2011 Chevrolet Silverado Owners Manual

GCWR*

Towing Equipment

Trailer Brakes If a trailer is being towed that has trailer brakes and the trailer brakes are manually applied while driving slower than 40 km/h (25 mph), the vehicle may go into auto stop mode

even if the brakes are not being pressed. Using the trailer brake system manually can make the hybrid vehicle perform as if the brake pedal in the vehicle is being pressed. The trailer brake operation check will still work. If the trailer brakes are manually applied for an extended period of time, the

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM message comes on in the Driver Information Center. The message goes off after the trailer brakes have been released. No other action is necessary. For more information, see “Towing Equipment” in the owner manual.

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Vehicle Care

Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own

Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2

Engine Compartment

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Automatic Transmission

Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

Drive Motor/Generator Control

Module (DMCM) Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8

Drive Motor/Generator Control

Module (DMCM) Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-12
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Electrical System

High Voltage Devices and

Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Fuses and Circuit

Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Engine Compartment Fuse

Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

Vehicle Care

10-1

Jump Starting

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

Towing

Recreational Vehicle

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

Appearance Care

Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24

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10-2

Vehicle Care

Vehicle Checks

Doing Your Own Service Work

{ WARNING

Never try to do your own service on hybrid components. You can be injured and the vehicle can be damaged if you try to do your own service work. Service and repair of these hybrid components should only be performed by a trained service technician with the proper knowledge and tools.

{ WARNING You can be injured and the vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it.

. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts, and tools before attempting any vehicle maintenance task.

. Be sure to use the proper

nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. English and metric fasteners can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners are used, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.

If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service Publications Ordering Information” in the owner manual. This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see “Airbag System Check” in the owner manual. Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See “Maintenance Records” in the owner manual.

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Vehicle Care

10-3

2 NOTES

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10-4

Vehicle Care

Engine Compartment Overview

6.0 L V8 Engine

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A. See “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter”

in the owner manual.

B. Drive Motor/Generator Control

Module (DMCM). See Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM) Cooling System on page 10‑8.

C. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of

View). See “Engine Oil” in the owner manual.

D. Automatic Transmission Fluid

Dipstick. See Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 10‑5.

E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See

“Brakes” in the owner manual.

F. See “Engine Compartment Fuse

Block” in the owner manual.

G. Windshield Washer Fluid

Reservoir. See “Washer Fluid” in the owner manual.

H. Hybrid Auxiliary Fuse Block

(Out of View). See Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 10‑14.

I. DMCM Coolant Surge Tank

Pressure Cap. See Drive Motor/ Generator Control Module (DMCM) Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 10‑8. J. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap. See “Engine Coolant” in the owner manual.

K. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of

View). See “Engine Oil” in the owner manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

When to Check and Change Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. The only reason for fluid loss is a transmission leak or overheating the transmission. If a small leak is suspected, then use the following checking procedures to check the

Vehicle Care

10-5

fluid level. However, if there is a large leak, then it may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a dealer service department and have it repaired before driving the vehicle further. Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use the automatic transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑2. Change the fluid and filter at the scheduled maintenance intervals listed in Scheduled Maintenance. Be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑2.

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10-6

Vehicle Care

How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage the transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if checking the transmission fluid. Before checking the fluid level, prepare the vehicle as follows: 1. Start the engine and park the

vehicle on a level surface. Keep the engine running.

2. Apply the parking brake and

place the shift lever in P (Park).

3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, move the shift lever back to P (Park).

4. Allow the engine to idle

(500–800 RPM) for at least one minute. Slowly release the brake pedal.

5. Keep the engine running and

press the Trip/Fuel button or trip odometer reset stem until TRANS TEMP (Transmission Temperature) displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC).

6. Using the TRANS TEMP

reading, determine and perform the appropriate check procedure. If the TRANS TEMP reading is not within the required temperature ranges, allow the vehicle to cool, or operate the vehicle until the appropriate transmission fluid temperature is reached.

Cold Check Procedure Use this procedure only as a reference to determine if the transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely until a hot check procedure can be made. The hot check procedure is the most accurate method to check the fluid level. Perform the hot check procedure at the first opportunity. Use this cold check procedure to check fluid level when the transmission temperature is between 24°C and 34°C (75°F and 93°F).

1. Locate the transmission dipstick

at the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑4 for more information.

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3.

2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.

4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading.

5.

