2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 brake fluid

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Driving and Operating 297
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0343.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible. When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0430. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 343.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Vehicle Care 323
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 324
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 325
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 333
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 335
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 337
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 338
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 343
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Battery - North America . . . . . . 349
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 352
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 354
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 354
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 355
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 356
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357 High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 361
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 362
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Vehicle Care 325
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0349
and Jump Starting - North America
0 408 and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 089.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Vehicle Care 329
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0408.
2. Battery - North America 0349.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0339.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0338.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) 0335
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed Transmission)
0 337.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0408.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 339.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0331. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0331.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 346.
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0348.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0362.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Vehicle Care 331
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America
0408.
2. Battery - North America 0349.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0339.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0338.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) 0335
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed Transmission)
0 337.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0331.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0331.
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 339. 9. Remote Negative (–) Location.
See Jump Starting - North
America 0408.
10. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir.
SeePower Steering Fluid
(1500 Series) 0345 orPower
Steering Fluid (2500/3500
Series) 0345.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 346.
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0348.
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped). SeeBattery - North America
0 349.
14. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0362.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0333.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Vehicle Care 335
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
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(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0440.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 430. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0440.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
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 (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 the vehicle on a level surface.
Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about
three seconds in each range.
Then, move the shift lever back
to P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500– 800 rpm) for at least
one minute. Slowly release the
brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and check the transmission fluid
temperature on the Driver

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
Vehicle Care 347
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications 0446.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 4/4/18
348 Vehicle Care
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0328 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down: .
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the 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 are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on 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)
Warning (Continued)
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0148.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0430.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0328.