automatic transmission CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2017 3.G User Guide

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
246 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 247Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 248Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 250Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 255Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 256Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 258Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 259Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 267Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 269Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 272Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 275Parking (ManualTransmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275Parking over ThingsThat Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275Active Fuel Management®.... 275
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 277Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280To w / H a u l M o d e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 2
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 283
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 294
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . 297Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 301Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 302Assistance Systems forDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Forward AutomaticBraking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306Lane Departure Warning(LDW) (2500/3500Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (1500Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 312

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 253
{Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high
speed can cause an accident.
There could be a drop-off,
embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be
seriously injured or killed. As you
near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
.Never go downhill forward orbackward with either thetransmission or transfer case inN(Neutral).Thebrakescouldoverheat and you could losecontrol.
{Warning
If the vehicle has the two⇣speed
automatic transfer case, shifting
the transfer case to N (Neutral)
can cause your vehicle to roll
even if the transmission is in
P(Park).Thisisbecausethe
N(Neutral)positiononthe
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
transfer case overrides the
transmission. You or someone
else could be injured. If leaving
the vehicle, set the parking brake
and shift the transmission to
P(Park).Shiftthetransfercaseto
any position but N (Neutral).
.When driving down a hill, keepthe vehicle headed straightdown. Use a low gear becausethe engine will work with thebrakes to slow the vehicle andhelp keep the vehicle undercontrol.
{Warning
Heavy braking when going down
ahillcancauseyourbrakesto
overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and you or
others could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly when
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
descending a hill and use a low
gear to keep vehicle speed under
control.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill:
1. Apply the brakes to stop thevehicle, and then apply theparking brake.
2. Shift into P (Park) and thenrestart the engine.
.If driving uphill when thevehicle stalls, shift toR(Reverse),releasetheparking brake, and backstraight down.
.Never try to turn the vehiclearound. If the hill is steepenough to stall the vehicle,it is steep enough to causeit to roll over.
.If you cannot make it up thehill, back straight downthe hill.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
268 Driving and Operating
The switch used to adjust thepedals is on the center stack, belowthe climate controls.
Lift the switch up to move thepedals closer to your body. Pressthe switch down to move thepedals away.
Before you start driving, fully pressthe brake pedal to confirm theadjustment is right for you.
The vehicle may have a memoryfunction, which lets pedal settingsbe saved and recalled. SeeMemorySeats061.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four differentpositions.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) , t h e i g n i t i o nmust be in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brakepedal must be applied.
0(STOPPINGTHEENGINE/LOCK/OFF) :When the vehicle is stopped,turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off. RetainedAccessory Power (RAP) will remainactive. SeeRetained AccessoryPower (RAP)0271.
This position locks the ignition andsteering wheel. It also locks thetransmission on automatictransmission vehicles. The key canbe removed in LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with thewheels turned off center. If thishappens, move the steering wheelfrom right to left while turning thekey to ACC/ACCESSORY. If thisdoes not work, then the vehicleneeds service.
Do not turn the engine off when thevehicle is moving. This will cause aloss of power assist in the brakeand steering systems and disablethe airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in anemergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump thebrakes repeatedly. This maydeplete power assist, requiringincreased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).This can be done while thevehicle is moving. After shiftingto N (Neutral), continue to

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 269
firmly apply the brakes andsteer the vehicle to a safelocation.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shiftto P (Park) with an automatictransmission, or Neutral with amanual transmission. Turn theignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0293.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,and must be shut off while driving,turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
On vehicles with an automatictransmission, the shift lever must bein P (Park) to turn the ignition switchto LOCK/OFF.
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
1(ACC/ACCESSORY):Thisposition lets things like the radioand the windshield wipers operatewhile the engine is off. It alsounlocks the steering wheel. Use thisposition if the vehicle must bepushed or towed.
2(ON/RUN):This position can beused to operate the electricalaccessories and to display someinstrument cluster warning andindicator lights. This position canalso be used for service anddiagnostics, and to verify the properoperation of the malfunctionindicator lamp as may be requiredfor emission inspection purposes.The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running. Thetransmission is also unlocked in thisposition on automatic transmissionvehicles.