If the fluid level is below the COLD check band, add only enough fluid as necessary to bring the level into the COLD band. It does not take much fluid, generally less than 0.5 Liter (1 Pint). Do not overfill.

6. Perform a hot check at the

first opportunity after the transmission reaches a normal operating temperature between 60°C and 75°C (140°F and 167°F). If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way.

7.

Hot Check Procedure Use this procedure to check the transmission fluid level when the transmission fluid temperature is between 60°C and 75°C (140°F and 167°F). The hot check is the most accurate method to check the fluid level. The hot check should be performed at the first opportunity in order to verify the cold check. The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases, so it is important to ensure the transmission temperature is within range.

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1. Locate the transmission dipstick

at the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑4 for more information.

3.

2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.

4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading.

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10-8

Vehicle Care

5. Safe operating level is within the

HOT cross hatch band on the dipstick. If the fluid level is not within the HOT band, and the transmission temperature is between 60°C and 75°C (140°F and 167°F), add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the level into the HOT band. If the fluid level is low, add only enough fluid to bring the level into the HOT band. It does not take much fluid, generally less than 0.5 Liter (1 Pint). Do not overfill. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way.

6.

Consistency of Readings Always check the fluid level at least twice using the procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your dealer.

Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM) Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑4 for more information on location. The Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM) coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully installed on the hybrid coolant surge tank.

Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed, coolant loss and possible damage to the Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM) may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.

Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM) Cooling System In addition to the regular cooling system, the vehicle also has a cooling system for the DMCM system. This system is serviced differently than the vehicle's main cooling system. The DMCM cooling system includes the DMCM coolant surge tank, DMCM surge tank pressure cap, DMCM cooling pumps, hybrid cooling radiator and the Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM). The DMCM cooling system uses a 50/50
pre-mixed DEX-COOL® coolant and deionized water available at your

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Vehicle Care

10-9

leak at the DMCM cooler core, DMCM pressure cap, DMCM cooler hoses, DMCM cooling pump or somewhere else in the DMCM cooling system. Notice: Running the engine when there is a leak in the hybrid cooling system can cause the hybrid cooling system to lose all coolant and can damage the system. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle or run the engine.

dealer. See “Engine Coolant” and “Cooling System” in the owner manual for more information.

D. DMCM Cooling Hoses

(Out of View)

E. DMCM Coolant Tank

Pressure Cap

If the coolant inside the DMCM coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.

When it is safe to lift the hood: A. Drive Motor/Generator Control

Module (DMCM)

B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank

Pressure Cap

C. DMCM Coolant Surge Tank/ Engine Coolant Surge Tank

The coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD mark with the vehicle parked on a level surface. If it is not, there might be a

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Vehicle Care

How to Add Coolant to the DMCM Coolant Surge Tank

{ WARNING

{ WARNING

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.

If the DMCM coolant is empty , the vehicle must be serviced by your dealer and a special fill procedure must be followed. Notice: Attempting to fill the DMCM cooling surge tank yourself when the fluid level is empty can damage your vehicle. Your vehicle must be serviced.

Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

Notice: Using coolant other than a pre‐mixed DEX-COOL, available at your dealer, may damage your vehicle. Any repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always use a pre‐mixed DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.

If no problem has been found yet, check to see if coolant is visible in the DMCM coolant surge tank. If coolant is visible, add pre‐mixed DEX-COOL coolant, available at your dealer, at the DMCM coolant surge tank, but be sure the DMCM cooling system, including the DMCM coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it. Use the procedure following.

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Vehicle Care

10-11

4. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN

without starting the engine. The hybrid cooling pumps will run and any trapped air will purge to the surge tank.

5. Add the pre‐mixed DEX‐COOL, available at your dealer, until the coolant level is maintained at the FULL COLD mark. This should take no longer than two minutes of hybrid cooling pump operation. If the level cannot be kept at the FULL COLD level, the vehicle may need service. See your dealer.

1. Park the vehicle on a level

surface and turn the vehicle off. Remove the DMCM coolant surge tank pressure cap when the DMCM cooling system, including the DMCM coolant surge tank pressure cap and DMCM cooling hoses, are no longer hot. Turn the DMCM coolant surge tank pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left) about one full turn. Wait 30 seconds.

2. Then keep turning the DMCM

coolant surge tank pressure cap slowly, and remove it.

