2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD ABS

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 241
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
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 0268.
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

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 245
Modes:
Normal Mode :Use for normal city and
highway driving to provide a smooth ride.
This setting provides balance between
comfort and handling. This is the standard/
default mode. There is no persistent
indicator in the instrument cluster for
this mode.
6Snow/Ice Mode : Snow/Ice Mode
improves vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads. When active, Snow/Ice
Mode will adjust acceleration to optimize
traction on slippery surfaces. This can
compromise the acceleration on dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0216.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode for
off-road recreational driving. Off-Road Mode
should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use.
This mode modifies pedal mapping,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ride height, Antilock Brake System (ABS), StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control
System (TCS) performance.
For more information on off-road driving see
Off-Road Driving
0211.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when hauling heavy loads to provide
increased performance and vehicle control.
Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the transmission
shift pattern, AWD, and ESC performance.
If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/Haul
Mode active and then restarted within four
hours or less, Tow/Haul will remain active.
Otherwise, the vehicle will start in
Normal Mode.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust
braking is automatically activated when
Tow/Haul Mode is selected. It maintains
vehicle speed by automatically
implementing a shift pattern that uses the
engine and the transmission to slow the
vehicle. The system will command
downshifts and use the turbocharger on the
engine to reduce vehicle speed when the
brake is applied. The normal tow/haul shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode (see
“manual mode”), grade breaking
is deactivated, allowing the driver to select a
range and limiting the highest gear
available.
For more information on trailer weight
specifications, see Towing Equipment 0276.
Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the limited-slip differential can
give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature allows the drive wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with the limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the rear axle
fluid should be changed. See Maintenance
Schedule 0384.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give
more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature will allow the rear wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 271
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat. Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
318 Vehicle Care
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0113.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0384. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0393.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0304 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0301
and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0367 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
360 Vehicle Care
Front Position
4. If the flat tire is on the front of the vehicle, position the jack under the
bracket attached to the vehicle's frame,
behind the flat tire, as shown.Rear Position
5. If the flat tire is on the rear of the vehicle, position the jack under the rear
axle between the spring anchor and the
shock absorber bracket.
If a snow plow has been added to the
front of the vehicle, lower the snow
plow fully before raising the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack head is
positioned so that the rear axle is resting
securely between the grooves that are
on the jack head.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted
on a jack is dangerous. If the vehicle slips
off the jack, you could be badly injured
or killed. Never get under a vehicle when
it is supported only by a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can damage the
vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To
help avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head
into the proper location before raising
the vehicle.
{Warning
The jack has a feature to limit its travel
to prevent overextension. When the
height limit is reached, an increase in
resistance if felt when attempting to
raise the jack farther. Raising the jack
past the height limit can damage the jack
pin and cause the jack to lock into an
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Vehicle Care 373
The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Dolly Towing
Caution
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 0393.
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.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
420 Index
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Adding a Snow Plow or SimilarEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 390
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199, 201
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 204
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 61
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 61
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 60
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 66
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 66
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 180
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 257
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Index 425
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . .52
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199, 201
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224, 226
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . 322
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
IndicatorVehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 69
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 143
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 367
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 13
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 9
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Lamps Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . 139
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Exterior Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 136
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 142
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . 262
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 84
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Task . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118