2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO maintenance

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 255
Traction is reduced on hard packedsnow and ice and it is easy to losecontrol. Reduce vehicle speed whendriving on hard packed snowand ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds,
or rivers can be dangerous. Ice
conditions vary greatly and the
vehicle could fall through the ice;
you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow
water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Traction could be lost, and the
vehicle could roll over. Do not
drive through rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep,drive slowly through it. At fasterspeeds, water splashes and thevehicle can stall. When goingthrough water, the brakes get wetand it may take longer to stop. See“Driving on Wet Roads”later in thissection.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris thathas collected on the underbody orchassis, or under the hood. Theseaccumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,have the brake linings cleaned andchecked. These substances cancause glazing and uneven braking.Check the body structure, steering,suspension, wheels, tires, andexhaust system for damage andcheck the fuel lines and coolingsystem for any leakage.
More frequent maintenance serviceis required. See theMaintenanceSchedule0452.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reducevehicle traction and affect yourability to stop and accelerate.Always drive slower in these typesof driving conditions and avoiddriving through large puddles anddeep-standing or flowing water.

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
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
Vehicle Care 353
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own servicework, use the proper servicemanual. It tells you much moreabout how to service the vehiclethan this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeServicePublications OrderingInformation0481.
This vehicle has an airbag system.Before attempting to do your ownservice work, seeServicing theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle086.
Keep a record with all parts receiptsand list the mileage and the date ofany service work performed. SeeMaintenance Records0466.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To o p e n t h e h o o d :
1. Pull the handle with this symbolon it. It is inside the vehicleunder the steering wheel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle tofind the secondary hoodrelease. The handle is underthe front edge of the hood nearthe center. Push the handle tothe right and at the same timeraise the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure allthe filler caps are on properly. Thenbring the hood from full open towithin 15 cm (6 in) from the closedposition, pause, and push the frontcenter of the hood with a swift, firmmotion to fully close the hood.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 363
3. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If thedisplay shows 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message and itcomes back on when the vehicle isstarted and/or the OIL LIFEREMAINING is near 0%, the engineoil life system has not been reset.Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-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. If a small leak issuspected, then use the followingchecking procedures to check thefluid level. However, if there is alarge leak, then it may be necessaryto have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and haveit repaired before driving the vehiclefurther.
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.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
To o m u c h o r t o o l i t t l e f l u i d c a n
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,prepare the vehicle:
1. Start the engine and park thevehicle on a level surface.Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake andplace the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brakepedal, move the shift leverthrough each gear range,pausing for about

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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
378 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a lowlevel, the brake warning light comeson. SeeBrake System WarningLight0140.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.Replace brake fluid at the specifiedintervals to prevent increasedstopping distance. SeeMaintenanceSchedule0452.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at thebrake fluid reservoir. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0354.
The fluid level should be aboveMIN. If it is not, have the brakehydraulic system checked to see ifthere is a leak.
After work is done on the brakehydraulic system, make sure thelevel is above MIN but not over theMAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3brake fluid from a clean, sealedcontainer. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0462.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery ismaintenance free. Do not removethe cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement numbershown on the original battery labelwhen a new battery is needed. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for battery location.