2008 Chevrolet Silverado Owners Manual

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(cid:127) If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). (cid:127) If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. Thresholds can also vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your vehicle is 8,500 lb (3 855 kg) or above, your vehicle has single stage airbags. If the GVWR is below 8,500 lb (3 855 kg) then your vehicle has dual stage airbags. You can ﬁnd the GVWR on the certiﬁcation label on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-36 for more information. In addition, your vehicle may have dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. Vehicles with dual stage airbags also have seat position sensors which enables the sensing system to monitor the position of the driver’s seat. The seat position sensor provides information that is used to determine if the airbags should deploy at a reduced level or at full deployment. Your vehicle may or may not have roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-69. Roof-rail airbags are intended to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. In addition, these roof-rail airbags are intended to inﬂate during a rollover or in a severe frontal impact. Roof-rail airbags will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Roof-rail airbags are not intended to inﬂate in rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags will deploy when either side of the vehicle is struck, or if the sensing system predicts that the vehicle is about to roll over, or in a severe frontal impact. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact. In a rollover event, roof-rail airbag deployment is determined by the direction of the roll. What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inﬂator. Gas from the inﬂator ﬁlls the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inﬂator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions. 1-75 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After the frontal airbags inﬂate, they quickly deﬂate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inﬂated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inﬂated for some time after they deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-75. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle. How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body. Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help contain the head and chest of occupants in the outboard seating positions in the ﬁrst and second rows. The rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover events, although no system can prevent all such ejections. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-74 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts. 1-76 {CAUTION: When an airbag inﬂates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention. Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers on when the airbags inﬂate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features. In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:127) Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. (cid:127) Your vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 7-16 and Event Data Recorders on page 7-17. (cid:127) Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer/ retailer for service. 1-77 Airbag Off Switch If one of the switches pictured in the following illustrations is located in your glove box, your vehicle has an airbag on-off switch that you can use to manually turn on or off the right front passenger’s airbag. Your switch may vary slightly. United States Canada If your vehicle does not have an airbag off switch, it may have a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-81. 1-78 This switch should only be turned to the off position if the person in the right front passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identiﬁed by the national government as follows: Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: (cid:127) My vehicle has no rear seat; (cid:127) My vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate a rear-facing infant seat; or (cid:127) The infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition. Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: (cid:127) My vehicle has no rear seat; (cid:127) Although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of my vehicle; or (cid:127) The child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition. Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician: (cid:127) Causes the passenger airbag to pose a special risk for the passenger; and (cid:127) Makes the potential harm from the passenger airbag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the airbag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash. {CAUTION: If the right front passenger’s airbag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identiﬁed by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of an airbag. In a crash, the airbag will not be able to inﬂate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s airbag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. United States Canada To turn off the right front passenger’s airbag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the off position. The word OFF or the off symbol will come on in the passenger airbag status indicator located in the overhead console to let you know that the right front passenger’s airbag is off, after the system check is completed. The airbag off light will come on and stay on to let you know that the right front passenger’s airbag is off. See Airbag Off Light on page 3-41. 1-79 {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The right front passenger’s airbag could inﬂate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identiﬁed as a member of a passenger airbag risk group sit in the right front passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat) until you have your vehicle serviced. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-40 for additional information. 1-80 United States Canada To turn the right front passenger’s airbag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the on position. The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is now enabled (may inﬂate). See Airbag Off Light on page 3-41 for more information. Passenger Sensing System If your vehicle has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger’s position, unless there is an airbag off switch located in the glove box. If there is an airbag off switch, your vehicle does not have a passenger sensing system. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-78 for more information. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the overhead console when you start your vehicle. United States Canada The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, will be visible during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-43. The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inﬂate) or not. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. 1-81 A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. {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. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Rear-facing child restraints should be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you 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. If your vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, we recommend that rear-facing child restraints not be transported in your vehicle, even if the airbag is off. