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
Driving and Operating 291
If the transmission is in gear and/ormoving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4nindicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete theshift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to 4m.Turntheknob
to 4mto display the indicator. With
the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h(3 mph), and the transmission inN(Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4n
To s h i f t :
1. The vehicle must be stopped ormoving less than 5 km/h(3 mph) with the transmissionin N (Neutral) and the ignition inON/RUN. It is best for thevehicle to be moving1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4m,AUTO,
or 2m.Waitforthe4m,AUTO,
or 2mindicator 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.
If the transmission is in gear and/ormoving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4m,AUTO,or2mindicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will notcomplete the shift. With the vehiclemoving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),and the transmission in N (Neutral),attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To s h i f t i n t o N ( N e u t r a l ) :
1. Park the vehicle on a levelsurface.
2. Set the parking brake andpress and hold the brakepedal. SeeParkingBrake0293.
3. Start the vehicle or turn theignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission toN(Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2m.
6. Turn the transfer case knobclockwise to N (Neutral) until itstops and hold it there until theN(Neutral) light starts blinking.This will take at least10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the 4n
position. The N (Neutral) lightwill come on when the transfercase shift to N (Neutral) iscomplete.
7. With the engine running, verifythat the transfer case is inN(Neutral) by shifting thetransmission to R (Reverse),then shift the transmission toD(Drive). There should be nomovement of the vehicle whileshifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and theignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shiftlever in P (Park). SeeRecreational VehicleTo w i n g0437.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
292 Driving and Operating
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To s h i f t o u t o f N ( N e u t r a l ) :
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 tothe desired setting.
After the transfer case hasshifted out of N (Neutral), theN(Neutral) light will goout.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift thetransmission to thedesired gear.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight0141.
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.
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.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
300 Driving and Operating
Passing Another Vehicle WhileUsing Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal toincrease the vehicle speed. Whenyou take your foot off the pedal, thevehicle will slow down to theprevious set cruise speed. Whilepressing the accelerator pedal orshortly following the release tooverride cruise control, brieflypressing SET–will result in cruisecontrol set to the current vehiclespeed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control workson hills depends on the vehiclespeed, the load, and the steepnessof the hills. When going up steephills, pressing the accelerator pedalmay be necessary to maintainvehicle speed.
While going downhill:
.Vehicles with a 6-speedautomatic transmission and agasoline engine have CruiseGrade Braking to help maintaindriver selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabledwhen the vehicle is started andcruise control is active. It is notenabled in Range SelectionMode. It assists in maintainingdriver selected speed whendriving on downhill grades byusing the engine andtransmission to slow the vehicle.
To d i s a b l e a n d e n a b l e C r u i s eGrade Braking for the currentignition key cycle, press andhold the Tow/Haul button forfive seconds. A DIC messagedisplays. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages0157.
.Vehicles with a diesel enginehave Cruise Grade Brakingenabled when Tow/Haul Mode ison, the exhaust brake is on,or both are on.
For other forms of descent control,seeHill Descent Control (HDC)0297,Automatic Transmission0277,andTo w / H a u l M o d e0282.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruisecontrol:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission toN(Neutral).
.To t u r n o f f c r u i s e c o n t r o l ,
press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if5is pressed
or the ignition is turned off.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
316 Driving and Operating
.The trailer must be equippedwith brakes adequate for theintended use. A loaded trailerweighing more than 900 kg(2,000 lb) must be equipped withits own brake system, withbrakes working on all axles.Trailer braking equipmentconforming to CanadianStandards Association (CSA)requirement CAN3-D313, or itsequivalent, is recommended.
.Do not tow a trailer during thefirst 800 km (500 mi) to preventdamage to the engine, axle,or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km(500 mi) of trailer towing, do notdrive over 80 km/h (50 mph) anddo not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).The Tow/Haul Mode may beused if the transmission shiftstoo often. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0282.
.Turn off Park Assist whentowing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with theliftgate, trunk/hatch,or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Also adjust the climatecontrol system to a settingthat brings in only outsideair. See“Climate ControlSystems”in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0276.
To w i n g a t r a i l e r r e q u i r e s a c e r t a i namount of experience. Thecombination you are driving islonger and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted withthe handling and braking of the rigbefore setting out for the open road.
The structure, tires, and brakes ofthe trailer must be rated to carry theload. Inadequate trailer equipmentcan cause the combination tooperate in an unexpected or unsafemanner.
Before starting, check all trailer hitchparts and attachments, safetychains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires, and mirrors. Get familiar withthe handling and braking of the rig.If the trailer has electric brakes, startthe combination moving and thenapply the trailer brake controller byhand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionallyto be sure that the load is secureand the lamps and any trailerbrakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind thevehicle ahead as you would whendriving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid heavybraking and sudden turns.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 317
Passing
More passing distance is neededwhen towing a trailer. Thecombination will not accelerate asquickly and is longer so it isnecessary to go much fartherbeyond the passed vehicle beforereturning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, makewider turns than normal. Do this sothe trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,or other objects. Avoid jerky orsudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burnout, the arrows on the instrumentcluster will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergearbeforestarting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might get hot and no longerwork well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shiftthe transmission to a lower gear ifthe transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used ifthe transmission shifts too often.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0282.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, consider thefollowing: Engine coolant will boil atalowertemperaturethanatnormalaltitudes. If the engine is turned offimmediately after towing at highaltitude on steep uphill grades, thevehicle may show signs similar toengine overheating. To avoid this,let the engine run while parked,preferably on level ground, with thetransmission in P (Park) for a fewminutes before turning the engineoff. If the overheat warning comeson, seeEngine Overheating0372.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
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)