
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
1500-11698642) - 2019 - CRC - 2/20/19
224 Driving and Operating
.The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
. Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
. The accelerator pedal is
pressed.
. The engine or transmission is
not at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range.
. The vehicle is in any gear other
than D (Drive).
. Tow/Haul Mode or other driver
modes have been selected.
. The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
. The driver door has been
opened or the driver seat belt
has been unbuckled.
. The hood has been opened.
. The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time. Auto Stop Disable Switch
If equipped, the automatic engine
Stop/Start feature can be disabled
and enabled by pressing the switch
with the
hsymbol. Auto Stop is
enabled each time you start the
vehicle.
When
his illuminated, the system
is enabled.
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting.
An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist,
which will prevent engine heater
operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 231
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive,
the vehicle will be free to roll if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral),
even when the shift lever is in
P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear—2
m, 4m, or 4n—or set the
parking brake before placing the
transfer case in N (Neutral). See
Four-Wheel Drive 0236.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0209.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Also, use N (Neutral) when the
vehicle is being towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
1500-11698642) - 2019 - CRC - 2/20/19
236 Driving and Operating
For vehicles without Driver Mode
Control, press the Tow/Haul button
on the center stack.
If equipped, the Stop/Start system
will become unavailable when Tow/
Haul Mode is active.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is
only enabled while the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected and the vehicle is
not in the Range Selection Mode.
SeeManual Mode 0233. Tow/Haul
Mode Grade Braking assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle.
See Towing Equipment 0286.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction.
Read the appropriate section for
transfer case operation before
using.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
mand 4n(if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle’s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
mor 4nmay:
. Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
. Cause tires to wear faster.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
1500-11698642) - 2019 - CRC - 2/20/19
240 Driving and Operating
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in
10 seconds until the N (Neutral)
graphic starts flashing in the
instrument cluster. When the
shift is complete, the graphic
stops flashing. If the parking
brake and/or brake pedal is not
applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the
original state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the
vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within
20 seconds, the transfer case
will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the
instrument cluster. Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition
Positions (Key Access) 0218
or
Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0220.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0242.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
Transfer case shifts out of
N (Neutral) can only be made
into 2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will stop
flashing. If the transfer case
cannot complete a shift, the
graphic will return to the
previously selected setting. Single Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case
controls are used to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the
desired button. The graphic in the
instrument cluster will flash while a
shift is in progress. The graphic
displayed will change to indicate the
setting requested.
When the shift is complete the
graphic will stop flashing. The DIC
message turns off once the shift is
complete. If the transfer case

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
1500-11698642) - 2019 - CRC - 2/20/19
244 Driving and Operating
applied the brake pedal in an
attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle and to provide additional
braking beyond a normal brake
pedal apply. Minor noise during this
time is normal and the brake pedal
should be applied as the driving
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)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely.
You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving0199. This feature is designed to prevent
the vehicle from rolling, either
forward or rearward, during vehicle
drive off. HSA will be automatically
activated after the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill on a grade.
During the transition period between
when the brake pedal is released
and the accelerator pedal is
pressed, HSA holds the braking
pressure to ensure that there is no
rolling. The brakes will automatically
release when the accelerator pedal
is applied. 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).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the
drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 245
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. SeeTrailer
Sway Control (TSC) 0295.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak/ESC
begins to limit wheel spin, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise
control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0209
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section. 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 Driver Information Center (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

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
1500-11698642) - 2019 - CRC - 2/20/19
246 Driving and Operating
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.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
g. The
traction off light
iand the
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on if the vehicle exceeds
56 km/h (35 mph). Traction control
will remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature and a Hill
Start Assist (HSA) feature. See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0295 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0244.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 314.
Hill Descent
Control (HDC)
If equipped, Hill Descent Control
(HDC) sets and maintains vehicle
speed while driving down steep
grades in a forward or reverse gear.
The HDC switch is on the center
stack, below the climate controls.
Press
5to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below
50 km/h (31 mph).
When enabled, the HDC light
displays on the instrument cluster.
A blinking HDC light indicates the
system is actively applying the
brakes to maintain vehicle speed.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds
between 1 and 22 km/h (1 and
14 mph) on grades greater than or
equal to 10%.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 249
Off-Road Mode
Use to improve driving at moderate
speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered
roads that have not been groomed
or plowed.
The accelerator pedal will be more
sensitive to provide finer control of
the torque at the wheels. Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), the Antilock
Brake System (ABS), and the
Traction Control System (TCS) will
change for optimal off-road
performance. Use this mode for
public off-road recreational driving.
SeeOff-Road Driving 0201.
When selected, the Off-Road Mode
indicator light displays in the
instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0235.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0282.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load under the following
conditions:
. Through rolling terrain
. In stop-and-go traffic
. In busy parking lots where
improved low speed control of
the vehicle is desired
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or with no
trailer at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to
selecting Tow/Haul Mode when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
When selected, the Tow/Haul Mode
light will display in the instrument
cluster. If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/
Haul Mode active, Tow/Haul Mode
will remain active after the vehicle
has been turned on if the vehicle
was turned off for less than four
hours. Otherwise, the vehicle will
start up in Tour Mode.
Terrain Mode
Use for finer control during low
speed, off-road driving. When using
this mode it will mimic the
characteristics of four-wheel-drive
low without the torque capabilities.
Use when:
.
Traveling on very rough roads at
very low speeds, such as a
two-track or heavily rutted road.
. Traveling slowly in grassy fields.
. Pulling a boat out of the water
on a trailer.
. Using the vehicle for public
off-road recreational driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0201 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0207.