trailer CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2013 2.G Repair Manual

Black plate (104,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
9-104 Driving and Operating
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM: This message will be
displayed when there is a problem
with the ITBC system. If this
message persists over multiple
ignition cycles, there is a problem
with the ITBC system. Take the
vehicle to an authorized GM dealer
to have the ITBC system diagnosed
and repaired.
If either the CHECK TRAILER
WIRING or SERVICE TRAILER
BRAKE SYSTEM message is
displayed while driving the vehicle,
power is no longer available to the
trailer brakes. When traffic
conditions allow, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of the road
and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and
turn the ignition back on. If either of
these messages continues, either
the vehicle or trailer needs service.An authorized GM dealer may be
able to diagnose and repair
problems with the trailer. However,
any diagnosis and repair of the
trailer is not covered under the
vehicle warranty. Please contact
your trailer dealer for assistance
with trailer repairs and trailer
warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Non-hybrid vehicles with StabiliTrak
have a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature. If the vehicle is towing a
trailer and the system detects that
the trailer is swaying, the vehicle
brakes are applied without the driver
pressing the brake pedal. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, StabiliTrak may also
apply the trailer brakes. The TCS/
StabiliTrak warning light will flash onthe instrument panel cluster to notify
the driver to reduce speed. If the
trailer continues to sway, StabiliTrak
will reduce engine torque to help
slow the vehicle. See
StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑56 for more
information.
Adding non‐dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10‑3 for more information.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
10-10 Vehicle Care
On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life
System can be reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN withthe engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the system
is reset. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑29.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure.Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3 and be sure
to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, it may be best to have
this done at the dealer service
department.
If not taken to the dealer, be sure to
follow all the instructions here or a
false reading on the dipstick could
result. Notice:
Too much or too little
fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts,
starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
.When outside temperatures are
above 32°C (90°F).
.At high speed for quite a while.
.In heavy traffic —especially in
hot weather.
.While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
10-22 Vehicle Care
Notice:Running the engine
without coolant may cause
damage or a fire. Vehicle damage
would not be covered by the
warranty. See Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on
page 10‑23 for information on
driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Turn it off
and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open
the hood.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If you keep driving when the
vehicles engine is overheated,
the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned.
Stop the engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on
page 10‑23 for information on
driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious
problem. If there is an engine overheat
warning, but no steam is seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can
get a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
.Tows a trailer; see
Trailer Towing
on page 9‑77.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Vehicle Care 10-23
3. If stopped in a traffic jam, applythe brake, shift to N (Neutral);
otherwise, shift to the highest
gear while driving —D (Drive) or
3 (Third).
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message displays, an
overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps to prevent engine damage. In
this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving
extended km (mi) and/or towing a
trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice: After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair. The
engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑6.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.
This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
10-24 Vehicle Care
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fans, the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑5 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick. The level should be at the FULL
COLD mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12. Always
use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
10-42 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
1 Right Trailer Stop/ Turn Lamp
2 Electronic Suspension
Control, Automatic
Level Control
Exhaust Fuses
Usage
3 Left Trailer Stop/ Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5 Engine Control Module, Throttle
Control Fuses
Usage
6 Trailer Brake Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensor
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps
11 Driver Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
12 Engine Control Module (Battery)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14 Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Vehicle Care 10-43
FusesUsage
16 Passenger Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)
20 Fuel Pump
21 Fuel System Control Module
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Left Side)
25 Trailer Park Lamps
26 Driver Side Park Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park Lamps Fuses
Usage
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30 Passenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
31 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
32 Driver Side High-Beam
Headlamp
33 Daytime Running Lamps 2
34 Sunroof
35 Key Ignition System, Theft
Deterrent System
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Upfitter Usage (Battery)
38 Electric Adjustable Pedals Fuses
Usage
39 Climate Controls (Battery)
40 Airbag System (Ignition)
41 Amplifier
42 Audio System
43 Miscellaneous (Ignition), Cruise
Control
44 Not Used
45 Airbag System (Battery)
46 Instrument Panel Cluster
47 Power Take-Off
48 Auxiliary Climate Control (Ignition)
49 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)
50 Rear Defogger

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
10-44 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
51 Heated Mirrors
52 SEO B1 Upfitter Usage (Battery)
53 Accessory Power Outlet
54 SEO Upfitter Usage
55 Climate Controls (Ignition)
56 Engine Control Module, Secondary
Fuel Pump
(Ignition)
J-Case Fuses Usage
57 Cooling Fan 1
58 Not Used
59 Heavy Duty Antilock Brake
System
60 Cooling Fan 2 J-Case
Fuses Usage
61 Antilock Brake System 1
62 Starter
63 Stud 2 (Trailer Brakes)
64 Left Bussed Electrical Center 1
65 Not Used
66 Not Used
67 Transfer Case
68 Stud 1 (Trailer Connector Battery
Power) (Optional -
40A Fuse
Required)
69 Mid-Bussed Electrical Center 1
70 Climate Control Blower
71 Not Used J-Case
Fuses Usage
72 Left Bussed Electrical Center 2
Relays Usage
FAN HI Cooling Fan High Speed
FAN LO Cooling Fan Low Speed
FAN CNTRL Cooling Fan Control
HDLP
LO/HID Low-Beam
Headlamp
FOG LAMP Front Fog Lamps
A/C
CMPRSR Air Conditioning
Compressor
STRTR Starter
PWR/TRN Powertrain
FUEL PMP Fuel Pump
PRK LAMP Parking Lamps

Black plate (89,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
Vehicle Care 10-89
Towing
Towing the Vehicle
Notice:Incorrectly towing a
disabled vehicle may cause
damage. The damage would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier or a wheel lift tow truck.
If a wheel lift tow truck is used, the
drive wheels cannot contact the
road while the vehicle is being
towed. A wheel dolly must be used
to lift all drive wheels off the ground.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing” in this
section.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
travelled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 8/13/12
11-2 Service and Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑15.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑69.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart. The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work on page 10‑3.