check engine CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2005 1.G User Guide

ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine
has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-38for more information.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-49,Fuel on
page 5-5, andLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-49.
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low,
this message will appear on the DIC. The battery
needs to be replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry System
Operation on page 2-6. Pressing any of the four
DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is
not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the
trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message
and clear it from the DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab)
If the driver’s side rear door is not fully closed, this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door
for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if
the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any
of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display. If
your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-57

LOW COOLANT LEVEL
If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant level
sensor, this message will appear on the DIC if
the engine coolant level is low. Adding coolant will
clear the message. SeeCooling System on page 5-40.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” in the Index for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the DIC for about
10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil
message. See “Engine Oil Life System” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-51andEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20for more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be
displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate
it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. SeeEngine
Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20for
more information.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s door is not fully closed, this message
will appear on the display and you will hear a chime.
Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if
the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-58

RANGE SHIFT INHIBITED
(Allison Transmission®Only)
If the transmission is unable to shift into a selected
gear, this message will appear on the DIC. The
electronic shift position indicator on the instrument panel
cluster may blink when this occurs. To make the
vehicle shift to the requested gear, you may have to
shift back to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and re-select
the desired gear.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters
the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-38for additional
information.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab)
If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed,
this message will appear on the display and you
will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check
the door for obstacles, and close the door again.
Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
SERVICE 4WD (Four-Wheel-Drive)
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs service. See your
GM dealer.
SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel steer system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the four-wheel
steer system needs service. See your GM dealer. See
QUADRASTEER™ on page 4-14for more information.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
3-59

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
If there is a problem with the brake system, this
message will be displayed on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the brake
system needs service. See your GM dealer.
SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery
charging system, this message will appear on the
DIC. Under certain conditions, the battery warning light
may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeBattery Warning Light on page 3-38. The battery
will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle
will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode.
The vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have
the electrical system checked by your GM dealer.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this
message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.
If this message is still displayed or appears again
when you begin driving, the air suspension system
needs service. See your GM dealer.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly, this
message may appear along with the check engine
light on the instrument panel cluster. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-44. Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-10. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left
off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn this light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system had detected that
any of the vehicle’s wheels are slipping, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. SeeTraction Assist System (TAS) on
page 4-8for more information.
3-61

Audio System(s)
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to seat belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the GM radio/entertainment
system. If that equipment is replaced or additional
equipment is added to your vehicle, the chimes
may not work. Make sure that replacement or
additional equipment is compatible with your
vehicle before installing it.Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, nd
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-23
for more information.
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the
display. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute
appears on the display. There is an initial two-second
delay before the clock goes into time-set mode.
Display the time with the ignition off, by pressing RCL,
HR, or MIN.
3-69

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-41.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights
and chime will come on each time the ignition is turned
on until the problem is repaired. See your dealer for
service.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
4-7

Driving in Water
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding, and ood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before you drive through
it. If it is deep enough to cover your wheel hubs,
axles or exhaust pipe, do not try it — you probably will
not get through. Also, water that deep can damage
your axle and other vehicle parts.
If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.
At faster speeds, water splashes on your ignition system
and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if
you get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your
tailpipe is under water, you will never be able to
start your engine. When you go through water,
remember that when your brakes get wet, it may take
you longer to stop.
{CAUTION:
Driving through rushing water can be
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle
downstream and you and your passengers
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
could drown. If it is only shallow water, it can
still wash away the ground from under your
tires, and you could lose traction and roll the
vehicle over. Do not drive through rushing
water.
SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet Roads on page 4-36
for more information on driving through water.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
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,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
4-34

Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Do not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-41

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in at or rolling terrain.If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable. SeeOff-Road
Driving on page 4-20for information about driving
off-road.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all uid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system,
and transmission. These parts can work hard
on mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let your engine assist your brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
4-42

{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help
keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until
help comes.
4-47