Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
346 Vehicle Care
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on to
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving
under the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system mustbe reset. For vehicles without the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed
when the OIL LIFE REMAINING
percentage is near 0%. Your dealer
has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the engine oil life system:
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
354 Vehicle Care
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an 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. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts. .
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 338.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
5.3L V8 Shown, 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8, and 6.2L V8 Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, wait until it cools down. The
coolant level should be at or above
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
358 Vehicle Care
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message displays, an
overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps to prevent engine damage. In
this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil 0343.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fan(s), the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Vehicle Care 435
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
1500 Series vehicles, at least every
other oil change lubricate the outer
tie rod ends.
2500/3500 Series vehicles, at least
every other engine oil change
lubricate the upper and lower
control arm ball joints. Control arm
ball joints on 1500 series vehicles
are maintenance-free.
2500/3500 Series vehicles equipped
with steering linkage, at least every
other engine oil change lubricate the
tie rod ball joints, idler arm pivot
shaft bearings, idler arm socket, and
pitman arm socket.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. If equipped
with power assist steps, extend
them and then use a high pressure
wash to clean all joints and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
490 Index
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 468
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 474
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 473
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 460
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 281
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155, 156
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 285
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 32 Driving (cont'd)
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 236
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 238
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 376
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380, 381
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 Engine (cont'd)
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 338
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 141
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 257
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 473
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 171
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 173
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Index 491
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 175
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 126
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Fluid Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 347, 350
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 287
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 265, 363
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 150
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 65
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 153
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 256
Requirements, California . . . . . 293
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Fuses (cont'd)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 376
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380, 381
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 141
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 441
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465