Get Driving and Operating -> Starting and Operating Guide for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

210

Driving and Operating

Here is an example of proper truck and

camper match:

cargo load should not exceed the truck's

cargo weight rating, and the camper's

center of gravity (1) should fall within

the truck's recommended center of

gravity zone (2) when installed.

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” under Vehicle

Load Limits 0 204. If weight ratings are

exceeded, move or remove items to

bring all weights below the ratings.

Any accessories or other equipment

that are added to the vehicle must be

weighed. Then, subtract this extra

weight from the CWR. This extra weight

may shorten the center of gravity zone

of the vehicle.

See your dealer for more information

on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo

Weight Rating, and the correct center of

gravity zone.

If the slide-in camper and its load

weighs less than the CWR, the center of

gravity zone for the vehicle may be

larger.

Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In

Caution

During the first 800 km (500 mi) of

driving this vehicle, overall performance

will benefit by following these break-in

period recommendations:

1. Camper Center of Gravity

2. Recommended Center of Gravity

Location Zone

Secure loose items to prevent weight

shifts that could affect the balance of

the vehicle. When the truck-camper is

loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on

the front and on the rear wheels

separately to determine axle loads.

Individual axle loads should not exceed

either of the gross axle weight ratings

(GAWR). The total axle loads should not

When the truck is used to carry a

slide-in camper, the total cargo load of

the truck consists of the manufacturer's

camper weight figure, the weight of

installed additional camper equipment

not included in the manufacturer's

camper weight figure, the weight of

camper cargo, and the weight of

.

Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt

stops.

(Continued)

passengers in the camper. The total

Driving and Operating

211

the mechanical systems adjust to provide

optimal fuel economy and transmission shift

performance.

The remote key must be in the vehicle for

the system to operate. If the pushbutton

start is not working, the vehicle may be

near a strong radio antenna signal causing

interference to the Keyless Access system.

See Remote Key Operation 0 12.

Caution (Continued)

.

Avoid exceeding the following engine

speeds when accelerating or

downshifting to slow or brake the

vehicle:

Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate

during the break-in period. A one-time

occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle

noises is normal during this process.

Gasoline engines: 4000 rpm

Diesel engines: 3000 rpm

To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be

on and the brake pedal must be applied.

Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery

to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,

including fuel economy and the Stop/Start

System. See Stop/Start System 0 214.

.

Avoid making hard stops for the first

300 km (200 mi). Hard stops with new

brake linings can result in premature

wear and earlier replacement. Follow

this guideline every time brake linings

are replaced.

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.

Ignition Positions

Do not tow a trailer. See Trailer

Towing 0 303 for the trailer towing

capabilities of the vehicle and more

information.

Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator

Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press

ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the

engine off.

After the break-in period, the engine

speed and load can be gradually

increased.

If the vehicle is in P (Park), the vehicle will

turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

will remain active. See Retained Accessory

Power (RAP) 0 216.

On new vehicles, the various mechanical and

electrical systems experience a “break-in”

period during the first 6 400 km (4,000 mi)

of routine driving. As the vehicle is driven,

Base Model Shown, Others Similar

Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have

pushbutton starting.

212

Driving and Operating

If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the vehicle

will return to accessory mode and display

the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver

Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is

shifted into P (Park), the vehicle will turn off.

2. Brake using a firm and steady pressure.

Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This

may deplete power assist, requiring

increased brake pedal force.

With the vehicle off, pressing the ENGINE

START/STOP button one time without the

brake pedal applied will place the vehicle in

accessory mode.

3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can

be done while the vehicle is moving.

After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply

the brakes and steer the vehicle to a

safe location.

The vehicle will switch from accessory mode

to off after five minutes to prevent battery

rundown.

The vehicle may have an electric steering

column lock. The lock is activated when the

ignition is turned off and driver door is

opened. A sound may be heard as the lock

actuates or releases. The steering column

lock may not release with the wheels turned

off center. If this happens, the vehicle may

not start. Move the steering wheel from left

to right while attempting to start the

vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle

needs service.

ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) : This

mode is for driving and starting. With the

vehicle off, and the brake pedal applied,

pressing ENGINE START/STOP button once

will turn the ignition on. Once engine

cranking begins, release the button. Engine

cranking will continue until the engine

starts. See Starting the Engine 0 213.

4. Come to a complete stop, shift to

P (Park), and make sure engine is off.

