Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
150 Instruments and Controls
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the
system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may
also sound when the light comes on
steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but
the antilock brakes are not
functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake
system warning light are on, the
vehicle's antilock brakes are not
functioning and there is a problem
with the regular brakes. See your
dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 149.
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
The four-wheel-drive light comes on
when a vehicle with a manual
transfer case is shifted into
four-wheel drive and the front axle
engages.
Some delay between the shifting
and the light coming on is normal.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0265 for
more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
156 Instruments and Controls
Remaining Oil Life
Turn the trip odometer reset stem
until REMAINING OIL LIFE
displays. An estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life is shown.
REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% means
99% of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
The oil should be changed as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Oil0343.
In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. See Maintenance
Schedule 0443.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not reset the Oil Life
display at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, see Engine
Oil Life System 0346. Transmission Fluid Temperature
The temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid displays in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
turn the trip odometer reset stem
until TRAILER GAIN and TRAILER
OUTPUT displays.
TRAILER GAIN shows the Trailer
Gain setting. This setting can be
adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT shows the
power output to the trailer anytime a
trailer with electric brakes is
connected. Output is displayed as a
bar graph. Dashes may appear in
the TRAILER OUTPUT display if a
trailer is not connected.
Hourmeter
This display shows the total number
of hours the engine has run.
Unit
This will change the displays on the
instrument cluster and DIC to either
metric or English (US)
measurements. To change the units,
press the trip odometer reset stem
when UNITS is displayed to enter
the Unit menu. Turn the trip
odometer reset stem to switch
between English and metric. Press
the trip odometer reset stem when
the desired setting is displayed.
Compass
The vehicle may have a compass in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See
Compass 0131.
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel)
The DIC displays are shown in the
center of the instrument cluster in
the Info app. See Instrument Cluster
0 137. The displays show the status
of many vehicle systems. The
controls for the DIC are on the right
steering wheel control.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Instruments and Controls 159
and the timer is running. To reset
the timer to zero, press and hold
V
while this display is active, or
press
pand select reset.
Speed Limit (If Equipped) : Shows
sign information, which comes from
a roadway database in the onboard
navigation.
Engine Hours : Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run.
Transmission Fluid
Temperature : Shows the
temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid in either degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Trailer Brake (If Equipped) : On
vehicles with the Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system, the
trailer brake display appears in
the DIC. TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer
gain setting. This setting can be
adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT shows the
power output to the trailer anytime a
trailer with electric brakes is
connected. Output is displayed as a
bar graph. Dashes may appear in
the OUTPUT display if a trailer is
not connected.
Off Road :
Displays vehicle pitch
and roll information, road wheel
angle, and four-wheel drive (4WD)
status.
Blank Page : Shows no
information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
160 Instruments and Controls
.Brakes
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. Reduced propulsion power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.
Vehicle
Personalization
Use the audio system controls to
access the personalization menus
for customizing vehicle features.
The following are all possible
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.
Base Radio Audio System
Controls
{:
Press to access the Home
Page Menu.
QorR: Touch to scroll through the
menus or setup items.
0: Touch to exit or return to the
previous screen or menu.
Uplevel Radio Audio System
Controls
1. Touch the desired feature to display a list of available
options.
2. Select the desired feature setting.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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226 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 235
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 236
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 238
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 247
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 252
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Parking (Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 256
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 257
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 263
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 275
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 277
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 281
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 282
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 293
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
228 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section
and/or infotainment manual on using
that system and the navigation
system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts069.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you. .
Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 231
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without four-wheel drive and
vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR)
tires must not be driven off-road
except on a level, solid surface. For
contact information about the
original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.
Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
. Remove any underbody air
deflector, if equipped. Re-attach
the air deflector after off-road
driving.
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to
remove the front fascia lower air
dam, if equipped. However, driving
without the air dam reduces fuel
economy.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 233
When driving on hills:
.Use a low gear and keep a firm
grip on the steering wheel.
. Maintain a slow speed.
. When possible, drive straight up
or down the hill.
. Slow down when approaching
the top of the hill.
. Use headlamps even during the
day to make the vehicle more
visible.
{Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high
speed can cause an accident.
There could be a drop-off,
embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be
seriously injured or killed. As you
near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
. Never go downhill forward or
backward with either the
transmission or transfer case in N (Neutral). The brakes could
overheat and you could lose
control.
{Warning
If the vehicle has the two-speed
automatic or electronic transfer
case, shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause your
vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). This is
because the N (Neutral) position
on the transfer case overrides the
transmission. You or someone
else could be injured. If leaving
the vehicle, set the parking brake
and shift the transmission to
P (Park). Shift the transfer case to
any position but N (Neutral).
. When driving down a hill, keep
the vehicle headed straight
down. Use a low gear because
the engine will work with the
brakes to slow the vehicle and
help keep the vehicle under
control.
{Warning
Heavy braking when going down
a hill can cause your brakes to
overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and you or
others could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly when
descending a hill and use a low
gear to keep vehicle speed under
control.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill: 1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and then apply the
parking brake.
2. Shift into P (Park) and then restart the engine.
.If driving uphill when the
vehicle stalls, shift to
R (Reverse), release the
parking brake, and back
straight down.