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if: (cid:127) The right front passenger seat is unoccupied. (cid:127) The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. (cid:127) The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint. (cid:127) The system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat. (cid:127) A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time. (cid:127) The right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints. (cid:127) Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-43. 1-82 If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Airbag Off Switch) on page 1-57 or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Passenger Sensing System) on page 1-62 or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Heavy Duty Crew Cab Only) on page 1-66. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 1-11. Remove any additional material from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers before reinstalling or securing the child restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle, and check with your dealer/retailer. If no rear seat is available, do not install a child restraint in this vehicle, and check with your dealer/retailer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inﬂate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. 1-83 If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off, remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters or seat massagers and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the right front passenger’s frontal airbag. 1-84 Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. This may unintentionally cause the passenger sensing system to turn the airbag(s) off for some adult size occupants. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-40 for more on this, including important safety information. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has approved for your speciﬁc vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-86 for more information about modiﬁcations that can affect how the system operates. {CAUTION: Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system. 1-85 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front sensors, rollover sensor module, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system. Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15. {CAUTION: For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inﬂate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inﬂates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualiﬁed to do so. 1-86 In addition, your vehicle may have a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger’s position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-81. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. If your vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 5-88 for additional important information. Q: What if I added a snow plow? Will it keep the airbags from working properly? A: We have designed our airbag systems to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including snow plowing with vehicles that have the optional Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO VYU). But do not change or defeat the snow plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can damage your snow plow and your vehicle, and it may cause an airbag inﬂation. Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modiﬁed. How can I ﬁnd out whether this will affect my airbag system? A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring. 1-87 Airbags The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-40 for more information. Notice: or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-75. See your dealer/retailer for service. If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, Restraint System Check Checking the Restraint Systems Safety Belts Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-39 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety Belts on page 5-117. 1-88 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash {CAUTION: A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts? After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary. But the belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. If your vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being used at the time of the crash. If an airbag inﬂates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section. Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been in a crash, if your airbag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle, or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-40. 1-89 ✍ NOTES 1-90 Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................2-4 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation ...................................................2-5 Remote Vehicle Start ......................................2-7 Doors and Locks ............................................2-10 Door Locks ..................................................2-10 Power Door Locks ........................................2-10 Delayed Locking ...........................................2-11 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ..............2-11 Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-11 Lockout Protection ........................................2-12 Rear Doors ..................................................2-12 Tailgate .......................................................2-13 Windows ........................................................2-15 Manual Windows ..........................................2-15 Power Windows ............................................2-16 Power Sliding Rear Window ...........................2-17 Sun Visors ...................................................2-18 Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-18 Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-18 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer .............2-20 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation .................................................2-20 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-22 New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-22 Ignition Positions ..........................................2-22 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-24 Starting the Engine .......................................2-24 Fast Idle System ..........................................2-25 Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ................2-26 Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-27 Active Fuel Management™ .............................2-28 Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-28 Tow/Haul Mode ............................................2-34 Four-Wheel Drive ..........................................2-36 Parking Brake ..............................................2-50 Shifting Into Park ..........................................2-51 Shifting Out of Park ......................................2-53 Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-53 Engine Exhaust ............................................2-54 Running the Vehicle While Parked ..................2-54 Mirrors ...........................................................2-56 Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-56 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ....................................................2-56 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display ..............2-58 2-1 Section 2 Features and Controls Outside Manual Mirrors ..................................2-59 Outside Towing Mirrors ..................................2-60 Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-61 Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .....................2-62 Object Detection Systems ...............................2-64 Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) ............2-64 OnStar® System .............................................2-67 Universal Home Remote System ......................2-71 Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED) ............................2-71 Storage Areas ................................................2-78 Glove Box ...................................................2-78 Cupholders ..................................................2-78 Instrument Panel Storage ...............................2-78 Center Console Storage .................................2-79 Luggage Carrier ...........................................2-79 Rear Seat Armrest ........................................2-80 Cargo Management System ...........................2-80 Sunroof .........................................................2-82 2-2 Keys {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children. The key can be used for the ignition and all door locks. The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer or qualiﬁed locksmith can use to make new keys. Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle. 2-3 If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, See your dealer/retailer if a replacement key or additional key is needed. Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. If you are locked out of your vehicle, call the Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-7. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System If this vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, it operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range, try this: (cid:127) Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. (cid:127) Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. (cid:127) Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section. (cid:127) If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer/retailer or a qualiﬁed technician for service. 2-4 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions will work up to 195 feet (60 m) away, however, the operating range may be less while the vehicle is running. There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4. / (Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has this feature, press / to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2-7 for additional information. Q(Lock): Press to lock all the doors. If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the turn signal lamps will ﬂash once to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled through the DIC, the horn will chirp when Q is pressed again within three seconds of the previous press of the lock button. See DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76 for additional information. Pressing Q will arm the content theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18. With Remote Start (Without Remote Start Similar) 2-5 " (Unlock): Press to unlock the driver’s door. If " is pressed again within three seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. If it is dark enough outside, your interior lamps will come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled through the DIC, the turn signal lamps will ﬂash twice to indicate unlocking has occurred. See DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76. If enabled through the DIC, the exterior lights will turn on brieﬂy if it is dark enough outside. See “APPROACH LIGHTING” under DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76. Pressing " on the RKE transmitter will disarm the content theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18. L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press and release to locate your vehicle. The turn signal lamps will ﬂash and the horn will sound three times. Press and hold L for more than two seconds to activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps will ﬂash and the horn will sound repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm will turn off when the ignition is moved to ON/RUN or L is pressed again. The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work. 2-6 Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be re-coded to match the new transmitter. The lost transmitter will no longer work after the new transmitters are re-coded. The vehicle can have a maximum of eight transmitters matched to it. See “Relearn Remote Key” under DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-57 or DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-63 for instructions on how to match RKE transmitters to your vehicle. Battery Replacement Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC. See “REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66 for additional information. Notice: When replacing the battery, do not to touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter. Remote Vehicle Start Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning systems and rear window defogger. Normal operation of the system will return after the key is turned to the ON/RUN position. If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system, the climate control system will default to a heating or cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures. If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle was set to when the vehicle was last turned off. During a remote start, if your vehicle has an automatic climate control system and heated seats, the heated seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN. If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control system, during remote start, you will need to manually turn the heated seats on and off. See Heated Seats on page 1-5 for additional information. Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using the remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles. 2-7 To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter: 1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a ﬂat, thin object inserted into the notch on the side. 2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery. 4. Put the transmitter back together tightly. Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel. If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE transmitter functions will have an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running. There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4 for additional information. / (Remote Start): This button will be on the RKE transmitter if you have remote start. To start the vehicle using the remote start feature: 1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle. 2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button. The vehicle’s doors will lock. Immediately press and hold the transmitter’s remote start button until the turn signal lights ﬂash. If you cannot see the vehicle’s lights, press and hold the remote start button for two to four seconds. Pressing the remote start button again after the vehicle has started will turn the engine off. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the vehicle is running. If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done. 3. If it is the ﬁrst remote start since the vehicle has been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time. After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert and turn the key to RUN to drive the vehicle. