Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
318 Driving and Operating
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regularbrakes until the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule0452.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see thebi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.SeeNew Vehicle Break-In0267.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
(Continued)
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
340 Driving and Operating
selection of Tow/Haul when thevehicle is unloaded. Such aselection when unloaded may resultin unpleasant engine andtransmission driving characteristicsand reduced fuel economy. Tow/Haul is recommended only whenpulling a heavy trailer or a large orheavy load.
Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an IntegratedTrailer Brake Control (ITBC) systemfor use with electric trailer brakes ormost electric over hydraulic trailerbrakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer BrakeControl Panel on vehicles with anITBC system. The power output tothe trailer brakes is based on theamount of brake pressure beingapplied by the vehicle’sbrake
system, and on the type of trailerbrakes detected. This availablepower output to the trailer brakescan be adjusted to a wide range oftrailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated withthe vehicle’sbrake,antilockbrake,and StabiliTrak systems. In traileringconditions that cause the vehicle’santilock brake or StabiliTraksystems to activate, power sent tothe trailer's brakes will beautomatically adjusted to minimizetrailer wheel lock-up. This does notimply that the trailer has StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’sbrake,antilockbrake,or StabiliTrak systems are notfunctioning properly, the ITBCsystem may not be fully functionalor may not function at all. Make sureall of these systems are fullyoperational to ensure fullfunctionality of the ITBC system.
The ITBC system is poweredthrough the vehicle's electricalsystem. Turning the ignition off willalso turn off the ITBC system. TheITBC system is fully functional onlywhen the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or
trailer instability which could
result in personal injury or
damage to the vehicle, trailer,
or other property. Use the ITBC
system only with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
342 Driving and Operating
.There is a fault present in thewiring to the trailer brakes (aCHECK TRAILER WIRINGmessage will also display onthe DIC).
.The ITBC system is not workingdue to a fault (a SERVICETRAILER BRAKE SYSTEMmessage will also display inthe DIC).
Manual Trailer Brake Apply
The Manual Trailer Brake ApplyLever is used to apply the trailer’selectric brakes independent of thevehicle’sbrakes.Slidingthelevertothe left will apply only the trailerbrakes. Use this lever to adjustTrailer Gain to properly adjust thepower output to the trailer brakes.
The trailer's and the vehicle's brakelamps will come on when eithervehicle brakes or manual trailerbrakes are applied.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for aspecific trailering condition and mustbe adjusted anytime vehicle loading,trailer loading, or road surfaceconditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are
over-gained or under-gained may
not stop the vehicle and the trailer
as intended and can result in a
crash. Always follow the
instructions to set the Trailer Gain
for the proper trailer stopping
performance.
Use the following to adjust TrailerGain for each towing condition:
1. Drive the vehicle with the trailerattached on a level roadsurface representative of thetowing condition and free oftraffic at about 32 to 40 km/h(20 to 25 mph) and fully applythe Manual Trailer Brake ApplyLever.
Adjusting Trailer Gain atspeeds lower than 32 to40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) mayresult in an incorrect gainsetting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, usingthe Trailer Gain AdjustmentButtons, to just below the pointof trailer wheel lock-up,indicated by trailer wheelsqueal or tire smoke when atrailer wheel locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may notoccur if towing a heavily loadedtrailer. In this case, adjust theTrailer Gain to the highestallowable setting for the towingcondition.
3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytimevehicle loading, trailer loading,or road surface conditionschange or if trailer wheellock-up is noticed at any timewhile towing.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
344 Driving and Operating
AGMdealermaybeabletodiagnose and repair problems withthe trailer. However, any diagnosisand repair of the trailer is notcovered under the vehicle warranty.Contact your trailer dealer forassistance with trailer repairs andtrailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have aTrailer Sway Control (TSC) feature.Trailer sway is unintendedside-to-side motion of a trailer whilebeing towed. If the vehicle is towingatrailerandtheTSCdetectsthatsway is increasing, the vehiclebrakes are selectively applied ateach wheel, to help reduceexcessive trailer sway. If the vehicleis equipped with the IntegratedTrailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,and the trailer has the electricactuated brake system, StabiliTrakmay also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the TractionControl System (TCS)/StabiliTrakwarning light will flash on theinstrument cluster. Vehicle speedmust be reduced. If trailer swaycontinues, StabiliTrak can reduceengine torque to help slow thevehicle. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l /Electronic Stability Control0295.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. SeeTo w i n g
Equipment0335for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories canaffect the vehicle performance.SeeAccessories andModifications0352.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 345
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0138.Adeviceconnectedtothe
DLC—such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device—may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’ssystems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain thevehicle's 12-volt battery, even if thevehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.Before attempting to add anythingelectrical to the vehicle, seeServicing the Airbag-EquippedVehicle086andAdding Equipmentto the Airbag-EquippedVehicle087.
For information on wiring auxiliaryswitches, see www.gmupfitter.comor contact your dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on thevehicle, follow these guidelines:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, RPO
VYU, adding a plow can damage
the vehicle, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Unless the vehicle was
built to carry a snow plow, do not
add one to the vehicle. If the
vehicle has RPO VYU, then the
payload the vehicle can carry will
be reduced when a snow plow is
installed. The vehicle can be
(Continued)
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
348 Driving and Operating
For example, adding a 318 kg(700 lb) snow plow actually addsmore than 318 kg (700 lb) to thefront axle. Using the formula, if thesnow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front ofthe front axle and the wheelbase is305 cm (10 ft), then:W=318kg(700lb)A=122cm(4ft)W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. =(318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg(980 lb)
This means if the front axle reservecapacity is more than 445 kg(980 lb), the snow plow could beadded without exceeding thefront GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added onthe front of the vehicle if less cargoor fewer passengers are carried,or by positioning cargo toward therear. This reduces the load on thefront. However, the front GAWR,rear GAWR, and Gross VehicleWeight Rating (GVWR) must neverbe exceeded.
{Warning
On some vehicles that have
certain front mounted equipment,
such as a snow plow, it may be
possible to load the front axle to
the front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) but not have
enough weight on the rear axle to
have proper braking performance.
If the brakes cannot work
properly, the vehice could crash.
Always follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast
to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio.
Maintaining a proper front and
rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
To t a l v e h i c l e r e s e r v e c a p a c i t y i s t h edifference between the GVWR andthe weight of the truck with full fueland passengers. It is the amount ofweight that can be added to thevehicle before reaching the GVWR.Reserve capacity numbers are
intended as a guide when selectingthe amount of equipment or cargothe truck can carry. If unsure of thevehicle's front, rear, or total weight,go to a weigh station and weigh thevehicle. Your dealer can also helpwith this.
The total vehicle reserve capacityfor the vehicle is in the lower rightcorner of the Certification/Tire labelas shown previously.
See your dealer for additionaladvice and information about usingasnowplowonthevehicle.Also,seeVehicle Load Limits0259.
Emergency Roof Lamp
Provisions
Vehicles with the RPO VYU snowplow prep package also have anemergency roof lamp provisionpackage, RPO TRW. Wiring for theemergency roof lamp is providedabove the overhead console. SeeAuxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp0176for switch location.
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 351
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 399Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405Tire Pressure for High-SpeedOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 418Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 431
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Towing the Vehicle
To w i n g t h e V e h i c l e . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 6Recreational VehicleTo w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 7
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
General Information
For service and parts needs, visityour dealer. You will receivegenuine GM parts and GM-trainedand supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING:Most motor vehicles,including this one, as well as manyof its service parts and fluids,contain and/or emit chemicalsknown to the State of California to