
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 389
cable through the looped end. The excess
cable wire should be on the valve stem
side of the spare tire.
2. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle with the valve stem pointed
down, and to the rear.
3. Pull the cable and spring through the center of the wheel. Tilt the wheel
retainer plate down and through the
center wheel.
Make sure the retainer is fully seated
across the underside of the wheel.
4. Attach the wheel wrench (7) andextensions (6) together, as shown.
Caution
Use of an air wrench or other power
tools with the hoist mechanism is not
recommended and could damage the
system. Use only the tools supplied with
the hoist mechanism.
5. Insert the hoist end (10) through thehole (9) in the rear bumper and onto the
hoist shaft.
Do not use the chiseled end of the wheel
wrench.
6. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure the retainer is seated in the wheel
opening.
7. If equipped with a spare tire cable, orientthe cable by rotating the spare tire so
that the cable is by the frame
attachment location.
8. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle by turning the wheel
wrench clockwise until you hear two
clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot
overtighten the cable.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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392 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0321
and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Good Battery Positive Terminal
2. Good Battery Negative Terminal
3. Discharged Battery Remote Negative Terminal
4. Discharged Battery Remote Positive Terminal
The jump start positive post (1) and negative
post (2) are on the battery of the vehicle
providing the jump start. The jump start positive post (4) and the
negative grounding point (3) for the
discharged battery are on the passenger side
of the vehicle.
The positive jump start connection for the
discharged battery is under a cover. Slide
the cover to expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine with two batteries, you should
know before you begin that, especially in
cold weather, you may not be able to
get enough power from a single battery
in another vehicle to start your diesel
engine. If your vehicle has more than
one battery, using the battery that is
closer to the starter will reduce electrical

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 393
resistance. This is located on the
passenger side, in the rear of the engine
compartment.
3. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the
vehicles are not touching each other.
If they are, it could cause an unwanted
ground connection. You would not be
able to start your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the electrical
systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles
rolling, set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) before setting
the parking brake. If you have a
four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear, not in
N (Neutral).
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting. 4. Turn the ignition off on both vehicles.
Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged
into the accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all the lamps that are
not needed. This will avoid sparks and
help save both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is under a red
plastic cover at the positive battery post.
To uncover the positive (+) terminal,
open the red plastic cover.
For more information on the location of
the remote positive (+) and remote
negative (−) terminals, see Engine
Compartment Overview 0324.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are
some basic things you should know.
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a
remote positive (+) terminal if the

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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398 Vehicle Care
Dolly TowingCaution
Do not tow this vehicle with two wheels
on the ground, or vehicle damage could
occur. This damage would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not allowed with
either the front or the rear tires on the
ground for two-wheel drive or four-wheel
drive, regardless of transfer case.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0418.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
{Warning
Do not power wash any part of the
vehicle’s interior, including the vinyl floor
covering. This could damage safety and
other systems in the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.

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Vehicle Care 399
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Automatic Car Wash
Caution
Some automatic car washes can cause
damage to the vehicle, wheels and
ground effects. Automatic car washes are
not recommended, due to lack of
clearance for the undercarriage and/or
wide rear tires and wheels.
Caution
Automatic car washes can cause damage
to the vehicle, wheels, ground effects,
and convertible top (if equipped).
Do not use automatic car washes due to
lack of clearance for the undercarriage,
wide rear tires, and wheels.
If using an automatic car wash, follow with
the car wash instructions. The windshield
wiper and rear window wiper, if equipped, must be turned off. Remove any accessories
that may be damaged or interfere with the
car wash equipment.
See
Power Assist Steps 030 for cleaning
information.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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402 Vehicle Care
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
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, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable suspension
points should not be done unless the
temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
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.

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Vehicle Care 403
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.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. Refer to
“Finish Care”previously in
this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately
remove any soils. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Using a mild soap solution,
immediately remove hand lotions,
sunscreen, and insect repellent from all
interior surfaces or permanent damage may
result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply cleaners directly
to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray cleaners
on any switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper ventilation. To prevent damage, do not clean the
interior using the following cleaners or
techniques:
.Never use a razor or any other sharp
object to remove soil from any interior
surface.
.Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface aggressively or
with too much pressure.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For
liquid cleaners, use approximately
20 drops per 3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will create
streaks and attract dirt. Do not use
solutions that contain strong or
caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the upholstery
when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners containing
solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened
with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a
clean dry cloth. If necessary, use a
commercial glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
410 Service and Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter
removes dust, pollen, and other airborne
irritants from outside air that is pulled into
the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as
part of routine scheduled maintenance.
Inspect the passenger compartment air filter
every 36 000 km/22,500 miles or two years,
whichever comes first. Replace if necessary.
More frequent replacement may be needed
if the vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels. Replacement may also
be needed if there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour of use
shall be deemed the same as 53 km (33 mi).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0125 for hourmeter, if equipped.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
See Tire Rotation 0374.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0329 and
Engine Oil Life System 0331.
.If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, check the air filter
life percentage. If necessary, replace the
engine air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0332. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter life
system, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0333.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0334.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0339.
.Check tire inflation pressures, including
the spare. See Tire Pressure0367.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 374.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 398.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0398.
If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate
the suspension and steering components
every other oil change for normal usage
and every oil change for severe usage.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.