3. Add the pre‐mixed DEX‐COOL, available at your dealer, to the DMCM coolant surge tank until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.

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Vehicle Care

6. Then replace the DMCM coolant

surge tank pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.

Notice: Using tap water, cooling system sealers or conditioners in an attempt to stop coolant leaks can damage the DMCM and engine cooling systems. Never use tap water, cooling system sealers or conditioners in your cooling system.

Power Steering Fluid The vehicle has electric power steering and does not use power steering fluid.

Battery This vehicle has a standard 12‐volt battery and a high voltage hybrid battery. Refer to the replacement number on the original battery label when a new standard 12‐volt battery is needed. Only a trained service technician with the proper knowledge and tools should inspect, test, or replace the hybrid battery. See your dealer if the hybrid battery needs service. The dealer has information on how to recycle the hybrid battery . There is also information available at http:// www.recyclemybattery.com.

If an airbag inflates or the vehicle has been in a crash, the vehicle's sensing system might command the automatic hybrid battery disconnect to open. See Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash on page 3‑1 for more information.

{ DANGER

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

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Vehicle Storage

{ WARNING

Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you are not careful. See Jump Starting on page 10‑15 for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.

Infrequent Usage: Remove the 12‐volt battery black, negative (−) cable from the battery to keep the battery from running down. Extended Storage: Remove the 12‐volt battery black, negative (−) cable from the battery or use a battery trickle charger. Remember to reconnect the battery when ready to drive the vehicle.

Electrical System

High Voltage Devices and Wiring

{ WARNING

Exposure to high voltage can cause shock, burns, and even death. The high voltage systems in your vehicle can only be serviced by technicians with special training. High voltage devices are identified by labels. Do not remove, open, take apart, or modify these devices. High voltage cable or wiring has orange covering. Do not probe, tamper with, cut, or modify high voltage cable or wiring.

Vehicle Care

10-13

Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating. If you ever have a problem on the road and do not have a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same amperage. Just pick some feature of the vehicle that you can get along without, like the radio or cigarette lighter, and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.

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10-14

Vehicle Care

The vehicle also has a special fuse in the battery box for the 300-volt batteries. If this fuse has failed and needs to be replaced, the vehicle will be disabled and you will need to have the vehicle repaired by your dealer. Do not attempt to self-service this fuse.

Engine Compartment Fuse Block

Hybrid Auxiliary Engine Compartment Fuse Block The hybrid auxiliary engine compartment fuse block is located in the engine compartment near the front of the vehicle. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑4 for more information on its location. For more information on the main underhood fuse block, see “Engine Compartment Fuse Block” in the owner manual.

Fuses

Usage

ACPO (SUV Only)

BECM FAN

ACCM

Fuses

Usage

CAB HTR PMP

EMPTY

COOL PUMP

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Fuses

10

J‐Case FAN 1

TRANS PUMP

FAN 2
CAB

HTR PMP

Usage EPS

Drive Motor/Generator

Control Module 1

Drive Motor/Generator

Control Module 2

BECM

Usage

Cooling Fan 1

Auxiliary

Transmission Fluid Pump

Cooling Fan 2

Cab Heater Pump

Relays

CAB HTR PUMP COOL PUMP

FAN LOW

FAN MID 1

FAN HI

FAN MID 2
FAN

CNTRL

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10-15

Usage

Jump Starting

{ WARNING

Personal injury, death, or damage to the vehicle can result if you try jump starting or using a battery charger on the high voltage hybrid battery. Use only the 12-volt battery for jump starting and charging.

For more information about the vehicle's batteries, see Battery on page 10‑12.

Cabin Heater Pump

Coolant Pump

Cooling Fan Low

Speed Relay

Cooling Fan Mid 1

Cooling Fan High

Speed Relay

Cooling Fan Mid 2

Cooling Fan Control

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Vehicle Care

If the vehicle's 12‐volt battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Use the following steps to do it safely.

{ WARNING

Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:

. They contain acid that can

burn you.

. They contain gas that can

explode or ignite.

. They contain enough electricity to burn you.

If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty.

Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must

have a 12‐volt battery with a negative ground system.

Notice: Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle. If the other vehicle's system is not a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 2. Get the vehicles close enough

so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. It could cause a ground connection you do not want. You would not be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.

To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put the automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in N (Neutral) before setting the parking brake. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, not in N (Neutral).

