wheel CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2003 1.G User Guide
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REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up. If your vehicle
is equipped with the Allison Transmissionž, the R
may blink on the PRNDL if the shift inhibitor is active.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-52.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is ®rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Damage to your transmission caused by
shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with
the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. If
you need more power for passing, and you're:
·Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
·Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
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Drive (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to
THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
Notice:If your vehicle is equipped with the
AllisionžTransmission, do not idle in DRIVE (D) for
more than ®ve minutes. Extended idling in
DRIVE (D) may cause transmission overheating and
damage. Always select PARK (P) if idle time is
longer than ®ve minutes.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Allison
ž
Transmission, it will initially attain ®rst range when
DRIVE (D) is selected. As vehicle speed increases, the
transmission will upshift automatically through each
available range up to FIFTH (5). As the vehicle slows,
the transmission will downshift automatically.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving,
however it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use your brakes off and on.If you manually select SECOND (2) in a light duty
automatic transmission, the transmission will drive in
second gear. You may use this feature for reducing the
speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start
your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the selector lever is put in FIRST (1) while the
vehicle is moving forward, the transmission won't shift
into ®rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.Notice:If your wheels won't turn, don't try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very deep
sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You
could damage your transmission. Also, if you
stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there
with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat
and damage the transmission. Use your brakes
or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in
position on a hill.
On cold days, approximately 32ÉF (0ÉC) or colder, your
transmission is designed to shift differently until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is
intended to improve heater performance.
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Shift Light
If you have a manual
transmission, you may
have a shift light. This light
will show you when to
shift to the next higher gear
for best fuel economy.
When this light comes on,
you can shift to the next higher gear if weather, road
and traffic conditions allow. For the best fuel
economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light
comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go
on and off if you quickly change the position of
the accelerator.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and is equipped
with a manual transmission, disregard the SHIFT
light when the transfer case is in 4-Wheel Low.
Ignore the SHIFT light when you downshift.
Four-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your
engine's driving power to all four wheels for extra
traction. To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel
drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read
the part that follows before using four-wheel drive. See
the appropriate text for the transfer case in your
vehicle.
Notice:Driving in the 4-WHEEL HIGH (4HI) or
4-WHEEL LOW (4LO) positions for a long time on
dry or wet pavement could shorten the life of
your vehicle's drivetrain.
Front Axle Locking Feature
The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when
you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to
lock or unlock is normal.
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Manual Transfer Case
The transfer case shift lever is on the ¯oor to the right
of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.An 4WD indicator light will
illuminate when you shift
into four-wheel drive
and the front axle engages.
Some delay between shifting and the indicator's lighting
is normal.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Transfer Case Settings
Driving Conditions 2HI 4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-55orTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-55for further
information.
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An indicator on the bezel near the lever shows you the
transfer case settings:
2-Wheel High (2HI):This setting is used for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle
is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting
also provides the best fuel economy.
4-Wheel High (4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also engages your front
axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P), or if you have a
manual transmission, even if you are in gear.
You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
See ªParking Brakeº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N):Shift to this setting only when your
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle
Towing on page 4-55orTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-55.
4-Wheel Low (4L0):This setting also engages your
front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need 4LO. It sends maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing
or descending steep hills.
You can shift from 2-Wheel High (2HI) to 4-Wheel High
(4HI) or from 4-Wheel High (4HI) to 2-Wheel High
(2HI) while the vehicle is moving. Your front axle will
engage faster if you take your foot off of the accelerator
for a couple of seconds after you shift. In extremely
cold weather, it may be necessary to stop or slow the
vehicle to shift into 4-Wheel High (4HI).
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When Using the Manual Transfer Case
·
All shifts should be made using quick motions. Slow
shifts may make it harder to shift.
·You may notice that it is harder to shift when the
vehicle is cold. When the vehicle warms up it the
shifting will return to normal.
·While in 4-Wheel (4HI) or 4-Wheel Lo (4LO) you may
experience reduced fuel economy.
