Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 299
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 900 kg (2,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
antilock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Auxiliary Battery
If equipped, the vehicle's auxiliary battery
can be used to supply electrical power to
additional equipment that may be added,
such as a slide-in camper.Locate the auxiliary battery connector under
the hood on the driver side of the vehicle,
next to the engine compartment fuse block.
Follow the proper installation instructions
included with any electrical equipment that
is installed.
Caution
To prevent draining the auxiliary battery,
always turn off electrical equipment
when not in use and do not use any
equipment that may exceed the
maximum amperage rating of 30 amps.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer
connector on the rear bumper, a 7-wire
trailering harness is tied to the vehicles
frame. The harness requires the installation
of a trailer connector, which is available
through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire connector with
flat blade terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper electrical
connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
Stop/Turn
Signal Left Yellow/Blue
Stop/Turn Signal
Right Green/Violet
Tail/Parking Lamps Gray/Brown
Reverse Lamps White/Green
Battery Feed Red/Green
Ground White
Electric Trailer Brake Blue
If equipped, the trailer wiring harness, with
a 7-pin connector and a 4-pin connector, is
mounted on the vehicle's rear bumper.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
302 Driving and Operating
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when towing
a heavy trailer or carrying a large or
heavy load:
.Through rolling terrain.
.In stop-and-go traffic.
.In busy parking lots.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics, heavy or light steering
efforts, and reduced fuel economy.
Integrated Trailer Brake Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system for use with
electric trailer brakes or most electric over
hydraulic trailer brake systems. These
instructions apply to both types of electric
trailer brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake Control
Panel on vehicles with an ITBC system. The
power output to the trailer brakes is
proportional to the amount of vehicle
braking. This available power output to the
trailer brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with the
vehicle’s brake, antilock brake, and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
systems. In trailering conditions that cause
the vehicle’s antilock brake or StabiliTrak/
ESC systems to activate, power sent to the
trailer's brakes will be automatically
adjusted to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
or StabiliTrak/ESC systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC system may
not function fully or at all. Make sure all of
these systems are fully operational to allow
the ITBC system to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through the
vehicle's electrical system. Turning the
ignition off will also turn off the ITBC
system. The ITBC system is fully functional
only when the ignition is in on.{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air brake
system may result in reduced or
complete loss of trailer braking, including
increased stopping distance or trailer
instability which could result in serious
injury, death, or property damage. Only
use the ITBC system with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer brake
systems.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
2. Trailer Symbol
3. Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
304 Driving and Operating
To adjust Trailer Gain for each towing
condition:1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing condition
and free of traffic at about 32–40 km/h
(20–25 mph) and fully apply the Manual
Trailer Brake Apply Lever.
Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds lower
than 32–40 km/h (20–25 mph) may
result in an incorrect gain setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain (+) or (−) adjustment buttons, to
just below the point of trailer wheel
lock-up, indicated by trailer wheel squeal
or tire smoke when a trailer wheel locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if
towing a heavily loaded trailer. Adjust
the Trailer Gain to the highest allowable
setting for the towing condition.
3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time while
towing.Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER CONNECTED: This message will
briefly display when a trailer with electric
brakes is first connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off in about
10 seconds. This message can be
acknowledged before it automatically
turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This message will
display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric brakes
and then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is stationary, this message will
automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also turn
off if it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the vehicle
is moving, this message will continue
until the ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer harness is
reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the wiring to
the trailer brakes. This message will
continue as long as there is an electrical
fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of the
trailer wiring harness connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message only
reappears when connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the electrical fault is
on the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM: This
message will display when there is a
problem with the ITBC system. If this
message continues over multiple ignition
cycles, have the vehicle serviced.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
318 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
one to the vehicle. If the vehicle has RPO
VYU, then the payload the vehicle can
carry will be reduced when a snow plow
is installed. The vehicle can be damaged
if either the front or rear axle ratings or
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
are exceeded.
The plow the vehicle can carry depends on
many things, such as:
.The options the vehicle came with, and
the weight of those options.
.The weight and number of passengers to
be carried.
.The weight of items added to the vehicle,
like a tool box or truck cap.
.The total weight of any additional cargo
to be carried.
To safely carry a snow plow on the vehicle:
.With a snow plow attached, the engine
coolant temperature gauge may show a
higher temperature than while driving
without one. The snow plow could block
the airflow to the radiator. This could be
more noticeable as vehicle speed
increases. At speeds above 72 km/h
(45 mph), this may cause the engine coolant to overheat. Move or angle the
snow plow blade to allow increased
airflow to the radiator.
.To increase the airflow, move the snow
plow blade position.
.If driving more than 24 km/h (15 mi),
angle the plow blade position.
.Make sure the weight on the front and
rear axles does not exceed the axle rating
for each.
.Follow the snowplow manufacturer’s
recommendations for any rear ballast that
may be required. Rear ballast may be
required to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio even though the
actual weight at the front axle may be
less than the front axel rating.
.The snowplow manufacturer or installer
can assist in determining the amount of
rear ballast required to ensure that the
vehicle with the attached snowplow does
not exceed the GVW rating, the front and
rear axle ratings, or the front and rear
weight distribution ratio.
Front axle reserve capacity is the difference
between the Front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) and the front axle weight of
the vehicle with full fuel, passengers, and any other cargo. This is the amount of
weight that can be added to the front axle
before reaching the Front GAWR.
To calculate the amount of weight any front
accessory, such as a snow plow, is adding to
the front axle, use this formula:
(W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the accessory
is adding to the front axle.
Where:
IW = Weight of added accessory
IA = Distance that the accessory is in
front of the front axle
IW.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
320 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 321
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 322
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 322
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 324
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 346
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . 349
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 353
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . 357
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . 358
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 365
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 369
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 375
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 377
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 377
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 379
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
322 Vehicle Care
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 069.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0436.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 69. If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 020.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 422.Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/start,
turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 323
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will automatically
lift the hood and hold it in the fully
open position.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are
removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force
if necessary.{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is
not latched completely. The hood could
open fully, block your vision, and cause a
crash. You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before
driving.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a message if the hood is not fully
closed, and the vehicle is moving. Stop and
turn off the vehicle, check the hood for
obstructions, and close the hood again.
Check to see if the message still appears on
the DIC.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 325
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0391.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0391.
3. Battery - North America 0342.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0353.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0334.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0329.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0329.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0334.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0333.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 342.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0339.