Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
336 Vehicle Care
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, wait until it
cools down. The coolant level should be at
or above the indicated mark. If it is not,
there may be a leak in the cooling system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at or above the indicated mark, see the
following sections on how to add coolant to
the coolant surge tank following.
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
Instructions (L3B Engine)
This feature assists in filling and removing
air from the cooling system after service of
components or when coolant is added after
being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal process: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 indicated mark.
4. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
5. Set the ignition to service mode, see Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) 0230
or
Ignition Positions (Key Access) 0229.
6. Turn off the air conditioning.
7. Set the parking brake.
8. At the same time, press the accelerator and the brake for automatic vehicles for
two seconds, then release.
9. Listen for pump activation and movement of the control valves while
watching the level of the coolant in the
surge tank. Add fluid as the level drops
below the indicated mark on the surge
tank. Allow 15 minutes for the fill and air
removal process to complete.
10. Reinstall the surge tank cap.
If the tank empties, turn the ignition off,
allow the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to
go to sleep, about two minutes, refill to the
indicated mark, and repeat Steps 5–9.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank for Gasoline Engines
Except L3B
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
“Cooling System” in the Duramax diesel
supplement for the proper coolant fill
procedure.
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
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/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Service and Maintenance 413
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 333.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent replacement may be
needed if the vehicle is driven in areas with
heavy traffic, poor air quality, areas with
high dust levels or are sensitive to
environmental allergens. Filter replacement
may also be needed if you notice reduced
airflow, windows fogging up, or odors. Your
local GM Service location can help you
determine when it is the right time to
replace your filter.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) 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 drive axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0334.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0342.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0347.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0348.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Service and Maintenance 415
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 333.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent replacement may be
needed if the vehicle is driven in areas with
heavy traffic, poor air quality, areas with
high dust levels or are sensitive to
environmental allergens. Filter replacement
may also be needed if you notice reduced
airflow, windows fogging up, or odors. Your
local GM Service location can help you
determine when it is the right time to
replace your filter.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) 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 drive axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0334.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0342.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0347.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0348.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0398.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
446 Connected Services
PressQ, then ask the Advisor to download
directions to the vehicle’s navigation system,
if equipped. After the call ends, the
navigation screen will provide prompts to
begin driving directions. Routes that are sent
to the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca
(Canada).
Connections
The following services help with staying
connected.
For coverage maps, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Ensuring Security
.Change the default passwords for the
Wi-Fi hotspot and myChevrolet mobile
application. Make these passwords
different from each other and use a
combination of letters and numbers to
increase the security.
.Change the default name of the SSID
(Service Set Identifier). This is your
network’s name that is visible to other
wireless devices. Choose a unique name
and avoid family names or vehicle
descriptions. Wi-Fi Hotspot (If Equipped)
The vehicle may have a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot that provides access to the Internet
and web content at 4G LTE speed. Up to
seven mobile devices can be connected.
A data plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to do so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select Wi-Fi
Hotspot. On some vehicles, touch Wi-Fi
or Wi-Fi Settings on the screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID), password, and on
some vehicles, the connection type (no
Internet connection, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE), and
signal quality (poor, good, excellent). The
LTE icon shows connection to Wi-Fi. It is
possible that the icon may not illuminate
even though the vehicle has an active
connection.
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor. On some vehicles, the
SSID and password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu. After initial set-up, your vehicle’s Wi-Fi
hotspot will connect automatically to your
mobile devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your mobile
device, using the myChevrolet mobile app,
or by contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be managed
from the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyChevrolet Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myChevrolet mobile app to
compatible Apple and Android smartphones.
Chevrolet users can access the following
services from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equipped with
automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil life,
or tire pressure, if factory-equipped with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map
(U.S. market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/off,
manage settings, and monitor data
consumption, if equipped.
.Locate a dealer and schedule service.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
452 Index
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . 241
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 274
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241, 345
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 288
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285, 286
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 353
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . 357, 358
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 106
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . .174
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Guidance
Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174