2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO traction control

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
Driving and Operating 257
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep thevehicle in its own lane. Do notswing wide or cross thecenter line.
.Be alert on top of hills;something could be in your lane(e.g., stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special roadsigns (e.g., falling rocks area,winding roads, long grades,passing or no-passing zones)and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires andthe road creates less traction orgrip, so drive carefully. Wet ice canoccur at about 0 °C (32 °F) whenfreezing rain begins to fall. Avoiddriving on wet ice or in freezing rainuntil roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Acceleratingtoo quickly causes the wheels tospin and makes the surfaceunder the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0295.
.The Antilock Brake System(ABS) improves vehicle stabilityduring hard stops, but thebrakes should be applied soonerthan when on dry pavement.SeeAntilock Brake System(ABS)0292.
.Allow greater following distanceand watch for slippery spots. Icypatches can occur on otherwiseclear roads in shaded areas.The surface of a curve or anoverpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear.Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking whileon ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place andsignal for help. Stay with the vehicleunless there is help nearby.If possible, use RoadsideAssistance. SeeRoadsideAssistance Program0476.Togethelp and keep everyone in thevehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warningflashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outsidemirror.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
258 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base ofthe vehicle, especially anyblocking the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm(2 in) on the vehicle sidethat is away from the wind,to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to circulate the airinside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highestsetting. See“ClimateControl Systems.”
For more information about CO,
seeEngine Exhaust0276.
To s a v e f u e l , r u n t h e e n g i n e f o rshort periods to warm the vehicleand then shut the engine off andpartially close the window. Movingabout to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,when running the engine, push theaccelerator pedal slightly so theengine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the batterycharged to restart the vehicle and tosignal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible, tosave fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin thewheels to free the vehicle whenstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.See“Rocking the Vehicle to Get ItOut”later in this section.
The Traction Control System (TCS)can often help to free a stuckvehicle. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l /Electronic Stability Control0295.If TCS cannot free the vehicle, see“Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out”following.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tirechains on the vehicle, seeTireChains0419.

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
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
Driving and Operating 287
Use the transfer case knob, next tothe steering wheel, to shift into andout of four-wheel drive for extratraction.
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.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
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.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4nif
driving off-road in deep sand, deepmud, or deep snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.When engaged, keep vehicle speedbelow 72 km/h (45 mph).
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.
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :Use
when extra traction is needed. Thefront axle engages and helps whendriving on snowy or icy roads, whenoff-roading, or when plowing snow.
The vehicle can be shifted from 2m
to 4mwhile the vehicle is moving.
Shifting Into 4m
Turn the knob to 4mat any speed
up to 121 km/h (75 mph), except
from 4n.Theindicatorlightwillflash
while shifting and will remain on theselected setting.
Shifting Into 2m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4n.
Shifting Into 4n
When 4nis engaged, vehicle speed
should be kept below 72 km/h(45 mph).

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.