2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO automatic transmission

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 279
or driving off-road. Shift thetransmission to a lower gearselection if the transmission shiftstoo often.
Downshifting the transmission inslippery road conditions could resultin skidding. See“Skidding”underLoss of Control0250.
The vehicle has a shift stabilizationfeature that adjusts the transmissionshifting to the current drivingconditions in order to reduce rapidupshifts and downshifts. This shiftstabilization feature is designed todetermine, before making anupshift, if the engine is able tomaintain vehicle speed by analyzingthings such as vehicle speed,throttle position, and vehicle load.If the shift stabilization featuredetermines that a current vehiclespeed cannot be maintained, thetransmission does not upshift andinstead holds the current gear.In some cases, this could appear tobe a delayed shift, however thetransmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptiveshift controls. The adaptive shiftcontrol process continuallycompares key shift parameters topre-programmed ideal shifts storedin the transmission’scomputer.Thetransmission constantly makesadjustments to improve vehicleperformance according to how thevehicle is being used, such as withaheavyloadorwhenthetemperature changes. During thisadaptive shift control process,shifting might feel different as thetransmission determines the bestsettings.
When temperatures are very cold,the transmission's gear shiftingcould be delayed providing morestable shifts until the engine warmsup. Shifts could be more noticeablewith a cold transmission. Thisdifference in shifting is normal.
M:This position allows selection ofarangeofgearsappropriateforcurrent driving conditions.If equipped, see“Range SelectionMode”underManual Mode0280.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
If equipped with a gasoline engineand an automatic transmission,Normal Mode Grade Braking isenabled when the vehicle is started,but is not enabled in RangeSelection Mode. It assists inmaintaining desired vehicle speedswhen driving on downhill grades byusing the engine and transmissionto slow the vehicle. The first timethe system engages for eachignition key cycle, a DIC messagewill be displayed. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages0157.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
280 Driving and Operating
To d i s a b l e o r e n a b l e N o r m a l M o d eGrade Braking within the currentignition key cycle, press and holdthe Tow/Haul button forfive seconds. When the button isreleased, the requested modechange is made. A DIC messagedisplays. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages0157.
For other forms of grade braking,seeTo w / H a u l M o d e0282andCruise Control0298.
Kickdown Mode
If equipped, the accelerator pedalprovides an additional downshiftafter pressing through the kickdownfeature.
It requires extra pedal pressure nearthe end of its travel to engage.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Modehelps control the vehicle'stransmission and vehicle speedwhile driving downhill or towing atrailer by letting you select a desiredrange of gears.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever toL(ManualMode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttonson the shift lever to select thedesired range of gears forcurrent driving conditions.
With an 8-speed automatictransmission, hold the plus/minusbuttons on the shift lever to selectthe highest or lowest rangeavailable for the current vehiclespeed.
When the shift lever is moved fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode), anumber displays next to the L,indicating the current transmissionrange.
This number is the highest gear thatthe transmission will command whileoperating in L (Manual Mode). Allgears below that number areavailable. As driving conditionschange, the transmission canautomatically shift to lower gears.For example, when L5 is selected,1(First) through 5(Fifth) gears areautomatically shifted by thetransmission, but 6 (Sixth) cannot beused until the plus/minus button onthe shift lever is used to change tothe range.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 281
In vehicles with gasoline engines,when the shift lever is moved fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode), adownshift may occur. The gear thatthe transmission is operating inwhen the shift lever is moved fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode)determines if a downshift occurs.See the following chart.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear before shifting fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode)6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after shifting fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode)L4 L4 L3 L2 L2 L1
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear beforeshifting fromD(Drive) toL(Manual Mode)
8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range aftershifting fromD(Drive) toL(Manual Mode)–To w / H a u l n o tengaged
L6 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1
Range aftershifting fromD(Drive) toL(Manual Mode)–To w / H a u l e n g a g e d
L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L3 L2 L1
Grade Braking is not available whenRange Selection Mode is active.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0282.
While using Range Selection Mode,cruise control and the Tow/HaulMode can be used.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
282 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle has an exhaust brake,it can also be used, but will notautomatically downshift thetransmission. See“Exhaust Brake”in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
If equipped, Low Traction Modeassists in vehicle acceleration whenroad conditions are slippery, suchas with ice or snow. While thevehicle is at a stop, select L2 usingRange Selection Mode. This willlimit torque to the wheels and helpto prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatictransmission have a Tow/HaulMode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjuststhe transmission shift pattern toreduce shift cycling. This providesincreased performance, vehiclecontrol, and enhanced transmissionand engine cooling when drivingdown steep hills or mountaingrades, when towing, or whenhauling heavy loads.
