Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
Driving and Operating 201
Caution
Do not drive through standing water if it
is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs,
axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can
damage the axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep, drive
through it slowly. At faster speeds, water
can get into the engine and cause it to stall.
Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is
under water. Do not turn off the ignition
when driving through water. If the exhaust
pipe is under water, the engine will not
start. When going through water, the brakes
get wet and it may take longer to stop. See
“Driving on Wet Roads” later in this section.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. These accumulations can
be a fire hazard. Reinstall underbody air
deflector and air dam if removed.
After operation in mud or sand, have the
brake linings cleaned and checked. These
substances can cause glazing and uneven
braking. Check the body structure, driveline,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for damage and check the
fuel lines and cooling system for any
leakage.
More frequent maintenance service is
required. See the
Maintenance Schedule
0 417.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
244 Driving and Operating
vehicles with the limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the rear axle
fluid should be changed. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0417.
Locking Rear Axle
If equipped, the locking rear axle can give
the vehicle additional traction from the rear
wheels when traveling in off-road situations
such as mud, snow, steep hills, and uneven
terrain. The locking rear axle button is on
the center stack, see Instrument Panel
Overview 05.
Uplevel Shown, Other Models Similar
Caution
Do not lock the axle while the tires are
spinning. The vehicle drivetrain could be
damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving
on pavement, the drivetrain could be
damaged. Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not use the
locking axle on pavement.
Before the front axle can be locked, the rear
axle must be locked and the transfer case
must be in 4
n.
To lock the rear axle: 1. The vehicle must be stationary.
2. Press and release the rear axle locking switch.
3. Wait for the light in the switch to stop flashing and remain illuminated to show
that the rear axle is locked. The locking rear axle will be disengaged
when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h
(25 mph). The Off-Road Mode allows the axle
lock to remain engaged at higher vehicle
speeds.
After pressing the switch to unlock the axle,
it may remain locked due to torque in the
driveline. The axle is more easily unlocked
by turning the steering wheel to the right
and to the left while traveling at a low
speed.
Locking Front Axle
If equipped, the locking front axle can give
the vehicle additional traction when
traveling in off-road situations such as mud,
snow, steep hills, and uneven terrain. The
locking front axle button is on the center
stack, see
Instrument Panel Overview 05.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
302 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.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 trailer wiring before backing
the trailer into the water to prevent damage
to the electrical circuits. 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 or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
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.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer out of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0417. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0346.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
Vehicle Care 341
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. SeePublication Ordering
Information 0437.
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 0421.
Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0417. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0421.
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) 0126 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 127.
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. Select Reset then press the thumbwheel
or press the reset stem for several
seconds.
4. Press the thumbwheel or the reset stem to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is on the driver
side of the engine compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0335.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system see Maintenance
Schedule 0417 for intervals on inspecting
and replacing the engine air cleaner filter.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start or run the engine with the
engine air cleaner/filter housing open.
Before removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, clear any dirt and debris away from
the engine air cleaner/filter housing and
nearby components. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake the
engine air cleaner/filter (away from the
vehicle), to release loose dust and dirt.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
Vehicle Care 351
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 0118.
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 0417. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0421.
{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 0335 for battery location. Stop/Start System
Vehicles equipped with a 2.7L L3B, , 5.3L L84
or 6.2L L87 are equipped with a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System 0213.
Vehicles with the Stop/Start system have an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will
result in reduced 12-volt battery life. When
using a 12-volt battery charger on the 12-volt
AGM battery, some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger. If available,
use the AGM setting on the charger to limit
charge voltage to 14.8 volts. Follow the
charger manufacturer’s instructions.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
Vehicle Care 353
3. Cover the negative battery cable clamp,and negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery cable.
Negative Battery Cable Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.Use the original nut from the vehicle
to secure the negative battery cable.
Do not use a different nut. If you
need a replacement nut, see your
dealer.
.Tighten the nut with a hand tool. Do
not use an impact wrench or power
tools to tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if these
guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion
inhibitors on the nut that secures the
negative battery cable to the vehicle. This
could damage the vehicle. For vehicles equipped with the Stop/Start
system:
1. Install the negative battery cable to the battery sensor stud.
2. Install the negative battery cable nut to the battery sensor stud and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.
For vehicles not equipped with the Stop/
Start system: 1. Install the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery post.
2. Tighten the negative battery cable nut.
3. Turn the ignition on.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule 0417 to
determine when to check the lubricant.
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole, located on the transfer case,
some lubricant will need to be added. Add
enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the fill plug (1) hole. Use care not
to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule 0417 to
determine how often to change the
lubricant.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
Vehicle Care 355
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced
periodically. See Maintenance Schedule
0 417.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0422.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade:
1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of thewiper blade where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end of
the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Glass Replacement
If the windshield or front side glass must be
replaced, see your dealer to determine the
correct replacement glass.
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
If equipped, the windshield is part of the
HUD system. If the windshield must be
replaced, get one that is designed for HUD
or the HUD image may look out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-16515119) - 2023 - CRC - 6/2/22
356 Vehicle Care
Gas Strut(s)
Your vehicle may be equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting and
holding open the hood/trunk/liftgate system
in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0417.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.