2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO coolant temperature

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 317
Passing
More passing distance is neededwhen towing a trailer. Thecombination will not accelerate asquickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much fartherbeyond the passed vehicle beforereturning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, makewider turns than normal. Do this sothe trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,or other objects. Avoid jerky orsudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burnout, the arrows on the instrumentcluster will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergearbeforestarting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might get hot and no longerwork well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shiftthe transmission to a lower gear ifthe transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used ifthe transmission shifts too often.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0282.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, consider thefollowing: Engine coolant will boil atalowertemperaturethanatnormalaltitudes. If the engine is turned offimmediately after towing at highaltitude on steep uphill grades, thevehicle may show signs similar toengine overheating. To avoid this,let the engine run while parked,preferably on level ground, with thetransmission in P (Park) for a fewminutes before turning the engineoff. If the overheat warning comeson, seeEngine Overheating0372.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
346 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
damaged if either the front or rear
axle ratings or the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) are
exceeded.
The plow the vehicle can carrydepends on many things, such as:
.The options the vehicle camewith, and the weight of thoseoptions.
.The weight and number ofpassengers to be carried.
.The weight of items added to thevehicle, like a tool box ortruck cap.
.The total weight of anyadditional cargo to be carried.
For example, if the snow plowweighs 318 kg (700 lb), the totalweight of all occupants and cargoinside the cab should not exceed135 kg (300 lb). This means that youmay only be able to carry onepassenger. Even this may be too
much if there is other equipmentalready adding to the weight of thevehicle.
To s a f e l y c a r r y a s n o w p l o w o n t h evehicle:
.Follow all aftermarket snow plowmanufacturer’sinstructionsforthe operation and transportationof the snow plow.
.With a snow plow attached, theengine coolant temperaturegauge may show a highertemperature than while drivingwithout one. The snow plowcould block the airflow to theradiator. This could be morenoticeable as vehicle speedincreases. At speeds above72 km (45 mph), this may causethe engine coolant to overheat.
.To i n c r e a s e t h e a i r f l o w, m o v e t h esnow plow blade postion.
.If driving more than 24 km(15 mi), angle the plow bladeposition.
.Make sure the weight on thefront and rear axles does notexceed the axle rating for each.
.For the front axle, if more cargoor passengers must be carried,appropriate counter ballast mustbe installed rear of the rear axle.Counter ballast must be properlysecured so it will not moveduring driving.
.Rear ballast may be required toensure a proper front and rearweight distribution ratio, eventhough the actual weight at thefront axle may be less than thefront axle rating.
.The snow plow manufacturer orinstaller can assist indetermining the amount of rearballast required, to help makesure the snow plow/vehiclecombination does not exceedthe GVW rating, the front andrear axle ratings, and the frontand rear weight distribution ratio.
.The total vehicle must notexceed the GVW rating.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
368 Vehicle Care
4. Remove the four screws (1) ontop of the cover of the housingand lift up the cover.
5. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter from the housing. Takecare to dislodge as little dirt aspossible.
6. Clean the engine air cleaner/filter sealing surfaces and thehousing.
7. Inspect or replace the engineair cleaner/filter.
8. Reverse Steps 2–4toreinstallthe filter cover housing.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.
Cooling System
If the vehicle has the Duramaxdiesel engine, see the Duramaxdiesel supplement.
The cooling system allows theengine to maintain the correctworking temperature.
5.3L V8 Engine Shown, 4.3L
V6 Engine and 6.2L V8 Engine
Similar
1. Coolant Surge Tank
2. Coolant Surge TankPressure Cap
3. Engine Electric CoolingFans (Out of View)
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan can
start even when the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
370 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOLcoolant. If using this mixture,nothing else needs to be added.This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection downto✓37 °C (✓34 °F), outsidetemperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to129 °C (265 °F), enginetemperature.
.Protects against rust andcorrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper enginetemperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Never dispose of engine coolant byputting it in the trash, or by pouringit on the ground, or into sewers,streams, or bodies of water. Havethe coolant changed by anauthorized service center, familiarwith legal requirements regardingused coolant disposal. This will helpprotect the environment and yourhealth.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located inthe engine compartment on thepassenger side of the vehicle. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
The vehicle must be on a levelsurface when checking the coolantlevel.
