warning CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2015 Owners Manual

Black plate (72,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-72 Driving and Operating
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
{Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5-21.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.

Black plate (73,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-73
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-95.
For towing the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor
home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10-95.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply to
trailer towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
.Turn off Park Assist when
towing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-33.

Black plate (75,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-75
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 9-39.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see Engine Overheating on
page 10-25.Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

Black plate (76,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-76 Driving and Operating
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeNew Vehicle Break-In on
page 9-23.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well or even at all. The driver and
passengers could be seriously
injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
{Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-15 for more information
about the vehicle's maximum load
capacity.
To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer” later in this
section.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.

Black plate (96,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-96 Driving and Operating
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
or StabiliTrak systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC
system may not be fully functional
or may not function at all. Make sure
all of these systems are fully
operational to ensure full
functionality of the ITBC system.
The ITBC system is powered
through the vehicle's electrical
system. Turning the ignition off will
also turn off the ITBC system. The
ITBC system is fully functional only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or
trailer instability which could
result in personal injury or
damage to the vehicle, trailer,
or other property. Use the ITBC
system only with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes. Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever
2. Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons
The ITBC system has a control
panel on the instrument panel to the
left of the steering column. See
Instrument Panel on page 1-2. The
control panel allows adjustment to
the amount of output, referred to as
Trailer Gain, available to the trailer
brakes and allows manual
application of the trailer brakes.

Black plate (98,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-98 Driving and Operating
The trailer's and the vehicle's brake
lamps will come on when either
vehicle brakes or manual trailer
brakes are applied.
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a
specific trailering condition and must
be adjusted anytime vehicle loading,
trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are
over-gained or under-gained may
not stop the vehicle and the trailer
as intended and can result in a
crash. Always follow the
instructions to set the Trailer Gain
for the proper trailer stopping
performance.Use the following to adjust Trailer
Gain for each towing condition:
1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing
condition and free of traffic at
about 32 to 40 km/h (20 to
25 mph) and fully apply the
Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever.
Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds
lower than 32 to 40 km/h (20 to
25 mph) may result in an
incorrect gain setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons,
to just below the point of trailer
wheel lock-up, indicated by
trailer wheel squeal or tire
smoke when a trailer wheel
locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may not
occur if towing a heavily loaded
trailer. In this case, adjust the
Trailer Gain to the highest
allowable setting for the towing
condition. 3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime
vehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions
change or if trailer wheel lock-up
is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
In addition to displaying TRAILER
GAIN and OUTPUT through the
DIC, trailer connection and ITBC
system status are displayed on
the DIC.
TRAILER CONNECTED: This
message will briefly display when a
trailer with electric brakes is first
connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off
in about 10 seconds. This message
can be acknowledged before it
automatically turns off.

Black plate (100,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-100 Driving and Operating
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
TSC feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a
trailer while being towed. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the
TSC detects that sway is increasing,
the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help
reduce excessive trailer sway. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has
the electric actuated brake system,
StabiliTrak may also apply the trailer
brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-54.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment on page 9-90 for
trailer ratings and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-34 andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-34.

Black plate (103,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-103
In order to calculate the amount of
weight any front accessory, such as
a snow plow, is adding to the front
axle, use the following formula:
(W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the
accessory is adding to the
front axle.
Where:W = Weight of added accessory
A = Distance that the accessory
is in front of the front axle
W.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase For example, adding a 318 kg
(700 lb) snow plow actually adds
more than 318 kg (700 lb) to the
front axle. Using the formula, if the
snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of
the front axle and the wheel base is
305 cm (10 ft), then:
W = 318 kg (700 lb)
A = 122 cm (4 ft)
W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. =
(318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg
(980 lb)
So, if the front axle reserve capacity
is more than 445 kg (980 lb), the
snow plow could be added without
exceeding the front GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added on
the front of the vehicle if it is
compensated for by carrying fewer
passengers or less cargo, or by
positioning cargo toward the rear.
This has the effect of reducing the
load on the front. However, the front
GAWR, rear GAWR, and Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must
never be exceeded.
{Warning
On some vehicles that have
certain front mounted equipment,
such as a snow plow, it may be
possible to load the front axle to
the front gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) but not have enough
weight on the rear axle to have
proper braking performance. If the
brakes cannot work properly, you
could have a crash. To help the
brakes work properly when a
snow plow is installed, always
follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast
to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio, even
though the actual front weight
may be less than the front
GAWR, and the total vehicle
weight is less than the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Maintaining a proper front and (Continued)

Black plate (104,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-104 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
Total vehicle reserve capacity is the
difference between the GVWR and
the weight of the truck with full fuel
and passengers. It is the amount of
weight that can be added to the
vehicle before reaching the GVWR.
Keep in mind that reserve capacity
numbers are intended as a guide
when selecting the amount of
equipment or cargo the truck can
carry. If unsure of the vehicle's front,
rear, or total weight, go to a weigh
station and weigh the vehicle. Your
dealer can also help with this. The total vehicle reserve capacity
for the vehicle can be found in the
lower right corner of the
Certification/Tire label as shown
previously.
See your dealer for additional
advice and information about using
a snow plow on the vehicle. Also,
see
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9-15.
Emergency Roof Lamp
Provisions
Vehicles with the RPO VYU snow
plow prep package also have an
emergency roof lamp provision
package, RPO TRW. Wiring for the
emergency roof lamp is provided
above the overhead console. See
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp on
page 6-5 for switch location.
Pickup Conversion to
Chassis Cab
We are aware that some vehicle
owners might consider having the
pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body
installed. Owners should be aware
that, as manufactured, there are
differences between a chassis cab
and a pickup with the box removed
which could affect vehicle safety.
The components necessary to adapt
a pickup to permit its safe use with
a specialized body should be
installed by the body builder.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-14
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19 Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-19
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-25
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Power Steering Fluid (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500 Series) . . . . . . . . 10-28
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Noise Control System . . . . . . 10-36
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-37
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38 Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-38
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-39
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-43