diesel CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 5/18/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem, SILVERADO, and Z71
are trademarks and/or service marks of
General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries,
affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for Chevrolet Motor Division
wherever it appears in this manual. This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may
not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement
for additional and specific information on
this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84550389 D Fourth Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Introduction 5
1. Tow/Haul Mode (On Some Models). SeeDriver Mode Control 0250.
Automatic Transfer Case Control (If
Equipped). See Four-Wheel Drive 0241.
Driver Mode Control 0250 (If Equipped).
2. Air Vents 0209.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0143.
Windshield Wiper/Washer 0101.
4. Head-Up Display (HUD) 0128 (If
Equipped).
5. Instrument Cluster 0106.
6. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 238.
Range Selection Mode. See Manual Mode
0 240.
7. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0142.
8. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 149.
9. Climate Control Systems 0204 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 206 (If Equipped).
10. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 052
(If Equipped). 11.XPark Assist Switch (If Equipped). See
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 266.
gTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0248.
|Hazard Warning Flashers 0142.
ALane Keep Assist (LKA) 0281.
5Hill Descent Control Switch (If
Equipped). See Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 249.
jPower Assist Steps 030 (If
Equipped).
5Power Release Tailgate (If
Equipped). See Tailgate023.
ADC/AC Switch. See Power Outlets
0 102.
hAuto Stop Disable Switch (If
Equipped). See Stop/Start System 0233.
LExpress Window Down Button (If
Equipped). See Power Windows 041.
Tow/Haul Mode 0241 (On Some
Models).
Exhaust Brake (If Equipped). See Duramax
Diesel Supplement. Power Take-Off (PTO) (If Equipped). See
Duramax Diesel Supplement.
12. Power Outlet (Alternating Current) (If Equipped). See Power Outlets0102.
13. Power Outlet (Direct Current). See Power
Outlets 0102.
14. USB Port 0158.
15. Wireless Charging 0103 (If Equipped).
16. Trailer Brake Control Panel (If Equipped). See“Integrated Trailer Brake Control
System” underTowing Equipment 0296.
17. ENGINE START/STOP. See Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access) 0230 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access) 0229.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 0100.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0124 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel
and Uplevel) 0125.
19. Horn 0101.
20. Hood Release. See Hood0322.
21. Steering Wheel Adjustment 0100 (Out
of View).

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
112 Instruments and Controls
Uplevel English Shown, Base Level andMidlevel Similar
The engine oil pressure gauge shows the
engine oil pressure in kPa (kilopascals)
or psi (pounds per square inch) when the
engine is running.
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature, coolant temperature,
and oil viscosity. On some models, the oil pump will vary
engine oil pressure according to engine
needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as
the engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning light or
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
See
Engine Oil 0329.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Uplevel Metric Shown, Base Level and Midlevel Similar

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
124 Instruments and Controls
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems. The trip
odometer reset stem in the instrument
cluster is used to access the DIC menu
items.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement for more
information.
DIC Menu Items
Turn the trip odometer reset stem to scroll
through the following menu items:
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip 1/2
.Fuel Range
.Tire Pressure
.Remaining Oil Life
.Air Filter Life
.Brake Pad Life
Digital Speedometer
The speedometer shows how fast the
vehicle is moving in either kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.
Trip 1 or 2 and Average Fuel Economy
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until TRIP
1 or TRIP 2 displays. The current distance
traveled, in either kilometers (km) or
miles (mi), since the last reset for the trip
odometer is shown, as well as the average
fuel economy. The trip odometer and the
average fuel economy can be reset by
pressing and holding the trip odometer
reset stem. Fuel Range
This display shows the approximate distance
the vehicle can be driven without refueling.
The fuel range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel economy over
recent driving history and the amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel range
cannot be reset.
Tire Pressure
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until a
vehicle with the approximate pressures of all
four tires displays. Tire pressure is displayed
in either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
See
Tire Pressure Monitor System 0368 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0369.
Remaining Oil Life
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until
REMAINING OIL LIFE displays. An estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life is shown.
REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 329. In addition to the engine oil life

