check transmission fluid CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2017 3.G Owners Manual

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
256 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Watercan build up under the vehicle'stires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fastenough. When the vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is toslow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wetweather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wipingequipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluidreservoir filled.
.Have good tires with propertread depth. SeeTires0397.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or throughmountains is different than drivingon flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and ingood shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,tires, cooling system, andtransmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when goingdown steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
318 Driving and Operating
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regularbrakes until the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule0452.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see the Duramax dieselsupplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see thebi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.SeeNew Vehicle Break-In0267.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
350 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 351California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 352Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 362Automatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 363Automatic Transmission Fluid(8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 366Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 366Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 367Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 372
Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374Power Steering Fluid (1500Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377Battery - North America . . . . . . 378Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 382Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 383Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 384Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 384Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 385
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385High Intensity Discharge (HID)Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and ParkingLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Ta i l l a m p s ( C h a s s i s C a bModels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) andCargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices andWiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389Electrical System Overload . . . 389Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390Instrument Panel Fuse Block(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393Instrument Panel FuseBlock (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 355
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
2.Battery - North America0378.
3. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeCoolingSystem0368.
4.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0367.
5. Automatic TransmissionDipstick (If Equipped). See“How to Check AutomaticTransmission Fluid”underAutomatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission)0363orAutomatic TransmissionFluid (8-SpeedTr a n s m i s s i o n )0366.
6. Remote Negative (–)Location.SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0368.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“Whento Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrake Fluid0377.
11 . W i n d s h i e l d Wa s h e r F l u i dReservoir. See“Adding WasherFluid”underWasherFluid0375.
12. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (IfEquipped). SeeHydraulicClutch0366.
13.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0390.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 357
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
2.Battery - North America0378.
3. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeCoolingSystem0368.
4.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0367.
5. Automatic TransmissionDipstick (If Equipped). See“How to Check AutomaticTransmission Fluid”underAutomatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission)0363orAutomatic TransmissionFluid (8-SpeedTr a n s m i s s i o n )0366.
6. Remote Negative (–)Location(Out of View). SeeJumpStarting - North America0432.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0368.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“Whento Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
10. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See“Adding WasherFluid”underWasherFluid0375.
11 . B r a k e F l u i d R e s e r v o i r. S e eBrake Fluid0377.
12.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0390.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 359
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
2.Battery - North America0378.
3. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeCoolingSystem0368.
4.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0367.
5. Automatic TransmissionDipstick (If Equipped). See“How to Check AutomaticTransmission Fluid”underAutomatic Transmission Fluid(6-Speed Transmission)0363orAutomatic TransmissionFluid (8-SpeedTr a n s m i s s i o n )0366.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“Whento Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil0359.
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCoolingSystem0368.
9. Remote Negative (–)Location.SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0432.
10. Power Steering FluidReservoir. SeePower SteeringFluid (1500 Series)0375orPower Steering Fluid (2500/3500 Series)0375.
11 . W i n d s h i e l d Wa s h e r F l u i dReservoir. See“Adding WasherFluid”underWasherFluid0375.
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrake Fluid0377.
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped).SeeBattery - NorthAmerica0378.
14.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0390.
If the vehicle has a diesel engineand/or an Allison Transmission, seethe Duramax diesel supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see theSilverado/Sierra eAssistsupplement.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Engine Oil”in the Duramax dieselsupplement.
To e n s u r e p r o p e r e n g i n eperformance and long life, carefulattention must be paid to engine oil.Following these simple, butimportant steps will help protectyour investment:
.Use engine oil approved to theproper specification and of theproper viscosity grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil levelregularly and maintain theproper oil level. See“CheckingEngine Oil”and“When to AddEngine Oil”in this section.
.Change the engine oil at theappropriate time. SeeEngine OilLife System0362.
.Always dispose of engine oilproperly. See“What to Do withUsed Oil”in this section.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 363
3. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If thedisplay shows 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message and itcomes back on when the vehicle isstarted and/or the OIL LIFEREMAINING is near 0%, the engineoil life system has not been reset.Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. If a small leak issuspected, then use the followingchecking procedures to check thefluid level. However, if there is alarge leak, then it may be necessaryto have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and haveit repaired before driving the vehiclefurther.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Change the fluid and filter at thescheduled maintenance intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0452.Besuretousethetransmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
To o m u c h o r t o o l i t t l e f l u i d c a n
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.
Before checking the fluid level,prepare the vehicle:
1. Start the engine and park thevehicle on a level surface.Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake andplace the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brakepedal, move the shift leverthrough each gear range,pausing for about

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
364 Vehicle Care
three seconds in each range.Then, move the shift lever backto P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500–800 rpm) for at leastone minute. Slowly release thebrake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running andcheck the transmission fluidtemperature on the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)0145orDriverInformation Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0147.
6. Using the transmission fluidtemperature reading, determineand perform the appropriatecheck procedure. If thetransmission fluid temperaturereading is not within therequired temperature ranges,allow the vehicle to cool,or operate the vehicle until theappropriate transmission fluidtemperature is reached.
Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as areference to determine if thetransmission has enough fluid to beoperated safely until a hot checkprocedure can be made. The hotcheck procedure is the mostaccurate method to check the fluidlevel. Perform the hot checkprocedure at the first opportunity.Use this cold check procedure tocheck fluid level when thetransmission temperature isbetween 27 °C and 32 °C (80 °F and90 °F).
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of theengine compartment, on thepassenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull outthe dipstick and wipe it with aclean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing itback in all the way; waitthree seconds, and then pull itback out again.
4. Check both sides of thedipstick and read the lowerlevel. Repeat the checkprocedure to verify the reading.
5. If the fluid level is below theCOLD check band, add onlyenough fluid as necessary tobring the level into the COLDband. It does not take muchfluid, generally less than 0.5 L(1 pt). Do not overfill.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 365
6. Perform a hot check at the firstopportunity after thetransmission reaches a normaloperating temperature between71 °C to 93 °C (160 °F to200 °F).
7. If the fluid level is in theacceptable range, push thedipstick back in all the way,then flip the handle down tolock the dipstick in place.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check thetransmission fluid level when thetransmission fluid temperature isbetween 71 °C and 93 °C (160 °Fand 200 °F).
The hot check is the most accuratemethod to check the fluid level. Thehot check should be performed atthe first opportunity in order to verifythe cold check. The fluid level risesas fluid temperature increases, so itis important to ensure thetransmission temperature is withinrange.
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of theengine compartment, on thepassenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull outthe dipstick and wipe it with aclean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing itback in all the way; waitthree seconds, and then pull itback out again.
4. Check both sides of thedipstick and read the lowerlevel. Repeat the checkprocedure to verify the reading.
5. Safe operating level is withinthe HOT cross hatch band onthe dipstick. If the fluid level isnot within the HOT band, andthe transmission temperature isbetween 71 °C and 93 °C(160 °F and 200 °F), add ordrain fluid as necessary tobring the level into the HOTband. If the fluid level is low,add only enough fluid to bringthe level into the HOT band.It does not take much fluid,generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt).Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in theacceptable range, push thedipstick back in all the way,then flip the handle down tolock the dipstick in place.