Operating
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To s h i f t o u t o f N ( N e u t r a l ) :
1. Set the parking brake andapply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUNwith the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission toN(Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob tothe desired setting.
After the transfer case hasshifted out of N (Neutral), theN(Neutral) light will goout.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift thetransmission to thedesired gear.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight0141.
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 293
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Parking Brake
For vehicles without a releasehandle, set the parking brake byholding the regular brake pedaldown, then pushing down theparking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.SeeBrake System WarningLight0140.
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.
To r e l e a s e t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l dthe regular brake pedal down, thenpush down momentarily on theparking brake pedal until you feelthe pedal release. Slowly pull yourfoot up off the parking brake pedal.If the parking brake is not releasedwhen you begin to drive, the brake
system warning light will flash and achime will sound warning you thatthe parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and areparking on a hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0315.
For vehicles with a release handle,set the parking brake by holding theregular brake pedal down, thenpushing down the parking brakepedal.
If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.SeeBrake System WarningLight0140.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
294 Driving and Operating
Achimesoundsandthewarninglight flashes when the parking brakeis applied and the vehicle is movingat least 8 km/h (5 mph).
To r e l e a s e t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l dthe regular brake pedal down. Thenpull the bottom edge of the leverwith the parking brake symbol,located to the right of the steeringcolumn.
If the ignition is on when the parkingbrake is released, the brake systemwarning 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 areparking on any hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0315.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature isdesigned to assist the driver instopping or decreasing vehiclespeed in emergency drivingconditions. This feature uses thestability system hydraulic brakecontrol module to supplement thepower brake system underconditions where the driver hasquickly and forcefully applied thebrake pedal in an attempt to quicklystop or slow down the vehicle. Thestability system hydraulic brakecontrol module increases brakepressure at each corner of thevehicle until the ABS activates.Minor brake pedal pulsation orpedal movement during this time isnormal and the driver shouldcontinue to apply the brake pedal asthe driving situation dictates TheBrake Assist feature willautomatically disengage when thebrake pedal is released or brakepedal pressure is quicklydecreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist(HSA) feature, which may be usefulwhen the vehicle is stopped on agrade. This feature is designed toprevent the vehicle from rolling,either forward or rearward, duringvehicle drive off. After youcompletely stop and hold the vehiclein a complete standstill on a grade,HSA will automatically activate.During the transition period betweenwhen you release the brake pedaland start to accelerate to drive offon a grade, HSA holds the brakingpressure for a maximum oftwo seconds to ensure that there isno rolling. The brakes willautomatically release when theaccelerator pedal is applied withinthe two-second window. If thevehicle is equipped with theIntegrated Trailer Brake Control(ITBC) system, HSA may also applythe trailer brakes. It will not activateif the vehicle is in a drive gear and