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Cooling System .............................................. 5-40
Cruise Control Lever ....................................... 3-10
Cruise Control Light ........................................ 3-48
Cupholder(s) .................................................. 2-72
Customer Assistance Information


Courtesy Transportation .................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text


Telephone (TTY) Users ............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices ........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ............... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors .... 7-13


Customer Assistance Information (cont.)


Reporting Safety Defects to the


Canadian Government .............................. 7-12


Reporting Safety Defects to the


United States Government ......................... 7-12
Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-13


Daytime Running Lamps .................................. 3-14
Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking ............................................. 2-10
Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override ...................................... 3-18
Dome Lamps ................................................. 3-17
Door


Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10
Locks .......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-11
Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-13
Rear Doors ................................................. 2-14


Driver


Position, Safety Belt ..................................... 1-15
Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... 3-50
DIC Operation and Displays .......................... 3-51
DIC Vehicle Customization ............................ 3-63
DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-54


Driving


At Night ..................................................... 4-35
City ........................................................... 4-38
Defensive ..................................................... 4-2
Drunken ....................................................... 4-2
Freeway ..................................................... 4-39
Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-42
In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-36
Off-Road .................................................... 4-20
Recovery Hooks .......................................... 4-49
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ................. 4-48
Winter ........................................................ 4-44
Dual Automatic Climate Control System ............. 3-25
Dual Climate Control System ............................ 3-22
Dual Tire Operation ......................................... 5-86
DVD


Rear Seat Entertainment System .................. 3-110


Electrical System


Add-On Equipment ..................................... 5-127
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ............. 5-130
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-128
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ....................... 5-128
Power Windows and Other Power Options .... 5-128
Underhood Fuse Block ............................... 5-131
Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................. 5-127


Engine


Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-25
Battery ....................................................... 5-53
Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-44
Coolant ...................................................... 5-35
Coolant Heater ............................................ 2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage ........................... 3-42
Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-14
Exhaust ..................................................... 2-54
Fan Noise .................................................. 5-46
Oil ............................................................. 5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode ........... 5-40
Overheating ................................................ 5-38
Starting ...................................................... 2-23
Entry Lighting ................................................. 3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................ 7-10
Exit Lighting ................................................... 3-18
Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-29


Filter


Engine Air Cleaner ...................................... 5-25
Finish Damage ............................................. 5-124
Fixed Mast Antenna ....................................... 3-126
Flash-to-Pass ................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-95
Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-96


Flat Tire, Storing ........................................... 5-114
Fluid


Automatic Transmission ........................ 5-27, 5-30
Manual Transmission .................................... 5-33
Power Steering ........................................... 5-46
Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-48
Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-16
Four-Wheel Drive .................................... 2-37, 5-60
Four-Wheel-Drive Light .................................... 3-48
Front Axle ...................................................... 5-62
Front Reading Lamps ...................................... 3-18
Front Storage Area ......................................... 2-72
Fuel ............................................................... 5-5
Additives ...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel .............................................. 5-6
E-85 (85% Ethanol) ....................................... 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 5-11
Filling Your Tank .......................................... 5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-9
Gage ......................................................... 3-49
Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light ....................................... 3-50


Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ............. 5-130
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-128
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ....................... 5-128
Underhood Fuse Block ............................... 5-131
Windshield Wiper ....................................... 5-127


Fuses


Gage


Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... 3-42
Fuel .......................................................... 3-49
Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-47
Speedometer .............................................. 3-33
Tachometer ................................................. 3-33
Transmission Temperature ............................. 3-43
Voltmeter Gage ........................................... 3-38
Garage Door Opener ....................................... 2-68
Gasoline


Octane ........................................................ 5-6
Specifications ............................................... 5-6
Glove Box ..................................................... 2-72
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .................. 7-6


Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-6
Head Restraints ............................................... 1-7
Headlamps ............................................ 3-13, 5-65
Automatic Headlamp System ......................... 3-15
Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-65
Daytime Running Lamps ............................... 3-14
Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-9
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime


Running Lamps ........................................ 5-67


Headlamps (cont.)


Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-65
High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-8
On Reminder .............................................. 3-14
Pickup Box Identification and Fender


Marker Lamps ......................................... 5-71
Roof Marker Lamps ..................................... 5-68
Heated Seats ................................................... 1-5
Heater ................................................... 3-21, 3-22
Heater ........................................................... 3-25
Highbeam On Light ......................................... 3-48
Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-41
Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-42
HomeLink® Transmitter .................................... 2-68
HomeLink® Transmitter, Programming ................ 2-68
Hood


Checking Things Under ................................ 5-12
Release ..................................................... 5-13
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-15
Hydraulic Clutch ............................................. 5-34


Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-33
Inflation -- Tire Pressure .................................. 5-84


Instrument Panel


Brightness .................................................. 3-17
Cluster ....................................................... 3-32
Overview ..................................................... 3-4


Jump Starting ................................................. 5-54


Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-5
Keys ............................................................... 2-3


Labelling, Tire Sidewall .................................... 5-77
Lamps


Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp ........................ 3-17
Cargo ........................................................ 3-19
Dome ........................................................ 3-17
Dome Lamp Override ................................... 3-18
Fog ........................................................... 3-16
Front Reading ............................................. 3-18


LATCH System


Child Restraints ........................................... 1-44
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for


the LATCH System ................................... 1-46


Latches, Seatback ............................................ 1-8
Light


Airbag Off .................................................. 3-34
Airbag Readiness ........................................ 3-34
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-41
Battery Warning .......................................... 3-38
Brake System Warning ................................. 3-40
Cruise Control ............................................. 3-48
Four-Wheel-Drive ......................................... 3-48
Highbeam On ............................................. 3-48
Low Fuel Warning ....................................... 3-50
Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-44
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator .................. 3-36
Safety Belt Reminder ................................... 3-33
Security ..................................................... 3-48
Tow/Haul Mode ........................................... 3-49
................................................ 3-41
Traction Off Up-Shift ..................................................... 3-39


Lighting


Entry ......................................................... 3-18
Exit ........................................................... 3-18
Locking Rear Axle ........................................... 4-12
Lockout Protection .......................................... 2-13
Locks


Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10
Door ........................................................... 2-8
Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-13
Power Door .................................................. 2-9


Locks (cont.)


Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-11
Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-13
Loss of Control ............................................... 4-19
Low Fuel Warning Light ................................... 3-50
Lumbar


Power Controls ............................................. 1-4


Maintenance Schedule


Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill ......................................... 6-10
At Least Once a Month ................................ 6-11
At Least Once a Year .................................. 6-11
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles


(160, 1 600 and 10 000 km) ...................... 6-10
Introduction .................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes .................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record .................................... 6-17
Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ......... 6-16
Owner Checks and Services ......................... 6-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-13
Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4
Using Your ................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2


Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-44
Manual Seats ................................................... 1-3
Manual Selectable Ride ................................... 4-11
Manual Transmission


Fluid .......................................................... 5-33
Operation ................................................... 2-32
Manual Windows ............................................ 2-16
Memory Seat ................................................. 2-76
Message


DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-54


Mirrors


Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass


and Temperature Display ........................... 2-58


Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar®,


Compass and Temperature Display ............. 2-56
Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-56
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 2-64
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors ........................ 2-61
Outside Convex Mirror ................................. 2-65
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors ................... 2-64
Outside Heated Mirrors ................................ 2-65
Outside Manual Mirrors ................................ 2-61
Outside Power Camper-Type ......................... 2-62
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .................... 2-63
Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-62
Outside West Coast-Type Mirrors ................... 2-62
MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-4


New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-21
Noise Control System, Tampering ...................... 5-63
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............ 6-16


Odometer ...................................................... 3-33
Odometer, Trip ............................................... 3-33
Off-Road Driving ............................................. 4-20
Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-17
Oil


Engine ....................................................... 5-20
Pressure Gage ............................................ 3-47
Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-30
Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-4
OnStar® System ............................................. 2-66
Other Warning Devices ...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-30
Outside


Automatic Dimming Mirror ............................. 2-64
Camper-Type Mirrors .................................... 2-61
Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-65
Curb View Assist Mirrors .............................. 2-64
Heated Mirrors ............................................ 2-65


Outside (cont.)


