check engine light CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2005 1.G User Guide

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

{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

Gasoline Octane
For all except vehicles with the 6.0L V8 (VIN Code N)
engine, use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane of 87 or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage your
engine. A little pinging noise when you accelerate or drive
uphill is considered normal. This does not indicate a
problem exists or that a higher-octane fuel is necessary.
If you are using 87 octane or higher-octane fuel and hear
heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
If you have the 6.0L V8 (VIN Code N) engine, use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
91 or higher for best performance. You may also use
middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you may
get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs,
use gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine.
Gasoline Specications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specications
which were developed by automobile manufacturers
around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel
Charter which is available from the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers at www.autoalliance.org/fuel_charter.htm.
Gasoline meeting these specications could provide
improved driveability and emission control system
performance compared to other gasoline.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on and your
vehicle may fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-44. If this occurs, return to your
authorized GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
5-6

Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine Oil” in
the DURAMAX®Diesel Engine Supplement.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster (except vehicles equipped with the
4.3L engine), it means you need to check your engine oil
level right away.
For more information, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-50.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-20

When to Check and What to Use
The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is located in the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for more information
on location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-11and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline Engine)
on page 6-14.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it is in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-38.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-35

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
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 a remote positive terminal (+) if the
vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
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.
On vehicles equipped with dual batteries, make all
battery connections to the remote positive (+)
and remote negative (−) terminals.
5-54

Maintenance Footnotes
(Gasoline Engine)
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the maintenance schedule section in the
DURAMAX
®Diesel Engine Supplement.
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage, and parking brake
cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless
their temperature is 10°F (−12°C) or higher, or they
could be damaged. Vehicles used under severe
commercial operating conditions require lubrication
on a regular basis every 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
6-9

Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-75
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-68
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-23
Chains, Tire...................................................5-89
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-44
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-120
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-45
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position (Crew Cab)..................1-52
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position (Regular
and Extended Cab)..........................1-54, 1-59Child Restraints (cont.)
Top Strap...................................................1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-42
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-127
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-118
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-117
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-114
Finish Care...............................................5-117
Inside of Your Vehicle.................................5-113
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-115
Leather....................................................5-115
Tires........................................................5-119
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-120
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-116
Weatherstrips............................................5-116
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-118
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Dual ..........................................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-34
Coinholder(s)..................................................2-75
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-19
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
3

Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-24
Dual Climate Control System............................3-22
Dual Tire Operation.........................................5-81
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-112
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-123
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-126
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-127
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-51
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Coolant......................................................5-35
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-42
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-56
Fan Noise..................................................5-45
Oil .............................................................5-20
Oil Life System...........................................5-23Engine (cont.)
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-40
Overheating................................................5-38
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finish Damage.............................................5-120
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-127
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-90
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-91
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-108
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-27, 5-30
Manual Transmission....................................5-33
Power Steering...........................................5-46
Windshield Washer......................................5-47
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-16
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-59
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-48
Front Axle......................................................5-60
5

Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-63
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-96
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-92
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-71
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-79
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-80
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-48
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-56
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-33
Safety Belts
Care of ....................................................5-116
Center Passenger Position............................1-23Safety Belts (cont.)
Driver Position............................................1-15
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-15
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts.............................................1-14
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides...................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-24
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-23
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-22
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-8
Seats
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-5
Manual........................................................ 1-3
Memory .....................................................2-79
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-4
Power Seats................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation...............................1-8, 1-9
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-6
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-8
Secondary Latch System................................5-105
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-51
Center Rear Seat Position............................1-49
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-47
11