Notice: If you leave the radio or other accessories on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other accessories when jump starting the vehicle. 3. Turn off the ignition on both

vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off the radio and all the lamps that are not needed.

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This avoids sparks and helps save both batteries. It could save the radio!

4. Open the hood on the other

vehicle and locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on that vehicle.

The positive (+) connection is located under a red plastic cover at the positive battery post. To uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, open the red plastic cover.

5. The remote negative (−) is a

solid engine ground.

{ WARNING

An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

{ WARNING

Using an open flame near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not need to add water to the battery installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right

(Continued)

Vehicle Care

10-17

WARNING (Continued)

amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you do not, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.

{ WARNING

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.

6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.

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Vehicle Care

Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) goes to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or a solid engine ground. Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or you will get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too. Do not connect the negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on the dead battery because this can cause sparks.

7. Connect the red positive (+)

cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) if the vehicle has one.

8. Do not let the other end touch

metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) if the vehicle has one.

9. Now connect the black

negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (−) if the vehicle has one. Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to the remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery.

10. Connect the other end of the

negative (−) cable to the remote negative (−) terminal, on the vehicle with the dead battery.

11. Now start the vehicle with the

good battery and run the engine for a while.

12. Try to start the vehicle that had

the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.

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To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles: 1. Disconnect the black

negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the bad battery.

2. Disconnect the black

negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.

3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.

4. Disconnect the red positive (+)

cable from the other vehicle.

5. Return the remote positive (+)

terminal cover to its original position.

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10-19

Towing

Recreational Vehicle Towing Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a dolly.

Jumper Cable Removal

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine

Part or Remote Negative (−) Terminal

B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (−) Terminals

C. Dead Battery or Remote

Positive (+) Terminal

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Vehicle Care

Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing: . What is the towing capacity

of the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

Dinghy Towing

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles

. What is the distance that will be travelled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed.

Notice: If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged.

The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel drive vehicles should not be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel drive transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed.

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Vehicle Care

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Dolly Towing – Front Towing (Front Wheels Off the Ground)

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

{ WARNING Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). The driver or others could be injured. Make sure the parking brake is firmly set before the transfer case is shifted to N (Neutral).

Use the following procedure to dinghy tow a four-wheel drive vehicle: 1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle and shift the transmission to P (Park).

2. Turn the engine off and firmly set the parking brake. See “Parking Brake” in the owner manual. 3. Securely attach the vehicle

being towed to the tow vehicle.

4. Shift the transfer case to

N (Neutral). For more information on “Shifting into N (Neutral)”, see “Four Wheel Drive” in the owner manual.

5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.

6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF

and remove the key — the steering wheel will still turn.

Notice: If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed with the rear wheels on the ground, the transmission could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel drive vehicles should not be towed with the rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel drive

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Vehicle Care

transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed. To dolly tow a two‐wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle must be towed with the rear wheels on the dolly. See “Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)” in this section for more information.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

3. Shift the transmission to

P (Park).

4. Firmly set the parking brake.

See “Parking Brake” in the owner manual.

{ WARNING Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). The driver or others could be injured. Make sure the parking brake is firmly set before the transfer case is shifted to N (Neutral).

5. Shift the transfer case to

N (Neutral). For more information on “Shifting into N (Neutral)”, see “Four Wheel Drive” in the owner manual.

Use the following procedure to dolly tow a four-wheel drive vehicle from the front: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the

dolly.

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Dolly Towing – Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)

6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly

following the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.

8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. After towing, see “Shifting Out of N (Neutral)” under “Four Wheel Drive” in the owner manual.

Two‐Wheel Drive Vehicles Use the following procedure to dolly tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the

dolly.

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10-23

3. Firmly set the parking brake.

See “Parking Brake” in the owner manual.

4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly

following the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Use an adequate clamping

device designed for towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked into the straight position. 7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

Four‐Wheel Drive Vehicles Use the following procedure to dolly tow a four-wheel drive vehicle from the rear: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the

dolly.

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Vehicle Care

3. Firmly set the parking brake.

See “Parking Brake” in the owner manual.

4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly

following the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Use an adequate clamping

device designed for towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked into the straight position.

Appearance Care

Exterior Care When scraping the windshield glass to remove ice and snow, stay clear of the hybrid decal. To have the hybrid decals removed from the vehicle, please see your dealer.