Manual Mirrors ............................................ 2-61
Power Foldaway Mirrors ............................... 2-63
Power Mirrors ............................................. 2-62
West Coast-Type Mirrors .............................. 2-62
Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror ................... 2-62
Overdrive Disable ........................................... 3-49
Overheated Engine Protection


Operating Mode .......................................... 5-40
Owner Checks and Services ............................. 6-10
Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii


Park (P)


Parking


Shifting Into ................................................ 2-50
Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-52


Brake ........................................................ 2-49
Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-53
Parking Your Vehicle ....................................... 2-53
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..................... 3-36
Passenger Sensing System .............................. 1-72
Passing ......................................................... 4-17
Passlock® ...................................................... 2-21


Power


Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-19
Door Locks .................................................. 2-9
Electrical System ....................................... 5-128
Lumbar Controls ........................................... 1-4
Retained Accessory (RAP) ............................ 2-23
Seat ............................................................ 1-4
Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-46
Windows .................................................... 2-17
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-11
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter ........... 2-68


QUADRASTEER™ .......................................... 4-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-14


Radios .......................................................... 3-69
AM-FM Radio ............................................. 3-70
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-125
Care of Your CD and DVD Player ................ 3-126
Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-126


10


Radios (cont.)


Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-83
Radio with CD ............................................ 3-73
Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-97
Rear Seat Audio ........................................ 3-121
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio


Data Systems (RDS) ................................ 3-70


Setting the Time for Radios without Radio


Data Systems (RDS) ................................ 3-69
Theft-Deterrent .......................................... 3-123
Understanding Reception ............................ 3-124
Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-60
Locking ...................................................... 4-12
Rear Door Security Locks ................................ 2-13
Rear Doors .................................................... 2-14
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-28
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) .................................. 3-121
Rear Seat Entertainment System ..................... 3-110
Rear Seat Operation ................................... 1-8, 1-9
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-25
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with


Compass and Temperature Display ................ 2-58


Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with


OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ...................................................... 2-56
Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-56
Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-6


Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-13
Recovery Hooks ............................................. 4-49
Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-63
Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the


Spare Tire ................................................ 5-102
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-97
Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-74
Reporting Safety Defects


Canadian Government .................................. 7-12
General Motors ........................................... 7-13
United States Government ............................ 7-12


Restraint System Check


Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-79
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash .......................................... 1-80


Restraint Systems


Checking .................................................... 1-79
Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-80
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-23
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-23
Roadside


Assistance Program ....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .................... 4-48
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-54


11


S


Safety Belt


Safety Belts


Reminder Light ............................................ 3-33


Care of .................................................... 5-121
Center Passenger Position ............................ 1-23
Driver Position ............................................ 1-15
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-15
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-14
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for


Children and Small Adults ......................... 1-28
Rear Seat Passengers ................................. 1-25
Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-23
Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-29
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-23
Safety Belts Are for Everyone ....................... 1-10
Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-8
Seats


Head Restraints ............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats ............................................... 1-5
Manual ........................................................ 1-3


Seats (cont.)


