Driving and Operating -> Starting and Operating for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2018-2025
210
Driving and Operating
Here is an example of proper truck and
camper match:
cargo load should not exceed the truck's
cargo weight rating, and the camper's
center of gravity (1) should fall within
the truck's recommended center of
gravity zone (2) when installed.
exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are
given on the Certification/Tire label
attached to the B-pillar. See
“Certification/Tire Label” under Vehicle
Load Limits 0 204. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Any accessories or other equipment
that are added to the vehicle must be
weighed. Then, subtract this extra
weight from the CWR. This extra weight
may shorten the center of gravity zone
of the vehicle.
See your dealer for more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, Cargo
Weight Rating, and the correct center of
gravity zone.
If the slide-in camper and its load
weighs less than the CWR, the center of
gravity zone for the vehicle may be
larger.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
driving this vehicle, overall performance
will benefit by following these break-in
period recommendations:
1. Camper Center of Gravity
2. Recommended Center of Gravity
Location Zone
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
the vehicle. When the truck-camper is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh on
the front and on the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total axle loads should not
When the truck is used to carry a
slide-in camper, the total cargo load of
the truck consists of the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight of
installed additional camper equipment
not included in the manufacturer's
camper weight figure, the weight of
camper cargo, and the weight of
.
Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
(Continued)
passengers in the camper. The total
Driving and Operating
211
the mechanical systems adjust to provide
optimal fuel economy and transmission shift
performance.
The remote key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Key Operation 0 12.
Caution (Continued)
.
Avoid exceeding the following engine
speeds when accelerating or
downshifting to slow or brake the
vehicle:
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Gasoline engines: 4000 rpm
Diesel engines: 3000 rpm
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy and the Stop/Start
System. See Stop/Start System 0 214.
.
.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi). Hard stops with new
brake linings can result in premature
wear and earlier replacement. Follow
this guideline every time brake linings
are replaced.
Warning
{
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Ignition Positions
Do not tow a trailer. See Trailer
Towing 0 303 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and more
information.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
After the break-in period, the engine
speed and load can be gradually
increased.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the vehicle will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0 216.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a “break-in”
period during the first 6 400 km (4,000 mi)
of routine driving. As the vehicle is driven,
Base Model Shown, Others Similar
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have
pushbutton starting.
212
Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the vehicle
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the vehicle will turn off.
2. Brake using a firm and steady pressure.
Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
With the vehicle off, pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button one time without the
brake pedal applied will place the vehicle in
accessory mode.
3. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can
be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
The vehicle will switch from accessory mode
to off after five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and driver door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) : This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
vehicle off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing ENGINE START/STOP button once
will turn the ignition on. Once engine
cranking begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the engine
starts. See Starting the Engine 0 213.
4. Come to a complete stop, shift to
P (Park), and make sure engine is off.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the vehicle off.
5. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0 236.
Service Mode
Unless an emergency exists, do not turn the
engine off when the vehicle is moving. This
will cause a loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags.
Warning
{
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for
more than five seconds will place the vehicle
in Service Mode. The instruments and audio
systems will operate as they do when the
vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows some electrical accessories
to be used when the engine is off.
1. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP button for
longer than two seconds, or press twice
in five seconds.
Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
213
to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key must be in the vehicle.
Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
The driver may observe a minor, and
temporary, brake pedal kickback when
starting the vehicle. This is normal.
2. If the engine does not start after five to
10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
pressing ENGINE START/STOP for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Caution
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0 328.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), press ENGINE START/STOP
to continue engine cranking.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
(Continued)
214
Driving and Operating
Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
Auto Stop Disable Switch
Stop/Start System
If equipped and enabled, the Stop/Start
system will shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components designed
for the increased number of starts.
.
The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.
.
The vehicle battery needs to charge.
The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
Warning
{
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
.
Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.
.
The accelerator pedal is pressed.
The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature can
.
.
.
The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
The vehicle is shifted out of D (Drive) to
any gear other than P (Park).
Certain driver modes have been selected.
See Driver Mode Control 0 240 and
Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.
be disabled and enabled by pressing h.
Auto Stop/Start is enabled each time you
start the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer 0 111. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
When the h indicator is illuminated, the
system is enabled.
Engine Heater
.
.
The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
The driver door has been opened or the
driver seat belt has been unbuckled.
If equipped, the engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of the
.
.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
The hood has been opened.
The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
215
cord may exist, which will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
2. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is
damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
Warning
{
3. Plug the heater cord into the connector
on the vehicle.
.
.
.
Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
4. Plug the cord into a grounded 110-volt
AC outlet that is protected by a ground
fault detection function.
While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
Warning
{
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
.
Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to
unplug and store the cord.
.
Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
(Continued)
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Base Model Shown, Others Similar
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
216
Driving and Operating
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by
pulling the shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Warning (Continued)
When the vehicle is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the vehicle is
on or in accessory mode:
four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (High) to
provide additional traction. Be sure to
apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0 236 and
3. Be sure the transfer case, if equipped, is
in a drive gear, not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the vehicle off.
Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.
5. Take the remote key with you.
.
Infotainment System
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
.
Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
Auxiliary Power Outlet
Audio System
OnStar System
Warning
{
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if the transfer case is in
N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to
roll, even if the shift lever is in P (Park).
Be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear. If towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 299.
Warning
{
.
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. The vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set.
.
.
.
Shifting Into Park (Mechanical
Shifter)
If you have four-wheel drive and the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), the vehicle
will be free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). So be sure the transfer case
is in a drive gear – not in N (Neutral).
Warning
{
Parking on grades with poor traction such
as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause
the vehicle to unintentionally move and
could result in injury, death, and/or
vehicle damage. If equipped with
(Continued)
And, if you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, it could overheat and
even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the
parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 236.
Driving and Operating
217
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After moving the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pulling it toward you. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
parking pawl in the transmission. You will
then be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Warning (Continued)
To be sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if the transfer case is in
N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to
roll, even if the shift lever is in P (Park).
Be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear. If towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 299.
Shifting Into Park (Electronic
Shifter)
Warning
{
Parking on grades with poor traction such
as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause
the vehicle to unintentionally move and
could result in injury, death, and/or
vehicle damage. If equipped with
four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (High) to
provide additional traction. Be sure to
apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0 236 and
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 236.
2. Press the P (Park) switch on the top of
the shift lever. See Automatic
Transmission (Electronic Shifter) 0 223 or
Automatic Transmission (Mechanical
Shifter) 0 220.
Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will
turn red when the vehicle is in P (Park).
Warning
{
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake.
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
(Continued)
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a
hill, the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) may
apply automatically. The driver may not be
able to release the EPB using the EPB
switch. It should automatically release when
the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
218
Driving and Operating
2. While holding the brake pedal, push the
shift lever all the way into P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
Shifting out of Park (Mechanical
Shifter)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The system is
designed to prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the brake pedal
is applied and the ignition is on or in
Service Mode.
3. Pull the shift lever toward you, then
move it to the desired position, and
release.
Warning
{
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may
prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To
Drive 0 53.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
parking brake set. The vehicle can roll.
If there is still a problem shifting, have the
vehicle serviced soon.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage – less than 9 volt – battery.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and shift to
P (Park). See Shifting Into Park
Shifting out of Park (Electronic
Shifter)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park).
If the vehicle has an uncharged or low
voltage battery, try charging or jump
starting the battery. See Jump Starting -
North America 0 399.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
To shift out of P (Park):
2. Release the parking brake if it is applied.
See Electric Parking Brake 0 236.
(Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or Shifting Into
Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217. If you are
towing a trailer, see Driving
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Pull the shift lever toward you, then
move it to the desired position, and
release.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release
button on the shift lever.
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 299.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired
position. For N (Neutral) hold the lever in
the N (Neutral) position until the N
indicator illuminates red.
If the vehicle still cannot be shifted out of
P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on, or release the shift
lever.
Driving and Operating
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
219
5. The P indicator will turn white and the
gear indicator on the shift lever will turn
red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
Active Fuel Management
If equipped, Active Fuel Management allows
a V8, V6, or L4 gasoline engine to operate
on either all of its cylinders, or a reduced
number of cylinders, depending on the
driving conditions. When less power is
required, such as cruising at a constant
vehicle speed, the system will enable
reduced cylinder operation, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel economy.
When greater power is required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
6. After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
See Shifting Into Park (Mechanical Shifter)
0 216 or Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 217 and Engine Exhaust 0 220.
If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may
prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To
Drive 0 53.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key outside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 15 minutes.
If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may be displayed. Ensure the engine is
running, the brake pedal is applied, and the
shift lock release button is pressed when
you are attempting to shift out of P (Park).
If all of these conditions are met but the
vehicle will not shift out of P (Park), see
your dealer for service.
or merging onto a freeway, the system will
maintain full-cylinder operation.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 30 minutes.
Dynamic Fuel Management
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
If equipped, Dynamic Fuel Management
calculates the number of cylinders needed to
maximize fuel economy and meet the
driving demands. Dynamic Fuel Management
allows the engine to operate in multiple
possible configurations ranging from
zero-cylinder up to the full 8-cylinder
operation.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Parking over Things That Burn
Warning
{
When the vehicle was produced, it came
with the auto-shutdown feature enabled.
If you are not the primary owner of your
vehicle, please note that this feature may
have been disabled by a previous owner.
The vehicle owners can have this feature
re-enabled at owner cost at any GM service
center.
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.





