brake fluid CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 2020 User Guide

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 339
1. Remote Negative (–) Location.See Jump Starting - North
America 0419.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting -
North America 0419.
3. Battery - North America 0358.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0344.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 346.
7. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid 0353.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0339.
9. Auxiliary Battery. Battery -
North America 0358.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0357.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0371. 12. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0346.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 354.
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. See Engine Oil
Life System 0341.
. 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
0332 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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
354 Vehicle Care
The power steering fluid reservoir is
in the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0332 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 is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Set the ignition off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. 5. Remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The level should be between the
ADD and FULL marks. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to the hashed area between
the ADD and FULL marks.
To prevent contamination of brake
fluid, never check or fill the power
steering reservoir with the brake
master cylinder cover off.
What to Use
Caution
Use of the incorrect fluid may
damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0451.
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the
proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid
message on the DIC that comes on
when the washer fluid is low. The
message is displayed for
15 seconds at the start of each
ignition cycle. When the WASHER
FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message
displays, washer fluid will need to
be added to the windshield washer
fluid reservoir.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 355
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0332 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 357
wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when
the brake pads are worn can still
determine when the pads should be
replaced. SeeBrakes0355.
To turn off the brake pad life system:
1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 148 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel) 0149.
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system
back on, follow the above steps but
select ENABLE in Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 4
(1500) or DOT 3 (2500/3500) brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0332 for the location of
the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0140.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0441.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
358 Vehicle Care
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid, as indicated on
the reservoir cap, from a clean,
sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0451.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0332 for battery location.
Stop/Start System
Vehicles equipped with a 2.7L L3B,
3.0L LM2, 5.3L L84 or 6.2L L87 are
equipped with a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Stop/Start
System 0213.
Vehicles with the Stop/Start system
have an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
12-volt battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life. When
using a 12-volt battery charger on
the 12-volt AGM battery, some
chargers have an AGM battery
setting on the charger. If available,
use the AGM setting on the charger to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
Follow the charger manufacturer
’s
instructions.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0329 and the back
cover.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 433
require more frequent application.
Black marks from rubber material on
painted surfaces can be removed by
rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0451.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 439
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 439
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 441
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 455
General Information
This maintenance section applies to
vehicles with a gasoline engine. For
diesel engine vehicles, see
"Maintenance Schedule" in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs. Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/2/19
442 Service and Maintenance
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. SeeTire
Rotation 0396.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0339 and
Engine Oil Life System 0341.
. If equipped with the engine air
filter life system, check the air
filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine
air filter and reset the engine air filter life system. See
Engine Air
Filter Life System 0343. If the
vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system,
inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0344.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0346.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0354.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0387.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0396.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0429.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 429. If equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension
and steering components every
other oil change for normal
usage and every oil change for
severe usage.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect drive shafts for
excessive wear, lubricant leaks
or damage including: tube dents,
cracks, constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
missing or loose fasteners.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 071.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/2/19
444 Service and Maintenance
Additional Required ServicesMaintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal
12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed. Check
engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air
filter life system, replace engine air cleaner
filter. (2)@ @@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(Except 2.7L L4 Turbo Engine)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(2.7L L4 Turbo Engine Only)@ @
For GVW under 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@
For GVW over 3 900 kg (8,600 lb), change
transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (4)@@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13337620) - 2020 - CRC - 4/2/19
Service and Maintenance 445
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Replace hood gas struts and tailgate
dampener. (9)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, areas with
high dust levels or are sensitive to
environmental allergens. Filter
replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you
determine when it is the right time to
replace your filter. (2)
Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0344.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(4) 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 fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or drive axles and
should be replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 346.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0357.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0364.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0365.
(10) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.