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Instruments and Controls 125
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule0409.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, see Engine Oil Life
System 0331.
Air Filter Life
Turn the trip odometer reset stem until AIR
FILTER LIFE displays. This displays an
estimate of the engine air filter’s remaining
useful life and the state of the system.
Engine Air Filter Life 95% means 95% of the
current air filter life remains. Messages will
display based on the engine air filter life
and the state of the system.
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the time of the next
oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see
Engine Air Filter Life System 0332.
Brake Pad Life
This displays an estimate of the remaining
life of the front and rear brake pads.
Messages will display based on brake pad
wear and the state of the system. Reset the
Brake Pad Life display after replacing the
brake pads. See Brake Pad Life System 0341.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Midlevel and Uplevel)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster in the Info app. See
Instrument Cluster 0106. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
SorT: Press to move left or right
between the interactive display zones in the
cluster. Press the thumbwheel to select.
yorz: Use the thumbwheel to scroll up
or down in a list. Press the thumbwheel to
select.
Info Page Options
The info pages on the DIC can be turned on
or off through the Options menu.
1. Press
Tto scroll to the Options
application.
2. Scroll
yorzto choose Info pages and
press the thumbwheel.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
232 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows some electrical accessories
to be used when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button one time without the
brake pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to off after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) : This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing ENGINE START/STOP button once
will turn the ignition on. Once engine
cranking begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the engine
starts. See Starting the Engine 0232. Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for
more than five seconds will place the vehicle
in Service Mode. The instruments and audio
systems will operate as they do when the
ignition is on, but the vehicle will not be
able to be driven. The engine will not start
in Service Mode. Press the ENGINE START/
STOP button again to turn the ignition off.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0317. Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. For Key Access vehicles, turn the ignition
key to Start. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. For Keyless Access
vehicles, the RKE transmitter must be in
the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP
with the brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go of the
button.
The driver may observe a minor, and
temporary, brake pedal kickback when
starting the vehicle. This is normal.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
252 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust
braking is automatically activated when
Tow/Haul Mode is selected. It maintains
vehicle speed by automatically
implementing a shift pattern that uses the
engine and the transmission to slow the
vehicle. The system will command
downshifts and use the turbocharger on the
engine to reduce vehicle speed when the
brake is applied. The normal tow/haul shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode (see“manual mode”), grade breaking
is deactivated, allowing the driver to select a
range and limiting the highest gear
available.
For more information on trailer weight
specifications, see Towing Equipment 0296. g
Terrain Mode : Use for finer control
during low speed, off-road driving. When
using this mode it will mimic the
characteristics of four-wheel-drive low (4
n)
without the torque capabilities.
Use when:
.Traveling on very rough roads at very low
speeds, such as a two-track or heavily
rutted road.
.Traveling slowly in grassy fields.
.Pulling a boat out of the water on a
trailer.
.Using the vehicle for public off-road
recreational driving. See Off-Road Driving
0 215 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0219. When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle will shift
automatically but may hold a lower gear
longer to maximize engine torque. The
steering will change to provide more precise
control. A unique pedal map, transmission
shift pattern, and rpm control are utilized to
give better control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. When the vehicle comes to a
stop, Vehicle Hold is engaged. TCS will be
optimized for maximum torque transfer
across axles, and Active Braking During Lift
Throttle will be engaged.
Active Braking During Lift Throttle:.Automatically applies light braking,
similar to heavy engine braking of
four-wheel-drive low.
.Applies light braking in D (Drive) until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In Manual L1 and
Manual L2, moderate braking may stop
the vehicle.
.Reduces trailer braking.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 283
is normal system operation; the vehicle does
not need service. Turn LKA off if these
conditions continue.
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline to keep the engine clean,
reduce engine deposits, and maintain
optimal vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
marketers and applicable countries.
Recommended Fuel (Except 6.2L
V8 Engine)
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Fuel for
Diesel Engines” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap or a
yellow sticker on the fuel door, E85 or
FlexFuel can be used. If the vehicle does not
have a yellow fuel cap or yellow sticker, do
not use gasoline with ethanol levels greater
than 15% by volume. See E85 or FlexFuel
0 284.
Use regular unleaded gasoline meeting
ASTM specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87 —(R+M)/2 —or higher.
Do not use gasoline with a posted octane
rating of less than 87, as this may cause
engine knock and will lower fuel economy.
Recommended Fuel (6.2L
V8 Engine)
Premium unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted octane
rating of 93 —(R+M)/2 —is highly
recommended for best performance and fuel
economy. Unleaded gasoline with an octane
rated as low as 87 can be used. Using
unleaded gasoline rated below 93 octane,
however, will lead to reduced acceleration
and fuel economy. If knocking occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon as
possible, otherwise, the engine could be
damaged. If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline with a 93 octane rating, the
engine needs service.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 285
The only GM approved aftermarket additive
is ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus-FlexFuel. Follow the instructions on the
bottle for proper use. This product is
available at your GM dealer.
Caution
Some additives are not compatible with
E85 or FlexFuel and can harm the
vehicle's fuel system. Use only additives
approved by GM for E85 or FlexFuel
vehicles. Damage caused by unapproved
additives would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing methanol.
It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and
rubber parts. That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle warranty.
To help keep the engine running efficiently,
fill the tank with gasoline, up to E15, after
filling the tank with E85 one or two times.
Filling the Tank (Pickup Model)
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 0110.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
.Read and follow all the instructions on
the fuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine when refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep children away from the fuel
pump and never let children
pump fuel.
.Before touching the fill nozzle, touch a
metallic object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
.Fuel can spray out if the fill nozzle is
inserted too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather. Insert the
fill nozzle slowly and wait for any hiss
noise to stop before beginning to
flow fuel.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
292 Driving and Operating
5. Gradually release the brake pedal toallow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water
To pull the trailer out of the water: 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0409. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically to see that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0337.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.