traction control CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2006 1.G Owners Manual

To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to the MANUAL MODE (M).
When in the MANUAL MODE, the transmission’s
current gear range will be the highest attainable
range with all the lower gears available.
2. Press the plus/minus buttons to upshift or downshift
selecting the desired range of gears for your current
driving conditions.
The Range Selection Mode allows you to control the
vehicle’s engine and vehicle speed while driving
down hill by allowing you to select a desired gear.
The DIC shows the six available ranges with the highest
attainable range shown in brackets. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-51andDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-52for more
information.
While using the Range Selection mode feature, cruise
control and the Tow/Haul mode can be used.
Low Traction Mode
(Allison Transmission®)
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®diesel engine and
the Allison Transmission®, it is equipped with a Low
Traction Mode that assists in vehicle acceleration when
road conditions are slippery, such as ice or snow.While at a stop, selecting the second gear range using
the Range Selection system, will allow the Allison
Transmission
®to limit torque to the wheels after it
detects wheel slip, preventing the tires from spinning.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Cold Weather Operation
(Allison Transmission®)
On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your
automatic transmission is designed to shift differently.
The transmission uses a warm-up mode shift schedule
until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
While the transmission is in warm-up mode it is
normal for transmission upshifts to be delayed or held
longer. This feature improves heater performance
by giving quicker vehicle warm-ups.
When temperatures are below−13°F (−25°C), the
transmission will prevent certain operations to protect
against damage. When active the DIC will display
the message “Trans in Warm-up”.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for
more information.
2-29

Up-Shift Light (Manual Transmission)...............3-40
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-41
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-42
Traction Off Light..........................................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-43
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-43
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-45
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-47
Security Light...............................................3-48
Cruise Control Light......................................3-48
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-49
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-49
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-49
Cargo Lamp Light.........................................3-49
Fuel Gage...................................................3-50
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-50
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-51
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-52
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-54
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-64Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS).........................................3-71
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-72
Radio with CD..............................................3-74
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-85
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-99
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-114
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-125
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-126
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-127
Radio Reception.........................................3-128
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-128
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-129
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-130
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-130
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-130
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-130
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17.
B. Headlamp Controls. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-13.
C. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-29.
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Electronic Transfer
Case/Traction Assist System (TAS). SeeFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-36andTraction Assist System
(TAS) on page 4-9.
E. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
G. Range Selection Mode (Allison Transmission
®only)
Button (If Equipped). SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-24.
H. Gearshift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-24orManual Transmission
Operation on page 2-32for manual transmissions.
I. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped). See
Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-30.
J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-70.
K. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-20,Dual Climate Control System
on page 3-21andDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-24.L. Instrument Panel Fuse Block.Instrument Panel Fuse
Block on page 5-126.
M. Cargo Lamp Button. SeeCargo Lamp on page 3-18.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-13.
O. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-51or
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-127.
P. Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block. SeeCenter
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-128.
Q. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-49.
R. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
S. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-19.
T. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-18.
U. Manual Selectable Ride Control (If Equipped). See
Manual Selectable Ride on page 4-11.
V. Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Button (If Equipped).
SeeAuxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp on page 3-16.
W. Passenger Airbag Off Switch (If Equipped). See
Airbag Off Switch on page 1-78.
X. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-75.
3-5

Cruise Control
9(Off):This position
turns the system off.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Allison
®automatic
transmission, see “Grade Braking and Cruise Grade
Braking (Allison Transmission
®) underTow/Haul Mode
on page 2-30for an explanation of how cruise control
interacts with the tap up/down gear selection, tow/haul
and grade braking systems.
R(On):This position activates the system.
+ (Resume/Accelerate):Push the lever to this symbol
to make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a
previously set speed.
T(Set):Press this button to set the speed.
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your 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.
3-10

SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery
charging system, this message will appear on the
DIC. Under certain conditions, the battery warning light
may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeBattery Warning Light on page 3-39. The battery
will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle
will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode. The
vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have the
electrical system checked by your GM dealer. Pressing
any of the four DIC buttons will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle does not have the four DIC buttons, pressing
the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly, this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-45. Fully reinstall the fuel cap.
SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-10. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn
the light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system had detected that any
of the vehicle’s wheels are slipping, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. For more information, seeTraction Assist
System (TAS) on page 4-9.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
If the transmission uid in the vehicle gets hot,
this message will appear on the DIC along with a
continuous chime. Driving with the transmission uid
temperature high can cause damage to the vehicle. Stop
the vehicle and let it idle to allow the transmission to
cool. This message will clear and the chime will
stop when the uid temperature reaches a safe level.
SeeTransmission Temperature Gage on page 3-43.
3-62

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and
get familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can
use it with less effort, as well as take advantage of
its features. While your vehicle is parked, set up your
audio system by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone and adjusting the speakers. Then,
when driving conditions permit, you can tune to your
favorite stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
3-70

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-9
Traction Assist System (TAS)...........................4-9
Manual Selectable Ride.................................4-11
Locking Rear Axle........................................4-12
Steering......................................................4-12
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-14
Passing.......................................................4-15
Loss of Control.............................................4-16
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-17
Driving at Night............................................4-33
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-34
City Driving..................................................4-37
Freeway Driving...........................................4-38Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-39
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-40
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-40
Winter Driving..............................................4-42
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-46
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-46
Recovery Hooks (Except SS Model)................4-47
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-48
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.......4-54
Truck-Camper Loading Information..................4-59
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab..................4-61
Towing..........................................................4-61
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-61
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-62
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-67
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-95
Power Take-Off (PTO)...................................4-95
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems have to
do their work at the places where the tires meet
the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. SeeTraction Assist System
(TAS) on page 4-9.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-4.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-41.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
4-6

Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply your
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though
you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Assist System (TAS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Assist System (TAS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that one or both of the rear wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.The traction control system is enabled every time your
vehicle is started. The system will activate if it senses
that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction.
You may hear or feel the system working or notice a
lack of accelerator response, but this is normal.
The Traction Assist System may operate on dry roads
under some conditions. When this happens, you
may notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal
and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle.
Examples of these conditions include a hard
acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of
the transmission or driving on rough roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TAS begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See
Cruise Control on page 3-10.
When the traction off light is
on, the TAS is off and will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
4-9

FIRM (Loaded):Press the button to activate this
setting, the indicator light will be lit. Use this setting to
minimize trailer inputs to the vehicle or when the vehicle
is fully loaded. This setting is also appropriate for
off-road driving.
You can select a setting at any time based on road and
trailering conditions to provide the best ride and
handling. Select a new setting whenever driving
conditions change.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
4-12