2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 transmission

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
290 Driving and Operating
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0296. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check that the trailer
brakes work. During the trip, occasionally
check that the cargo and trailer are secure
and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0337.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on the
vehicle can improve visibility while hitching,
backing, and driving with a trailer. See
Driver Assistance Systems 0264.

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
Driving and Operating 307
Touch Start to cycle the trailer lamps on and
off to determine if they are working. The
test follows this sequence:1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and 45 seconds, or until the
test deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test will
automatically end after one minute and
45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates when any of
the following occur:
.The ignition is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.
.The hazard warning lights are activated.
Trailering App
If equipped, the Trailering App is on the
Home Page of the infotainment display.
If equipped this feature allows profiles for
connected trailers to be created to view
status, to store and track trailer usage
information, and to set up towing assistance
features.
The Trailering App Preview will appear when
the Trailering App is opened for the first
time from the Home Page. Touch GET
STARTED in the Trailering App to go into
the app.
When a trailer is electrically connected and
a trailer profile has not been created, there
will be an option to create a profile, use a
guest profile, or select Accessory/No trailer.
After the pop-up is displayed three times,
Don’t Remind Me will display and touching
that will turn off the trailer detection
pop-up. To turn the Trailer Detection Alert
on, select ON in the Settings tab.
When a trailer is electrically connected and
after a Trailer Profile has been created, the
trailer detection pop-up will appear with a
list of all of the custom Trailer Profiles made
on the vehicle. To load an existing Trailer
Profile, select one of the Trailer Profiles listed, or load the Guest Trailer Profile by
selecting GUEST TRAILER. Touching
Accessory/No trailer will select Accessory/No
trailer as the active Trailer Profile and will
dismiss the pop- up. Shifting the vehicle
from P (Park) will select Guest Trailer as the
active Trailer Profile and will dismiss the
pop-up.
Create a Trailer Profile
1. Touch Create Profile on the trailer detection pop-up or touch + Add Trailer
Profile in the Trailering App.
2. Create a name for the trailer.
3. Select the trailer type.
4. Select Save Profile.
A pop-up will indicate the setup is complete.
Touch DONE to complete the process or
touch TRAILER FEATURE SETUP to set up the
Tow/Haul Mode reminder, Trailer Tire
Pressure Monitoring System, if equipped,
maintenance reminders, or towing
assistance, if equipped.
Import a Trailer Profile
A trailer profile saved to an OnStar account
can be imported to the vehicle. 1. Touch + Add Trailer Profile in the Trailering App

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
310 Driving and Operating
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert Setup (if
equipped)
Trailer dimensions must be in range to
enable this feature.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in)–
1200 cm (472.4 in). Measure from center
of coupler to furthest rear point on the
trailer.
If trailer dimensions are out of range, this
feature will be unavailable.
Status View
The Status view shows:
.Vehicle
.Connections
.Tires
.Maintenance
.Cameras
Upon entry, the most recent items will be
shown. Select MORE to view all options.
Vehicle
1. Transmission Fluid Temperature
2. Average Fuel Economy with Trailer Profile
Transmission Temperature
View the temperature of the transmission
fluid by looking at the graphic. The graphic
will indicate a dangerous level if the
temperature is at 130 °C–150 °C (270 °F–
300 °F).
Average Fuel Economy
Touch to view the average fuel economy of
the vehicle while the Trailer Profile is active.
Connections
1. Light Test Start Button
2. Trailer Electrical Diagnostics
Connections: OK
If a trailer connection is detected, the view
will display OK.
Trailer Connections Status
When a trailer is connected, the Trailering
App System detects the trailer connection
using the Park and Stop/Turn Signal lighting
circuits and alerts the driver by requesting a
trailer profile setup through the Trailering
App System on the infotainment screen. The
Trailer Detection Alert setting must be
enabled for the alert to display when a

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 311
trailer is connected. When a trailer is
connected and the ignition is off, the
Trailering App System will periodically pulse
the lighting circuits of the trailer to verify it
is still connected. The trailer lights may
periodically flash as a result of this trailer
connection detection. These flashes may be
more visible in dark ambient light
environments. The flashing or flickering
lights are a normal condition and the
Trailering App System has built-in
protections to prevent the battery from
draining. When Theft Alert is also enabled
the frequency and pattern of this flashing
will change.
Connection Problem
If any of the trailer connections are lost, a
message about the connection issue will
appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). The infotainment display will also
show the connection issue in the Connection
Status view.
If a trailer connection is not detected, the
Trailering App will not display the
Connection Status screen.Connection Trailer Lighting Faults Detected
The Trailering App System monitors for
electrical faults on the trailer lights.
A message about the lighting issue will
appear on the DIC. The infotainment display
will also show the lighting issue in the
Connection Status view. Repair your trailer
lights if needed. A trailer lighting issue is
not covered by your GM warranty.
Diagnose View
Touch Diagnose to see more information
about the connection problem.
This view will display the names of the
trailer connector pins, a graphic of the trailer
connector, and a graphic of the back of the
trailer.
Any connector pin that failed will be amber
color, and the location of the corresponding
connection will be highlighted on the
graphic of the back of the trailer.
The Running Lights connection may not
detect partial outages. Activate the light test
to check all trailer lamps. See
“Light Test”
following. Light Test
Touch Start Light Test to cycle the trailer
lights on and off to determine if they are
working. The test follows this sequence:
1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and 45 seconds, or until the
test deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test will
automatically end after one minute and
45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates when any of
the following occur:
.The ignition is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.

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
332 Vehicle Care
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows:1. Display the oil life percentage on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0125.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
3. If the display changes to 100%, the system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and it comes back on when
the vehicle is started and/or the oil
life percentage is near 0%, the engine oil
life system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level. The only reason for
fluid loss is a transmission leak or
overheated transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid level
dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the transmission fluid in these vehicles. Because this procedure is
difficult, this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. See
Publication Ordering
Information 0436.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0418.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0409. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0418.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0125.
3. Press
Ton the steering wheel, or press
the trip odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC controls, to
move to the Reset/Disable display area.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
338 Vehicle Care
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 431.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
2.7L L4, 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 Engines
Check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, the
fans should be running. If they are not, do
not continue to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
If the engine or transmission detects an
impending hot fluid condition, then the
transmission may force upshifts to limit
temperatures. Downshifts may also be
prevented in this instance. Normal operation
may continue unless the display indicates
there is a hot condition and engine should
be idled.If Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious problem.
The 2.7L L4 engine will shut down
automatically if the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE message displays. If there is an engine overheat warning, but
no steam is seen or heard, the problem may
not be too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer; see
Trailer Towing0292.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of steam, try
this for a minute or so: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and
let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is no
longer in the overheat zone or an overheat
warning no longer displays, the vehicle can
be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,