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the following: (cid:127) Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press the remote start button until the parking lamps turn off. (cid:127) Turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers. (cid:127) Turn the ignition switch on and then off. The vehicle can be remote started two separate times between driving sequences. The engine will run for 10 minutes after each remote start. Or, you can extend the engine run time by another 10 minutes within the ﬁrst 10 minute remote start time frame, and before the engine stops. 2-8 For example, if the lock button and then the remote start buttons are pressed again after the vehicle has been running for ﬁve minutes, 10 minutes are added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes. The additional ten minutes are considered a second remote vehicle start. Once two remote starts, or a single remote start with one time extension has been done, the vehicle must be started with the key. After the key is removed from the ignition, the vehicle can be remote started again. The vehicle cannot be remote started if the key is in the ignition, the hood is not closed, or if there is an emission control system malfunction and the check engine light comes on. Also, the engine will turn off during a remote vehicle start if the coolant temperature gets too high or if the oil pressure gets low. Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle start system enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76 for additional information. If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, see your dealer/retailer to enable or disable the remote vehicle start system. Remote Start Ready If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature. See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add the manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to your vehicle. 2-9 There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the key in the driver’s door. From the inside, use the power door locks or manual door locks. To lock or unlock the door with the manual locks, push down or pull up on the manual lock knob. Power Door Locks The power door lock switches are located on the front doors. K (Unlock): Press to unlock the doors. Q(Lock): Remove the key from the ignition and press to lock the doors. Doors and Locks Door Locks {CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. (cid:127) Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. (cid:127) Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it. (cid:127) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening. 2-10 Delayed Locking When locking the doors with the power lock switch or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and a door is open, the doors will lock ﬁve seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use. Pressing the power lock switch twice or the lock button on the RKE transmitter twice will override the delayed locking feature and immediately lock all the doors. This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition. You can program this feature using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DELAY DOOR LOCK under DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76. Programmable Automatic Door Locks Vehicles with an automatic lock/unlock feature enable you to program the vehicle’s power door locks. You can program this feature through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76 for more information on DIC programming. Rear Door Security Locks Your vehicle has rear door security locks. These prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside. The rear door security locks are located on the inside edge of each rear door. The rear doors must be open to access them. The label showing lock and unlock positions is located near the lock. To set the locks, do the following: 1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the horizontal position. 2. Close the door. 2-11 Rear Doors Extended Cab Your vehicle may have a rear access door(s) that allows easier access to the rear area of the extended cab. To open a rear access door from the outside, ﬁrst open the front door. Then, use the handle located on the front edge of the rear access door to open it. You must fully close a rear access door before you can close the front door. When you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the following: 1. Unlock the door by lifting the rear door manual lock, using the power door lock switch, or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, if the vehicle has one. 2. Open the door from the outside. To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside. 2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the vertical position. Lockout Protection This feature protects you from locking the key in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a front door is open. If the driver’s side power door lock switch is pressed when the driver’s door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the driver’s door will unlock. If the passenger’s side power door lock switch is pressed when the front passenger’s door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the front passenger’s door will unlock. 2-12 To open a rear access door from the inside, the front door must be opened ﬁrst. Then, use the handle located on the inside of the rear access door to open. Crew Cabs If your vehicle is a crew cab, you can open your doors from the inside or outside. Your vehicle may also have a feature which prevents children from opening the rear doors. See Rear Door Security Locks on page 2-11 for more information. Tailgate {CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride on the tailgate, even when the vehicle is operated at low speeds. People riding on the tailgate can easily lose their balance and fall in response to vehicle maneuvers. Falling from a moving vehicle may result in serious injuries or death. Do not allow people to ride on the tailgate. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. On vehicles with a lock on the tailgate, use the key to lock or unlock the tailgate. Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling the tailgate toward you. To shut the tailgate, ﬁrmly push it upward until it latches. After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards you to be sure it latches securely. 2-13 2. With the tailgate about halfway open, lift the right edge of the tailgate from the lower pivot. On vehicles with the tailgate assist feature, raise the tailgate nearly all the way to the closed position prior to removing the left edge. 3. Move the tailgate to the right to release the left edge. Reverse this procedure to reinstall the tailgate. Make sure the tailgate is secure. Tailgate Removal The tailgate can be removed to allow for different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be removed without assistance, you may want someone to assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to the vehicle. To remove the tailgate, do the following: 1. Raise the tailgate slightly and release both retaining cable clips. To release the retaining cable clips, lift the cable so it points straight out. Lift the clip over the bolt, and push the cable forward then rotate down. 2-14 Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. Manual Windows Turn the hand crank on each door to manually raise or lower the manual windows. 2-15 Power Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the keys is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children. When there are children in the rear seat use the window lockout button to prevent unintentional operation of the windows. 