·Avoid driving in 4-Wheel Drive on clean, dry
pavement. It may cause your tires to wear faster, and
make your transfer case harder to shift and run
noisier.
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI
·
Shifts between 2HI and 4HI can be made at any
vehicle speed.
·It is easiest to shift the transfer case when
maintaining a constant speed or a slight acceleration.
If possible, avoid shifting during while slowing down,
as it will may make it harder to shift.
·Shift your transfer case lever in one continuous
motion into either the 4HI or 2HI position.
·In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to
slow or stop the vehicle to shift into 4HI until your
vehicle has warmed up.
·While in 4HI, your vehicle can be driven at any
posted legal speed limit.
Shifting In or Out of 4LO
Notice:Shifting the transfer case into 4LO while
moving at speeds faster than 3 mph (5 km/h)
may cause premature wear to the transfer cse, and
may cause the gears to grind. To avoid causing
premature wear, and grinding the gears, do not shift
the tranfer case into 4LO when the vehicle is
moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Shifts into 4LO can be made with the vehicle at a stop,
or while slowly rolling about 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h).
·Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
(N), or with a manual transmission, press the
clutch pedal, or shift into NEUTRAL (N).
·Shift the transfer case shift lever in one continuous
motion into the 4LO position.
·When in 4LO do not drive faster than 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.
2. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL (N).
Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion into or
out of the NEUTRAL (N) position.
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Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case buttons
are located to the left of
the instrument panel
cluster.
Use these switches to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Transfer Case Settings
Driving
Conditions2HIAUTO
4WD4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Variable YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in
Tow*YES
*See ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in the Index for
further information.
You can choose among four driving settings:
h(2HI):This setting is used for driving in most street
and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged
in two- wheel drive. This setting also provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO 4WD:This setting is ideal for use when road
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle
in AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the
vehicle's power is sent to the rear wheels. When the
vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will
automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this
mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI.
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G(4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such
a on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
This setting also engages your front axle to help
drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when
plowing snow.
g(4LO):This setting also engages your front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It
sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might
choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in deep
sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing or descending
steep hills.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. See ªParking Brakeº in the
Index.NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-55orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-55for more information.
Indicator lights in the switches show which setting your
transfer case is in. The indicator lights will come on
brie¯y when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will
¯ash while the transfer case is being shifted. It will
remain 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.
If the SERVICE 4WD light stays on, you should take
your vehicle to your dealer for service. See
Service on
page 5-3for further information.
Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This
can be done at any speed (except when shifting
from 4LO), and the indicator light will ¯ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
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Electronic Transfer Case
If your four-wheel-drive
vehicle has the electronic
transfer case, the
transfer case switches are
located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster.Use these switches to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive. You can choose among three driving settings:
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Transfer Case Settings
Driving Conditions 2HI 4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-55orTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-55for further
information.
h(2HI):This setting is for driving in most street and
highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged
in two-wheel drive.
G(4HI):This setting engages your front axle to help
drive your vehicle. Use 4HI when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads, or in most
off-road situations.
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g(4LO):This setting also engages your front axle to
give you extra traction. You may never need 4LO. It
sends the maximum power to all four wheels. You might
choose 4LO if you were driving off-road in sand, mud
or deep snow and climbing or descending steep hills.
Indicator lights in the switches show you which
setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on
brie¯y when you turn on the ignition and the last chosen
setting will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you
should take your vehicle in for service. An indicator light
will ¯ash while shifting. It will remain illuminated when
the shift is completed. If for some reason the transfer
cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. See ªParking Brakeº in the
Index.NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-55orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-55for more information.
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI
Press and release the 4HI switch. This can be done at
any speed, and the front axle will lock automatically
with some delay.
Shifting from 4HI to 2HI
Press and release the 2HI switch. This can be done at
any speed, and the front axle will unlock automatically
with some delay.
Shifting from 2HI or 4HI to 4LO
To shift from 2HI or 4HI to 4LO, the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method
for shifting into 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to
2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4LO
switch. You must wait for the 4LO indicator light to stop
¯ashing and remain illuminated before shifting your
transmission into gear.
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