Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
350 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 351California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 352Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 362Automatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 363Automatic Transmission Fluid(8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 366Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 366Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 367Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 372
Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374Power Steering Fluid (1500Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377Battery - North America . . . . . . 378Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 382Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 383Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 384Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 384Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 385
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385High Intensity Discharge (HID)Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and ParkingLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Ta i l l a m p s ( C h a s s i s C a bModels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) andCargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices andWiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389Electrical System Overload . . . 389Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390Instrument Panel Fuse Block(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393Instrument Panel FuseBlock (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 351
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 399Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405Tire Pressure for High-SpeedOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 418Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 431
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Towing the Vehicle
To w i n g t h e V e h i c l e . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 6Recreational VehicleTo w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 7
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
General Information
For service and parts needs, visityour dealer. You will receivegenuine GM parts and GM-trainedand supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING:Most motor vehicles,including this one, as well as manyof its service parts and fluids,contain and/or emit chemicalsknown to the State of California to
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 353
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own servicework, use the proper servicemanual. It tells you much moreabout how to service the vehiclethan this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeServicePublications OrderingInformation0481.
This vehicle has an airbag system.Before attempting to do your ownservice work, seeServicing theAirbag-Equipped Vehicle086.
Keep a record with all parts receiptsand list the mileage and the date ofany service work performed. SeeMaintenance Records0466.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To o p e n t h e h o o d :
1. Pull the handle with this symbolon it. It is inside the vehicleunder the steering wheel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle tofind the secondary hoodrelease. The handle is underthe front edge of the hood nearthe center. Push the handle tothe right and at the same timeraise the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure allthe filler caps are on properly. Thenbring the hood from full open towithin 15 cm (6 in) from the closedposition, pause, and push the frontcenter of the hood with a swift, firmmotion to fully close the hood.
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
362 Vehicle Care
trash or pouring it on the ground,into sewers, or into streams orbodies of water. Recycle it by takingit to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer systemthat indicates when to change theengine oil and filter. This is basedon a combination of factors whichinclude engine revolutions, enginetemperature, and miles driven.Based on driving conditions, themileage at which an oil change isindicated can vary considerably. Forthe oil life system to work properly,the system must be reset every timethe oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the systemhas calculated that oil life has beendiminished, a CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message comes on toindicate that an oil change isnecessary. SeeEngine OilMessages0152.Changetheoilassoon as possible within the next1000km (600mi). It is possible that,if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate thatan oil change is not necessary forup to a year. The engine oil andfilter must be changed at least onceayearand,atthistime,thesystemmust be reset. For vehicles withoutthe CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage, an oil change is neededwhen the OIL LIFE REMAININGpercentage is near 0%. Your dealerhas trained service people who willperform this work and reset thesystem. It is also important to checkthe oil regularly over the course ofan oil drain interval and keep it atthe proper level.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever theengine oil is changed so that thesystem can calculate the nextengine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oilchange. It will not reset itself. Toreset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If thevehicle does not have DICbuttons, the vehicle must be inP(Park)toaccessthisdisplay.SeeDriver Information Center(DIC) (Base Level)0145orDriver Information Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0147.
2. Press and holdV,orthetrip
odometer reset stem if thevehicle does not have DICbuttons, for several seconds.The oil life will changeto 100%.
The oil life system can also be resetas follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUNwith the engine off.
2. Fully press the acceleratorpedal slowly three times withinfive seconds.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 363
3. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If thedisplay shows 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message and itcomes back on when the vehicle isstarted and/or the OIL LIFEREMAINING is near 0%, the engineoil life system has not been reset.Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. If a small leak issuspected, then use the followingchecking procedures to check thefluid level. However, if there is alarge leak, then it may be necessaryto have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and haveit repaired before driving the vehiclefurther.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Change the fluid and filter at thescheduled maintenance intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0452.Besuretousethetransmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
To o m u c h o r t o o l i t t l e f l u i d c a n
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,prepare the vehicle:
1. Start the engine and park thevehicle on a level surface.Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake andplace the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brakepedal, move the shift leverthrough each gear range,pausing for about
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
366 Vehicle Care
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at leasttwice using the procedure describedpreviously. Consistency (repeatablereadings) is important to maintainingproper fluid level. If readings are stillinconsistent, contact the dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. This vehicle is notequipped with a transmission fluidlevel dipstick. There is a specialprocedure for checking andchanging the transmission fluid inthese vehicles. Because thisprocedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact thedealer for additional information orthe procedure can be found in theservice manual. SeeServicePublications OrderingInformation0481.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Change the fluid and filter at thescheduled maintenance intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0452.Besuretousethetransmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check themanual transmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer service department and haveit repaired as soon as possible. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462for the proper fluidto use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manualtransmission, it is not necessary toregularly check clutch fluid unlessyou suspect there is a leak in thesystem. Adding fluid will not correctaleak.Afluidlossinthissystemcould indicate a problem. Have thesystem inspected and repaired.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
370 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOLcoolant. If using this mixture,nothing else needs to be added.This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection downto✓37 °C (✓34 °F), outsidetemperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to129 °C (265 °F), enginetemperature.
.Protects against rust andcorrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper enginetemperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Never dispose of engine coolant byputting it in the trash, or by pouringit on the ground, or into sewers,streams, or bodies of water. Havethe coolant changed by anauthorized service center, familiarwith legal requirements regardingused coolant disposal. This will helpprotect the environment and yourhealth.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located inthe engine compartment on thepassenger side of the vehicle. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
The vehicle must be on a levelsurface when checking the coolantlevel.
5.3L V8 Shown, 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8,
and 6.2L V8 Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible inthe coolant surge tank. If the coolantinside the coolant surge tank isboiling, wait until it cools down. Thecoolant level should be at or above