2-16 Crew Cab shown If your vehicle has power windows, the controls are located on each of the side doors in the front and rear for crew cab and extended cab models. The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger’s and rear windows as well. Your power windows will work when the ignition has been turned to ACCESSORY or RUN or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-24. Press the switch down to lower the window, and pull up the front of the switch to raise the window. Express Down Windows Vehicles with the express down feature allow the driver and front passenger windows to be lowered without holding the switch. Press down fully on the window switch, then release, to activate the express down mode. The express down mode can be canceled at any time by pulling up on the switch. To open the window partway, press the switch to the ﬁrst depression position, until the window is at the desired position. Window Lockout o (Window Lockout): If your crew cab or extended cab vehicle has power windows, the driver’s door power window switch has a lockout feature. The lockout switch is located in front of the window switches. This feature prevents the rear windows from operating, except from the driver’s position. Press the switch to engage or disengage the lockout feature. An indicator light on the switch will come on when the lockout feature is engaged, and will go off when disengaged. Power Sliding Rear Window On vehicles with a power sliding rear window, the switch is located in the overhead console. The power sliding rear window works when the ignition has been turned to ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/RUN, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-24 for more information. The power sliding rear window cannot be operated manually. T: Press to open the window. S: Press to close the window. 2-17 Sun Visors Pull the sun visor down to block glare. Swing the sun visor to the side to cover the side window. The passenger’s side sun visor may have a vanity mirror. Theft-Deterrent Systems Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however, they do not make it impossible to steal. Content Theft-Deterrent Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent alarm system. This is the security light. To arm the theft-deterrent system: 1. Open the door. 2. Lock the door with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The security light should come on and ﬂash. If the delayed locking feature is active, the alarm will not be activated until all doors are closed and the security light goes off. 3. Close all doors. The security light will stop ﬂashing and go off after approximately 30 seconds. The content theft deterrent alarm is not armed until the security light goes off. If a locked door is opened without using the RKE transmitter, a ten second pre-alarm will occur. The horn will chirp and the lights will ﬂash. If the key is not placed in the ignition and turned to START or the door is not unlocked by pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter during the ten second pre-alarm, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will ﬂash and the horn will sound for about two minutes, then will turn off to save the battery power. 2-18 The theft-deterrent system will not activate if the doors are locked with the vehicle’s key or the manual door lock. It activates only if you use the power door lock switch with the door open or the RKE transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off. To avoid setting off the alarm by accident: (cid:127) If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent system, the vehicle should be locked with the door key after the doors are closed. (cid:127) Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm if the system has been armed. If you set off the alarm by accident, press unlock on the RKE transmitter or place the key in the ignition and turn it to START to turn it off. Testing the Alarm To test the alarm: 1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window and open the driver’s door. 2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the RKE transmitter. 3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for the security light to go out. 4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm. If the alarm does not sound when it should but the headlamps ﬂash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-125. If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not ﬂash, see your dealer/retailer for service. 2-19 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer The PASS-Key III+ system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. PASS-Key III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle. PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation Your vehicle has PASS-Key® III+ (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key® III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system is automatically armed when the key is removed from the ignition. The system is automatically disarmed when the key is turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START from the LOCK/OFF position. You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system. The security light will come on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. When the PASS-Key® III+ system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high number of electrical key codes. If the engine does not start and the security light on the instrument panel cluster comes on when trying to start the vehicle, there may be a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again. 2-20 If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-125. If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the ﬁrst key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the PASS-Key® III+ to have a new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. It is possible for the PASS-Key® III+ decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming additional keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost or do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to have keys made and programmed to the system. See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to get a new key blank that is cut exactly as the ignition key that operates the system. To program the new additional key: 1. Verify that the new key has a 1 stamped on it. 2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer/retailer for service. 3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key. 4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to the ON/RUN position within ﬁve seconds of turning the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position in Step 3. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed. 5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be programmed. If you lose or damage your PASS-Key® III+ key, see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to have a new key made. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle. 2-21 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:127) Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). (cid:127) Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle. (cid:127) Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. (cid:127) Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a Trailer on page 4-55 for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information. Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased. 2-22 Ignition Positions Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four different positions. In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal must be applied. A (LOCK/OFF): This position locks the ignition and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. The key can only be removed when the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF. Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the ignition switch could cause damage or break the key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service. B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets things like the radio and the windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the ACC/ACCESSORY ignition position and the ON/RUN position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the ACC/ ACCESSORY ignition position for a long period of time. C (ON/RUN): This is the position for driving. It is the position the ignition switch returns to after the engine starts, and the key is released. The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time. D (START): This position starts the engine. Key In the Ignition Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always remember to lock the doors. The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an extended period of time. 2-23 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) The following vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off: (cid:127) Audio System (cid:127) Power Windows (cid:127) OnStar® System (if equipped) (cid:127) Sunroof (if equipped) These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the windows and sunroof continue to work up to 10 minutes until any door is opened. The radio continues to work for up to 10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened. Starting the Engine If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. To place the transmission in the proper gear: Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in any other position -- this is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. 2-24 Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your 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. Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position. Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down. 2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or −18°C), it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START 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 key 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. Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. Fast Idle System Fast Idle System with Switch If your vehicle has this feature it is available only with cruise control. The manual fast idle switch is operated using the cruise control buttons located on the left hand side of the steering wheel. This system can be used to increase your engine idle speed whenever the following conditions are met: (cid:127) The park brake is set. (cid:127) The brake pedal is not pressed. (cid:127) The vehicle must not be moving and the accelerator must not be pressed. 2-25 To control the fast idle: (cid:127) To Enable the Fast idle, press and release the Cruise Control On/Off button and ensure that the LED is lit. (cid:127) For the preset Fast Idle, press and release the cruise set switch. This will set the preset fast idle speed. (cid:127) For the variable fast idle, press and hold the accelerator at the desired RPM, then press and release the cruise control cruise set switch to set the desired idle speed. When the fast idle is active the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “FAST IDLE ON”. One of the following actions will turn off the fast idle: (cid:127) Pressing the brake. (cid:127) Selecting the Cancel button. (cid:127) Releasing the Parking Brake. (cid:127) The transmission shifter is moved out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). (cid:127) Selecting the cruise control on/off button when it was previously on. 2-26 Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal On vehicles with this feature, you can change the position of the throttle and brake pedals. This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals cannot move farther away from the standard position, but can move toward the driver for better pedal reach. No adjustment to the pedals can be made when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R) or while using the cruise control. The switch used to adjust the pedals is located on the instrument panel below the climate control system. Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch to move the pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the top of the switch to move the pedals away from your body. Before you start driving, fully press the brake pedal to conﬁrm the adjustment is right for you. While driving, make only small adjustments. Your vehicle may have a memory function which lets pedal settings be saved and recalled. See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals on page 1-6 for more information. Engine Coolant Heater The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C). If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the power steering ﬂuid reservoir. 3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. {CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps. 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged. 2-27 Automatic Transmission Operation If your vehicle is has an automatic transmission, it has an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ON/RUN position. There are several different positions for the shift lever. Hydra-Matic® 4-Speed Automatic Transmission How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice for that particular area. Active Fuel Management™ Your vehicle’s V8 engine may have Active Fuel Management™. This system allows the engine to operate on either all or half of its cylinders, depending on the driving conditions. When less power is required, such as cruising at a constant vehicle speed, the system will operate in the half cylinder mode, allowing your vehicle to achieve better fuel economy. When greater power demands are required, such as accelerating from a stop, passing, or merging onto a freeway, the system will maintain full-cylinder operation. If your vehicle has an Active Fuel Management™ indicator, see DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-57 or DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-63 for more information on using this display. 2-28 Allison Transmission® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed Automatic Transmission See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section. PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle has a heavy load, you might notice an increase in the effort to shift out of Park. See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) under Shifting Into Park on page 2-51 for more information. {CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. Your vehicle can roll. (Continued) CAUTION: CAUTION: (Continued) Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park on page 2-51. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-55. {CAUTION: If you have Four-Wheel Drive, your vehicle will be free to roll — even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, Two-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low — not in NEUTRAL. See Shifting Into Park on page 2-51. 2-29 REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-34. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. 2-30 Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting your vehicle. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you need more power for passing, and you are: (cid:127) Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. (cid:127) Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear and has more power. DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving. You might want to shift the transmission to a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often. Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding. See Skidding under Loss of Control on page 4-11. Your vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that adjusts the transmission shifting to the current driving conditions in order to reduce rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift stabilization feature is designed to determine, before making an upshift, if the engine is able to maintain vehicle speed by analyzing things such as vehicle speed, throttle position, and vehicle load. If the shift stabilization feature determines that a current vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission does not upshift and instead holds the current gear. In some cases, this could appear to be a delayed shift, however the transmission is operating normally. Your vehicle’s transmission uses adaptive shift controls. Adaptive shift controls continually compares key shift parameters to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the transmissions computer. The transmission constantly makes adjustments to improve vehicle performance according to how the vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy load or when temperature changes. During this adaptive shift control process, shifting might feel different as the transmission determines the best settings. When temperatures are very cold, the Allison Transmission® and Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed transmission’s gear shifting could be delayed providing more stable shifts until the engine warms up. Shifts could be more noticeable with a cold transmission. This difference in shifting is normal. MANUAL MODE (M): This position, is available on vehicles with the Allison Transmission® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed transmission. It lets drivers select the range of gears appropriate for current driving conditions. If your vehicle has this feature, see Range Select Mode (Allison Transmission® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed transmission) later in this section. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving. It reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without using the brakes. You might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears and when going down a steep hill. SECOND (2): This position reduces vehicle speed even more than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes off and on. If you manually select SECOND (2) in an automatic transmission, the transmission will start in second gear. You can use this feature for reducing the speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces. 2-31 FIRST (1): For the Hydra-Matic® 4-Speed transmission this position reduces vehicle speed even more than SECOND (2) without using the brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving forward, the transmission does not shift into ﬁrst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. For an Allison Transmission® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed transmission, this position reduces vehicle speed without using your brakes. You can use it for major/severe downgrades and off-road driving where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade. When you shift to FIRST (1) it provides the lowest gear appropriate to your current road speed and continues to downshift as the vehicle slows, eventually downshifting to FIRST (1) gear. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. 2-32 Range Selection Mode (Allison® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed Transmission) Your vehicle may have a Range Selection Mode. The Range Selection Mode helps control the vehicle’s transmission and vehicle speed while driving down hill or towing a trailer by letting you select a desired range of gears. To use this feature, do the following: 1. Move the shift lever to the MANUAL MODE (M). 2. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the steering column shift lever, to select the desired range of gears for your current driving conditions. When MANUAL MODE (M) is selected a number displays next to the M, indicating the current gear. This number is the highest gear that can be used. However, your vehicle can automatically shift to lower gears as it adjusts to driving conditions. This means that all gears below that number are available. When FIFTH (5) is selected, FIRST (1) through FIFTH (5) gears are automatically shifted by the vehicle, but SIXTH (6) cannot be used until the plus/minus button located on the steering column lever is used to change to the gear. Grade Braking is not available when the Range Selection Mode is active. See Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-34 While using the Range Selection mode feature, cruise control and the Tow/Haul mode can be used. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. Low Traction Mode If your vehicle has the Allison Transmission®, or the Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, it has a Low Traction Mode that assist in vehicle acceleration when road conditions are slippery, such as with ice or snow. While the vehicle is at a stop, select the second gear range using the Range Selection system. This will limit torque to the wheels after it detects wheel slip, preventing the tires from spinning. 2-33 If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it has a tow/haul mode. If your vehicle has an Allison or Hydra-Matic® 6-speed automatic transmission see “Tow/Haul Mode (Allison or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed Automatic Transmission®) following. The tow/haul mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle control, and transmission cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. The selector button is located on the end of the shift lever. Turn the tow/haul on and off by pressing the button. When the tow/haul is on, a light on the instrument panel cluster will come on. See Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-54 for more information. Also see Tow Haul Mode under Towing a Trailer on page 4-55 for more information. Tow/Haul Mode 2-34 Tow/Haul Mode (Allison Transmission® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed Automatic Transmission) If your vehicle has an Allison or Hydra-Matic® 6-speed automatic transmission®, it has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle control, and transmission cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. Turn the tow/haul mode on and off by pressing the button, located on the end of the shift lever. When the tow/haul is on, a light on the instrument panel cluster will come on. See Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-54 for more information. Also see “Tow Haul Mode” under Towing a Trailer on page 4-55 for more information. 2-35 Four-Wheel Drive If your vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive, you can send the engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction. To get the most satisfaction out of Four-Wheel Drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that follows before using Four-Wheel Drive. See the appropriate text for the transfer case in your vehicle. Notice: Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time. While driving on clean dry pavement and during tight turns, you may experience vibration in the steering system. Front Axle The front axle engages and disengages automatically when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to engage or disengage is normal. Grade Braking (Allison Transmission® or Hydra-Matic® 6-Speed Automatic Transmission) The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated by pressing the button on the end of the shift control lever. While in Range Selection Mode, Grade Braking is deactivated allowing the driver to select a desired range of gears. Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Mode is selected and you are not in the Range Selection Mode. See “Tow/Haul Mode listed previously and Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-28 for more information on the Range Selection Mode. Grade Braking assists in maintaining desired vehicle speeds when driving on downhill grades by automatically implementing a shift schedule that utilizes the engine and transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces wear on the braking system and increases control of the vehicle. Grade Braking monitors vehicle speed, acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage. Using this information, it detects when the truck is on a downhill grade and the driver desires to slow the vehicle by pressing the brake. See the diesel supplement for information on Cruise Grade Braking. Also see Towing a Trailer on page 4-55 for more information. 2-36 Manual Transfer Case A Four-Wheel Drive indicator light comes on when you shift into four-wheel drive and the front axle engages. See Four-Wheel-Drive Light on page 3-54. Some delay between shifting and when the indicator light comes on is normal. The transfer case shift lever is on the ﬂoor to the right of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of Four-Wheel Drive. Recommended Transfer Case Settings Transfer Case Settings 2m YES Driving Conditions 4m 4n Normal Severe Extreme YES YES Vehicle in Tow* YES *See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-50 Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-50 Notice: Driving on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel drive for an extended period of time can cause premature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive for extended periods of time. 2-37 4 n(Four-Wheel-Drive Low): This setting also engages the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need Four-Wheel-Drive Low. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills. When operating in Four-Wheel Low, the gear ratio provides additional torque when compared to Four-Wheel-Drive High. The transmission gear shift feel is exaggerated. A parking brake symbol is located next to the N (NEUTRAL) symbol as a reminder to set the parking brake before shifting the transfer case in Neutral. 2-38 {CAUTION: Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL. See Parking Brake on page 2-50. N (NEUTRAL): Shift to this setting only when your vehicle needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-50 or Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-50. 2 m(Two-Wheel-Drive High): This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations. The front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy. 4 m(Four-Wheel-Drive High): Use this setting when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages the front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow. You can shift from Two-Wheel-Drive High to Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive High to Two-Wheel-Drive High while the vehicle is moving. In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to stop or slow the vehicle to shift into Four-Wheel-Drive High. When Using the Manual Transfer Case (cid:127) Shifting should be made using quick motions. Shifting slowly may make it more difficult to shift. (cid:127) You may notice that it is harder to shift when the vehicle is cold. After the vehicle warms up the shifting will return to normal. (cid:127) While in Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low you may experience reduced fuel economy. (cid:127) Avoid driving in Four-Wheel Drive on clean, dry pavement. It may cause your tires to wear faster, and make the transfer case harder to shift and run noisier. (cid:127) If the transfer case shifter is in the NEUTRAL position and you have difficulty reaching the selected transfer case mode, with the engine running, shift the transmission momentarily to drive and then back to NEUTRAL. This will realign the gear teeth in the transfer case and allow you to complete the shift. Shifting from Two-Wheel-Drive High to Four-Wheel-Drive High (cid:127) Shifts between Two-Wheel-Drive High and Four-Wheel-Drive High can be made at any vehicle speed. (cid:127) Shift the transfer case lever in one continuous motion into either the Four-Wheel-Drive High or Two-Wheel-Drive High position. (cid:127) In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to slow or stop the vehicle to shift into Four-wheel-Drive High until your vehicle has warmed up. (cid:127) While in Four-Wheel-Drive High, your vehicle can be driven at any posted legal speed limit. 2-39 Shifting In or Out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low Notice: Shifting the transfer case into Four-Wheel-Drive Low while moving at speeds faster than 3 mph (5 km/h) may cause premature wear to the transfer case, and may cause the gears to grind. To avoid causing premature wear, and grinding the gears, do not shift the transfer case into Four-Wheel-Drive Low while the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h). Shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low should be done, if possible, with the vehicle at a slight roll, 3 mph (5 km/h) or less. (cid:127) Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N). (cid:127) Shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low with the vehicle at a stop may be more difficult. You may be unable to complete the shift to Four-Wheel-Drive Low, and will end up in NEUTRAL. This is normal, and is a function of the gear teeth aligning in your transfer case. When this happens, make sure the engine is on, shift your transmission momentarily to drive and back to NEUTRAL, and then complete the shift. (cid:127) Shift the transfer case shift lever in one continuous motion into the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. (cid:127) When Four-Wheel-Drive Low do not drive faster than 45 mph. This will reduce wear and extend the life of your transfer case. {CAUTION: Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL. See Parking Brake on page 2-50. 2-40 Shifting In or Out of NEUTRAL 1. With the vehicle running and the engine at an idle set the parking brake. 2. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL (N). Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion into or out of the NEUTRAL position. Electronic Transfer Case The transfer case knob is located next to the steering column. Use the dial to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. Recommended Transfer Case Settings Transfer Case Settings 2m YES Driving Conditions 4m 4n Normal Severe Extreme YES YES Vehicle in Tow* YES *See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-50 Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-50 You can choose among four driving settings: Indicator lights in the dial show which setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on brieﬂy when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light ﬂashes while shifting the transfer case and remains illuminated when the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting. 2 m(Two-Wheel-Drive High): This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations. The front axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy. 2-41 4 m(Four-Wheel-Drive High): Use the Four-Wheel-Drive High position when extra traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages the front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow. 4 n(Four-Wheel-Drive Low): This setting also engages the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low while driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.

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2008 Chevrolet Silverado Owners Manual