cooling CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2011 2.G User Guide

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-18 Driving and Operating
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that
has collected on the underbody,
chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,
have the brake linings cleaned and
checked. These substances can
cause glazing and uneven braking.
Check the body structure, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, and
exhaust system for damage and
check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
The vehicle requires more frequent
service due to off-road use. Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep‐standing or flowing water.
{WARNING
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in
a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under your vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road
is wet enough and you are going
fast enough. When your vehicle
is hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-19
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTireson
page 10‑55.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{WARNING
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. The brakes will
have to do all the work of slowing
down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking
or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle in
gear when going downhill.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in
your own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert —
something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).

Black plate (49,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-49
Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission have a Tow/Haul
Mode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjuststhe transmission shift pattern to
reduce shift cycling, providing
increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling
when towing or hauling heavy loads.
The selector button is located on
the end of the shift lever. Turn the
Tow/Haul Mode on and off by
pressing the button. When the tow/
haul is on, a light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on.
See
Tow/Haul Mode Light
on
page 5‑31for more information.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment
on page 9‑111for more information.
Tow/Haul Mode
(Allison Transmission
or Hydra-Matic 6-Speed
Automatic Transmission)
Vehicles with an Allison
Transmission or Hydra-Matic
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
have a Tow/Haul Mode.

Black plate (50,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-50 Driving and Operating
The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce
shift cycling, providing increased
performance, vehicle control, and
transmission cooling when towing
or hauling heavy loads.
Turn the Tow/Haul Mode on and
off by pressing the button, located
on the end of the shift lever. When
the tow/haul is on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will
come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light
on
page 5‑31for more information.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment
on page 9‑111for more information.
Grade Braking
(Allison Transmission
or Hydra-Matic 6-Speed
Automatic Transmission)
The Grade Braking shift modes can
be activated by pressing the button
on the end of the shift control lever.
While in Range Selection Mode,
Grade Braking is deactivated
allowing the driver to select a
desired range of gears.
Grade Braking is only active while
the Tow/Haul Mode is selected and
you are not in the Range Selection
Mode. See “Tow/Haul Mode” listed
previously and Manual Mode
on
page 9‑47for more information
on the Range Selection Mode. Grade Braking assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
automatically implementing a shift
schedule that utilizes the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle. This reduces wear on the
braking system and increases
control of the vehicle. Grade
Braking monitors vehicle speed,
acceleration, engine torque and
brake pedal usage. Using this
information, it detects when the
truck is on a downhill grade and
the driver desires to slow the
vehicle by pressing the brake.
This feature is active when
the exhaust brake is enabled
(if equipped).
Also see
Towing Equipment
on
page 9‑111for more information.

Black plate (94,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-94 Driving and Operating
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. 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 fluid, 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 Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see
the hybrid supplement for more
information. Do not tow a trailer during break‐in.
See
New Vehicle Break-In
on
page 9‑32for more information.
{WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well or even at all. The driver and
passengers could be seriously
injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.

Black plate (96,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-96 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box (b) 4.3L V6 (c) 3.232 177 kg (4,800 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
4.3L V6 —With Automatic
Transmission (c) 3.73
2 449 kg (5,400 lbs) 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs)
4.3L V6 —With Manual
Transmission (c) 3.73
1 860 kg (4,100 lbs) 3 938 kg (8,683 lbs)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.232 132 kg (4,700 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
4.8L V8 3.733 266 kg (7,200 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
5.3L LMG V8 3.082 994 kg (6,600 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L LMG V8, K5L HD
Cooling Pkg 3.08
3 357 kg (7,400 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)
5.3L LMG V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
5.3L LMG V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg
Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 128 kg (9,100 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
5.3L LMG V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 128 kg (9,100 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)

Black plate (97,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-97
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Standard Box (b) 4.3L V6 (c) 3.231 996 kg (4,400 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.232 132 kg (4,700 lbs) 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs)
4.8L V8 3.733 039 kg (6,700 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 3.082 812 kg (6,200 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.083 130 kg (6,900 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 400 kg (9,700 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 173 kg (9,200 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 400 kg (9,700 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 218 kg (9,300 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.73
4 853 kg (10,700 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
4 627 kg (10,200 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)

Black plate (98,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-98 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (c) 4.8L V8 3.232 132 kg (4,700 lbs) 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs)
4.8L V8 3.733 039 kg (6,700 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 (LMG) 3.082 767 kg (6,100 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 (LMG) K5L HD
Cooling Pkg 3.08
3 084 kg (6,800 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg (XFE) 3.08
3 175 kg (7,000 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.424 355 kg (9,600 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 3.423 039 kg (6,700 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.424 400 kg (9,700 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering Pkg 3.734 808 kg (10,600 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box (b)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.232 132 kg (4,700 lbs) 4 309 kg (9,500 lbs)
4.3L V6 (c) 3.732 359 kg (5,200 lbs) 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.232 313 kg (5,100 lbs) 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs)
4.8L V8 3.733 221 kg (7,100 lbs) 5 443 kg (12,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.083 266 kg (7,200 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)

Black plate (99,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-99
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.422 948 kg (6,500 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 536 kg (10,000 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
3 992 kg (8,800 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
1500 Series 2WD Extended Cab Long Box (b) 5.3L V8 3.082 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.083 039 kg (6,700 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 309 kg (9,500 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 037 kg (8,900 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box (b) 4.3L V6 (c) 3.732 313 kg (5,100 lbs) 4 536 kg (10,000 lbs)
4.8L V8 (c) 3.422 722 kg (6,000 lbs) 4 990 kg (11,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 (c) 3.082 903 kg (6,400 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.083 221 kg (7,100 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)

Black plate (100,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011
9-100 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 037 kg (8,900 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
3 674 kg (8,100 lbs) 6 350 kg (14,000 lbs)
1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab Standard Box (b) 4.8L V8 (c) 3.422 495 kg (5,500 lbs) 4 990 kg (11,000 lbs)
5.3L V8 (c) 3.082 767 kg (6,100 lbs) 5 216 kg (11,500 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg (c) 3.083 084 kg (6,800 lbs) 5 534 kg (12,200 lbs)
5.3L V8 K5L HD Cooling Pkg 3.424 354 kg (9,600 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.42
4 264 kg (9,400 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 K5L HD Cooling
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 037 kg (8,900 lbs) 6 804 kg (15,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Conventional Trailer 3.73
4 717 kg (10,400 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)
6.2L V8 NHT Max Trailering
Pkg —Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.73
4 491 kg (9,900 lbs) 7 257 kg (16,000 lbs)