The shift lever must be in P (Park) to

turn the vehicle off.

5. Set the parking brake. See Electric

Parking Brake 0 236.

Service Mode

Unless an emergency exists, do not turn the

engine off when the vehicle is moving. This

will cause a loss of power assist in the brake

and steering systems and disable the

airbags.

Warning

{

This power mode is available for service and

diagnostics, and to verify the proper

operation of the malfunction indicator lamp

as may be required for emission inspection

purposes. With the vehicle off, and the

brake pedal not applied, pressing and

holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for

more than five seconds will place the vehicle

in Service Mode. The instruments and audio

systems will operate as they do when the

vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able

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 must be shut off in an

emergency:

Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :

This mode allows some electrical accessories

to be used when the engine is off.

1. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and

must be shut off while driving, press and

hold ENGINE START/STOP button for

longer than two seconds, or press twice

in five seconds.

Driving and Operating

Caution (Continued)

the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds

between each try, to let the cranking

motor cool down.

213

to be driven. The engine will not start in

Service Mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP

button again to turn the vehicle off.

Starting Procedure

1. The remote key must be in the vehicle.

Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake

pedal applied. When the engine begins

cranking, let go of the button.

Starting the Engine

If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the

Duramax diesel supplement.

The driver may observe a minor, and

temporary, brake pedal kickback when

starting the vehicle. This is normal.

2. If the engine does not start after five to

10 seconds, especially in very cold

weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could

be flooded with too much gasoline. Try

pushing the accelerator pedal all the way

to the floor and holding it there while

pressing ENGINE START/STOP for up to a

maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least

15 seconds between each try, to allow

the cranking motor to cool down. When

the engine starts, let go of the button

and accelerator. If the vehicle starts

briefly but then stops again, do the

same thing. This clears the extra gasoline

from the engine. Do not race the engine

immediately after starting it. Operate

the engine and transmission gently until

the oil warms up and lubricates all

moving parts.

Caution

The idle speed will go down as the

engine gets warm. Do not race the

engine immediately after starting it.

Operate the engine and transmission

gently to allow the oil to warm up and

lubricate all moving parts.

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.

See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0 328.

When the low fuel warning light is on

and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is

displayed in the Driver Information

Center (DIC), press ENGINE START/STOP

to continue engine cranking.

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or

N (Neutral). To restart the engine when 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.

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

(Continued)

214

Driving and Operating

Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto

Starts may occur because:

Auto Stop Disable Switch

Stop/Start System

If equipped and enabled, the Stop/Start

system will shut off the engine to help

conserve fuel. It has components designed

for the increased number of starts.

.

The climate control settings require the

engine to be running to cool or heat the

vehicle interior.

.

The vehicle battery needs to charge.

The vehicle battery has recently been

disconnected.

Warning

{

The automatic engine Stop/Start feature

causes the engine to shut off while the

vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle

before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle

may restart and move unexpectedly.

Always shift to P (Park), and then turn

the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.

.

Minimum vehicle speed has not been

reached since the last Auto Stop.

.

The accelerator pedal is pressed.

The engine or transmission is not at the

required operating temperature.

The automatic engine Stop/Start feature can

.

The outside temperature is not in the

required operating range.

The vehicle is shifted out of D (Drive) to

any gear other than P (Park).

Certain driver modes have been selected.

See Driver Mode Control 0 240 and

Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.

be disabled and enabled by pressing h.

Auto Stop/Start is enabled each time you

start the vehicle.

Auto Engine Stop/Start

When the brakes are applied and the vehicle

is at a complete stop, the engine may turn

off. When stopped, the tachometer displays

AUTO STOP. See Tachometer 0 111. When

the brake pedal is released or the

accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will

restart.

When the h indicator is illuminated, the

system is enabled.

Engine Heater

.

The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.

The driver door has been opened or the

driver seat belt has been unbuckled.

If equipped, the engine heater can provide

easier starting and better fuel economy

during engine warm-up in cold weather

conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles

with an engine heater should be plugged in

at least four hours before starting. An

internal thermostat in the plug-end of the

.

To maintain vehicle performance, other

conditions may cause the engine to

automatically restart before the brake pedal

is released.

The hood has been opened.

The Auto Stop has reached the maximum

allowed time.

Driving and Operating

Warning (Continued)

215

cord may exist, which will prevent engine

heater operation at temperatures above

−18 °C (0 °F).

2. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is

damaged, do not use it. See your dealer

for a replacement. Inspect the cord for

damage yearly.

or extension cord, could make it

overheat and cause a fire, property

damage, electric shock, and injury.

Warning

{

3. Plug the heater cord into the connector

on the vehicle.

.

Do not operate the vehicle with the

heater cord permanently attached to

the vehicle. Possible heater cord and

thermostat damage could occur.

Do not plug in the engine block heater

while the vehicle is parked in a garage or

under a carport. Property damage or

personal injury may result. Always park

the vehicle in a clear open area away

from buildings or structures.

4. Plug the cord into a grounded 110-volt

AC outlet that is protected by a ground

fault detection function.

While in use, do not let the heater

cord touch vehicle parts or sharp

edges. Never close the hood on the

heater cord.

Warning

{

Improper use of the heater cord or an

extension cord can damage the cord and

may result in overheating and fire.

Before starting the vehicle, unplug the

cord, reattach the cover to the plug,

and securely fasten the cord. Keep the

cord away from any moving parts.

.

Plug the cord into a three-prong

electrical utility receptacle that is

protected by a ground fault detection

function. An ungrounded outlet could

cause an electric shock.

5. Before starting the engine, be sure to

unplug and store the cord.

.

Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,

15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.

Failure to use the recommended

extension cord in good operating

condition, or using a damaged heater

(Continued)

The length of time the heater should remain

plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a

dealer in the area where you will be parking

the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Base Model Shown, Others Similar

To Use the Engine Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

216

Driving and Operating

2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by

pulling the shift lever toward you and

moving it up as far as it will go.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Warning (Continued)

When the vehicle is turned from on to off,

the following features (if equipped) will

continue to function for up to 10 minutes,

or until the driver door is opened. These

features will also work when the vehicle is

on or in accessory mode:

four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (High) to

provide additional traction. Be sure to

apply the parking brake. See Electric

Parking Brake 0 236 and

3. Be sure the transfer case, if equipped, is

in a drive gear, not in N (Neutral).

4. Turn the vehicle off.

Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.

5. Take the remote key with you.

.

Infotainment System

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine

Running

.

Power Windows (during RAP this

functionality will be lost when any door

is opened)

Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will

be lost when any door is opened)

Auxiliary Power Outlet

Audio System

OnStar System

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, see Driving

Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 299.

Warning

{

.

It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle

with the engine running. The vehicle

could move suddenly if the shift lever is

not fully in P (Park) with the parking

brake firmly set.

.

Shifting Into Park (Mechanical

Shifter)

If you have four-wheel drive and the

transfer case is in N (Neutral), the vehicle

will be free to roll, even if the shift lever

is in P (Park). So be sure the transfer case

is in a drive gear – not in N (Neutral).

Warning

{

Parking on grades with poor traction such

as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause

the vehicle to unintentionally move and

could result in injury, death, and/or

vehicle damage. If equipped with

(Continued)

And, if you leave the vehicle with the

engine running, it could overheat and

even catch fire. You or others could be

injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the

engine running unless you have to.

1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the

parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake

0 236.

Driving and Operating

217

If you have to leave the vehicle with the

engine running, be sure the vehicle is in

P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set

before you leave it. After moving the shift

lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake

pedal down. Then, see if you can move the

shift lever away from P (Park) without first

pulling it toward you. If you can, it means

that the shift lever was not fully locked into

P (Park).

parking pawl in the transmission. You will

then be able to pull the shift lever out of

P (Park).

Warning (Continued)

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, see Driving

Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 299.

Shifting Into Park (Electronic

Shifter)

Warning

{

Parking on grades with poor traction such

as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause

the vehicle to unintentionally move and

could result in injury, death, and/or

vehicle damage. If equipped with

four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (High) to

provide additional traction. Be sure to

apply the parking brake. See Electric

Parking Brake 0 236 and

Torque Lock

If you are parking on a hill and you do not

shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,

the weight of the vehicle may put too much

force on the parking pawl in the

transmission. You may find it difficult to pull

the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called

torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the

parking brake and then shift into P (Park)

properly before you leave the driver seat.

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the

parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake

0 236.

2. Press the P (Park) switch on the top of

the shift lever. See Automatic

Transmission (Electronic Shifter) 0 223 or

Automatic Transmission (Mechanical

Shifter) 0 220.

Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.

3. The P indicator on the shift lever will

turn red when the vehicle is in P (Park).