{ WARNING Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). The driver or others could be injured. Make sure the parking brake is firmly set before the transfer case is shifted to N (Neutral).

7. Shift the transfer case to

N (Neutral). For more information on “Shifting into N (Neutral)”, see “Four Wheel Drive” in the owner manual.

8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. After towing, see “Shifting Out of N (Neutral)” under “Four Wheel Drive” in the owner manual.

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Service and Maintenance

11-1

Service and Maintenance

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts

Recommended Fluids and

Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

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11-2

Service and Maintenance

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

Fluids identified below are specific to the hybrid vehicle and can be obtained from your dealer. See the owner manual for the other fluids and lubricants recommended for the vehicle.

Usage

Drive Motor/Generator Control

Module (DMCM) Cooling System

Fluid/Lubricant Always use the pre-mixed 50/50 mixture of de‐ionized water and DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant available at your dealer. See Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM) Cooling System on page 10‑8.

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Technical Data

12-1

Technical Data

Vehicle Data

Capacities and

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . 12-3

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12-2

Technical Data

Vehicle Data Capacities and Specifications

Application

Automatic Transmission* (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) Cooling System

Drive Motor Generator Control Module Cooling System 6.0L V8 Engine Cooling System

Capacities

Metric

10.9 L

2.7 L

16.3 L 98.4 L

English

11.5 qt

2.9 qt

17.2 qt 26.0 gal

Fuel Tank *See Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 10‑5 for information on checking fluid level. All capacities are approximate. Recheck fluid level after filling.

Engine

6.0L V8

VIN Code

Transmission

Automatic

Spark Plug Gap 1.02 mm (0.040 in)

Engine Specifications

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Engine Drive Belt Routing

Technical Data

12-3

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12-4

Technical Data

2 NOTES

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Appearance Care

Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . 9-5
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-5
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Voltage and Charging

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12

Brakes

Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12

Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . .ii Capacities and

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Cleaning

Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 8-1
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Cluster, IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Coolant

Engine Temperature Gauge . . . 5-7

Coolant Surge Tank

Pressure Cap, (DMCM) . . . . . . 10-8
Cooling System, (DMCM) . . . . . . 10-8
Covers

Tonneau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1, 4-6

INDEX

i-1

Door

Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12

Drive Motor/Generator

Control Module (DMCM) Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8

Drive Motor/Generator

Control Module (DMCM) Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

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i-2

INDEX

Electrical System

Engine Compartment

Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

Fluid

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .10-5
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Fuses and Circuit

Fuel

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Fuel Economy Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Fuses

Gauges

Engine Coolant

Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Engine

Compartment Overview . . . . . . .10-4
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . 5-7
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . .12-3
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . 9-4

Engine Oil

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10

Engine Compartment

General Information

Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9

Fuses and Circuit

Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Heater

Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 8-1
High Voltage Devices and

Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

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INDEX

i-3

Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii, 7-1

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Fluids and

Power

Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

Lights

Antilock Brake System

(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . .5-10
StabiliTrak® Indicator . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Messages

Battery Voltage and

Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Service Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Oil

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . 5-5
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Recommended Fluids and

Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

Recreational Vehicle

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Replacement Parts

Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . 3-1
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . 12-3
Running the Vehicle While

Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

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i-4

INDEX

Seats

Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Service

Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . .10-2
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12

Specifications and

Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light . . . . . 5-9
Starting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Supplement

Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Tonneau Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1, 4-6
Towing

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-19
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Transmission

Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-5

Using this Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Vehicle

Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Voltage Devices, and

Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Wiring, High Voltage

Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

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2011 Silverado/Sierra Hybrid M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-1
Hybrid Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-1

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . 9-5
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9

Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-2

Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

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ii

Introduction

The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle model names, and vehicle body designs appearing in this manual including, but not limited to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET, GMC, the CHEVROLET and GMC Truck Emblems, SILVERADO, Z71, and SIERRA are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors. This manual describes features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle either because they are options that you did not purchase or due to changes subsequent to the printing of this owner manual. Please refer to the purchase documentation relating to your specific vehicle to confirm each of the features found on your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25965922 A First Printing

Using this Supplement This supplement contains information specific to the unique components of the vehicle. It does not explain everything you need to know about the vehicle. Read this supplement along with the owner manual to learn about the vehicle's features and controls. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of this supplement. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the supplement, and the page number where you will find it.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference. Your hybrid pickup is designed to be more fuel efficient than the standard pickup, which results in reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from: On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française www.helminc.com

