Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
200 Climate Controls
Air Delivery Mode Controls :Pressz,Y,
or
[to change the direction of the
airflow. Any combination of the three
controls can be selected. An indicator light
comes on in the selected mode button.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following. An indicator light
will illuminate:
z: Air is directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
Y: Air is directed to the a/c outlets.
[:Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some air directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed if not
already above a medium fan speed. This
mode overrides the previous mode selected
and clears fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the control is pressed
again, the system returns to the previous
mode setting and fan speed. For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
@:
Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle.
Avoid using recirculation for long periods of
time in cold or damp conditions. Using
recirculation in cold or damp conditions can
result in window fogging.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled. If the
fan is turned off, the air conditioner will not
run. The A/C light will stay on even if the
outside temperatures are below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
1REAR : If equipped, press to turn the
rear window defogger on or off. An indicator
light on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. The rear window defogger only works when
the engine is running. The defogger turns
off if the ignition is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If equipped with heated outside mirrors,
press
fto turn them on or off. See
Heated
Mirrors 033.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Climate Controls 201
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Driver and Passenger TemperatureControls
2. MAX Defrost
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. A/C (Air Conditioning)
5. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
6. Recirculation 7. Power Button
8. Fan Control
9. Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped) or
Heated Mirrors (If Equipped)
10. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
Climate Control Display
1. Driver and Passenger Temperature Settings
2. Fan Control
3. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
4. Sync (Synchronized Temperature)
5. Recirculation
6. Air Delivery Mode Controls
7. Auto (Automatic Operation)
8. A/C (Air Conditioning)
9. On/Off (Power)
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Climate Controls 203
Changing the mode cancels the automatic
operation and the system goes into manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following:
z:Air is directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
Y: Air is directed to the a/c outlets.
[:Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some air directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed if not
already above a medium fan speed. This
mode overrides the previous mode selected
and clears fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the control is pressed
again, the system returns to the previous
mode setting and fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
It can also be used to help reduce outside
air and odors that enter the vehicle.
Avoid using recirculation for long periods of
time in cold or damp conditions. Using
recirculation in cold or damp conditions can
result in window fogging.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is enabled. If the
fan is turned off, the air conditioner will not
run. The A/C light will stay on even if the
outside temperatures are below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
1REAR : If equipped, press to turn the
rear window defogger on or off. An indicator
light on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when
the engine is running. The defogger turns
off if the ignition is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If equipped with heated outside mirrors,
press
fto turn them on or off. See Heated
Mirrors 033.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not clear the inside rear window with
sharp objects.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
If equipped with remote start, the climate
control system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. If equipped with heated or
ventilated seats or a heated steering wheel,
these features may come on during a
remote start. See Remote Vehicle Start 020,
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 049, and
Heated Steering Wheel 096.
Sensors
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
204 Climate Controls
The solar sensor, on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield, monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the
automatic climate control system may not
work properly.
Air Vents
Use the sliding knobs on the center and side
air vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
Air vents blow warm air on the side
windows in cold weather. If Floor, Defog,
or Defrost modes are selected, a small
amount of air will come from the vents
close to the window.
To close the front a/c vents, move the
sliding knobs to the full down position.
To close the rear a/c vents, move the sliding
knobs to the full inboard position.Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
air inlets at the base of the windshield
that could block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system. Check with your dealer
before adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
.Do not attach any devices to the air vent
slats. This will restrict airflow and may
cause damage to the air vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter reduces the 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. See
Maintenance Schedule
0384. To find out
what type of filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0394.
1. Open the lower glove box door
completely.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
216 Driving and Operating
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 404. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0232.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. See “Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out” later in this section. The Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0242. If TC/ESC cannot free
the vehicle, see “Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out” following.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tire chains on
the vehicle, see Tire Chains0354.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out
Caution
Do not hold the steering wheel at full
rotation for more than 15 seconds and/or
at an elevated RPM. Damage may occur
to the power steering system and there
may be loss of power steering assist.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 229
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Check the heater cord for damage. If it isdamaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug the heater cord into the connector on the vehicle.
4. Plug the cord into a grounded 110-volt AC outlet that is protected by a ground
fault detection function.
{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
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
232 Driving and Operating
Engine Exhaust{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
0 230 and
Engine Exhaust 0232.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 268.
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 0244 and “Range
Selection Mode” underManual Mode 0235.
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 0230.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-14632154) - 2021 - CRC - 11/20/20
Driving and Operating 269
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/Haul
Mode is recommended for heavier trailers.
SeeTow/Haul Mode 0235. If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0235.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer: (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0232.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment 0276. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination