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228 Driving and Operating
cannot complete a shift request, it
will go back to its last chosen
setting.
The settings are:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when
off-roading, or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive)
Use when road surface conditions
are variable. When driving in AUTO,
the front axle is engaged, and the
vehicle's power is sent to the front
and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. This
setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m. Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has
completed. A DIC message
displays.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed,
the DIC message disappears, the
4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has
completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the
4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4
graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric
brake boost have hydraulic brake
circuits that are electronically
controlled when the brake pedal is
applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests
and turns off within a few minutes
after the vehicle is shutdown. Noise
may be heard during this time. If the
brake pedal is pressed during the
tests or when the electric brake
boost system is off, a noticeable
change in pedal force and travel
may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while
braking hard.
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230 Driving and Operating
problem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release the
EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced.
Do not drive the vehicle if the
Yor
PARK light is flashing. See your
dealer. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0137.
If the
8light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK light
remains on. If the
8light remains
on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pressed. If the switch is pressed
until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system. If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
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.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake
pedal applications due to
emergency braking situations and
provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System
(ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate
ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal
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232 Driving and Operating
intended path. Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. SeeTrailer
Sway Control (TSC) 0304.
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 0196
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
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC is on the center stack.
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Driving and Operating 233
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) 0304 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0231.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 325.
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%.
If HDC is to be used for more than
three minutes or on grades steeper
than 25%, the transfer case should
be put into Four-Wheel Drive Low
(4
n) to reduce the possibility of
brake overheating.
Noise from the Electronic Brake
Control Module (EBCM) is normal
when HDC is active.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Driving and Operating
When HDC is activated, the initial
HDC speed is set to the current
driving speed. It can be increased or
decreased by pressing +RES or
SET- on the steering wheel, or by
applying the accelerator or brake
pedal. This adjusted speed
becomes the new set speed.
HDC will remain enabled between
30 and 60 km/h (19 and 37 mph);
however, vehicle speed cannot be
set or maintained in this range. HDC
will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h
(50 mph) or above 60 km/h
(37 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
5must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC. HDC may disable
after an extended period of use.
If this happens, HDC will require
time to cool down. The length of
time HDC remains active depends
on road conditions, grade, set
speed, vehicle loading, and outside
temperature.
When enabled, if the vehicle speed
is above 30 km/h (19 mph) and
below 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC
message will display.
Driver Mode Control
This feature adds a sportier feel,
provides a more comfortable ride,
or assists in different weather
conditions or terrain. Depending on
the option package, available
features, and mode selected; the
suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change settings to
achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is
equipped with magnetic ride control,
selecting the various Driver Modes
enhances the ride performance for
the road conditions and the
selected mode.
Mode availability is dependent upon
vehicle trim level, region, and
optional features.
Not all drive modes are available on
all models. 1500 series vehicles
may have Normal, Sport, Snow/Ice,
Off Road, Terrain, and Tow Haul.
2500/3500 series vehicles may
have Normal, Off Road, Snow/Ice,
and Tow/Haul.
Mode Activation
To activate and deactivate Tow/Haul
turn the Drive Mode knob to the left.
For activation of modes other than
Tow/Haul, turn the Drive Mode knob
to the right.
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Driving and Operating 235
Vehicles with the MODE graphic on
the knob will have a menu selection
screen in the instrument cluster to
select the desired mode. When the
Drive Mode knob is turned to the
right, the mode list will display and
activate the next available mode.If equipped, select Terrain Mode by
pressing the
gbelow the 4m
transfer case button.
Modes:
Normal Mode :Use for normal city
and highway driving to provide a
smooth, soft ride. This mode
provides a balanced setting
between comfort and handling. This
is the standard mode and when
selected, there is no indicator in the
instrument cluster.
8Sport Mode : Use where road
conditions or personal preference
demand a more controlled
response. When you enter this mode you will
immediately feel a down shift. In this
mode, the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically
enables Performance Shift Features
when spirited driving is detected.
These features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The
vehicle will exit these features and
return to normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected. The steering will
change to provide more precise
control. If the vehicle has Magnetic
Ride Control, the suspension will
change to provide better cornering
performance.
When selected, the Sport Mode light
displays in the instrument cluster.
6Snow/Ice Mode :
Snow/Ice
Mode is used for slippery surfaces
to help control wheel speed. Snow
Mode will adjust acceleration to
optimize traction on a slippery
surface. The accelerator pedal will
reduce engine torque at small pedal
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236 Driving and Operating
inputs. This feature is not intended
for use when the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud, ice, snow, or gravel.
If the vehicle becomes stuck, seeIf
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0196.
Snow/Ice Mode is only available on
two-wheel-drive vehicles. When
selected, the Snow/Ice Mode light
displays in the instrument cluster.
7Off-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.
StabiliTrak/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. See Off-Road
Driving 0188.
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 heavy load. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0223.
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 0288.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
pulling a heavy trailer or a 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,
heavy or light steering, 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 and then restarted
within four hours or less, Tow/Haul
will remain active. Otherwise the
vehicle will start in Normal Mode.
gTerrain 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 (4
n) 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.
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Driving and Operating 239
When Terrain Mode is selected:
.Auto Engine Start/Stop will be
disabled.
. The Terrain Mode indicator
displays on the instrument
cluster.
Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the limited-slip
differential can give more traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.
It works like a standard axle most of
the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. For vehicles with the
limited-slip differential, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See
Maintenance Schedule 0437.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If equipped with cruise control, a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or
more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below about
40 km/h (25 mph).
If the cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control