trailer CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2017 3.G User Guide

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Instruments and Controls 159
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chimemay sound if the transmission fluidin the vehicle gets hot. Driving withthe transmission fluid temperaturehigh can cause damage to thevehicle. Stop the vehicle and let itidle to allow the transmission tocool. This message clears and thechime stops when the fluidtemperature reaches a safe level.
When towing, use Tow/Haul Modeto prevent damage to the engine ortransmission. SeeTo w / H a u lMode0282.
VEHICLE IN 4WD LOW
This message will display if the
vehicle is driven in 4nfor about
10 minutes above 72 km/h (45 mph).
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
CHECK TRAILER WIRING
On vehicles with the IntegratedTrailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,this message may display and achime may sound when one of thefollowing conditions exists:
.Atrailerwithelectricbrakesbecomes disconnected from thevehicle.
⇣If the disconnect occurs whilethe vehicle is stopped, thismessage clears itself after ashort time.
⇣If the disconnect occurs whilethe vehicle is moving, thismessage stays on until theignition is turned off.
.There is a short in the wiring tothe electric trailer brakes.
When this message displays, poweris no longer available to the trailerbrakes.
As soon as it is safe to do so,carefully pull the vehicle over to theside of the road and turn the ignitionoff. Check the wiring connection tothe trailer and turn the ignition backon. This message clears if the traileris reconnected. This message alsoclears if you acknowledge it. If thismessage still displays, either thevehicle or the trailer needs service.See your dealer.
See“Integrated Trailer BrakeControl System”underTo w i n gEquipment0335.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when iceconditions are possible.
TRAILER CONNECTED
On vehicles with the IntegratedTrailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,this message displays briefly whenatrailerwithelectricorelectricoverhydraulic brakes is first connectedto the vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
160 Instruments and Controls
This message clears itself afterseveral seconds. This message alsoclears if you acknowledge it. Afterthis message clears, the TRAILERGAIN and OUTPUT displays appearin the DIC.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)0145orDriverInformation Center (DIC) (Uplevel)0147and“Integrated Trailer BrakeControl System”underTo w i n gEquipment0335.
Vehicle Speed Messages
REDUCE SPEED FOR HILL
DESCENT CONTROL
This message displays whenattempting to enable Hill DescentControl (HDC) when the vehiclespeed is too high. SeeHill DescentControl (HDC)0297.
Washer Fluid Messages
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID
This message displays when thewindshield washer fluid is low. Fillthe windshield washer fluid reservoiras soon as possible. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0354forthe location of the windshieldwasher fluid reservoir. Also, seeWasher Fluid0375for moreinformation.
Vehicle
Personalization
Use the audio system controls toaccess the personalization menusfor customizing vehicle features.
The following are all possiblepersonalization features. Dependingon the vehicle, some may not beavailable.
Base Radio Audio SystemControls
MENU :Press to enter menus andselect menu items. Turn to scrollthrough the menus.
oBACK :Press to return to theprevious menu or exit.
Base Radio with TouchscreenAudio System Controls
{:Press to access the HomePage Menu.
QorR:To u c h t o s c r o l l t h r o u g h t h emenus or setup items.
0:To u c h t o e x i t o r r e t u r n t o t h eprevious screen or menu.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Lighting 179
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps and the interiorlamps turn on briefly at night, or in
areas with limited lighting, whenK
is pressed on the Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) transmitter. When adoor is opened, the interior lampscome on if the dome lamp control isin the DOOR position. After about30 seconds the exterior lamps turnoff. Entry lighting can be disabledmanually by changing the ignitionout of the OFF position, or by
pressing the RKE transmitterQ
button.
This feature can be changed. See“Ve h i c l e L o c a t o r L i g h t s”underVehicle Personalization0160.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and the interiorlamps come on at night, or in areaswith limited lighting when the key isremoved from the ignition. Theexterior and interior lamps remainon for a set amount of time and then
automatically turn off. The interiorlamps do not come on if the domelamp control is in the Off position.
The exterior lamps turn offimmediately by turning the exteriorlamps control off.
This feature can be changed. SeeVehicle Personalization0160.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric PowerManagement (EPM), whichestimates the battery's temperatureand state of charge. It then adjuststhe voltage for best performanceand extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of chargeis low, the voltage is raised slightlyto quickly bring the charge back up.When the state of charge is high,the voltage is lowered slightly toprevent overcharging. The voltmetergauge or the voltage display on theDriver Information Center (DIC),if equipped, may show the voltage
moving up or down. This is normal.If there is a problem, an alert will bedisplayed.
The battery can be discharged atidle if the electrical loads are veryhigh. This is true for all vehicles.This is because the generator(alternator) may not be spinning fastenough at idle to produce all thepower that is needed for very highelectrical loads.
Ahighelectricalloadoccurswhenseveral of the following are on, suchas: headlamps, high beams, foglamps, rear window defogger,climate control fan at high speed,heated seats, engine cooling fans,trailer loads, and loads plugged intoaccessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessivedischarge of the battery. It does thisby balancing the generator's outputand the vehicle's electrical needs.It can increase engine idle speed togenerate more power, wheneverneeded. It can temporarily reducethe power demands of someaccessories.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 247
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315Driving Characteristics andTo w i n g T i p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1 5Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318To w i n g E q u i p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 5Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 344
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345Adding a Snow Plow or SimilarEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345Pickup Conversion toChassis Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many formsand can take your focus from thetask of driving. Exercise goodjudgment and do not let otheractivities divert your attention awayfrom the road. Many localgovernments have enacted lawsregarding driver distraction. Becomefamiliar with the local laws inyour area.
To a v o i d d i s t r a c t e d d r i v i n g , k e e pyour eyes on the road, keep yourhands on the steering wheel, andfocus your attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone indemanding driving situations.Use a hands-free method toplace or receive necessaryphone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,take notes, or look upinformation on phones or otherelectronic devices.
.Designate a front seatpassenger to handle potentialdistractions.
.Become familiar with vehiclefeatures before driving, such asprogramming favorite radiostations and adjusting climatecontrol and seat settings.Program all trip information intoany navigation device prior todriving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parkedto retrieve items that have fallento the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tendto children.
.Keep pets in an appropriatecarrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversationswhile driving, whether with apassenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Ta k i n g y o u r e y e s o f f t h e r o a d t o o
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 261
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
atrailer,loadfromyour
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0318for
important information on towing
atrailer,towingsafetyrules,and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 1 = (453 kg)(1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight@68kg(150lb)◊2=136 kg (300 lb)
3. Available Occupant andCargo Weight = 317 kg(700 lb)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 267
should not exceed the vehicle's
gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are
given on the Certification/Tire
label attached to the B-pillar.
See“Certification/Tire Label”
underVehicle Load Limits
0259.Ifweightratingsare
exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below
the ratings.
See your dealer for more
information on curb weights,
cargo weights, Cargo Weight
Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Keep the vehicle speed at88 km/h (55 mph) or less forthe first 805 km (500 mi).
.Do not drive at any oneconstant speed, fast or slow,for the first 805 km (500 mi).Do not make full-throttlestarts. Avoid downshifting tobrake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops forthe first 322 km (200 mi) orso. During this time the newbrake linings are not yetbroken in. Hard stops withnew linings can mean
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
premature wear and earlierreplacement. Follow thisbreaking-in guideline everytime you get new brakelinings.
.Do not tow a trailer duringbreak-in. SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0318for the trailer towingcapabilities of the vehicleand more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal
If equipped, the position of thethrottle and brake pedals can bechanged.
The pedals can only be adjustedwhen the vehicle is in P (Park).

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,