2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 towing

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
228 Driving and Operating
cargo load should not exceed the truck's
cargo weight rating, and the camper's
center of gravity (1) should fall within
the truck's recommended center of
gravity zone (2) when installed.
Any accessories or other equipment
that are added to the vehicle must be
weighed. Then, subtract this extra
weight from the CWR. This extra weight
may shorten the center of gravity zone
of the vehicle.
If the slide-in camper and its load
weighs less than the CWR, the center of
gravity zone for the vehicle may be
larger.
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
the vehicle. When the truck-camper is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on
the front and on the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total axle loads should not
exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings aregiven on the Certification/Tire label
attached to the B-pillar. See
“Certification/Tire Label”
underVehicle
Load Limits 0222. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
See your dealer for more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo
Weight Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Keep the vehicle speed at 88 km/h
(55 mph) or less for the first 805 km
(500 mi).
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
805 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
322 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See Trailer Towing 0292 for the
trailer towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 235
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if the transfer case is in
N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to
roll, even if the shift lever is in P (Park).
Be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear. If towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0288.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 246.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
238 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running. If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park
0 235 and
Engine Exhaust 0237.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 288.
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift lever
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. This display comes on when the
ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY, on or
service mode.
There are several different positions for the
shift lever.
See Driver Mode Control 0250 and “Range
Selection Mode” underManual Mode 0240. P :
This position locks the rear wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the
vehicle has a heavy load, you might notice
an increase in the effort to shift out of
P (Park). See “Torque Lock” underShifting
Into Park 0235.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0235 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 288.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 239
{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 4
n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Four-Wheel Drive 0241.
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
0 221. 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.
D : This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy. If more
power is needed for passing, press the
accelerator pedal down.
.When going less than about 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator pedal
about halfway down.
.When going about 55 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all the
way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to
the next gear and has more power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode when
towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load,
driving on steep hills, or driving off-road.
Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
240 Driving and Operating
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding”underLoss of Control 0215.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature
that adjusts the transmission shifting to the
current driving conditions in order to reduce
rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the
engine is able to maintain vehicle speed by
analyzing things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load. If the
shift stabilization feature determines that a
current vehicle speed cannot be maintained,
the transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear. In some
cases, this could appear to be a delayed
shift, however the transmission is operating
normally.
The transmission uses adaptive shift
controls. The adaptive shift control process
continually compares key shift parameters
to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the
transmission’s computer. The transmission
constantly makes adjustments to improve
vehicle performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy
load or when the temperature changes. During this adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the
transmission's gear shifting could be delayed
providing more stable shifts until the engine
warms up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This difference in
shifting is normal.
If equipped with the 2.7L L4 engine, engine
speeds may be increased while driving at
highway speeds while the engine is still
warming up.
L :
This position allows selection of a range
of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If equipped, see “Range Selection
Mode” underManual Mode 0240.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Manual
Mode, could damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary while using
Manual Mode.
Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual
Mode, allows for the selection of the range
of gear positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to limit
the top gear and vehicle speed. The shift
position indicator within the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 241
To enter Electronic Range Select or
Manual Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate L (Low). The
L in the shift pattern will illuminate in
red, and the D will switch to white.
2. Tap the left steering wheel control to reduce the highest gear available, or the
right control to increase the highest gear
available.
3. To exit, pull back on the shift lever a second time. The D in the shift pattern
will illuminate in red, and the L will
switch to white.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
will be displayed next to the L in the DIC.
All gears below that number are available to
use. For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown
next to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth)
gears are shifted automatically. To shift to 5
(Fifth) gear, tap the right steering wheel
control or shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high. If the
vehicle speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not be completed. Slow the vehicle, then tap the
left steering wheel control to the desired
lower gear range.
Cruise control can be used while in ERS.
Tow/Haul Mode
The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling. This provides increased performance,
vehicle control, and enhanced transmission
and engine cooling when driving down steep
hills or mountain grades, when towing,
or when hauling heavy loads. See
Driver
Mode Control 0250 to activate Tow/
Haul Mode.
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.
If equipped with Active Hydraulic Assist, the
vehicle will provide a stiffer steering
response when Tow/Haul mode is engaged
to provide enhanced steering functionality.
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. See Manual Mode0240.
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 0296.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the
front axle for extra traction.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
242 Driving and Operating
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
4
nmay:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
{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 4
n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Shifting Into Park 0235.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump is normal
when shifting between 4
nand 4mor
N (Neutral), with the engine running.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0248.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-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 cannot complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0395 or
Towing the Vehicle 0394.
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.
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

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 247
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is 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, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
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 red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
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.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0288.
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 movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
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 Driving
0 213.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to