
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
252 Driving and Operating
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 0296. g
Terrain Mode : Use for finer control
during low speed, off-road driving. When
using this mode it will mimic the
characteristics of four-wheel-drive low (4
n)
without the torque capabilities.
Use when:
.Traveling on very rough roads at very low
speeds, such as a two-track or heavily
rutted road.
.Traveling slowly in grassy fields.
.Pulling a boat out of the water on a
trailer.
.Using the vehicle for public off-road
recreational driving. See Off-Road Driving
0 215 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0219. When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle will shift
automatically but may hold a lower gear
longer to maximize engine torque. The
steering will change to provide more precise
control. A unique pedal map, transmission
shift pattern, and rpm control are utilized to
give better control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. When the vehicle comes to a
stop, Vehicle Hold is engaged. TCS will be
optimized for maximum torque transfer
across axles, and Active Braking During Lift
Throttle will be engaged.
Active Braking During Lift Throttle:.Automatically applies light braking,
similar to heavy engine braking of
four-wheel-drive low.
.Applies light braking in D (Drive) until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In Manual L1 and
Manual L2, moderate braking may stop
the vehicle.
.Reduces trailer braking.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
288 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0394. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0395.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 321
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 391
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0342 and
Jump Starting - North America 0391 and the
back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 395
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside Assistance
or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from a flat
road surface. Do not use these attachment
points to pull the vehicle from snow, mud
or sand.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
motor home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are dinghy
and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing
the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and two
wheels on a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle can be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long the vehicle can be towed.
.Whether the vehicle has the proper
towing equipment. See your dealer or
trailering professional for additional
advice and equipment recommendations.
.Whether the vehicle is ready to be towed.
Just as preparing the vehicle for a long
trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to
be towed.
Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions. See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
456 Index
PowerDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . . . .174
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321, 342, 391, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 436
R
Radio HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . 418
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . 10, 13
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Replacement
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 235
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ride Control Systems Enhanced Traction System (ETS) . . . . . . . 253
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 238

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
458 Index
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
StrutsGas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
System Brake Pad Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Global Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Systems
Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Task Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
All-Terrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Full-Size Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 377
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 379
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 375
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Traction Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . 195
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Trailer Towing App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Trailering App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 433
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . . . 226