Memory ..................................................... 2-76
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-4
Power Seats ................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation ............................... 1-8, 1-9
Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-6
Seatback Latches .......................................... 1-8
Secondary Latch System ................................ 5-110
Securing a Child Restraint


Center Front Seat Position ............................ 1-50
Center Rear Seat Position ............................ 1-49
Designed for the LATCH System ................... 1-46
Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... 1-47
Right Front Seat Position (Crew Cab) ............. 1-51
Right Front Seat Position


(Regular and Extended Cab) ............. 1-54, 1-59
Security Light ................................................. 3-48
Service ........................................................... 5-4


Adding Equipment to the Outside


of Your Vehicle .......................................... 5-5
Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-44
Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-13
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............. 1-77


12


Setting the Time


Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ......... 3-70
Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..... 3-69
Sheet Metal Damage ..................................... 5-124
Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-50
Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-52
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change .......................... 3-7
Sliding Rear Windows ..................................... 2-18
Spare Tire .................................................... 5-117
Installing ................................................... 5-102
Removing ................................................... 5-97
Storing ..................................................... 5-114
Specifications, Capacities ............................... 5-136
Speedometer .................................................. 3-33
Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-23
Steering ........................................................ 4-12
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ....................... 3-123
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ................................. 3-6
Storage Areas


Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-72
Coinholder(s) .............................................. 2-72
Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-72
Front Storage Area ...................................... 2-72
Glove Box .................................................. 2-72


Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-48
Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-19
Sunroof ......................................................... 2-75
Swing-Out Windows ........................................ 2-18


Tachometer .................................................... 3-33
Tailgate ......................................................... 2-14
Taillamps ....................................................... 5-72
Theft-Deterrent, Radio .................................... 3-123
Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-19
Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 2-19
Passlock® ................................................... 2-21
Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-6
Tires ............................................................. 5-76


Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,


Cleaning ............................................... 5-123
Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-90
Chains ....................................................... 5-94
Changing a Flat Tire .................................... 5-96
Cleaning ................................................... 5-124
Dual Tire Operation ..................................... 5-86


13


Towing


Traction


Power Take-Off (PTO) ................................ 4-100
Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-63
Towing a Trailer .......................................... 4-69
Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-62


Assist System (TAS) ...................................... 4-8
Manual Selectable Ride ................................ 4-11
Off Light ..................................................... 3-41


Recommendations ....................................... 4-69


Trailer


Transmission


Fluid, Automatic .................................. 5-27, 5-30
Fluid, Manual .............................................. 5-33
Temperature Gage ....................................... 3-43
Up-Shift Light .............................................. 3-39
Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... 2-26
Transmission Operation, Manual ........................ 2-32
Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-33
Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-7


Tires (cont.)


If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-95
Inflation -- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-84
Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-87
Installing the Spare Tire .............................. 5-102
Removing the Flat Tire ............................... 5-102
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ............... 5-97
Secondary Latch System ............................ 5-110
Spare Tire ................................................ 5-117
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools .......... 5-114
Tire Sidewall Labelling .................................. 5-77
Tire Terminology and Definitions .................... 5-81
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-91
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-92
Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-92
When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-89
Tonneau Cover ............................................... 2-73
Top Strap ...................................................... 1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-42
Tow/Haul Mode ............................................... 2-30
Tow/Haul Mode Light ....................................... 3-49
Tow/Haul Mode, Overdrive Disable .................... 3-49


14


U


Understanding Radio Reception ....................... 3-124
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-91
Up-Shift Light ................................................. 3-39


Vehicle


Control ........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Parking Your ............................................... 2-53
Symbols ......................................................... iv Vehicle Customization, DIC .............................. 3-63
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data


Recorders .................................................. 7-10


Vehicle Identification


Number (VIN) ............................................ 5-126
Service Parts Identification Label .................. 5-127


Windshield


Vehicle Personalization


Memory Seat .............................................. 2-76
Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-30
Visors ........................................................... 2-19
Voltmeter Gage .............................................. 3-38


Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-31
Warnings


DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-54
Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv


Wheels


Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-92
Replacement ............................................... 5-92
Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-38
Windows ....................................................... 2-16
Manual ...................................................... 2-16
Power ........................................................ 2-17
Sliding Rear ................................................ 2-18
Swing-Out Windows ..................................... 2-18


