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There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in
this manual. See“Loading the
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving“
underOff-Road Driving0251.
Two-Tiered Loading
Depending on the model of the
pickup, an upper load platform
can be created by positioning
three or four 5 cm (2 in) by
15 cm (6 in) wooden planks
across the width of the pickup
box. The planks must be
inserted in the pickup box
depressions.
When using this upper load
platform, be sure the load is
securely tied down to prevent it
from shifting. The load's center
of gravity should be positioned
in a zone over the rear axle. The
zone is located in the area
between the front of each wheel
well and the rear of each wheel
well. The center of gravity height
must not extend above the top
of the pickup box flareboard.
Any load that extends beyond
the vehicle's taillamp area must
be properly marked according to
local laws and regulations.
Remember not to exceed the
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
Add-On Equipment
When carrying removable items,
alimitonhowmanypeople
carried inside the vehicle may
be necessary. Be sure to weigh
the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
*Equipment
Maximum
Weight
Ladder Rack
and Cargo
340 kg (750 lb)
Cross Toolbox
and Cargo
181 kg (400 lb)
Side Boxes
and Cargo
11 3 k g p e r
side (250 lb
per side)
*Thecombinedweightforall
rail-mounted equipment should
not exceed 454 kg (1,000 lb).
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Loading Points
1. Primary Load Points
2. Secondary Load Areas
3. GM Approved AccessoryMounting Points
Structural members (1) and (2) areincluded in the pickup box design.Additional accessories should usethese load points. Depending on theaccessory design, use a spacerunder the accessory at the loadpoints to remove gap. The holes forGM approved accessories (3) arenot intended for aftermarket
equipment. See www.gmupfitter.comfor additional pickup box loadbearing structural information.
Truck-Camper Loading
Information
Avehicle-specificTruck-Camper
Loading Information label is
attached to the inside of the
vehicle's glove box. This label
indicates if a slide-in camper
can be carried, how much of a
load the vehicle can carry, and
how to correctly spread out the
load. It will help to match the
right slide-in camper to the
vehicle.
Yo u r d e a l e r c a n h e l p m a k e a
good vehicle-camper match and
help determine the Cargo
Weight Rating (CWR).
When installing and loading a
slide-in camper, check the
manufacturer's instructions.
When carrying a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of
the vehicle is the weight of the
camper plus:
.Everything added to the
camper after it left the
factory.
.Everything in the camper.
.All the people inside.
The CWR is the maximum
weight of the load the vehicle
can carry. It does not include the
weight of the people inside. But,
use about 68 kg (150 lb) for
each seat.
The total cargo load must not be
more than the vehicle's CWR.
Refer to the Truck-Camper
Loading Information label in the
glove box for dimensions A and
Basshowninthefollowing
illustration.
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Use the rear edge of the load
floor for measurement purposes.
The recommended location for
the cargo center of gravity is at
point C for the CWR. It is the
point where the mass of a body
is concentrated and,
if suspended at that point, would
balance the front and rear.
Here is an example of proper
truck and camper match:
1.Camper Center of
Gravity
2.Recommended Center of
Gravity Location Zone
When the truck is used to carry
aslide-incamper,thetotalcargo
load of the truck consists of the
manufacturer's camper weight
figure, the weight of installed
additional camper equipment not
included in the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight
of camper cargo, and the weight
of passengers in the camper.
The total cargo load should not
exceed the truck's cargo weight
rating, and the camper's center
of gravity (1) should fall within
the truck's recommended center
of gravity zone (2) when
installed.
Any accessories or other
equipment that are added to the
vehicle must be weighed. Then,
subtract this extra weight from
the CWR. This extra weight may
shorten the center of gravity
zone of the vehicle.
If the slide-in camper and its
load weighs less than the CWR,
the center of gravity zone for the
vehicle may be larger.
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shifts that could affect the
balance of the vehicle. When the
truck-camper is loaded, drive to
ascaleandweighonthefront
and on the rear wheels
separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total axle loads
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should not exceed the vehicle's
gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are
given on the Certification/Tire
label attached to the B-pillar.
See“Certification/Tire Label”
underVehicle Load Limits
0259.Ifweightratingsare
exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below
the ratings.
See your dealer for more
information on curb weights,
cargo weights, Cargo Weight
Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Keep the vehicle speed at88 km/h (55 mph) or less forthe first 805 km (500 mi).
.Do not drive at any oneconstant speed, fast or slow,for the first 805 km (500 mi).Do not make full-throttlestarts. Avoid downshifting tobrake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops forthe first 322 km (200 mi) orso. During this time the newbrake linings are not yetbroken in. Hard stops withnew linings can mean
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
premature wear and earlierreplacement. Follow thisbreaking-in guideline everytime you get new brakelinings.
.Do not tow a trailer duringbreak-in. SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0318for the trailer towingcapabilities of the vehicleand more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal
If equipped, the position of thethrottle and brake pedals can bechanged.
The pedals can only be adjustedwhen the vehicle is in P (Park).
