towing CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2017 3.G User Guide

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 273
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into athree-prong electrical utilityreceptacle that is protectedby a ground fault detectionfunction. An ungroundedoutlet could cause anelectric shock.
.Use a weatherproof,heavy-duty, 15 amp-ratedextension cord if needed.Failure to use therecommended extensioncord in good operatingcondition, or using adamaged heater orextension cord, could makeit overheat and cause a fire,property damage, electricshock, and injury.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let theheater cord touch vehicleparts or sharp edges. Neverclose the hood on theheater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle,unplug the cord, reattachthe cover to the plug, andsecurely fasten the cord.Keep the cord away fromany moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, besure to unplug and store thecord as it was before to keep itaway from moving engineparts. If you do not, it could bedamaged.
The length of time the heater shouldremain plugged in depends onseveral factors. Ask a dealer in thearea where you will be parking thevehicle for the best advice on this.
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be 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. 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, use the steps
that follow. With four-wheel drive,
if the transfer case is in
N(Neutral), the vehicle will be
free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear. If towing a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips0315.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 275
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with anelectronic shift lock release system.The shift lock release isdesigned to:
.Prevent ignition key removalunless the shift lever is inP(Park).
.Prevent movement of the shiftlever out of P (Park), unless theignition is in ON/RUN and theregular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is alwaysfunctional except in the case of anuncharged or low voltage (less than9volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an unchargedbattery or a battery with low voltage,try charging or jump starting thebattery. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) :
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If you still are unable to shift out ofP(Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shiftlever.
2. While holding down the brakepedal, press the shift lever allthe way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to thedesired position.
If you are still having a problemshifting, then have the vehicleserviced soon.
This vehicle may have the SafetyBelt Assurance System, which mayprevent the vehicle from shifting outof P (Park). SeeSafety BeltMessages0155.
Parking (Manual
Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manualtransmission, before you get out ofthe vehicle, move the shift lever intoR(Reverse), and firmly apply theparking brake. Once the shift leverhas been placed into R (Reverse)with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,remove the key and release theclutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if thevehicle is pulling a trailer, seeDriving Characteristics and TowingTips0315.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management®
Vehicles with a V8 or V6 gasolineengine may have Active FuelManagement. This system allowsthe engine to operate on either all ofits cylinders, or in V4 mode,depending on the driving conditions.

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
278 Driving and Operating
{Warning
If you have four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll—even
if the shift lever is in P (Park)—if
the transfer case is in N (Neutral).
So, be sure the transfer case is in
adrivegear,Two-WheelDrive
High or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low—not in
N(Neutral). SeeShifting Into
Park0273.
R:Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R(Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0258.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart when you are alreadymoving, use N (Neutral) only. Also,use N (Neutral) when the vehicle isbeing towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
Yo u c o u l d l o s e c o n t r o l a n d h i t
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N(Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D:This position is for normaldriving. It provides the best fueleconomy. If you need more powerfor passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 55 km/h(35 mph), push the acceleratorpedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) ormore, push the accelerator allthe way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shiftsdown to the next gear and hasmore power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Modewhen towing a trailer, carrying aheavy load, driving on steep hills,

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
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.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 285
{Warning
Shifting the transfer case to
N(Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N(Neutral). SeeParking
Brake0293.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4nand 4mor from
N(Neutral), with the engine running,is normal.
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak®off. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i c S t a b i l i t yControl0295.
Manual Transfer Case
Move the lever to shift into and outof four-wheel drive.
An indicator light comes on whenfour-wheel drive is engaged. SeeFour-Wheel-Drive Light0141.
N(Neutral) :Use only when thevehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0437orTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0436.
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use
this setting for driving on moststreets and highways. The front axleis not engaged. This settingprovides the best fuel economy.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting also engages the front axleand delivers extra torque. Choose 4nif driving off-road in deep sand,deep mud, or deep snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.When engaged, keep vehicle speedbelow 72 km/h (45 mph).
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :Use
this setting when extra traction isneeded. The front axle engages andhelps when driving on snowy or icyroads, when off-roading, or whenplowing snow.
The vehicle can be shifted between
2mand 4mwhile the vehicle is
moving. In extremely cold weather,it may be necessary to stop or slow

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 287
Use the transfer case knob, next tothe steering wheel, to shift into andout of four-wheel drive for extratraction.
All of the lights will blink on then offmomentarily when the ignition ismoved to the ON/RUN position. Thelight that remains on will indicate thestate of the Transfer Case.
If the indicator mark on the switchdoes not match up with the lightthen that likely means the switchwas moved when the ignitionwas off.
The indicator mark on the switchmust line up with the indicator lightbefore a shift can be commanded.To c o m m a n d a s h i f t r o t a t e t h etransfer case switch to the newdesired position. The light will blinkmeaning that the shift is in progress.When the shift is completed the newposition will be illuminated. If thetransfer case can not complete ashift command, it will go back to itslast chosen setting.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
The settings are:
N(Neutral) :Use only when thevehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0437orTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0436.
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use
for driving on most streets andhighways. The front axle is notengaged. This setting provides thebest fuel economy.
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4nif
driving off-road in deep sand, deepmud, or deep snow, and whileclimbing or descending steep hills.When engaged, keep vehicle speedbelow 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i c S t a b i l i t yControl0295.
4m(Four-Wheel Drive High) :Use
when extra traction is needed. Thefront axle engages and helps whendriving on snowy or icy roads, whenoff-roading, or when plowing snow.
The vehicle can be shifted from 2m
to 4mwhile the vehicle is moving.
Shifting Into 4m
Turn the knob to 4mat any speed
up to 121 km/h (75 mph), except
from 4n.Theindicatorlightwillflash
while shifting and will remain on theselected setting.
Shifting Into 2m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4n.
Shifting Into 4n
When 4nis engaged, vehicle speed
should be kept below 72 km/h(45 mph).

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 289
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To s h i f t :
1. Set the parking brake andapply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUNwith the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission toN(Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to
2m.
After the transfer case hasshifted out of N (Neutral), theN(Neutral) light will goout.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift thetransmission to thedesired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
If equipped, use the transfer caseknob next to the steering wheel toshift into and out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will blink on then offmomentarily when the ignition ismoved to the ON/RUN position. Thelight that remains on will indicate thestate of the Transfer Case.
If the indicator mark on the switchdoes not match up with the lightthen that likely means the switchwas moved when the ignitionwas off.
The indicator mark on the switchmust line up with the indicator lightbefore a shift can be commanded.To c o m m a n d a s h i f t r o t a t e t h etransfer case switch to the newdesired position. The light will blinkmeaning that the shift is in progress.When the shift is completed the newposition will be illuminated. If thetransfer case can not complete ashift command, it will go back to itslast chosen setting.
The settings are:
N(Neutral) :Use only when thevehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing0437orTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0436.
2m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use
for driving on most streets andhighways. The front axle is notengaged. This setting provides thebest fuel economy.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 293
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Parking Brake
For vehicles without a releasehandle, set the parking brake byholding the regular brake pedaldown, then pushing down theparking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.SeeBrake System WarningLight0140.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To r e l e a s e t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l dthe regular brake pedal down, thenpush down momentarily on theparking brake pedal until you feelthe pedal release. Slowly pull yourfoot up off the parking brake pedal.If the parking brake is not releasedwhen you begin to drive, the brake
system warning light will flash and achime will sound warning you thatthe parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and areparking on a hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0315.
For vehicles with a release handle,set the parking brake by holding theregular brake pedal down, thenpushing down the parking brakepedal.
If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.SeeBrake System WarningLight0140.