towing CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2018 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
In Brief 7
1.Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0177.
2. Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) System (If Equipped).
See Towing Equipment 0318.
3. Exterior Lamp Controls 0171.
Fog Lamps 0176 (If
Equipped).
4. Air Vents 0223.
5. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0 175.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
0 130.
6. Favorite Switches (Out of View). See Steering Wheel
Controls 0129.
Volume Switches (Out of View).
See Steering Wheel Controls
0 129.
7. Instrument Cluster 0137.
8. Hazard Warning Flashers
0175.
9. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0257. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If
Equipped). See
Tow/Haul
Mode 0262.
Range Selection Mode (If
Equipped). See Manual Mode
0 260.
10. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0174.
11. Infotainment 0181.
12. Passenger Airbag On-Off Switch (If Equipped) (Out of
View). See Airbag On-Off
Switch 084.
13. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 065 (If Equipped).
14. Power Outlet 110/120 Volt Alternating Current (If
Equipped). See Power Outlets
0 132.
15. Power Outlets 0132 (If
Equipped).
16.
gTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0276.
0Pedal Adjust Switch (If
Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal
0 247.
{Cargo Lamp 0177.
XParking Assist Button (If
Equipped). See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing
0 282.
ALane Keep Assist (LKA)
(1500 Series) 0290 (If
Equipped).
@Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) (2500/3500 Series)
0 288 (If Equipped).
5Hill Descent Control Switch
(If Equipped). See Hill Descent
Control (HDC) 0277.
qExhaust Brake Switch (If
Equipped). See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
gPower Take Off (PTO)
Switch (If Equipped). See the
Duramax diesel supplement.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
24 In Brief
Automatic Transfer Case
This transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.
The different drive options that may
be available are described following.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : This setting is ideal for use
when road surface traction
conditions are variable. Do not use AUTO mode to park on
a steep grade with poor traction
such as ice, snow, mud or gravel. In
AUTO mode only the rear wheels
will hold the vehicle from sliding
when parked. If parking on a steep
grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as on snowy or icy
roads or in most off-road situations.
N (Neutral) : Shift to this setting
only when towing the vehicle.
See Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 425 orTrailer Towing 0300.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting sends maximum power to all
four wheels. Choose 4
nwhen
driving in deep sand, mud, or snow,
and while climbing or descending
steep hills.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0265.
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
The base radio information is
included in this manual. See the
infotainment manual for information
on the uplevel radios, audio players,
phone, navigation system, Rear
Seat Entertainment (RSE), and
voice or speech recognition,
if equipped.
Radio(s)
Base Radio
O:Press to turn the system on.
Press and hold to turn it off. When
on, press to mute; press again to
unmute. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
{: Press to go to the Home Page.
7:Press to seek the previous
station or track.
6: Press to seek the next station
or track.
See Overview 0183.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
48 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Using hood-mounted air deflectors
and add-on convex mirror
attachments could decrease mirror
performance.
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
If equipped, adjust trailer-tow
mirrors for a clear view of the area
behind you. Manually pull out the
mirror head to extend it for better
visibility when towing a trailer.
The lower portion of the mirror is
convex. A convex mirror's surface is
curved to see more from the driverseat. The convex mirror can be
adjusted manually to the driver
preferred position for better vision.
The mirror may have a turn signal
arrow that flashes in the direction of
the turn or lane change.
Power Mirrors
Base Power Mirrors
If equipped with power mirrors: 1. Press (1) or (2) to select the driver or passenger side mirror. 2. Press the arrows on the control
pad to move the mirror in the
desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and
the area behind it can be seen.
4. Keep the selector switch in the center position when not
adjusting mirrors.
Crew/Double Cab Premium Trim
Shown, Other Models Similar
1. Press (1) or (2) to select the driver or passenger side mirror.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
50 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Auto Mirror Folding
If equipped, with the ignition off,
press and hold
Qon the RKE
transmitter for approximately
one second to automatically fold the
exterior mirrors. Press and hold
K
on the RKE transmitter for
approximately one second to unfold.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 037.
This feature is turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. See
Vehicle Personalization 0160.
Turn Signal Indicator
If equipped, indicator lights on the
mirror flash in the direction of the
turn or lane change.
Heated Mirrors
K
:If equipped, the rear window
defogger also heats the outside
mirrors.
W: If equipped, press to turn the
heated outside mirrors on or off. If the vehicle has trailer-tow mirrors,
only the upper glass of the mirror is
heated. The lower convex part of
the towing mirrors is not heated.
See
“Rear Window Defogger” under
Climate Control Systems (with
Heater Only) 0216 orClimate
Control Systems (with Air
Conditioning) 0218 orDual
Automatic Climate Control System
0 220.
Automatic Dimming
Mirror
If equipped, the driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare of
the headlamps from behind. This
feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Blind Spot Mirrors
If equipped, there is a small convex
mirror built into the upper and outer
corner of the driver outside mirror.
It can show objects that may be in
the vehicle's blind zone.
Driving with the Blind Spot
Mirror
Actual Mirror View

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
90 Seats and Restraints
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 090
for more information about
modifications that can affect how
the system operates.
The on indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not
desired, remove the object from
the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information0470.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing
any parts of the front seats, seat
belts, airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, inner door seals including the
speakers, any of the airbag
modules, ceiling or pillar garnish

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
148 Instruments and Controls
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0336.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless funnel
adapter, make sure that it has
been removed. See “Filling the
Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0294.
The diagnostic system can
detect if the adapter has been
left installed in the vehicle,
allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter removed
may turn off the light.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See Fuel
0 292.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Instruments and Controls 149
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. SeeAdd-On
Electrical Equipment 0329. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the ignition is on while the
engine is off.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes on
when the parking brake is set. The
light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays on
after the parking brake is fully
released, it means the vehicle has a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The pedal might be harder to push,
or the pedal can go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See
Towing the Vehicle 0425.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 227
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 327
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 239
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into Four-Wheel Drive
High. Turn the TCS off. Shift back
and forth between R (Reverse) and
a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. See
Towing the Vehicle0425. Recovery
hooks can be used, if the vehicle
has them.
Recovery Hooks
{Warning
Never pull on recovery hooks
from the side. The hooks could
break and you and others could
be injured. When using recovery
hooks, always pull the vehicle
from the front.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
There are recovery hooks at the
front of the vehicle. Use them if the
vehicle is stuck off-road and needs
to be pulled some place to continue
driving.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it was
designed to carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349200) - 2018 - CRC - 2/27/18
Driving and Operating 241
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
a trailer, load from your
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.”
See Trailer Towing 0300 for
important information on towing
a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 1 = (453 kg)
(1,000 lb)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lb) × 2 =
136 kg (300 lb)
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lb)