Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
278 Driving and Operating
{Warning
If you have four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll—even
if the shift lever is in P (Park)—if
the transfer case is in N (Neutral).
So, be sure the transfer case is in
adrivegear,Two-WheelDrive
High or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low—not in
N(Neutral). SeeShifting Into
Park0273.
R:Use this gear to back up.
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.
To r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0258.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart when you are alreadymoving, use N (Neutral) only. Also,use N (Neutral) when the vehicle isbeing towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
Yo u c o u l d l o s e c o n t r o l a n d h i t
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N(Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D:This position is for normaldriving. It provides the best fueleconomy. If you need more powerfor passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 55 km/h(35 mph), push the acceleratorpedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) ormore, push the accelerator allthe way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shiftsdown to the next gear and hasmore power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Modewhen towing a trailer, carrying aheavy load, driving on steep hills,
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
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
286 Driving and Operating
the vehicle to shift into 4m.
Using the Manual Transfer Case
.Use quick motions to shift into or
out of 4nor N (Neutral).
.Shifting may be harder when thevehicle is cold, but will return tonormal once warmed up.
.Four-wheel drive reduces fueleconomy.
Shifting from 2mto 4m
.Shifts can be made at anyvehicle speed.
.Shift in one continuous motion.
.Shifting while the vehicle is inmotion may require thatmoderate force be applied to the
shift lever before 4mcan be
engaged, especially in coldweather.
.In extremely cold weather, it maybe necessary to slow or stop thevehicle to shift.
.While in 4m,thevehiclecanbe
driven at any posted legal speedlimit.
Shifting In or Out of 4n
Caution
Shifting the transfer case into 4n
while moving at speeds faster
than 5 km/h (3 mph) may cause
premature wear to the transfer
case, and may cause the gears to
grind.
1. If possible, shift with thevehicle moving 5 km/h (3 mph)or less.
2. Shift the transmission intoN(Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case shiftlever in one continuous motion.
4. Shifting with the vehicle at astop may be more difficult. It ispossible that the shift will notcomplete and the transfer casewill remain in N (Neutral). Thisis normal. To complete theshift, with the engine running,shift the transmission to
D(Drive) and back toN(Neutral), and reattempt thetransfer case shift.
Shifting In or Out of N (Neutral)
1. Have the engine running.
2. Set the parking brake. Pressand hold the brake pedal. SeeParking Brake0293.
3. Place the transmission intoN(Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case lever inone continuous motion into orout of N (Neutral).
Electronic Transfer Case
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
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.