transmission CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2008 2.G Owner's Guide

When the brakes are applied, cruise control is
turned off.
For vehicles with an Allison
®automatic transmission,
see “Grade Braking and Cruise Grade Braking (Allison
Transmission) underTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34
for an explanation of how cruise control interacts with
the Range Selection Mode, tow/haul and grade braking
systems.
For vehicles with the StabiliTrak
®system that begins
to limit wheel spin while you are using cruise control, the
cruise control will automatically disengage.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6. When road
conditions allow the cruise control to be safely used
again, it can be turned back on.The cruise control buttons
are located on left side of
the steering wheel.
T(On/Off):This button can both activate and turn
off the system. The indicator light is on when cruise
control is on and turns off when cruise control is off.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press to make the
vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously set speed.
SET−(Set/Coast):Press to set the speed or make
the vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press to cancel cruise control without
erasing the set speed from memory.
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2(Headlamps):Turn the control to this position to
turn on the headlamps together with the following:
Parking Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
When the headlamps are turned on while the vehicle is
on, the headlamps turn off automatically 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned off. When the headlamps are
turned on while the vehicle is off, the headlamps will
stay on for 10 minutes before automatically turning off to
prevent the battery from being drained. Turn the
headlamp control to off and then back to the headlamp
on position to make the headlamps stay on for an
additional 10 minutes.
Push the turn signal/multifunction lever toward the
instrument panel to change the headlamps from low
beam to high beam.
Headlamps on Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when the headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on and your ignition
is off and a door is open. To disable the chime, turn
the light off.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold
in Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The transmission is not in PARK (P).
The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, only the DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker, and other lamps will not
be on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.
To turn off the DRL lamps, turn the exterior lamps
control to the OFF position and then release. For
vehicles rst sold in Canada, the transmission must be
in the PARK (P) position, before the DRL lamps can
be turned off.
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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system will turn on the headlamps at the normal
brightness, along with the taillamps, sidemarker, parking
lamps, and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then release
it. For vehicles rst sold in Canada, the transmission
must be in the PARK (P) position, before the automatic
headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel in the defroster grille that regulates
when the automatic headlamps turn on. Be sure it is not
covered, or the headlamps will come on whenever
the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp
systems so that driving under bridges or bright
overhead street lights does not affect the system.The DRL and automatic headlamp system will only be
affected when the light sensor detects a change in
lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is bright enough outside. During that
delay, the instrument panel cluster may not be as
bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel
brightness control is in the full bright position.
SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-21.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the control to the off position.
The headlamps will also stay on after you exit the
vehicle. This feature can be programmed using the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76.
The regular headlamp system can be turned on
when needed.
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Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
Engine Hour Meter Display
The Driver Information Center (DIC) can also display
the number of hours the engine has run. To display the
engine hours, turn the ignition off, press and hold the
reset button for at least four seconds. The hour meter
will be displayed for up to 30 seconds, or until the
ignition is turned on. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons) on page 3-57orDIC Operation
and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-63for
more information.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle
has been driven since you last set the trip odometer
to zero.
Press the reset button, located on the instrument panel
cluster next to the voltmeter, to toggle between the
trip odometer and the regular odometer. Holding the
reset button for approximately one second while
the trip odometer is displayed will reset it.
To display the odometer reading with the ignition off,
press the reset button.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-57orDIC Operation and Displays (Without
DIC Buttons) on page 3-63for more information.
Tachometer
Your tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm). See “Grade Braking
(Allison Transmission
®)” underTow/Haul Mode on
page 2-34for more information.
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Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-4.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be
required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-10.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left off or improperly installed.
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DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, the information below
explains the operation of this system.
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the instrument
panel, next to the steering wheel.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected.
The DIC also allows some features to be customized.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-76for more information.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, you can also use
the trip odometer reset stem to view some of the
DIC displays. See “DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)” later in this section.
DIC Buttons
The buttons are the
trip/fuel, vehicle
information, customization,
and set/reset buttons.
The button functions
are detailed in the
following pages.
3(Trip/Fuel):Press this button to display the
odometer, trip odometer, fuel range, average economy,
fuel used, timer, and transmission temperature.
Some vehicles also display instantaneous economy
and an Active Fuel Management™ indicator.
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Timer
Press the trip/fuel button until TIMER displays.
This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press the set/reset button while
TIMER is displayed. The display will show the amount
of time that has passed since the timer was last
reset, not including time the ignition is off. Time will
continue to be counted as long as the ignition is
on, even if another display is being shown on the DIC.
The timer will record up to 99 hours, 59 minutes
and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after which the display will
return to zero.
To stop the timer, press the set/reset button briey while
TIMER is displayed.
To reset the timer to zero, press and hold the set/reset
button while TIMER is displayed.
Transmission Temperature
Press the trip/fuel button until TRANS TEMP displays.
This display shows the temperature of the automatic
transmission uid in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or
degrees Celsius (°C).
Instantaneous Economy and Active
Fuel Management™ Indicator
If your vehicle has this display, press the trip/fuel
button until INST ECONOMY V8 MODE displays.
This display shows the current fuel economy at a
particular moment and will change frequently as driving
conditions change. This display shows the instantaneous
fuel economy in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km). Unlike average economy,
this screen cannot be reset.
An Active Fuel Management™ indicator will display on
the right side of the DIC, while INST ECONOMY
displays on the left side. Active Fuel Management™
allows the engine to operate on either four or eight
cylinders, depending on your driving demands. When
Active Fuel Management™ is active, V4 MODE will
display on the DIC. When Active Fuel Management™
is inactive, V8 MODE will display. SeeActive Fuel
Management™ on page 2-28for more information.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
3-60

DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)
If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, the
information below explains the operation of this system.
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed by
pressing the trip odometer reset stem located on the
instrument panel cluster. Pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will also turn off, or acknowledge, DIC messages.
The DIC displays trip and vehicle system information,
and warning messages if a system problem is detected.
If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, you can
use the trip odometer reset stem to view the following
displays: odometer, engine hours, trip odometer,
transmission temperature, trailer brake gain and output
information for vehicles with the Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system, oil life, Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) programming for vehicles with
the TPMS, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
programming, and display language.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, you can use the trip
odometer reset stem to view the following displays:
odometer, engine hours, trip odometer, and display
language.
Trip Odometer Reset Stem Menu Items
Odometer
Press the trip odometer reset stem until ODOMETER
displays. This display shows the distance the vehicle
has been driven in either miles (mi) or kilometers (km).
Engine Hours
To display the ENGINE HOURS, place the ignition in
LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY, then press and hold
the trip odometer reset stem for four seconds while
viewing the ODOMETER. This display shows the total
number of hours the engine has run.
Trip Odometer
Press the trip odometer reset stem until TRIP displays.
This display shows the current distance traveled in
either miles (mi) or kilometers (km) since the last reset
for the trip odometer.
The trip odometer can be reset to zero by pressing and
holding the trip odometer reset stem while the trip
odometer is displayed.
The trip odometer has a feature called the retro-active
reset. This can be used to set the trip odometer to
the number of miles (kilometers) driven since the
ignition was last turned on. This can be used if the
trip odometer is not reset at the beginning of the trip.
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To use the retro-active reset feature, press and hold the
trip odometer reset stem for at least four seconds.
The trip odometer will display the number of miles (mi)
or kilometers (km) driven since the ignition was last
turned on and the vehicle was moving. Once the vehicle
begins moving, the trip odometer will accumulate
mileage. For example, if the vehicle was driven
5 miles (8 km) before it is started again, and then the
retro-active reset feature is activated, the display
will show 5 miles (8 km). As the vehicle begins moving,
the display will then increase to 5.1 miles (8.2 km),
5.2 miles (8.4 km), etc.
Transmission Temperature
Press the trip odometer reset stem until TRANS TEMP
displays. This display shows the temperature of the
automatic transmission uid in either degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
Trailer Gain and Output
On vehicles with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, the trailer brake display appears in the
DIC. Press the trip odometer reset stem until TRAILER
GAIN and OUTPUT display.TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer gain setting. This
setting can be adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either a
trailer connected or disconnected. To adjust this setting,
see “Integrated Trailer Brake Control System” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55for more information.
OUTPUT shows the power output to the trailer anytime
a trailer with electric brakes is connected. Output is
displayed in 0 to 10 bars. Dashes may appear in
the OUTPUT display. See “Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System” underTowing a Trailer on page 4-55
for more information.
Oil Life
To access this display, the vehicle must be in PARK (P).
Press the trip odometer reset stem until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate
of the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system
will alert you to change the oil on a schedule consistent
with your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on the
display. See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
3-64

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.
This message displays along with a continuous chime if
the transmission uid in the vehicle gets hot. 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
clears and the chime stops when the uid temperature
reaches a safe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for the location of the windshield
washer uid reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-42for more information.
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