The selector button is on the end ofthe shift lever. Turn the Tow/HaulMode on and off by pressing the
button. When the Tow/Haul Mode isenabled, a light on the instrumentcluster will come on.
For an eAssist vehicle, the Stop/Start function will becomeunavailable when Tow/Haul Mode isactive.
For an eAssist vehicle, theRegenerative Braking functionality isdisabled when using the Tow/HaulMode. See the eAssist supplement.
SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e L i g h t0141andHill and Mountain Roads0256.Also see“To w / H a u l M o d e”underTo w i n g E q u i p m e n t0335.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n g i sonly enabled while the Tow/HaulMode is selected and the vehicle isnot in the Range Selection Mode.See“To w / H a u l M o d e”listedpreviously andManual Mode0280.To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n gassists in maintaining desiredvehicle speeds when driving ondownhill grades by using the engineand transmission to slow thevehicle.

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
Driving and Operating 289
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To s h i f t :
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 to
2m.
After the transfer case hasshifted out of N (Neutral), theN(Neutral) light will goout.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift thetransmission to thedesired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
If equipped, use the transfer caseknob next to the steering wheel toshift into and out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will blink on then offmomentarily when the ignition ismoved to the ON/RUN position. Thelight that remains on will indicate thestate of the Transfer Case.
If the indicator mark on the switchdoes not match up with the lightthen that likely means the switchwas moved when the ignitionwas off.
The indicator mark on the switchmust line up with the indicator lightbefore a shift can be commanded.To c o m m a n d a s h i f t r o t a t e t h etransfer case switch to the newdesired position. The light will blinkmeaning that the shift is in progress.When the shift is completed the newposition will be illuminated. If thetransfer case can not complete ashift command, it will go back to itslast chosen setting.
The settings are:
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
for driving on most streets andhighways. The front axle is notengaged. This setting provides thebest fuel economy.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
290 Driving and Operating
AUTO (Automatic Four-WheelDrive) :Use when road surfacetraction conditions are variable.When driving in AUTO, the frontaxle is engaged, and the vehicle'spower is sent to the front and rearwheels automatically based ondriving conditions. This settingprovides slightly lower fuel economy
than 2m.
Do not use AUTO mode,if equipped, to park on a steepgrade with poor traction such as ice,snow, mud, or gravel. In AUTOmode only the rear wheels will holdthe vehicle from sliding whenparked. If parking on a steep grade,
use 4mto keep all four wheels
engaged.
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :Use
this position when extra traction isneeded, such as when driving onsnowy or icy roads, whenoff-roading, or when plowing snow.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4n
when driving off-road in deep sand,deep mud, or deep snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.
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.
Shifting Into 4mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4mor AUTO
position at any speed, except from
4n.Theindicatorlightwillflash
while shifting and will remain onwhen the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 2m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4n.The
indicator light will flash while shiftingand will remain on when the shift iscompleted.
Shifting Into 4n
When 4nis engaged, keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
To s h i f t :
1. The ignition must be in ON/RUN and the vehicle must bestopped or moving less than5km/h (3mph) with thetransmission in N (Neutral). It isbest for the vehicle to bemoving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h(1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4n.Waitfor
the 4nindicator light to stop
flashing before shifting thetransmission into gear.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
298 Driving and Operating
When enabled, if the vehicle is at aspeed above 22 km/h (14 mph) andless than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DICmessage will display. SeeVehicleSpeed Messages0160.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle cangive more traction on snow, mud,ice, sand, or gravel. It works like astandard axle most of the time, butwhen traction is low, this feature willallow the rear wheel with the mosttraction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
asteadyspeed.Donotuse
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control a speed of about40 km/h (25 mph) or more can bemaintained without keeping yourfoot on the accelerator. Cruisecontrol does not work at speedsbelow about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If equipped with an Allison orHydra-Matic 6-speed automatictransmission, see“To w / H a u l M o d eGrade Braking”underTo w / H a u lMode0282for an explanation of
how cruise control interacts with theRange Selection Mode, Tow/HaulMode, and Grade Braking systems.
If the cruise control is being usedand the Traction Control system(TCS) or StabiliTrak begins to limitwheel spin, the cruise control willautomatically disengage. 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.Whenroadconditions allow you to safely use itagain, cruise control can be turnedback on.
If the brakes are applied, cruisecontrol disengages.