cooling CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2009 2.G User Guide

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.Use the following chart to determine how much the
vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Weights listed apply for conventional trailers and
fth-wheel trailers unless otherwise noted.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.23 4,800 lbs (2 177 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 5,300 lbs (2 404 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.23 5,200 lbs (2 359 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed Automatic 3.42 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed Automatic 3.73 8,200 lbs (3 720 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L LMG V8 6 Speed Automatic 3.42 6,600 lbs (2 994 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L LY5 V8 6 Speed Automatic 3.42 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L LMG V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg3.42 9,100 lbs (4 128 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L LY5 V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg3.42 9,200 lbs (4 173 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Standard Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.23 4,400 lbs (1 996 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 4,900 lbs (2 223 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4-53

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
4.8L V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed Automatic 3.42 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed Automatic 3.73 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic 3.42 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg — Fifth-Wheel
Trailer3.42 9,100 lbs (4 128 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg —
Conventional Trailer3.42 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L V8 3.42 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 8,700 lbs (3 946 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.73 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6.0L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.73 10,700 lbs (4 853 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Short Box (c)
4.3L V6 3.23 4,400 lbs (1 996 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.3L V6 3.73 4,900 lbs (2 223 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.42 5,800 lbs (2 631 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 6,800 lbs (3 084 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
4-54

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,800 lbs (3 084 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 3.73 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
6.0L V8 3.42 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (c)
4.8L V8 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,600 lbs (4 355 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 3.42 6,600 lbs (2 994 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,600 lbs (4 355 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 NHT Max
Trailering Pkg3.73 10,600 lbs (4 808 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.23 4,700 lbs (2 132 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 5,200 lbs (2 359 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.23 5,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 3.73 7,100 lbs (3 221 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed Automatic 3.42 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed Automatic 3.73 8,000 lbs (3 629 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic 3.42 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
4-55

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg — Fifth-Wheel
Trailer3.42 8,700 lbs (3 946 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg —
Conventional Trailer3.42 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Long Box (b)
5.3L V8 4 Speed
Automatic — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.73 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 4 Speed
Automatic — Conventional Trailer3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic 3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg — Fifth-Wheel
Trailer3.42 8,700 lbs (3 946 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 6 Speed Automatic,
K5L HD Cooling Pkg —
Conventional Trailer3.42 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 5,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
4-56

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.73 7,900 lbs (3 583 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 — Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10 8,300 lbs (3 765 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 — Conventional Trailer 4.10 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Standard Box (b)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.42 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 (c) 3.42 5,900 lbs (2 676 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
5.3L V8 3.73 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 4.10 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6.0L V8 (c) 3.42 6,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 8,400 lbs (3 810 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
6.0L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804kg)
6.0L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.73 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6.0L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.73 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
4-57

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Short Box (c)
4.8L V8 3.42 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
4.8L V8 4.10 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 3.73 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 4.10 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
6.0L V8 3.42 6,400 lbs (2 903 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (c)
4.8L V8 3.42 5,400 lbs (2 449 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 3.42 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 9,300 lbs (4 218 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
6.0L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.73 9,900 lbs (4 491 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6.0L, 6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.73 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.73 4,900 lbs (2 223 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.42 5,800 lbs (2 631 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5.3L V8 3.42 6,300 lbs (2 858 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
4-58

Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,800 lbs (4 445 kg)15,000 lbs
(6 804kg)
5.3L V8 — Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 — Conventional Trailer 3.73 7,900 lbs (3 583 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L V8 — Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.10 8,800 lbs (3 992 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5.3L V8 — Conventional Trailer 4.10 8,900 lbs (4 037 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Long Box (b)
5.3L V8 (c) 3.42 5,700 lbs (2 586 kg) 11,500 lbs (5 216 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Fifth-Wheel Trailer3.42 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg — Conventional Trailer3.42 9,200 lbs (4 173 kg) 15,000 lbs (6 804 kg)
5.3L LMG V8 3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5.3L LY5 V8 3.73 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
4.1010,200 lbs (4 627 kg)
12,700 lbs (5 761 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
18,500 lbs (8 391 kg)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box HD (d)
6.0L V83.73
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)
4-59

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The vehicle is equipped with one of the following wiring
harnesses for towing a trailer or hauling a slide-in
camper.
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, extended cab and crew cab pickups have a
seven-wire trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with heavy duty trailering, the
harness is secured to the vehicle’s frame behind the
spare tire mount. The harness requires the installation of
a trailer connector, which is available through your
dealer/retailer.
If towing a light-duty trailer with a standard four-way
round pin connector, an adapter is available from your
dealer/retailer.
4-80

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

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 5-28.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-44.
D.Battery on page 5-43.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 5-21orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 5-24.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-44.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-38.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-40.L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-127.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil” in the
DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15