CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2011 2.G Owners Manual

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold,
where the temperature falls below
−29°C (−20°F), use either an
SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an
SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide
easier cold starting for the engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Always use an oil that meets the
required specification, GM6094M.
See“What Kind of Engine Oil to
Use” for more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on
to indicate that an oil change
is necessary. See Engine Oil
Messages
on page 5‑47. Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is
possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change
is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and
filter must be changed at least
once a year and at this time
the system must be reset.
For vehicles without the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message, an
oil change is needed when the OIL
LIFE REMAINING percentage is
near 0%. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset
the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-10 Vehicle Care
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System
calculates when to change the
engine oil and filter based on
vehicle use. Whenever the oil is
changed, reset the system so it
can calculate when the next oil
change is required. If a situation
occurs where the oil is changed
prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message coming on, reset
the system.
Always reset the engine oil life to
100% after every oil change. It will
not reset itself. To reset the Engine
Oil Life System on most vehicles:
1. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC.
If the vehicle does not have
DIC buttons, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) to access this
display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑34. 2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC, or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, for more than
five seconds. The oil life
will change to 100%.
On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life
System can be reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the system
is reset. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑34.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and it comes back on when the
vehicle is started and/or the OIL
LIFE REMAINING is near 0%, the
Engine Oil Life System has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-11
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at
the intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑8.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, it may be best to have
this done at the dealer service
department.
If not taken to the dealer, be sure to
follow all the instructions here or a
false reading on the dipstick could
result.
Notice: Too much or too
little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission
to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking
the transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:.When outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
.At high speed for quite a while.
.In heavy traffic
—especially in
hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 82°C to
93°C (180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 24 km (15 miles) when
outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third)
until the engine temperature gauge
moves and then remains steady for
10 minutes.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-12 Vehicle Care
A cold fluid check can be made
after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours or more with the
engine off, but this is used only
as a reference. Let the engine run
at idle for five minutes if outside
temperatures are 10°C (50°F) or
more. If it is colder than 10°C
(50°F), the engine may have to idle
longer. Should the fluid level be low
during this cold check, the fluid must
be checked when hot before adding
fluid. Checking the fluid hot will give
you a more accurate reading of the
fluid level.Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level
place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. Then, without shutting off the
engine, follow these steps:
1. Locate the transmission dipstick
handle with this graphic which is
located at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 10‑6for
more information on location.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it
back out again.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-13
4. Check both sides of the dipstick,and read the lower level. The
fluid level must be in the COLD
area, below the cross-hatched
area, for a cold check or in the
HOT or cross-hatched area for a
hot check. Be sure to keep the
dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
5. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way;
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place. Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricantson page 11‑8to
determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use.
Using a funnel, add fluid down
the transmission dipstick tube only
after checking the transmission
fluid while it is hot. A cold check
is used only as a reference. If the
fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring the
level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It does not take much fluid,
generally less than 0.5 Liter (1 Pint).
Do not overfill. Notice:
Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 11‑8.
.After adding fluid, recheck the
fluid level as described under
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier
in this section.
.When the correct fluid level
is obtained, push the dipstick
back in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-14 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to
check the transmission fluid level.
The only reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.Notice:
Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricantson
page 11‑8.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 11‑2. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑8.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Notice: Too much or too
little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission
to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking
the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,
prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level surface.
Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in P (Park).

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
3. With your foot on the brakepedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, move the
shift lever back to P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500 –800 rpm) for at least
1 minute. Slowly release the
brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and press the Trip/Fuel button or
trip odometer reset stem until
TRANS TEMP (Transmission
Temperature) displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine and
perform the appropriate check
procedure. If the TRANS TEMP
reading is not within the required
temperature ranges, allow the
vehicle to cool, or operate the
vehicle until the appropriate
transmission fluid temperature
is reached. Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a
reference to determine if the
transmission has enough fluid
to be operated safely until a hot
check procedure can be made.
The hot check procedure is the
most accurate method to check the
fluid level. Perform the hot check
procedure at the first opportunity.
Use this cold check procedure
to check fluid level when the
transmission temperature is
between 27°C and 32°C
(80°F and 90°F).
1. Locate the transmission dipstick
at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 10‑6for
more information.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way; wait
three seconds, and then
pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
5. If the fluid level is below theCOLD check band, add only
enough fluid as necessary to
bring the level into the COLD
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 Liter
(1 Pint). Do not overfill.
6. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the
transmission reaches a normal
operating temperature between
71°C to 93°C (160°F to 200°F).
7. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way,
then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place. Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the
transmission fluid level when the
transmission fluid temperature
is between 71°C and 93°C
(160°F and 200°F).
The hot check is the most accurate
method to check the fluid level.
The hot check should be performed
at the first opportunity in order to
verify the cold check. The fluid level
rises as fluid temperature increases,
so it is important to ensure the
transmission temperature is within
range.1. Locate the transmission dipstick
at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 10‑6for
more information.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way; wait
three seconds, and then pull
it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-17
5. Safe operating level is within theHOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F
and 200°F), add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the fluid level is
low, add only enough fluid to
bring the level into the HOT
band. It does not take much
fluid, generally less than 0.5 L
(1 pint). Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 11‑8for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly
check brake/clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system. Adding fluid will not correct
a leak. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
reservoir cap has this symbol on it.
The common hydraulic clutch and
brake master cylinder fluid reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6for reservoir location.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch
fluid reservoir to make sure the
fluid level is at the MIN (minimum)
line on the side of the reservoir. The
brake/hydraulic clutch fluid system
should be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check
the fluid level or to top‐off the fluid
level. Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see“Pickup Models” under“Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter” in the Duramax
®
Diesel Supplement for the correct
inspection and replacement
procedures.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at
the scheduled maintenance
intervals and replace it at the first
oil change after each 80 000 km
(50,000 mi) interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2for
more information. If driving on
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the engine air cleaner/filter
from the vehicle by following
Steps 1 through 6. When the engine
air cleaner/filter is removed, lightly
shake it to release loose dust and
dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required. Never use compressed
air to clean the filter.