Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by mistake:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
exited.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key
will not disarm the system or turn off the
alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE transmitter and
the horn chirps three times, an alarm
occurred previously while the alarm system
was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message
will appear on the DIC.
Steering Column Lock
If equipped, the steering column lock is a
theft-deterrent device. This feature locks the
steering column when the vehicle is turned
off and the driver door is opened, or when the driver door is opened and then the
vehicle is turned off. The steering column
unlocks when the vehicle is turned on.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may
display one of these messages:
.A message to service the steering column
lock indicates that an issue has been
detected with the column lock feature
and the vehicle should be serviced.
.A message that the steering column is
locked indicates that the engine is
running, but the steering column is still
locked. It is normal for the column to be
locked during a remote start, but the
column should unlock after the brake
pedal is pressed and the vehicle is started.
No message will display during a remote
start.
.A message that the steering wheel must
be turned and the vehicle must be started
again indicates that the column lock
mechanism is bound, the column locking
device was unable to unlock the steering
column, and the vehicle did not start.
If this happens, immediately turn the
steering wheel from side to side to
unbind the column lock. If this does not
unlock the steering column, turn the
vehicle off and open the driver door to
reset the system. Then turn the vehicle
on and immediately turn the steering
wheel side to side for about 15 seconds.
In some cases, it may take significant
force to unbind the column.
To keep the steering column from binding,
straighten the front wheels before turning
off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0436.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The system is automatically disarmed when
the ignition is turned from off to on.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
118 Instruments and Controls
Electric Parking Brake Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the parking brake
is applied. If the light continues flashing
after the parking brake is released, or while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains
flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light
This light should come on briefly when
starting the vehicle. If it does not come on,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If this light stays on, take the vehicle to
your dealer as soon as possible. See the
information for the Electric Parking Brake
under Electric Parking Brake 0246.
A message may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system. If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 0117.
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
Auto Mode Shown, Other Modes Similar
If equipped, the four-wheel-drive light
displays what mode the vehicle is in. The
light will show each mode: 2WD, 4HI, AUTO
(all transfer cases); 4LOW and N (two-speed
transfer case only).
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
156 Infotainment System
The keypad will gray out entries that do not
contribute to a valid frequency and will
automatically place a decimal point within
the frequency number.
Touch (X) to delete one number at a time.
Touch and hold (X) to delete all numbers.
A valid AM or FM station will automatically
tune to the new frequency but not close the
Direct Tune display. When listening to SXM
(if equipped), touch Go after entering the
channel. Touch the Back icon on the
infotainment display or touch
zto exit out
of Direct Tune.
The tune arrows on the right side of the
Direct Tune display will tune through the
complete station or channel list one station
step at a time per touch. A touch and hold
advances through stations or channels
quickly.
If equipped, HD Radio multicast stations
cannot be tuned directly through the Direct
Tune feature. Only the analog or
HD1 station can use that feature. Use the
display arrows to adjust to the multicast
stations.
AM, FM, and SXM Categories
From the AM stations, if equipped with HD
Radio, FM, or SXM (if equipped) display,
touch Categories at the top of the Browse
menu to access the categories list. The list
contains names associated with the AM or
FM stations, or SXM channels. Touch a
category name to display a list of stations
or channels for that category. Touching a
station or channel from the list will tune the
radio to that station or channel.
Storing Radio Station Presets
Favorites show in the area at the top of the
display.
AM, FM, SXM (if equipped), and HD Radio
Stations (if equipped) : Press and hold a
preset to store the current station or
channel as a favorite. Touch a saved favorite
to recall a favorite station or channel. Favorites can also be stored by touching
H
in a station or channel list. This will
highlight indicating that it is now saved as a
favorite.
The number of favorites displayed is
automatically adjusted by default, but can
be manually adjusted in Settings in the
System tab under Favorites and then Set
Number of Audio Favorites. It can also be
adjusted in Settings in the Apps tab under
Audio and then Set Number of Audio
Favorites.
HD Radio Technology
If equipped, HD Radio is a free service with
features such as digital quality sound, more
stations available on a single frequency such
as HD2 and HD3, and display information
such as artist and song title.
From the Now Playing display, touch the HD
Radio icon to turn HD on or off.
