brakes CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2015 Owner's Manual

Black plate (54,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-54 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the
drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. See
Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) on page 9-100.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-14 and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this
section.
When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in Four-Wheel Drive Low, the
stability system is automatically
disabled,
gcomes on, and the
appropriate message will appear on
the DIC. Both traction control and
StabiliTrak are automatically
disabled in this condition.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.

Black plate (56,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-56 Driving and Operating
StabiliTrak will automatically turn on
if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph). Traction control will
remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature and a Hill
Start Assist (HSA) feature. See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) on
page 9-100orHill Start Assist
(HSA) on page 9-53.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Hill Descent
Control (HDC)
If equipped, HDC can be used when
driving downhill. It sets and
maintains vehicle speed while
descending a very steep incline in a
forward or reverse gear.
The HDC switch is on the center
stack, below the climate controls. Press
5to enable or disable HDC.
Vehicle speed must be below
50 km/h (31 mph).
The HDC light displays on the
instrument cluster when enabled.
HDC can maintain vehicle speeds
between 3 and 22 km/h (2 and
14 mph) on an incline greater than
or equal to a 10% grade. A blinking
HDC light indicates the system is
actively applying the brakes to
maintain vehicle speed.
When HDC is activated, the initial
HDC speed is set to the current
driving speed. It can be increased or
decreased by applying the
accelerator or brake pedal. This
adjusted speed becomes the new
set speed. HDC will remain enabled between
22 and 60 km/h (14 and 37 mph);
however vehicle speed cannot be
set or maintained in this range.
It will automatically disable if the
vehicle speed is above 80 km/h
(50 mph) or above 60 km/h
(37 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
5
must be pressed again to
re-enable HDC.
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a
speed above 22 km/h (14 mph) and
less than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC
message will display. See
Vehicle
Speed Messages on page 5-46.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.

Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
Driving and Operating 9-57
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph). If equipped with an Allison or
Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic
transmission, see
“Tow/Haul Mode
Grade Braking” underTow/Haul
Mode on page 9-39 for an
explanation of how cruise control
interacts with the Range Selection
Mode, Tow/Haul Mode, and Grade
Braking systems.
If the cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control system
(TCS) or StabiliTrak begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-54. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it
again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
5(On/Off): Press to turn the
system on or off. The indicator light
is white when cruise control is on
and turns off when cruise control
is off.
+RES (Resume/Accelerate): If
there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume to that
speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.

Black plate (58,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-58 Driving and Operating
SET−(Set/Coast): Press briefly to
set the speed and activate cruise
control. If cruise control is already
active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
*(Cancel): Press to disengage
cruise control without erasing the
set speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5is on when not in use, SET− or
+RES could get pressed and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep
5
off when cruise is not being used.
1. Press
5to turn the cruise
system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET−.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after
cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. See Instrument
Cluster on page 5-10. Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or
*is pressed, the
cruise control is disengaged without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more,
briefly press the +RES button. The
vehicle returns to the previous set
speed.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold the +RES button
until the desired speed is
reached, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
the +RES button. For each
press, the vehicle goes about
1.6 km/h (1 mph) faster. The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See
Instrument Cluster on
page 5-10. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold the SET– until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small
increments, briefly press the
SET– button. For each press,
the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-10. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.

Black plate (60,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-60 Driving and Operating
Driver Assistance
Systems
This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving
on page 9-3.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Under many conditions, these
systems will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects
outside the area monitored by
the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with
enough time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or
bad weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor
is not cleaned or is covered
by ice, snow, mud, or dirt.
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes and/or steer
the vehicle to avoid crashes. Audible or Safety Alert Seat
Some driver assistance features
alert the driver of obstacles by
beeping. To change the volume of
the warning chime, see
“Comfort
and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5-47.
If equipped with the Safety Alert
Seat, the driver seat cushion may
provide a vibrating pulse alert
instead of beeping. To change this,
see “Collision/Detection Systems”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-47.
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing
If equipped, the Rear Vision Camera
(RVC), Rear Parking Assist (RPA),
and Front Park Assist (FPA) may
help the driver park or avoid objects.
Always check around the vehicle
when parking or backing.

Black plate (64,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-64 Driving and Operating
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. FCA does not warn
of pedestrians, animals, signs,
guardrails, bridges, construction
barrels, or other objects. Be ready
to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving on page 9-3.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA
steering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle-ahead indicator will
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills; or due to poor
visibility. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.

Black plate (74,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-74 Driving and Operating
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
{Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.

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 (92,1)Chevrolet 2015i Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8425172) - 2015 - CRC - 6/20/14
9-92 Driving and Operating
forward that it will contact the back
of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box
pickups. Trailer pin box extensions
and sliding fifth-wheel hitch
assemblies can help this condition.
There should be at least 15 cm (6 in)
of clearance between the top of the
pickup box and the bottom of the
trailer shelf that extends over
the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to
the tow vehicle frame rails. Do not
use the pickup box for support.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If the trailer being
towed weighs up to 2 271 kg
(5,000 lb) with a factory-installed
step bumper, safety chains may be
attached to the attaching points on
the bumper; otherwise, safety
chains should be attached to holes
on the trailer hitch platform. Always
leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lb) needs to have
its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Do not tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery provision can
be used to supply electrical power
to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper.
If equipped, this relay will be on the
driver side of the vehicle, next to the
underhood electrical center.
Be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
any electrical equipment that is
installed.
{Caution
Leaving electrical equipment on
for extended periods will drain the
battery. Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not use equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage
rating of 30 amps for the auxiliary
battery provision.