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The switch used to adjust thepedals is on the center stack, belowthe climate controls.
Lift the switch up to move thepedals closer to your body. Pressthe switch down to move thepedals away.
Before you start driving, fully pressthe brake pedal to confirm theadjustment is right for you.
The vehicle may have a memoryfunction, which lets pedal settingsbe saved and recalled. SeeMemorySeats061.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four differentpositions.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) , t h e i g n i t i o nmust be in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brakepedal must be applied.
0(STOPPINGTHEENGINE/LOCK/OFF) :When the vehicle is stopped,turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off. RetainedAccessory Power (RAP) will remainactive. SeeRetained AccessoryPower (RAP)0271.
This position locks the ignition andsteering wheel. It also locks thetransmission on automatictransmission vehicles. The key canbe removed in LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with thewheels turned off center. If thishappens, move the steering wheelfrom right to left while turning thekey to ACC/ACCESSORY. If thisdoes not work, then the vehicleneeds service.
Do not turn the engine off when thevehicle is moving. This will cause aloss of power assist in the brakeand steering systems and disablethe airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in anemergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump thebrakes repeatedly. This maydeplete power assist, requiringincreased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).This can be done while thevehicle is moving. After shiftingto N (Neutral), continue to
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firmly apply the brakes andsteer the vehicle to a safelocation.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shiftto P (Park) with an automatictransmission, or Neutral with amanual transmission. Turn theignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0293.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,and must be shut off while driving,turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
On vehicles with an automatictransmission, the shift lever must bein P (Park) to turn the ignition switchto LOCK/OFF.
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
1(ACC/ACCESSORY):Thisposition lets things like the radioand the windshield wipers operatewhile the engine is off. It alsounlocks the steering wheel. Use thisposition if the vehicle must bepushed or towed.
2(ON/RUN):This position can beused to operate the electricalaccessories and to display someinstrument cluster warning andindicator lights. This position canalso be used for service anddiagnostics, and to verify the properoperation of the malfunctionindicator lamp as may be requiredfor emission inspection purposes.The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running. Thetransmission is also unlocked in thisposition on automatic transmissionvehicles.
If the key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN positionwith the engine off, the battery couldbe drained. The vehicle may notstart if the battery is allowed to drainfor an extended period of time.
3(START):This is the position thatstarts the engine. When the enginestarts, release the key. The ignitionswitch returns to ON/RUN fordriving.
Awarningtonewillsoundwhenthedriver door is opened, the ignition isin ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF, and the key is in the ignition.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see theSilverado/Sierra eAssistsupplement.
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Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment0345.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the power steering
system and there may be loss of
power steering assist.
Place the transmission in theproper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) orN(Neutral). To restart the enginewhen the vehicle is already moving,use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutraland the parking brake engaged.Hold the clutch pedal down to thefloor and start the engine.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off theaccelerator pedal, turn theignition key to START. Whenthe engine starts, let go of thekey. The idle speed will godown as the engine gets warm.Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.
Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow theoil to warm up and lubricate allmoving parts.
When the low fuel warning lightis on and the FUEL LEVELLOW message is displayed inthe Driver Information Center(DIC), hold the ignition switchin the START position tocontinue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not startafter five to 10 seconds,especially in very cold weather(below✓18 °C or 0 °F), it couldbe flooded with too much
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gasoline. Try pushing theaccelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it therewhile holding the key in STARTfor up to 15 seconds. Wait atleast 15 seconds between eachtry, to allow the cranking motorto cool down. When the enginestarts, let go of the key andaccelerator. If the vehicle startsbriefly but then stops again, dothe same thing. This clears theextra gasoline from the engine.Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.Operate the engine andtransmission gently until the oilwarms up and lubricates allmoving parts.
Fast Idle System
If equipped, this feature is availableonly with cruise control. The manualfast idle switch is operated using thecruise control buttons on the leftside of the steering wheel.
This system can be used toincrease engine idle speedwhenever the following conditionsare met:
.The parking brake is set.
.The brake pedal is not pressed.
.The vehicle must not be movingand the accelerator must not bepressed.
To c o n t r o l t h e f a s t i d l e :
.To e n a b l e t h e F a s t I d l e S y s t e m ,press and release the cruisecontrol on/off button and ensurethat the switch indicator lightis lit.
.Press and release the cruisecontrol SET- button. Enginespeed will be held atapproximately 1200 rpm.
One of the following actions will turnoff the fast idle:
.Pressing the brake.
.Selecting the cruise controlcancel button.
.Releasing the parking brake.
.Moving the transmission shiftlever out of P (Park) orN(Neutral).
.Selecting the cruise control on/off button when it waspreviously on.
.Pressing the cruise control SET-button a second time.
.Pressing the accelerator morethan one-quarter of theway down.
.Turning the ignition switch to theLOCK/OFF position.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
The following vehicle accessoriescan be used for up to 10 minutesafter the engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.OnStar System (if equipped)
.Sunroof (if equipped)
These features work when the keyis in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is