Station Access
To access HD Radio stations:
1. Tune the radio to the station. If HD Radio is turned on and the station is
broadcasting in HD Radio, the radio will
automatically tune to the HD version of
the current channel (HD1) after several
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 237
3. Pull the shift lever toward you, thenmove it to the desired position, and
release.
If the vehicle still cannot be shifted out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on, or release the shift lever.
2. While holding the brake pedal, push the shift lever all the way into P (Park).
3. Pull the shift lever toward you, then move it to the desired position, and
release.
If there is still a problem shifting, have the
vehicle serviced soon.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
If equipped, Active Fuel Management allows
a V8, V6, or L4 gasoline engine to operate
on either all of its cylinders, or a reduced number of cylinders, depending on the
driving conditions. When less power is
required, such as cruising at a constant
vehicle speed, the system will enable
reduced cylinder operation, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel economy.
When greater power is required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
or merging onto a freeway, the system will
maintain full-cylinder operation.
Dynamic Fuel Management
If equipped, Dynamic Fuel Management
calculates the number of cylinders needed to
maximize fuel economy and meet the
driving demands. Dynamic Fuel Management
allows the engine to operate in multiple
possible configurations ranging from
zero-cylinder up to the full 8-cylinder
operation.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See
Shifting Into Park 0235 and
Engine Exhaust 0237. If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter outside the vehicle, it
will continue to run for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
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. (Continued)
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
312 Driving and Operating
.The hazard warning lights are activated.
Tires
1. Trailer Tire Pressure/Temperature
Tire Pressure and Temperature
If the TTPMS sensor-to-vehicle learn process
was completed, the status view will display
the current tire pressure and temperature of
the trailer tires related to the active Trailer
Profile. If a tire’s pressure is low or high, the
color of the pressure value will be amber.
If a sensor malfunctions, the values are
dashed lines. If the screen displays“Service
Tire Pressure Monitoring System”, the
vehicle needs to be taken to a dealer for
service.
Maintenance
1. List of Maintenance Reminders
2. Add a New Maintenance Reminder
The Maintenance Status view displays
reminders. Touch a reminder to edit.
Touch + New Maintenance Reminder to go
to the Select New Reminder view.
The progress bar turns yellow when the
maintenance item reaches 90% complete.
The progress bar turns red when the
maintenance item reaches 100% complete. Maintenance Notifications
.Touch Service Complete to reset the
maintenance reminder.
.Touch Remind Me Later to delay the
reminder.
.Touch X next to Upcoming Alerts (90%)
to dismiss the alert. It will not appear
again.
.Touch X next to Maintenance Due (100%)
to delay the alert to the next ignition
cycle.
Always follow all of the maintenance
instructions that came with your trailer.
Cameras
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 331
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished,
a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
on to indicate that an oil change is
necessary. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicate
that an oil change is not necessary for up to
a year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and, at this
time, the system must be reset. For vehicles
without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed when the
REMAINING OIL LIFE percentage is near 0%.
Your dealer has trained service people whowill perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the
engine oil life system:
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. Press the thumbwheel on the steering wheel, or the trip odometer reset stem if
the vehicle does not have DIC controls,
for several seconds. When the
confirmation message displays, select
YES. The oil life will change to 100%.
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
Vehicle Care 339
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and the
vehicle is equipped with an engine driven
cooling fan, push down the accelerator until
the engine speed is about twice as fast as
normal idle speed for at least five minutes
while the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for five minutes while parked. If the warning
is still displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and
the ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message
displays, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps to
prevent engine damage. In this mode, a loss
in power and engine performance will be
noticed. This operating mode allows thevehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
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.
Caution
After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, the engine oil
will be severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is cool may
cause engine damage. Allow the engine
to cool before attempting any repair.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change
the oil, and reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil
0329.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement. The vehicle has electric cooling fan(s). The
fans may be heard spinning at low speed
during most everyday driving. The fans may
turn off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, high
outside temperatures, or operation of the air
conditioning system, the fans may change
to high speed and an increase in fan noise
may be heard. This is normal and indicates
that the cooling system is functioning
properly. The fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been turned off. This is
normal and no service is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs to be
added, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. Use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall below
freezing.