wheel CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2009 2.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
2500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Long Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.109,600 lbs (4 355 kg)
12,100 lbs (5 489 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 2WD Extended Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,900 lbs (4 491 kg)
12,400 lbs (5 625 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 2WD Crew Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,700 lbs (4 400 kg)
12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,300 lbs (4 218 kg)
11,800 lbs (5 352 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 4WD Regular Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.1010,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
12,500 lbs (5 670 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,700 lbs (4 400 kg)
12,200 lbs (5 534 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
3500 Series 4WD Extended Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,600 lbs (4 355 kg)
12,100 lbs (5 489 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,200 lbs (4 173 kg)
11,700 lbs (5 307 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
4-61

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
3500 Series 4WD Crew Cab (e)
6.0L V8 (Single Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,400 lbs (4 264 kg)
11,900 lbs (5 398 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
6.0L V8 (Dual Rear Wheels)3.73
4.109,100 lbs (4 128 kg)
11,600 lbs (5 262 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
(a) The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
(b) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
maximum.
(c) This model is neither designed nor intended to tow fth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
(d) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,000 lbs
(1 361 kg) maximum.
(e) Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) maximum.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-6
for more information.
4-62

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total gross weight
of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo
carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the
vehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment,
passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce the
tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing a
trailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVW
because the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See
for more information about the vehicle’s maximum
load capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a
maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) for the 1500 or 2500 series,
and up to a maximum of 750 lbs (340 kg) for the 2500 HD
or 3500 series with a weight carrying hitch. The trailer
tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight, up to a maximum of
1,000 lbs (453 kg) for the 1500 series and up to a
maximum of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2500, 2500 HD or
3500 series with a weight distributing hitch.
Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specied in the trailering chart for the vehicle.
See “Weight of the Trailer”, and “Fifth-Wheel and
Gooseneck Trailering” in this section.
4-63

Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers can be used with
many pickup models. These trailers place a larger
percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow
vehicle than conventional trailers. Make sure this
weight does not cause the vehicle to exceed GAWR
or GVWR.
Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be
15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specied in the trailering chart for the vehicle.
See “Weight of the Trailer” in this section for more
information.
The hitch should be located in the pickup bed so that its
centerline is over or slightly in front of the rear axle. Take
care that it is not so far 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
fth wheel hitch assemblies can help this condition. There
should be at least six inches 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
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. If
the trailer being towed weighs up to 5,000 lbs (2 271 kg)
with a factory-installed step bumper, safety chains
may be attached to the attaching points on the bumper.
If the trailer being towed weighs up to the vehicle’s
trailer rating limit, safety chains may be attached to the
attaching point on the hitch platform. Always leave
just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
4-67

The ITBC system is integrated with the vehicle’s brake,
anti-lock brake and StabiliTrak (if equipped) systems.
In trailering conditions that cause the vehicle’s anti-lock
brake or StabiliTrak systems to activate, power sent
to the trailer’s brakes will be automatically adjusted to
minimize trailer wheel lock-up. This does not imply
that the trailer has the StabiliTrak system.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake or StabiliTrak
systems are not functioning properly, the ITBC system
may not be fully functional or may not function at
all. Make sure all of these systems are fully operational
to ensure full functionality of the ITBC system.
The ITBC system is powered through the vehicle’s
electrical system. Turning the ignition off will also turn
off the ITBC system. The ITBC system is fully functional
only when the ignition is in ON or in RUN.
The ITBC system can only be used with trailers with
electric brakes.
{CAUTION:
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBC system may result in reduced or complete
loss of trailer braking. There may be an increase in
stopping distance or trailer instability which could
result in personal injury or damage to the vehicle,
trailer, or other property. An aftermarket controller
may be available for use with trailers with surge, air
or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. To
determine the type of brakes on the trailer and the
availability of controllers, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer/retailer.
When trailering, make sure of the following:
The ITBC system is used only with trailers that are
equipped with electric brakes.
All applicable local and federal laws and regulations
are followed.
All electrical and mechanical connections to the
trailer are made correctly.
The trailer’s brakes are in proper working condition.
The trailer and vehicle are properly loaded for
the towing condition.
4-70

Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a specic trailering
condition and must be adjusted any time vehicle loading,
trailer loading or road surface conditions change.
Setting the Trailer Gain properly is needed for the
best trailer stopping performance. A trailer that is
over-gained may result in locked trailer brakes. A trailer
that is under-gained may result in not enough trailer
braking. Both of these conditions may result in poorer
stopping and stability of the vehicle and trailer.
Use the following procedure to correctly adjust Trailer
Gain for each towing condition:
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in proper working
condition.
2. Connect a properly loaded trailer to the vehicle and
make all necessary mechanical and electrical
connections. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-32
for more information.
3. After the electrical connection is made to a trailer
equipped with electric brakes:
A TRAILER CONNECTED message will be
briey displayed on the DIC display.
The Trailer Brake Display Page will appear on
the DIC showing TRAILER GAIN and TRAILER
OUTPUT.
In the Trailer Output display on the DIC,
“------’’will disappear if there is no error
present. Connecting a trailer without electric
brakes will not clear the six dashed lines.
4. Adjust the Trailer Gain by using the gain adjustment
(+ / -) buttons on the Trailer Brake Control Panel.
5. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level
road surface representative of the towing condition
and free of traffic at about 20 to 25 mph (32 to
40 km/h) and fully apply the Manual Trailer Brake
Apply lever.
Adjusting trailer gain at speeds lower than 20 to
25 mph (32 to 40 km/h) may result in an incorrect
gain setting.
6. Adjust the Trailer Gain to just below the point of
trailer wheel lock-up, indicated by trailer wheel
squeal or tire smoke when a trailer wheel locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if towing
a heavily loaded trailer. In this case, adjust the
Trailer Gain to the highest allowable setting for the
towing condition.
7. Re-adjust Trailer Gain any time vehicle loading,
trailer loading or road surface conditions change
or if trailer wheel lock-up is noticed at any time while
towing.
4-74

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the oor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
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 situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, 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.
Then, 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
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. 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.
4-77

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
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
at 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. If the vehicle is four-wheel-drive, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
N (Neutral).
6. Release the brake pedal.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
If the engine has been left running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure the vehicle will not move, even when on
fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
Always put the shift lever fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set.
If the transfer case on four-wheel drive vehicles is
in N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to roll, even
if the shift lever is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear — not in N (Neutral).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-36.
4-79

Camper/Fifth-Wheel Trailer Wiring Package
The seven-wire camper harness is located under the
front edge of the pickup box on the drivers side of
the vehicle, attached to the frame bracket. A connector
must be added to the wiring harness which connects
to the camper.
The harness contains the following camper/trailer
circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Taillamps
White: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red: Battery Feed
Dark Blue: Trailer BrakeIf the vehicle is equipped with the “Heavy-Duty
Trailering” option, please refer to “Heavy-Duty Trailer
Wiring Package” earlier in this section.
When the camper-wiring harness is ordered without the
heavy-duty trailering package, an eight-wire harness
with a seven-pin connector is located at the rear of the
vehicle and is tied to the vehicle’s frame.
4-82

Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-7
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-21Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-24
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-34
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode.........................................5-37
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting
...............................................5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-49
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Noise Control System.....................................5-54
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-54
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-55
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1