Wiper Blades, Cleaning .............................. 5-123
Windshield Washer ......................................... 3-10
Fluid .......................................................... 5-48


15


Windshield Wiper


Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-75
Fuses ...................................................... 5-127
Windshield Wipers ......................................... 3-9
Winter Driving ................................................ 4-44


XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System .............. 3-126


Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2


16


2005 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual M


Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1
Front Seats ............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats ............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts ............................................. 1-10
Child Restraints ....................................... 1-30
Airbag System ......................................... 1-62
Restraint System Check ............................ 1-79
Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1
........................................................ 2-3
....................................... 2-8
................................................. 2-16
............................ 2-19
........... 2-21
.................................................... 2-56
...................................... 2-66
............................. 2-68
......................................... 2-72
.................................................. 2-75
............................. 2-76
Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1
.......................... 3-4
...................................... 3-21
........ 3-31
.................. 3-50
....................................... 3-69


Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStar® System HomeLink® Transmitter Storage Areas Sunroof Vehicle Personalization


Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s)


Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing


Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1
..... 4-2
................................................... 4-62
Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1
Service ..................................................... 5-4
Fuel ......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-12
All-Wheel Drive ........................................ 5-58
Rear Axle ............................................... 5-60
Four-Wheel Drive ..................................... 5-60
Front Axle ............................................... 5-62
Noise Control System ............................... 5-63
Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-65
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-75
Tires ...................................................... 5-76
Appearance Care ................................... 5-118
Vehicle Identification ............................... 5-126
Electrical System .................................... 5-127
Capacities and Specifications ................... 5-136
Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information .............. 7-1
........... 7-2
........................... 7-12
Index ................................................................ 1


Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects


Maintenance Schedule


GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the name SILVERADO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if it is needed while you are on the road. If the vehicle is sold, leave this manual in it the vehicle.


Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from:


Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207


How to Use This Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If this is done, it can help you learn about the features and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work together in the owner manual to explain things.


Index A good place to quickly locate information about the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.


Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 05SILVERADO A First Edition


©2004 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


ii


Safety Warnings and Symbols There are a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.


{CAUTION:


These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.


In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you do not, you or others could be hurt.


You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Do Not,” “Do Not do this” or “Do Not let this happen.”


iii


Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this manual you will find these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.


Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage, or indicator. If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage, or indicator, reference the following topics: (cid:127) Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1


Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3


(cid:127) Climate Controls in Section 3
(cid:127) Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
(cid:127) Audio System(s) in Section 3
(cid:127) Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5


iv


(cid:127) (cid:127) These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:


✍ NOTES


vi


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Front Seats ......................................................1-3
Manual Seats ................................................1-3
Power Seats ..................................................1-4
Power Lumbar ...............................................1-4
Heated Seats .................................................1-5
Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-6
Head Restraints .............................................1-7
Seatback Latches ...........................................1-8
Rear Seats .......................................................1-8
Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) ................1-8
Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) ......................1-9
Safety Belts ...................................................1-10
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................1-10
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-15
Driver Position ..............................................1-15
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-23
Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-23
Center Passenger Position .............................1-23
Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-25
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for


Children and Small Adults ..........................1-28
Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-29


Child Restraints .............................................1-30
Older Children ..............................................1-30
Infants and Young Children ............................1-33
Child Restraint Systems .................................1-36
Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-38
Top Strap ....................................................1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-42
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for


Children (LATCH System) ............................1-44


Securing a Child Restraint Designed


for the LATCH System ...............................1-46


Securing a Child Restraint in a


Rear Outside Seat Position .........................1-47


Securing a Child Restraint in a Center


Rear Seat Position ....................................1-49


Securing a Child Restraint in the Center


Front Seat Position ....................................1-50


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right


Front Seat Position (Crew Cab) .....................1-51


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) .............................1-54


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) ...............1-59


1-1


Section 1


Seats and Restraint Systems


Airbag System ...............................................1-62
Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-64
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .....................1-65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? .......................1-67
How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-67
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? .....1-68
Airbag Off Switch ..........................................1-69
Passenger Sensing System ............................1-72
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-77
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped


Vehicle ....................................................1-78


Restraint System Check ..................................1-79
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-79
Replacing Restraint System Parts


After a Crash ............................................1-80


1-2


Front Seats


Manual Seats


{CAUTION:


You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.