Warning

{

When you are ready to drive, move the

shift lever out of P (Park) before you release

the parking brake.

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.

(Continued)

If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a

hill, the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) may

apply automatically. The driver may not be

able to release the EPB using the EPB

switch. It should automatically release when

the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).

If torque lock does occur, you may need to

have another vehicle push yours a little

uphill to take some of the pressure from the

218

Driving and Operating

2. While holding the brake pedal, push the

shift lever all the way into P (Park).

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine

Running

Shifting out of Park (Mechanical

Shifter)

This vehicle is equipped with an electronic

shift lock release system. The system is

designed to prevent movement of the shift

lever out of P (Park), unless the brake pedal

is applied and the ignition is on or in

Service Mode.

3. Pull the shift lever toward you, then

move it to the desired position, and

release.

Warning

{

It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle

with the engine running. It could

overheat and catch fire.

If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may

prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To

Drive 0 53.

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle

if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the

parking brake set. The vehicle can roll.

If there is still a problem shifting, have the

vehicle serviced soon.

The shift lock release is always functional

except in the case of an uncharged or low

voltage – less than 9 volt – battery.

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 shift to

P (Park). See Shifting Into Park

Shifting out of Park (Electronic

Shifter)

This vehicle is equipped with an electronic

transmission. The shift lock release button is

designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out

of P (Park).

If the vehicle has an uncharged or low

voltage battery, try charging or jump

starting the battery. See Jump Starting -

North America 0 399.

To shift out of P (Park):

1. Apply the brake pedal.

To shift out of P (Park):

2. Release the parking brake if it is applied.

See Electric Parking Brake 0 236.

(Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or Shifting Into

Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217. If you are

towing a trailer, see Driving

1. Ensure the engine is running.

2. Apply the brake pedal.

3. Pull the shift lever toward you, then

move it to the desired position, and

release.

3. Press and hold the shift lock release

button on the shift lever.

Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 299.

4. Move the shift lever to the desired

position. For N (Neutral) hold the lever in

the N (Neutral) position until the N

indicator illuminates red.

If the vehicle still cannot be shifted out of

P (Park):

1. Ease the pressure on, or release the shift

lever.

Driving and Operating

Extended Parking

It is best not to park with the vehicle

running. If the vehicle is left running, be

219

5. The P indicator will turn white and the

gear indicator on the shift lever will turn

red when the vehicle is no longer in

P (Park).

Active Fuel Management

If equipped, Active Fuel Management allows

a V8, V6, or L4 gasoline engine to operate

on either all of its cylinders, or a reduced

number of cylinders, depending on the

driving conditions. When less power is

required, such as cruising at a constant

vehicle speed, the system will enable

reduced cylinder operation, allowing the

vehicle to achieve better fuel economy.

When greater power is required, such as

accelerating from a stop, passing,

sure it will not move and there is adequate

ventilation.

6. After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

See Shifting Into Park (Mechanical Shifter)

0 216 or Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)

0 217 and Engine Exhaust 0 220.

If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may

prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To

Drive 0 53.

If the vehicle is left parked and running with

the remote key outside the vehicle, it will

continue to run for up to 15 minutes.

If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a

Driver Information Center (DIC) message

may be displayed. Ensure the engine is

running, the brake pedal is applied, and the

shift lock release button is pressed when

you are attempting to shift out of P (Park).

If all of these conditions are met but the

vehicle will not shift out of P (Park), see

your dealer for service.

or merging onto a freeway, the system will

maintain full-cylinder operation.

If the vehicle is left parked and running with

the remote key inside the vehicle, it will

continue to run for up to 30 minutes.

Dynamic Fuel Management

The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is

parked on a hill, due to lack of

available fuel.

If equipped, Dynamic Fuel Management

calculates the number of cylinders needed to

maximize fuel economy and meet the

driving demands. Dynamic Fuel Management

allows the engine to operate in multiple

possible configurations ranging from

zero-cylinder up to the full 8-cylinder

operation.

The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken

out of P (Park) while it is running.

Parking over Things That Burn

Warning

{

When the vehicle was produced, it came

with the auto-shutdown feature enabled.

If you are not the primary owner of your

vehicle, please note that this feature may

have been disabled by a previous owner.

The vehicle owners can have this feature

re-enabled at owner cost at any GM service

center.

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.

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Driving and Operating -> Starting and Operating for Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

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