transmission CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2013 Owner's Guide

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-38 Driving and Operating
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 9‑38.
While using Range Selection Mode,
Cruise Control and the Tow/Haul
Mode can be used.
If the vehicle has an exhaust brake,
it can also be used, but will not
automatically downshift the
transmission. See Exhaust Brake in
the Duramax Diesel supplement.
Notice: Spinning the tires or
holding the vehicle in one place
on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.Low Traction Mode
If the vehicle has the Allison
Transmission, a 4-Speed automatic
transmission, or the Hydra-Matic
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
with the 6.0L engine, it has a Low
Traction Mode that assists in vehicle
acceleration when road conditions
are slippery, such as with ice or
snow. While the vehicle is at a stop,
select the second gear range using
Range Selection Mode. This will
limit torque to the wheels helping to
prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission have a Tow/Haul
Mode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts
the transmission shift pattern to
reduce shift cycling, providing
increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling
when driving down steep hills or
Mountain grades, towing, or hauling
heavy loads.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-39
The selector button is located on the
end of the shift lever. Turn the Tow/
Haul Mode on and off by pressing
the button. When the Tow/Haul
Mode is enabled, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will
come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on
page 5‑25 andHill and Mountain
Roads on page 9‑11 for more
information.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment on page 9‑93 for
more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
(6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is
only enabled while the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected and the vehicle is
not in the Range Selection Mode.
See “Tow/Haul Mode” listed
previously and Manual Mode on
page 9‑37. Tow/Haul Mode Grade
Braking assists in maintaining
desired vehicle speeds when driving on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine,
to disable or enable Tow/Haul
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
three seconds. A DIC message will
be displayed. See
Transmission
Messages on page 5‑44.
On vehicles with a diesel engine.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking can
be enabled or disabled by pressing
the Tow/Haul Mode button. Use the
exhaust brake and Tow/Haul Mode
for maximum grade braking.
See Towing Equipment on
page 9‑93 for more information.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑33 andCruise Control on
page 9‑59.
Manual Transmission
If the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, this is the shift
pattern.
Here is how to operate the manual
transmission:
1 (First): Press the clutch pedal
and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as you
slowly press down on the
accelerator pedal.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-40 Driving and Operating
You can shift into 1 (First) when you
are going less than 30 km/h
(20 mph). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift
into 1 (First), put the shift lever in
Neutral and let up on the clutch.
Then press the clutch pedal back
down and shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second):Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth):
Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and
5 (Fifth) the same way you do for
2 (Second). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral: Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. R (Reverse):
To back up, press the
clutch pedal. After the vehicle stops,
shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let up
on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. If it is hard to
shift, let the shift lever return to
Neutral and release the clutch
pedal. Then press the clutch again
and shift into R (Reverse). Do not
attempt to shift into 5 (Fifth) prior to
shifting into R (Reverse). The
transmission has a lock out feature
which prevents a 5 (Fifth) gear to
R (Reverse) gear shift.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
after the vehicle is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with the
parking brake, for parking the
vehicle.Shift Speeds
{WARNING
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-42 Driving and Operating
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m 4m4n N
Normal YES Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 10‑89 orTowing the Vehicle on
page 10‑89.
Notice: Driving on clean, dry
pavement in four-wheel drive for
an extended period of time can
cause premature wear on the
vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive
on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel Drive for extended
periods of time. 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):
This
setting also engages the front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may
never need Four-Wheel Drive Low.
It sends maximum power to all
four wheels. You might choose
Four-Wheel Drive Low if you are
driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, deep snow, and while climbing
or descending steep hills. If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®,
shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low
will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak off. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑56.
A parking brake symbol is located
next to the N (Neutral) symbol as a
reminder to set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case into
N (Neutral).
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
(Continued)