If the key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN positionwith the engine off, the battery couldbe drained. The vehicle may notstart if the battery is allowed to drainfor an extended period of time.
3(START):This is the position thatstarts the engine. When the enginestarts, release the key. The ignitionswitch returns to ON/RUN fordriving.
Awarningtonewillsoundwhenthedriver door is opened, the ignition isin ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF, and the key is in the ignition.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see theSilverado/Sierra eAssistsupplement.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
270 Driving and Operating
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment0345.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the power steering
system and there may be loss of
power steering assist.
Place the transmission in theproper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) orN(Neutral). To restart the enginewhen the vehicle is already moving,use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutraland the parking brake engaged.Hold the clutch pedal down to thefloor and start the engine.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off theaccelerator pedal, turn theignition key to START. Whenthe engine starts, let go of thekey. The idle speed will godown as the engine gets warm.Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it.
Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow theoil to warm up and lubricate allmoving parts.
When the low fuel warning lightis on and the FUEL LEVELLOW message is displayed inthe Driver Information Center(DIC), hold the ignition switchin the START position tocontinue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not startafter five to 10 seconds,especially in very cold weather(below✓18 °C or 0 °F), it couldbe flooded with too much

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 277
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with theengine running.
If the vehicle is left with the enginerunning, follow the proper steps tobe sure the vehicle will not move.SeeShifting Into Park0273andEngine Exhaust0276.Ifthevehiclehas a manual transmission, seeParking (ManualTr a n s m i s s i o n )0275.
If parking on a hill and pulling atrailer, seeDriving Characteristicsand Towing Tips0315.
Automatic
Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronicshift lever position indicator withinthe instrument cluster. This displaycomes on when the ignition key isturned to the ON/RUN position.
There are several different positionsfor the shift lever.
Heavy-Duty 6-Speed Automatic
Transmission Shown, Others
Similar
See“Range Selection Mode”underManual Mode0280.
P:This position locks the rearwheels. It is the best position to usewhen starting the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.When parked on a hill, especiallywhen the vehicle has a heavy load,you might notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of P (Park). See“To r q u e L o c k”underShifting IntoPark0273.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park0273and
Driving Characteristics and
To w i n g T i p s0315.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 279
or driving off-road. Shift thetransmission to a lower gearselection if the transmission shiftstoo often.
Downshifting the transmission inslippery road conditions could resultin skidding. See“Skidding”underLoss of Control0250.
The vehicle has a shift stabilizationfeature that adjusts the transmissionshifting to the current drivingconditions in order to reduce rapidupshifts and downshifts. This shiftstabilization feature is designed todetermine, before making anupshift, if the engine is able tomaintain vehicle speed by analyzingthings such as vehicle speed,throttle position, and vehicle load.If the shift stabilization featuredetermines that a current vehiclespeed cannot be maintained, thetransmission does not upshift andinstead holds the current gear.In some cases, this could appear tobe a delayed shift, however thetransmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptiveshift controls. The adaptive shiftcontrol process continuallycompares key shift parameters topre-programmed ideal shifts storedin the transmission’scomputer.Thetransmission constantly makesadjustments to improve vehicleperformance according to how thevehicle is being used, such as withaheavyloadorwhenthetemperature changes. During thisadaptive shift control process,shifting might feel different as thetransmission determines the bestsettings.
When temperatures are very cold,the transmission's gear shiftingcould be delayed providing morestable shifts until the engine warmsup. Shifts could be more noticeablewith a cold transmission. Thisdifference in shifting is normal.
