2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO towing

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
Vehicle Care 317
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 the
vehicle 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 operationmay 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
0308.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
The vehicle has a clutched engine cooling
fan. When the clutch is engaged, the fan
spins faster to provide more air to cool the
engine. In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages, so an increase in fan noise may be heard.
This is normal and should not be mistaken
as the transmission slipping or making extra
shifts. It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch partially disengages.
This fan noise may be heard when starting
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch
partially disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is in the
engine compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0307 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power
steering fluid unless there is a leak
suspected in the system or an unusual noise

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
Vehicle Care 373
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are
some basic things you should know.
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a
remote positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Negative (–) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to
a remote negative (–) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative
(–) or you will get a short that would
damage the battery and maybe other
parts too. And do not connect the
negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal on the dead battery because
this can cause sparks.
7. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal. 8. Do not let the other end touch metal.
Connect it to the good battery
positive (+) terminal. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
9. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the good battery negative
(–) terminal. Use a remote negative (–)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything
until the next step.
10. Connect the other end of the negative (–) cable to the discharged battery
negative (–) grounding point.
11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while.
12. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or a
mechanical transmission range select
shifter. In the event of a loss of 12-volt
battery power, the electric parking brake
cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
374 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary. If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or
electric parking brake is not released, the
vehicle will not move. Try to jump start
the vehicle with a known good 12-volt
battery, shift the car into N (Neutral), and
release the electric parking brake. Refer to
Jump Starting - North America
0370.
.If unsuccessful, the vehicle will not move.
Tire skates or dollies must be used under
the non-rolling tires to prevent vehicle
damage.
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

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
Vehicle Care 375
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.
Dinghy Towing (Two-Wheel Drive)
Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed with
the rear wheels on the ground, the
transmission could be damaged. The
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be
towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Dinghy Towing (Four-Wheel Drive)
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive vehicles
with a two-speed transfer case that have an
N (Neutral) and a 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low)
setting.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
376 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can allow
the vehicle to move even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or others
could be injured. Set the parking brake
and use wheel blocks before shifting the
transfer case to N (Neutral).
To dinghy tow: 1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a
level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under
Four-Wheel Drive 0221.
5. With the engine running, release the parking brake and verify that the
transfer case is in N (Neutral) by shifting
the transmission to D (Drive) and then to
R (Reverse). There should be no
movement while shifting the
transmission. 6. Shift the transmission to D (Drive).
7. Turn the vehicle off. Disregard the Shift
to P (Park) DIC message. See Ignition
Positions 0211.
{Warning
To avoid death, serious injury,
or property damage, before dinghy
towing the vehicle, always disconnect and
secure the negative battery cable and
cover the negative battery post and cable
with a non-conductive material. If the
battery is left connected or the battery
cable contacts the post, the Electric
Parking Brake may activate during
towing, which could cause a crash.
8. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” inBattery - North
America 0321.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked, vehicle
damage may occur. 10. Move the steering wheel to make sure
the steering column is unlocked.
11. Keep the remote key outside of the vehicle and manually lock the doors.
Access the vehicle by using the key in
the door lock. See Door Locks019.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting from the tow vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface. Secure the vehicle with wheel blocks.
2. Reconnect the negative (–) battery. See Battery - North America 0321.
3. Turn on the vehicle. With your foot off the brake pedal, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for five seconds until the
green light comes on in the button. See
Ignition Positions 0211.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0228.
5. Disconnect from the tow vehicle.
6. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to 2
m(Two-Wheel
Drive High). When the shift to 2
m
(Two-Wheel Drive High) is complete, the
light in the instrument cluster will stop
flashing and stay lit. See
Four-Wheel-Drive Light 0120.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
Vehicle Care 377
8. Start the engine. Check that the vehicleis in 2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) by
starting the engine and shifting the
transmission to D (Drive) and then to
R (Reverse). There should be movement
of the vehicle while shifting.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the vehicle.
10. Release the parking brake and remove the wheel blocks.
11. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Dolly Towing
Caution
Do not tow this vehicle with two wheels
on the ground, or vehicle damage could
occur. This damage would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not allowed with
either the front or the rear tires on the
ground for two-wheel drive or four-wheel
drive, regardless of transfer case.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0392.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
{Warning
Do not power wash any part of the
vehicle’s interior, including the vinyl floor
covering. This could damage safety and
other systems in the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
388 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0204.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0266.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal Service.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe Service.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0305.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0353 and
Wheel Replacement 0357.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 390.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0377.
Power Take Off (PTO) and Extended
Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the PTO
equipment or used in a way that requires
extended idle time, one hour of use shall be
deemed the same as 53 km (33 mi). See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0126 orDriver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0128 for hourmeter, if equipped.
Additional Required Services –Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. Or
when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driven under the best

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-16908339) - 2024 - CRC - 12/5/22
Service and Maintenance 389
conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform this
work. If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service.
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 310.
.When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced at the
earliest convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air filter
is replaced. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0311.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Or every 24 months, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger
compartment air filter replacement may
be needed if driving in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, high dust levels, or environmental allergens. Passenger
compartment air filter replacement may
also be needed if there is reduced airflow,
window fogging, or odors. Your GM
dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
Every 80 500 km (50,000 mi)
.Change transfer case fluid, if equipped
with 4WD. Do not directly power wash
the transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and/
or axles and should be replaced.
Every 156 000 km (97,500 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0326.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0313.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24-hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).