towing CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2014 2.G Service Manual

Black plate (100,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
9-100 Driving and Operating
3. Readjust Trailer Gain any timevehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions
change or if trailer wheel lock-up
is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
In addition to displaying TRAILER
GAIN and OUTPUT through the
DIC, trailer connection and ITBC
system status are displayed on
the DIC.
TRAILER CONNECTED: This
message will briefly display when a
trailer with electric brakes is first
connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off
in about 10 seconds. This message
can be acknowledged before it
automatically turns off. CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This
message will display if:
1. The ITBC system first
determines connection to a
trailer with electric brakes and
then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is stationary, this
message will automatically turn
off in about 30 seconds. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is moving, this
message will continue until the
ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
2. There is an electrical fault in the wiring to the trailer brakes. This
message will continue as long
as there is an electrical fault in the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is
acknowledged.
To determine if the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of
the trailer wiring harness
connection:
1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the
electrical fault is on the
vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message only reappears when
connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the
electrical fault is on the
trailer side.

Black plate (101,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-101
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM: This message will display
when there is a problem with the
ITBC system. If this message
continues over multiple ignition
cycles, there is a problem with the
ITBC system. Have the vehicle
serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER
WIRING or SERVICE TRAILER
BRAKE SYSTEM message displays
while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not
function at all. 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.A 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.
Contact your trailer dealer for
assistance with trailer repairs and
trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
TSC feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a
trailer while being towed. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the
TSC detects that sway is increasing,
the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help
reduce excessive trailer sway. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has
the electric actuated brake system,
StabiliTrak may also apply the trailer
brakes.If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on the
instrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-57.

Black plate (102,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
9-102 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. SeeTowing
Equipment on page 9-92 for
trailer ratings and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating. The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-35
andAdding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-35.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
{Caution
Do not exceed 64 km/h (40 mph)
with a snowplow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
10-2 Vehicle Care
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-56
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . 10-71
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-73 Different Size Tires and
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-77
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-79
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-91
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-92
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-96
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-97
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-99
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-104
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-107
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-25
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. Just 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.
If you keep driving when the
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.
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; seeTrailer Towing
on page 9-80.
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.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
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
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an
engine driven cooling fan, push
down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
10-26 Vehicle Care
as normal idle speed for at least
five minutes while the vehicle is
parked. If the warning is still there,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
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.
Overheated Engine
Protection Operating
Mode (6.0L
V8 Engine Only)
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 extendeddistances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
{Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
See
Engine Oil on page 10-10.
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.
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

Black plate (96,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
10-96 Vehicle Care
6.6L
‐ To the negative (−) post on
the auxiliary battery, on the
vehicle with the dead battery.
11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a
while.
12. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
{Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
Towing the Vehicle
{Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash
or hook to the chassis
components —including the front
and rear subframes, suspension
control arms, and links —during
towing and recovery of a disabled
vehicle, or when securing the
vehicle to a flatbed car carrier.
Use the proper nylon strap
harnesses around the tires to
secure them to the flatbed car
carrier.
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.

Black plate (97,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-97
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”
following.
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
traveled? 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
{Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.

Black plate (98,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
10-98 Vehicle Care
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with all four wheels on the
ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being
towed.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
See your dealer for the procedure to
tow this vehicle.
Dolly Towing
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground)–Two-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles
{Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with the rear wheels on the
ground, the transmission could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the
ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with the rear wheels on
the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being
towed.
To dolly tow a two-wheel-drive
vehicle, the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels on the dolly.
See “Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)” later in this section for
more information. Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground)
–Four-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles
See your dealer for the procedure to
tow this vehicle.
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Black plate (99,1)Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853506) - 2014 - crc 2nd - 5/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-99
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle from
the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on
page 9-55.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
See your dealer for the procedure to
tow this vehicle.Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
products can be obtained from
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
{Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.