5.3L V8 Shown, 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8,
and 6.2L V8 Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible inthe coolant surge tank. If the coolantinside the coolant surge tank isboiling, wait until it cools down. Thecoolant level should be at or above

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
372 Vehicle Care
4. With the coolant surge tankpressure cap off, start theengine and let it run until theengine coolant temperaturegauge indicates approximately90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant levelinside the coolant surge tankmay be lower. If the level islower, add more of the propermixture to the coolant surgetank until the level reaches theFULL COLD mark.
5. Replace the pressure captightly.
6. Verify coolant level after theengine is shut off and thecoolant is cold. If necessary,repeat coolant fill procedureSteps 1–6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has the Duramaxdiesel engine, see the Duramaxdiesel supplement.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The vehicle has several indicatorsto warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperaturegauge in the vehicle's instrumentcluster. SeeEngine CoolantTe m p e r a t u r e G a u g e0133.
In addition, there are ENGINEOVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLEENGINE, and ENGINE POWER ISREDUCED messages in the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeEngine Cooling System Messages0152andEngine PowerMessages0153.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood when this warning appears,get service help right away. SeeRoadside AssistanceProgram0476.
If the decision is made to lift thehood, make sure the vehicle isparked on a level surface.
4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2LV8 Engines
Check to see if the engine coolingfans are running. If the engine isoverheating, the fans should berunning. If they are not, do notcontinue to run the engine and havethe vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 373
Warning (Continued)
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOPENGINE or the ENGINEOVERHEATED IDLE ENGINEmessage, along with a low coolantcondition, can indicate a seriousproblem.
If there is an engine overheatwarning, but no steam is seen orheard, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine canget a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.To w s a t r a i l e r ; s e eTr a i l e rTo w i n g0318.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE or the ENGINEOVERHEATED IDLE ENGINEmessage appears with no sign ofsteam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral)andlettheengine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge isno longer in the overheat zone or anoverheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the vehicle infront. If the warning does not comeback on, continue to drive normallyand have the cooling systemchecked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is still no sign of steam andthe vehicle is equipped with anengine driven cooling fan, pushdown the accelerator until theengine speed is about twice as fastas normal idle speed for at leastfive minutes while the vehicle isparked. If the warning is still there,turn off the engine and get everyoneout of the vehicle until it cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for five minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
374 Vehicle Care
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine conditionexists and the ENGINE POWER ISREDUCED message displays, anoverheat protection mode whichalternates firing groups of cylindershelps to prevent engine damage. Inthis mode, a loss in power andengine performance will be noticed.This operating mode allows thevehicle to be driven to a safe placein an emergency. Driving extendeddistances and/or towing a trailer inthe overheat protection modeshould be avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil0359.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a clutched enginecooling fan, when the clutch isengaged, the fan spins faster toprovide more air to cool the engine.In most everyday driving conditions,the fan is spinning slower and theclutch is not fully engaged. Thisimproves fuel economy and reducesfan noise. Under heavy vehicleloading, trailer towing, and/or highoutside temperatures, the fan speedincreases as the clutch more fullyengages, so an increase in fannoise may be heard. This is normaland should not be mistaken as thetransmission slipping or makingextra shifts. It is merely the coolingsystem functioning properly. The fanwill slow down when additionalcooling is not required and theclutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heardwhen starting the engine. It will goaway as the fan clutch partiallydisengages.
If the vehicle has electric coolingfan(s), the fans may be heardspinning at low speed during mosteveryday driving. The fans may turnoff if no cooling is required. Underheavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,high outside temperatures,or operation of the air conditioningsystem, the fans may change tohigh speed and an increase in fannoise may be heard. This is normaland indicates that the coolingsystem is functioning properly. Thefans will change to low speed whenadditional cooling is no longerrequired.
The electric engine cooling fansmay run after the engine has beenturned. off. This is normal and noservice is required.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
498 Index
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
California
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .351, 378, 432
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Ta i l g a t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 116
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 138
Check
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 383
Malfunction Indicator
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 90
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102, 106
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Climate Control
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237, 238
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . 237, 238
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237, 238
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 479
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Connections
OnStar®...................... 488
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Control Light
Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Coolant
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 133
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474
Te x t Te l e p h o n e ( T T Y )
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 481