If your vehicle has a manual bucket or a split bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever located at the front of the seat. Lift the lever to unlock the seat. Using your body, slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.


1-3


Power Seats


If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with these controls located on the outboard sides of the seats. (cid:127) Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the forward edge of the horizontal control.


(cid:127) Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the


whole horizontal control forward or rearward.


(cid:127) Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by raising


or lowering the rear edge of the horizontal control.


(cid:127) Moving the whole horizontal control up or down


raises or lowers the entire seat cushion.


1-4


If your vehicle has power reclining seats, you can use the vertical control to adjust the angle of the seatback. Move the reclining front seatback rearward or forward by moving the control toward the rear or the front of the vehicle. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-6.


Power Lumbar Your vehicle’s seats may be equipped with power lumbar.


You can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback with this control, located on the outboard sides of the front seat(s).


To increase support, press and hold the front of the control. To decrease support, press and hold the rear of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower seatback for more lateral support.


To increase support, press and hold the top of the control. To decrease support, press and hold the bottom of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. Your vehicle may have a memory function which allows seat settings to be saved and recalled. See Memory Seat on page 2-76 for more information. Heated Seats


If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, the buttons are located on the front doors. The engine must be running for the heated seats to work.


The low setting warms the seatback and cushion until the seat temperature is near body temperature. The medium and high settings heat the seatback and seat cushion to a slightly higher temperature. You will be able to feel heat in about two minutes. To heat only the seatback, press the vertical button with the heated seatback symbol. An indicator light on the seatback button will be lit to designate that only the seatback is being heated. Additional presses of the seatback button will cycle through the heat levels for the seatback only. Press the horizontal button again to heat the whole seat. The heated front seats will shut off automatically when the ignition is turned off.


To heat the entire seat, press the horizontal button with the heated seat and seatback symbol. Press the button to cycle through the temperature settings of high, medium and low and to turn the heated seat off. Indicator lights will be lit to designate the level of heat selected: three for high, two for medium, and one for low.


1-5


Reclining Seatbacks


But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.


To adjust the front seatback, lift the manual lever located on the outboard side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lift the lever again without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will go to an upright position. If your vehicle has power seats with a power recliner, see Power Seats on page 1-4 for further information on how to operate the reclining seatback feature.


1-6


{CAUTION:


Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can not do their job when you are reclined like this. The shoulder belt can not do its job. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can not do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.


Head Restraints


Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. To raise the head restraint pull up on the head restraint. Your vehicle may have rear seat head restraints that can be adjusted up and down.


1-7


Seatback Latches


{CAUTION:


If the seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.


The seatbacks fold forward to let you access the rear of the cab. To fold a front seatback forward, lift the lever at the base of the seat to release the seatback. The lever is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.


1-8


Rear Seats


Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) Folding the Rear Seat The extended cab’s rear seat can be folded up to provide more cargo space. To fold the seat do the following:


1. Push down on the seat while pulling forward on the release strap located under the rear seat cushion.


2. Pull the seat cushion up until it latches with the


seatback.


3. After latching the seat cushion up, gently pull


forward on it to make sure it is locked.


The extended cab’s rear seat can also be folded open for more seating space. To use the seat do the following: 1. Push rearward on the seat cushion while pulling


forward on the release strap under the seat cushion. Pull the seat cushion down until it latches. 2. After latching the seat cushion down, gently pull up


on it to make sure it is locked.


Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) The second row rear seat has a 60/40 split seat. Either side of the rear seat may be folded down to give you more cargo space. Make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat and that the head restraints are completely lowered. To fold the rear seat, do the following:


1. Pull up on the strap


loop at the rear of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up and fold it forward.


2. After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the


seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seat more upright. The lever at the base of the seat must be turned rearward to release the seatback.


To return the seat to the passenger position do the following: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward all


the way.


2. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into position. 3. Pull forward on the seatback and up on the


seat cushion to make sure the seat is securely in place.


Check to see that the buckles on the driver’s side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions.


1-9


Safety Belts


Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.


{CAUTION:


Do not let anyone ride where he or she can not wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you are not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.


{CAUTION:


It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.


Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-33.


In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here is why: They work.


1-10


Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.


You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person would not survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter...a lot!


Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.


1-11


Put someone on it.


Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop.


1-12


The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...


or the instrument panel...


1-13


Questions and Answers About Safety Belts


Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident


if I am wearing a safety belt?


A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety


belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.


Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to


wear safety belts?


A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will be in


most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.


or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense.


1-14


Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from


home, why should I wear safety belts?


A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in an


accident — even one that is not your fault — you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver does not protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.


How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-30
or Infants and Young Children on page 1-33. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you will want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We will start with the driver position.


Driver Position Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.


To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.


1-15


3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.


Do not let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.


4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.


Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-29. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


1-16


5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.


The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.


1-17


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.


A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearly


as much protection this way.


1-18


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.


1-19


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.


Q: What is wrong with this?


A: The belt is over an armrest.


1-20


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.


A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should


be worn over the shoulder at all times.


1-21


Q: What is wrong with this?


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


1-22


To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way.


Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.


Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.


A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.


The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.


Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-15. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature which may turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag. If this happens unintentionally, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.


Center Passenger Position If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions. When you sit in the center rear seat position of a crew cab, you have a lap-shoulder belt which is similar to the rear outside seat positions. To learn how to wear this belt see “Lap-Shoulder Belt” under Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-25.


1-23


Lap Belt When you sit in a center rear seat position of an extended cab or in the center front seat position of a crew cab, an extended cab, or a regular cab, you have a lap belt.


Your lap safety belt has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.


To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-29. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


1-24


Rear Seat Passengers It is very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who are not safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Extended Cab and Crew Cab) Lap-Shoulder Belt Here is how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.


1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.


Do not let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.


2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.


Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again.


1-25


If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-29. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.


The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.


1-26


The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or a crash. The safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.


{CAUTION:


You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.


To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.


1-27


2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the


two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.


Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear seat comfort guides provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt: 1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the


interior body.


3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.


The guide must be on top of the belt.


1-28


4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as


described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-25. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.


To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Slide the guide onto the storage clip.


Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. It is free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.


1-29


Child Restraints


Older Children


Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a


lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.


Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.


Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt to get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.


1-30


Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?


A: If the child is sitting in a rear outside seat position,


move the child toward the center of the vehicle. See Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults on page 1-28. If the child is sitting in the center rear seat position of a crew cab, move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In either case be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.


1-31


{CAUTION:


Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.


{CAUTION:


Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.


Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.


1-32


Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint.


{CAUTION:


People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby does not weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.


1-33


{CAUTION:


Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide.


Q: What are the different types of add-on child


restraints?


A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the


vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.


1-34


{CAUTION:


The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.


For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.


{CAUTION:


Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.


1-35


Child Restraint Systems


An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.


A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.


1-36


A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.


A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.


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Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side.


When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system or the LATCH system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.


Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.


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Never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system or an airbag off switch and the passenger airbag status indicator or the airbag off light shows off. Never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless the airbag is off. Here is why:


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Be sure the airbag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. Even though the passenger sensing system or airbag off switch are designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag under certain


CAUTION:


(Continued)


CAUTION:


(Continued)


conditions, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.


Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. The restraints will not work properly. There is limited space in the rear seating area of an extended cab model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear seating position of an extended cab model, especially in the rear center position, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your seat properly.


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If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system or the airbag off switch and you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s frontal airbag must be off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-72, Airbag Off Switch on page 1-69, Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) on page 1-54 or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) on page 1-59 for more on this including important safety information. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it.


Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap or 'top tether'. It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap much be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored properly. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.


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In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.


Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Raise the head restraint and route the top strap under it. Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.


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Top Strap Anchor Location Regular Cab


Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. Extended Cab


There is a top strap anchor for the right front passenger position located on the back panel of your vehicle, behind the right front passenger seat. In order to get to the anchor, you will have to remove the trim plug covering it.


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There are top strap anchors for the rear seating positions near the top of the seatback. In addition to the top strap anchors, each seating position has a fabric loop at the top of the seatback that you will use to route a top strap through.


When using a child restraint with a top strap in either rear outboard position, raise the head restraint and route the top strap through the fabric loop on the seatback. Then, attach the top strap to the anchor point at the center rear seating position. When using a child restraint with a top strap in the center rear position, route the top strap through the fabric loop on the seatback. Then, raise the head restraint and attach the top strap to the anchor point located at the closest outboard position.


Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. Do not secure a child restraint in the right front passenger position of an extended cab if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. There is no place to anchor the top strap in this position.


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Crew Cab


Top strap anchors for the rear seating positions are located on the back panel of your vehicle, behind the rear seat. In order to get to the brackets, you will have to remove the trim plugs covering them.


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A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second row. Do not secure a child restraint in the right front passenger’s position of a crew cab if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. There is no place to anchor the top strap in this position.


Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle may have the LATCH system. For extended cabs, you will find anchors for the rear outside seating positions. For crew cabs, you will find anchors for the second row center and second row right passenger seating positions. For regular cabs, there are no anchors. This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap.


A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage C. Top Tether


A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system.


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To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system has a visible metal anchor point in the seat where the seatback meets the seat cushion.


{CAUTION:


If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.


Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating


position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44.


2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the


child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Also see Top Strap on page 1-40.


5. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top tether from the top tether anchorage and then disconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCH anchorages.


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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position Extended Cab and Crew Cab There is limited space in the rear seating of an extended cab model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear outside seating position, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your seat properly. If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44. See Top Strap on page 1-40 if the child restraint has one. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


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4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of


the retractor to set the lock.


5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,


pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. Push and pull the restraint in different directions to


be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.


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Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position If you have a extended cab or crew cab pickup, you can secure a child restraint in the center rear seat position. Crew Cab When you secure a child restraint in the center rear seat position of a crew cab, you will be using a lap-shoulder belt that works the same way as the safety belts in the rear outside seat positions. For instructions on how to secure a child restraint using a lap-shoulder belt see Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position on page 1-47. Extended Cab There is limited space in the rear seating area of an extended cab model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear seat position of an extended cab model, especially in the rear center seat position, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your child restraint properly. If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44. See Top Strap on page 1-40 if the child restraint has one.


If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap belt to secure a child restraint in the center rear seat position of an extended cab. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.


1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch


plate and pulling it along the belt. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat.


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5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push


down on the child restraint. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.


Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position Do not use child restraints in this position. The restraints will not work properly.


3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the


restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Crew Cab) Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat. Here is why:


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat.


A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, see Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-38. If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44. See Top Strap on page 1-40 if your child restraint has one.


There is no top strap anchor in the right front passenger’s position. Do not secure a child seat in this position if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. See Top Strap on page 1-40 if your child restraint has one. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal airbag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 1-3 or Power Seats on page 1-4.


2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of


the retractor to set the lock.


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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,


pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should not be able to pull more of the belt out of the retractor once the lock has been set.


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.


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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. There is a switch on the instrument panel that you can use to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag. See the following illustration. Your switch may vary

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