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-43
WARNING (Continued)
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). SeeParking Brake on
page 9‑54.
N (Neutral): Shift to this setting
only when the vehicle needs to be
towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10‑89 orTowing the
Vehicle on page 10‑89.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High): This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
The front axle is not engaged in
two-wheel drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High): Use
this setting when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy
roads or in most off-road situations.
This setting also engages the front
axle to help drive your vehicle. This
is the best setting to use when
plowing snow. You can shift from Two-Wheel Drive
High to Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive High to
Two-Wheel Drive High while the
vehicle is moving. In extremely cold
weather, it may be necessary to
stop or slow the vehicle to shift into
Four-Wheel Drive High.
When Using the Manual
Transfer Case
.Shifts into or out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low or N (Neutral) should
be made using quick motions to
avoid excessive gear grinding.
Shifting slowly may make it more
difficult to shift.
.You may notice that it is harder
to shift when the vehicle is cold.
After the vehicle warms up the
shifting will return to normal.
.While in Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low you
may experience reduced fuel
economy.
.Avoid driving in Four-Wheel
Drive on clean, dry pavement.
It may cause your tires to wear
faster, make the transfer case
harder to shift, and run noisier.
.If the transfer case shifter is in
the N (Neutral) position and you
have difficulty reaching the
selected transfer case mode,
with the engine running, shift the
transmission momentarily to
D (Drive) and then back to
N (Neutral). This will realign the
gear teeth in the transfer case
and allow you to complete the
shift.
Shifting from Two-Wheel Drive
High to Four-Wheel Drive High
.Shifts between Two-Wheel Drive
High and Four-Wheel Drive High
can be made at any vehicle
speed.
.Shift the transfer case lever in
one continuous motion into
either the Four-Wheel Drive High
or Two-Wheel Drive High
position.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-44 Driving and Operating
.Shifting from Two-Wheel Drive
High to Four-Wheel Drive High
while the vehicle is in motion
may require that moderate force
be applied to the shift lever for a
few seconds before Four-Wheel
Drive High can be engaged,
especially in cold weather.
.In extremely cold weather, it may
be necessary to slow or stop the
vehicle to shift into Four-Wheel
Drive High.
.While in Four-Wheel Drive High,
the vehicle can be driven at any
posted legal speed limit.
Shifting In or Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low
Notice: Shifting the transfer case
into Four-Wheel-Drive Low while
moving at speeds faster than
5 km/h (3 mph) may cause
premature wear to the transfer
case, and may cause the gears to
grind. To avoid causing
premature wear, and grinding the
gears, do not shift the transfer case into Four-Wheel-Drive Low
while the vehicle is moving faster
than 5 km/h (3 mph).
.Shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low should be done, if possible,
with the vehicle at a slight roll,
5 km/h (3 mph) or less.
.Shift the transmission into
N (Neutral).
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See
Parking Brake on
page 9‑54.
.Shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low with the vehicle at a stop
may be more difficult. You may
be unable to complete the shift
to Four-Wheel Drive Low, and the transfer case will end up in
N (Neutral). This is normal, and
is a function of the gear teeth
aligning in the transfer case.
When this happens, make sure
the engine is on, shift the
transmission momentarily to
D (Drive) and back to
N (Neutral), and then complete
the transfer case shift.
.Shift the transfer case shift lever
in one continuous motion into
the Four-Wheel Drive Low
position.
.When in Four-Wheel Drive Low
do not drive faster than
72 km/h (45 mph). This will
reduce wear and extend the life
of your transfer case.
Shifting In or Out of Neutral
1. With the vehicle running and the engine at an idle, set the parking
brake.

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-45
2. Place the transmission intoN (Neutral).
Shift the transfer case in one
continuous motion into or out of the
N (Neutral) position.
Electronic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located
next to the steering column.
Use the dial to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving Conditions Transfer Case Settings
2m 4m4n N
Normal YES Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 10‑89 orTowing the Vehicle on
page 10‑89.
You can choose among four driving
settings:
Indicator lights in the dial show
which setting you are in. The
indicator lights will come on briefly
when you turn on the ignition and
one will stay on. If the lights do not
come on, you should take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
An indicator light flashes while
shifting the transfer case and
remains illuminated when the shift is
complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High):
This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations. The
front axle is not engaged in
Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High): Use
the Four-Wheel Drive High position
when extra traction is needed, such

