Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
Driving and Operating 291
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING or
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM message
displays while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not function
at all. When traffic conditions allow,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the side of
the road and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and turn the
ignition back on. If either of these messages
continues, either the vehicle or trailer needs
service.
A GM dealer may be able to diagnose and
repair problems with the trailer. However,
any diagnosis and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty. Contact
your trailer dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer BrakeControl (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
247.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment 0281 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer Sway
Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped with an
electronic device designed to reduce or
control trailer sway. Aftermarket equipment
manufacturers also offer similar devices that
connect to the wiring between the trailer
and the vehicle. These devices may interfere
with the vehicle’s trailer brake or other
systems, including integrated anti-sway
systems, if equipped. Messages related to
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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Driving and Operating 303
If Tow/Haul Mode is off and this setting is
on for a Trailer Profile, each time the
ignition is turned on a reminder will appear
to turn on Tow/Haul Mode when the Trailer
Profile is active.
If Tow/Haul Mode is on and this setting is
on for a Trailer Profile, the reminder will not
appear when the Trailer Profile is active.
Trailer Length Indicator
Touch Trailer Length Indicator to view the
Trailer Length Indicator settings page. If this
setting is ON a guideline is displayed in the
side mirror camera view to indicate the rear
of the attached trailer. If this setting is OFF
the guideline will not be displayed.
This setting will default to OFF if the trailer
length indicator feature is not set up. See
"Towing Assistance" for details on the setup.
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0116.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating. The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 071 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 071.
For information on wiring auxiliary switches,
see www.gmupfitter.com or contact your
dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar
Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) with a
snow plow mounted to the vehicle. The
vehicle could overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the vehicle,
follow these guidelines:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the snow
plow prep package, RPO VYU, adding a
plow can damage the vehicle, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Unless the vehicle was
built to carry a snow plow, do not add
(Continued)
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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304 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
one to the vehicle. If the vehicle has RPO
VYU, then the payload the vehicle can
carry will be reduced when a snow plow
is installed. The vehicle can be damaged
if either the front or rear axle ratings or
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
are exceeded.
The plow the vehicle can carry depends on
many things, such as:
.The options the vehicle came with, and
the weight of those options.
.The weight and number of passengers to
be carried.
.The weight of items added to the vehicle,
like a tool box or truck cap.
.The total weight of any additional cargo
to be carried.
To safely carry a snow plow on the vehicle:
.With a snow plow attached, the engine
coolant temperature gauge may show a
higher temperature than while driving
without one. The snow plow could block
the airflow to the radiator. This could be
more noticeable as vehicle speed
increases. At speeds above 72 km/h
(45 mph), this may cause the engine coolant to overheat. Move or angle the
snow plow blade to allow increased
airflow to the radiator.
.To increase the airflow, move the snow
plow blade position.
.If driving more than 24 km/h (15 mi),
angle the plow blade position.
.Make sure the weight on the front and
rear axles does not exceed the axle rating
for each.
.Follow the snowplow manufacturer’s
recommendations for any rear ballast that
may be required. Rear ballast may be
required to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio even though the
actual weight at the front axle may be
less than the front axel rating.
.The snowplow manufacturer or installer
can assist in determining the amount of
rear ballast required to ensure that the
vehicle with the attached snowplow does
not exceed the GVW rating, the front and
rear axle ratings, or the front and rear
weight distribution ratio.
Front axle reserve capacity is the difference
between the Front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) and the front axle weight of
the vehicle with full fuel, passengers, and any other cargo. This is the amount of
weight that can be added to the front axle
before reaching the Front GAWR.
To calculate the amount of weight any front
accessory, such as a snow plow, is adding to
the front axle, use this formula:
(W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the accessory
is adding to the front axle.
Where:
IW = Weight of added accessory
IA = Distance that the accessory is in
front of the front axle
IW.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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306 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 307
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 308
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 310
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326 Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 328
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 331
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 336
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . 339
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . 341
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 347
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 350
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 351
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 358
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 360
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 360
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 361
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 374
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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308 Vehicle Care
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 071.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0416. This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 71.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 020.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 404.Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
Turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the engine is running with the
hood open, you or others could be
injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
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310 Vehicle Care
Engine Compartment Overview
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Vehicle Care 311
1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0374.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0374.
3. Battery - North America 0324.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0315.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil 0311.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0316.
7. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid 0320.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0311.
9. Auxiliary Battery. Battery - North
America 0324.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 323.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0336.
12. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System 0316.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” underWasher
Fluid 0321.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil”
in the Duramax diesel supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0313.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0310 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
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312 Vehicle Care
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1
qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0406.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0310 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0401.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked with the
dexos1 approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of
extreme cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), use SAE 0W-30 oil. An
oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier
cold starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.