M:This position allows selection ofarangeofgearsappropriateforcurrent driving conditions.If equipped, see“Range SelectionMode”underManual Mode0280.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
If equipped with a gasoline engineand an automatic transmission,Normal Mode Grade Braking isenabled when the vehicle is started,but is not enabled in RangeSelection Mode. It assists inmaintaining desired vehicle speedswhen driving on downhill grades byusing the engine and transmissionto slow the vehicle. The first timethe system engages for eachignition key cycle, a DIC messagewill be displayed. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages0157.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
280 Driving and Operating
To d i s a b l e o r e n a b l e N o r m a l M o d eGrade Braking within the currentignition key cycle, press and holdthe Tow/Haul button forfive seconds. When the button isreleased, the requested modechange is made. A DIC messagedisplays. SeeTr a n s m i s s i o nMessages0157.
For other forms of grade braking,seeTo w / H a u l M o d e0282andCruise Control0298.
Kickdown Mode
If equipped, the accelerator pedalprovides an additional downshiftafter pressing through the kickdownfeature.
It requires extra pedal pressure nearthe end of its travel to engage.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Modehelps control the vehicle'stransmission and vehicle speedwhile driving downhill or towing atrailer by letting you select a desiredrange of gears.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever toL(ManualMode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttonson the shift lever to select thedesired range of gears forcurrent driving conditions.
With an 8-speed automatictransmission, hold the plus/minusbuttons on the shift lever to selectthe highest or lowest rangeavailable for the current vehiclespeed.
When the shift lever is moved fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode), anumber displays next to the L,indicating the current transmissionrange.
This number is the highest gear thatthe transmission will command whileoperating in L (Manual Mode). Allgears below that number areavailable. As driving conditionschange, the transmission canautomatically shift to lower gears.For example, when L5 is selected,1(First) through 5(Fifth) gears areautomatically shifted by thetransmission, but 6 (Sixth) cannot beused until the plus/minus button onthe shift lever is used to change tothe range.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 281
In vehicles with gasoline engines,when the shift lever is moved fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode), adownshift may occur. The gear thatthe transmission is operating inwhen the shift lever is moved fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode)determines if a downshift occurs.See the following chart.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear before shifting fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode)6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after shifting fromD(Drive) to L(Manual Mode)L4 L4 L3 L2 L2 L1
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear beforeshifting fromD(Drive) toL(Manual Mode)
8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range aftershifting fromD(Drive) toL(Manual Mode)–To w / H a u l n o tengaged
L6 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1
Range aftershifting fromD(Drive) toL(Manual Mode)–To w / H a u l e n g a g e d
L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L3 L2 L1
Grade Braking is not available whenRange Selection Mode is active.SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e0282.
While using Range Selection Mode,cruise control and the Tow/HaulMode can be used.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
282 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle has an exhaust brake,it can also be used, but will notautomatically downshift thetransmission. See“Exhaust Brake”in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
If equipped, Low Traction Modeassists in vehicle acceleration whenroad conditions are slippery, suchas with ice or snow. While thevehicle is at a stop, select L2 usingRange Selection Mode. This willlimit torque to the wheels and helpto prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatictransmission have a Tow/HaulMode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjuststhe transmission shift pattern toreduce shift cycling. This providesincreased performance, vehiclecontrol, and enhanced transmissionand engine cooling when drivingdown steep hills or mountaingrades, when towing, or whenhauling heavy loads.
The selector button is on the end ofthe shift lever. Turn the Tow/HaulMode on and off by pressing the
button. When the Tow/Haul Mode isenabled, a light on the instrumentcluster will come on.
For an eAssist vehicle, the Stop/Start function will becomeunavailable when Tow/Haul Mode isactive.
For an eAssist vehicle, theRegenerative Braking functionality isdisabled when using the Tow/HaulMode. See the eAssist supplement.
SeeTo w / H a u l M o d e L i g h t0141andHill and Mountain Roads0256.Also see“To w / H a u l M o d e”underTo w i n g E q u i p m e n t0335.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n g i sonly enabled while the Tow/HaulMode is selected and the vehicle isnot in the Range Selection Mode.See“To w / H a u l M o d e”listedpreviously andManual Mode0280.To w / H a u l M o d e G r a d e B r a k i n gassists in maintaining desiredvehicle speeds when driving ondownhill grades by using the engineand transmission to slow thevehicle.