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-46 Driving and Operating
as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also
engages the front axle to help drive
the vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):This
setting also engages the front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may
never need this setting. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose Four-Wheel Drive
Low while driving off-road in deep
sand, deep mud, deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep
hills.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®,
shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low
will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak off. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑56.
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). SeeParking Brake on
page 9‑54.
N (Neutral): Shift the vehicle's
transfer case to N (Neutral) only
when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10‑89 orTowing the Vehicle
on page 10‑89 for more information.
If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE
message stays on, you should take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service. See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL
DRIVE” underTransmission
Messages on page 5‑44.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel
Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel
Drive High position. This can be
done at any speed, except when shifting from Four-Wheel Drive Low.
See
“Shifting Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low” for more information.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel
Drive Low
When Four-Wheel Drive Low is
engaged, vehicle speed should be
kept below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Extended high-speed operation in
Four-Wheel Drive Low may damage
or shorten the life of the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel Drive
Low position, the ignition must be in
ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). The preferred method
for shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low is to have the vehicle moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph). Turn the
knob to the Four-Wheel Drive Low
position. You must wait for the
Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light
to stop flashing and remain on
before shifting the transmission
in gear.

Black plate (47,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-47
Notice:Shifting the transmission
into gear before the requested
mode indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the mode indicator lights to
stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
It is typical for the vehicle to exhibit
significant engagement noise and
bump when shifting between
Four-Wheel Drive Low and
Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or
from transfer case N (Neutral) with
the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the
Four-Wheel Drive Low position
when the vehicle is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator
light will flash for 30 seconds and
not complete the shift. After
30 seconds the transfer case will
shift to Four-Wheel Drive
High mode. With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low
To shift from Four-Wheel Drive Low
to Four-Wheel Drive High,
or Two-Wheel Drive High, the
vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition in ON/RUN. The preferred
method for shifting out of
Four-Wheel Drive Low is to have
the vehicle moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h
(1 to 2 mph). Turn the knob to the
Four-Wheel Drive High or
Two-Wheel Drive High position. You
must wait for the Four-Wheel Drive
High or Two-Wheel Drive High
indicator light to stop flashing and
remain on before shifting the
transmission into gear.
Notice:
Shifting the transmission
into gear before the requested
mode indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the mode indicator lights to
stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
It is typical for the vehicle to exhibit
significant engagement noise and
bump when shifting between
Four-Wheel Drive Low and
Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or
from transfer case N (Neutral) with
the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the
Four-Wheel Drive High,
or Two-Wheel Drive High switch
position when the vehicle is in gear
and/or moving more than
5 km/h (3 mph), the Four-Wheel
Drive High, AUTO, or Two-Wheel
Drive High indicator light will flash
for 30 seconds but will not complete
the shift. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.

Black plate (48,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-48 Driving and Operating
Shifting into Neutral
To shift the transfer case to
N (Neutral) do the following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parkedso that it will not roll.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the regular brake
pedal. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑54 for more information.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel Drive High.
6. Turn the transfer case dial clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
Neutral light starts blinking. This
will take at least 10 seconds.
Then slowly release the dial to
the four low position. The
N (Neutral) light will come on
when the transfer case shift to
N (Neutral) is complete. 7. If the engine is running, verify
that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse) for
one second, then shift the
transmission to D (Drive) for
one second.
8. Turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY, which will turn the
engine off.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park).
10. Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
11. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of Neutral
To shift the transfer case out of
N (Neutral) do the following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off, and shift the
transmission to N (Neutral). 3. Turn the transfer case dial to
Two-Wheel Drive High.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
4. Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
Notice: Shifting the transmission
into gear before the requested
mode indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the mode indicator lights to
stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
5. Start the engine and shift the
transmission to the desired
position.
Excessively shifting the transfer
case into or out of the different
modes may cause the transfer case
to enter the shift protection mode.
This will protect the transfer case
from possible damage and will only
allow the transfer case to respond to