©2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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In Brief

Initial Drive Information

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Hybrid Features

Initial Drive Information

Transmission

Range Selection Mode

High Voltage Safety

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Fuel Economy Gauge . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Automatic Engine Start/Stop

Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

In Brief

1-1

move the column shift lever to the M (Manual) position. The current range will appear next to the M. This is the highest attainable range with all lower gears accessible. As an example, when 3 (Third) gear is selected, 1 (First) through 3 (Third) gears are available. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the steering column shift lever, to select the desired range of gears for current driving conditions. See Automatic Transmission Operation in the owner manual. Cruise control can be used while the vehicle is in Range Selection Mode. See Manual Mode on page 9‑7.

The Range Selection Mode switch is located on the shift lever. To enable the Range Selection feature,

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1-2

In Brief

Hybrid Features

Fuel Economy Gauge

High Voltage Safety Information This vehicle has a standard 12-volt battery and a high voltage hybrid battery. Only a trained service technician with the proper knowledge and tools should inspect, test, or replace the hybrid battery. See your dealer if the hybrid battery needs service. The 12-volt battery cables, in the engine compartment, are clearly labeled. In emergency situations, first responders can cut those cables to disable the high voltage hybrid battery system.

United States

Canada

This gauge indicates fuel efficiency. To obtain the best fuel efficiency, operate the vehicle so that the indicator is in the high efficiency band. Modifying both braking and acceleration behavior to keep the indicator in the center of the gauge will result in the best system efficiency and fuel economy. See Fuel Economy Gauge on page 5‑4.

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Automatic Engine Start/ Stop Feature Start the engine as you would any other engine. See “Starting the Engine” in the owner manual for more information on starting. The hybrid system provides very quiet engine starting. If pulling a trailer with trailer brakes, see Trailer Towing on page 9‑9 for more information. Auto Stop The vehicle has an Auto Stop feature. After a successful engine start, the engine may turn off and operate in the Auto Stop mode. Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until you are ready for the vehicle to move.

Engine OFF and AUTO STOP modes are indicated on the tachometer display. When the tachometer needle indicates OFF, the engine is not running and will remain off until the ignition key is placed in the START position or a remote vehicle start is performed. When the tachometer needle indicates AUTO STOP, the hybrid system is on, the engine is not running, but may Auto Start at any time without notice. See Tachometer on page 5‑3 for more information. A chime will sound if the driver door is opened while in Auto Stop as a reminder that the ignition switch is not in the LOCK/OFF position. Always turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF and remove the key from the ignition switch when exiting the vehicle.

In Brief

1-3

Auto Start The vehicle also has an Auto Start feature. The engine will remain off while in Auto Stop mode until vehicle conditions require the engine to run. The near-instant starting of the engine from Auto Stop mode is called Auto Start. EV Mode The vehicle also has an EV mode which uses only the electric motor to move the vehicle. With light acceleration, the vehicle will drive in EV mode. EV mode is unavailable when the vehicle is out of fuel. For more information on Auto Stop, Auto Start, and EV Mode, see Starting the Vehicle on page 9‑2.

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Battery This vehicle has a standard 12-volt battery and a high voltage hybrid battery. When a new standard 12-volt battery is needed, see your dealer for one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery's label. Only a trained service technician with the proper knowledge and tools should inspect, test, or replace the hybrid battery. See your dealer if the hybrid battery needs service. See Battery on page 10‑12.

Service Never try to do your own service on hybrid components. You can be injured and the vehicle can be damaged if you try to do your own service work. Service and repair of these hybrid components should only be performed by a trained service technician with the proper knowledge and tools. See Doing Your Own Service Work on page 10‑2.

1-4

In Brief

Regenerative Braking Regenerative braking enables the electric drive motor to operate as a generator when coasting or braking. Energy from the moving vehicle recharges the hybrid battery. The hydraulic disc brakes work with the regenerative braking to insure effective braking. The braking system is computer controlled and blends the regenerative braking with the conventional hydraulic disc brakes to meet any requirements for deceleration. Because the controller applies the hydraulic brakes through its high pressure accumulator, you may occasionally hear the motor driven pump when it recharges the system. This is normal. In the event of a controller problem, the brake pedal may be harder to push and the stopping distance may be longer. See Regenerative Braking on page 9‑8.

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Seats and Restraints

Rear Seats