
Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 7/30/18
270 Driving and Operating
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired setting.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 149. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 7/30/18
272 Driving and Operating
A chime sounds and the warning
light flashes when the parking brake
is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 8 km/h (5 mph).
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down. Then
pull the bottom edge of the lever
with the parking brake symbol,
located to the right of the steering
column.
If the ignition is on when the parking
brake is released, the brake system
warning light goes off.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on any hill see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 294.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade. This feature is designed to
prevent the vehicle from rolling,
either forward or rearward, during
vehicle drive off. After you
completely stop and hold the vehicle
in a complete standstill on a grade,
HSA will automatically activate.
During the transition period between
when you release the brake pedal
and start to accelerate to drive off
on a grade, HSA holds the braking
pressure for a maximum of
two seconds to ensure that there is
no rolling. The brakes will
automatically release when the
accelerator pedal is applied within
the two-second window. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, HSA may also apply
the trailer brakes. It will not activate
if the vehicle is in a drive gear and
facing downhill or if the vehicle is
facing uphill and in R (Reverse).

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
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274 Driving and Operating
When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in Four-Wheel Drive Low, the
stability system is automatically
disabled,
gcomes on, and the
appropriate message will appear on
the DIC. Both traction control and
StabiliTrak/ESC are automatically
disabled in this condition.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
. Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC is on the center stack.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
The appropriate message will
display in the DIC. To turn TCS on
again, press and release
g. The
traction off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
traction off light
iand the
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
gcome
on and stay on in the instrument
cluster, then release. The
appropriate message will display in
the DIC.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 7/30/18
292 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
Follow these guidelines:. To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
. Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Avoid using electronic
devices while refueling.
. Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
. Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the
refueling nozzle is inserted
too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Insert the refueling
nozzle slowly and wait for
any hiss noise to stop prior
to beginning to flow fuel.
The vehicle has a capless refueling
system and does not have a fuel
cap. The filling nozzle must be fully
inserted and latched prior to starting
fuel flow.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0419.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
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294 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read the
entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0413. To tow
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0413.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the 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.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
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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 Overheating0344.
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 0431. 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
0 344.

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S./Canada-12162993) - 2019 - crc - 7/30/18
324 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 325
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 326
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 334
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 336
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 338
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 339
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 344
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Battery - North America . . . . . . 350
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 353
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 355
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 355
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 356
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 357
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358 High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 362
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 363
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372

Chevrolet Silverado LD 1500 and Silverado 2500/3500 Owner Manual (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 343
{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.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant.
Light-Duty
Coolant Surge
Tank
Pressure CapHeavy-Duty
Coolant Surge
Tank
Pressure Cap
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the full
cold mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates approximately
90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
full cold mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.