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
336 Driving and Operating
Vehicle SeriesTr a i l e r W e ig h tWeight-Distributing HitchUsageHitch Distribution
1500Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb)OptionalRefer to trailermanufacturer’srecommendation
1500Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb)Required50%
2500/3500Up to 9 080 kg (20,000 lb)OptionalRefer to trailermanufacturer’srecommendation
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributinghitch, measure distance (2) beforecoupling the trailer to the hitch ball.Measure the height again after thetrailer is coupled and adjust thespring bars so the distance (2) is asclose as possible to halfwaybetween the two measurements.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailerscan be used with many pickupmodels. These trailers place alarger percentage of the weight(kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle
than conventional trailers. Makesure this weight does not cause thevehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpinweight should be 15 to 25% of thetrailer weight up to the maximumamount specified in the traileringchart for the vehicle. See“Weight ofthe Trailer”underTr a i l e rTo w i n g0318.
The hitch should be located in thepickup bed so that its centerline isover or slightly in front of the rearaxle. Take care that it is not so farforward that it will contact the backof the cab in sharp turns. This isespecially important for short box
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
360 Vehicle Care
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly(every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center(DIC) message displays, check theoil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0468.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for the location of the engineoil fill cap.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 377
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climatescan cause a brake squeal when thebrakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not meansomething is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts arenecessary to help prevent brakepulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear andevenly tighten wheel nuts in theproper sequence to torquespecifications inCapacities andSpecifications0468.
Brake linings should always bereplaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedaldoes not return to normal height,or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a signthat brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system partswith new, approved replacementparts. If this is not done, the brakesmay not work properly. The brakingperformance expected can changein many other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts areinstalled or parts are improperlyinstalled.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoiris filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for the location of thereservoir.
There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir maygo down:
.Normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are installed, thefluid level goes back up.
.Afluidleakinthebrakehydraulic system. Have thebrake hydraulic system fixed.With a leak, the brakes will notwork well.
Always clean the brake fluidreservoir cap and the area aroundthe cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.Adding fluid does not correct a leak.If fluid is added when the linings areworn, there will be too much fluidwhen new brake linings areinstalled. Add or remove fluid, asnecessary, only when work is doneon the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
382 Vehicle Care
Noise Control System
Noise Emission Warranty
General Motors warrants to the firstperson who purchases this vehiclefor purposes other than resale andto each subsequent purchaser thatthis vehicle as manufactured byGeneral Motors was designed, builtand equipped to conform at the timeit left General Motors control with allapplicable U.S. EPA Noise ControlRegulations. This warranty coversthis vehicle as designed, built andequipped by General Motors and isnot limited to any particular part,component or system of the vehiclemanufactured by General Motors.Defects in design, assembly or anypart, component or system of thevehicle manufactured by GeneralMotors, which at the time it leftGeneral Motors control causednoise emissions to exceed Federalstandards, are covered by thewarranty for the life of the vehicle.
The following information relates tocompliance with federal noiseemission standards for vehicles withaGrossVehicleWeightRating
(GVWR) of more than 4 536 kg(10,000 lb). The noise controlsystem warranty is given in yourwarranty manual.
These standards apply only tovehicles sold in the United States.
Federal law prohibits the followingacts or the causing thereof:
1. The removal or renderinginoperative by any person,other than for purposes ofmaintenance, repair orreplacement, of any device orelement of design incorporatedinto any new vehicle for thepurpose of noise control, priorto its sale or delivery to theultimate purchaser or while it isin use; or
2. The use of the vehicle aftersuch device or element ofdesign has been removed orrendered inoperative by anyperson.
Among those acts presumed toconstitute tampering are the actslisted below.
Insulation:
Removal of the noise shields or anyunderhood insulation.
Engine:
Removal or rendering engine speedgovernor, if the vehicle has one,inoperative so as to allow enginespeed to exceed manufacturerspecifications.
Fan and Drive:
.Removal of fan clutch, if thevehicle has one, or renderingclutch inoperative.
.Removal of the fan shroud, if thevehicle has one.
Air Intake:
.Removal of the air cleanersilencer.
.Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.Removal of the muffler and/orresonator.
.Removal of the exhaust pipesand exhaust pipe clamps.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
404 Vehicle Care
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:Acodemolded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeVehicle Load
Limits0259.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0259.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0259.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). SeeVehicle Load
Limits0259.
Occupant Distribution:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
408 Vehicle Care
As an added safety feature, yourvehicle has been equipped with atire pressure monitoring system(TPMS) that illuminates a low tirepressure telltale when one or moreof your tires is significantlyunder-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tirepressure telltale illuminates, youshould stop and check your tires assoon as possible, and inflate themto the proper pressure. Driving on asignificantly under-inflated tirecauses the tire to overheat and canlead to tire failure. Under-inflationalso reduces fuel efficiency and tiretread life, and may affect thevehicle's handling and stoppingability.
Please note that the TPMS is not asubstitute for proper tiremaintenance, and it is the driver'sresponsibility to maintain correct tirepressure, even if under-inflation hasnot reached the level to triggerillumination of the TPMS low tirepressure telltale.
Yo u r v e h i c l e h a s a l s o b e e nequipped with a TPMS malfunctionindicator to indicate when thesystem is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressuretelltale. When the system detects amalfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and thenremain continuously illuminated.This sequence will continue uponsubsequent vehicle start-ups aslong as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator isilluminated, the system may not beable to detect or signal low tirepressure as intended. TPMSmalfunctions may occur for a varietyof reasons, including the installationof replacement or alternate tires orwheels on the vehicle that preventthe TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunctiontelltale after replacing one or moretires or wheels on your vehicle toensure that the replacement oralternate tires and wheels allow theTPMS to continue to functionproperly.
SeeTire Pressure MonitorOperation0408.
SeeRadio FrequencyStatement0482.
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a TirePressure Monitor System (TPMS).The TPMS is designed to warn thedriver when a low tire pressurecondition exists. TPMS sensors aremounted onto each tire and wheelassembly, excluding the spare tireand wheel assembly. The TPMSsensors monitor the air pressure inthe tires and transmit the tirepressure readings to a receiverlocated in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure conditionis detected, the TPMS illuminatesthe low tire pressure warning light
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 409
located on the instrument cluster.If the warning light comes on, stopas soon as possible and inflate thetires to the recommended pressureshown on the Tire and LoadingInformation label. SeeVehicle LoadLimits0259.
AmessagetocheckthepressureinaspecifictiredisplaysintheDriverInformation Center (DIC). The lowtire pressure warning light and theDIC warning message come on ateach ignition cycle until the tires areinflated to the correct inflationpressure. If the vehicle has DICbuttons, tire pressure levels can beviewed. For additional informationand details about the DICoperation and displays, seeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0145orDriver InformationCenter (DIC) (Uplevel)0147andTire Messages0157.
The low tire pressure warning lightmay come on in cool weather whenthe vehicle is first started, and thenturn off as the vehicle is driven. Thiscould be an early indicator that the
air pressure is getting low andneeds to be inflated to the properpressure.
ATire and Loading Information labelshows the size of the originalequipment tires and the correctinflation pressure for the tires whenthey are cold. SeeVehicle LoadLimits0259,foranexampleoftheTire and Loading Information labeland its location. Also seeTirePressure0405.
The TPMS can warn about a lowtire pressure condition but it doesnot replace normal tiremaintenance. SeeTire Inspection0411,Tire Rotation0412andTires0397.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all
the same. A non-approved tire
sealant could damage the TPMS
sensors. TPMS sensor damage
caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properlyif one or more of the TPMS sensorsare missing or inoperable. When thesystem detects a malfunction, thelow tire pressure warning lightflashes for about one minute andthen stays on for the remainder ofthe ignition cycle. A DIC warningmessage also displays. Themalfunction light and DIC warningmessage come on at each ignitioncycle until the problem is corrected.Some of the conditions that cancause these to come on are:
.One of the road tires has beenreplaced with the spare tire. Thespare tire does not have aTPMS sensor. The malfunctionlight and the DIC messageshould go off after the road tire