Chevrolet Silverado 2011 User Manual

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-8

Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-25

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32

Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-17

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-3

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-29

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-32

Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-41

Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-50

Universal Remote System . . . . 5-58

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-8

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

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

Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-8

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-36

Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-48

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

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

Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-31

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-42

Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-48

Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 9-50

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-63

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-67

Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-69

Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-72

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-79

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-85

Conversions and

Add-Ons . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 9-117

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual M

Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-43

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-94

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-99

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . .10-104

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-8

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-12

Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1

Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-15

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

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, the CHEVROLET
Emblem, SILVERADO, and Z71
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.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25965913 C Third Printing

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
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.

If the vehicle has the Duramax

®

diesel engine, see the Duramax
diesel supplement for additional and
specific information on this engine.

If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

©

2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

iv Introduction

Using this Manual

To quickly locate information
about the vehicle, use the Index
in the back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number
where it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.

Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury
or death.

WARNING

{

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

Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.

A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let
this happen.”

Symbols

The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.

M : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction v

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.

0 : Adjustable Pedals
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls

or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light

" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gauge

+ : Fuses

3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

j : LATCH System Child

Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp

: : Oil Pressure

g : Outside Power Foldaway

Mirrors

} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
_ : Tow/Haul Mode

F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

vi Introduction

2 NOTES

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In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel (Base/Uplevel

Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Instrument Panel (Premium

Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-8

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-9

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Heated Seats . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Head Restraint

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1-15

Sensing System for

Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Steering Wheel

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Throttle and Brake Pedal

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-19

Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-20

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-26

Bluetooth

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-27

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

Navigation System . . . . . . . .. . . 1-28

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

Rear Vision

Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-30

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

Universal Remote System . . . 1-31

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-31

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-32

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-33

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-33

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-34

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-34

®

OnStar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel (Base/Uplevel Version)

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In Brief 1-3

A. Air Vents on page 8‑10.

B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change

Signals on page 6‑6.

Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.

C. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑32.

D. Hazard Warning Flashers on

page 6‑5 (Out of View).

E. Instrument Cluster on

page 5‑12.

F. Shift Lever. See Automatic

Transmission on page 9‑42.

Tow/Haul Selector Button (If
Equipped). See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9‑46.

Range Selection Mode (Allison
Transmission and Hydra-Matic
6‐Speed Button) (If Equipped).
See Manual Mode on
page 9‑45.

G. Infotainment on page 7‑1.

H. Instrument Panel Storage on

page 4‑1.

I. Integrated Trailer Brake

Controller (If Equipped). See
Trailer Towing on page 9‑89.

J. Exterior Lamp Controls on

page 6‑1.

K. Data Link Connector (DLC)

®

(Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑24.

L. Hood Release. See Hood on

page 10‑5.

M. Parking Brake on page 9‑64.

N. Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑6

(If Equipped).

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1-4 In Brief

O. Cruise Control on page 9‑69.

P. Steering Wheel Adjustment on

page 5‑2.

Q. Horn on page 5‑4.

R. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 5‑2 (If Equipped).

S. Automatic Transfer Case

Control (If Equipped). See

Four-Wheel Drive on
page 10‑34.

T. Ashtray (If Equipped). See

Ashtrays on page 5‑11 and
Cigarette Lighter on page 5‑10.

U. StabiliTrak

®

System on

page 9‑67 (If Equipped).

Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑72 (If Equipped).

Pedal Adjust Button (If
Equipped). See Adjustable

Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 9‑31.

Exhaust Brake (If Equipped).
See “Brakes” in the Duramax
diesel supplement.

V. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.

W. Climate Control Systems (with

Air Conditioning) on page 8‑1 or
Climate Control Systems (with
Heater Only) on page 8‑4 (If

Equipped).

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑5 (If

Equipped).

X. Power Take Off (PTO) Control

(If Equipped). See Power Take
Off (PTO) in the Duramax diesel
supplement.

Y. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If

Equipped). See Airbag On-Off
Switch on page 3‑37.

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2 NOTES

In Brief 1-5

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-6 In Brief

Instrument Panel (Premium Version)

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-7

A. Air Vents on page 8‑10.

B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change

Signals on page 6‑6.

Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.

C. Instrument Cluster on

page 5‑12.

D. Hazard Warning Flashers on

page 6‑5 (Out of View).

E. Shift Lever. See Automatic

Transmission on page 9‑42.

Range Selection Mode
(If Equipped). See Manual
Mode on page 9‑45.

F. Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑46

(If Equipped).

G. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑32.

H. Infotainment on page 7‑1.

I. Exterior Lamp Controls on

page 6‑1.

J. Integrated Trailer Brake

Controller (If Equipped). See
Trailer Towing on page 9‑89.

K. Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.

L. Automatic Transfer Case

Control (If Equipped). See

Four-Wheel Drive on
page 10‑34.

M. Data Link Connector (DLC)

(Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑24.

N. Hood Release. See Hood on

page 10‑5.

O. Parking Brake on page 9‑64.

P. Cruise Control on page 9‑69.

Q. Steering Wheel Adjustment on

page 5‑2.

R. Horn on page 5‑4.
S. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 5‑2.

T. Climate Control Systems (with

Air Conditioning) on page 8‑1 or
Climate Control Systems (with
Heater Only) on page 8‑4 (If

Equipped).

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑5

(If Equipped).

U. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.

Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped).
See Ashtrays on page 5‑11 and
Cigarette Lighter on page 5‑10.

V. StabiliTrak

®

System on

page 9‑67 (If Equipped).

Pedal Adjust Button (If
Equipped). See Adjustable

Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 9‑31.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑72 (If Equipped).

Exhaust Brake (If Equipped).
See “Brakes” in the Duramax
diesel supplement.

W. Passenger Airbag Off Control

(If Equipped). See Airbag
On-Off Switch on page 3‑37.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-8 In Brief

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The RKE transmitter is used to
remotely lock and unlock the doors
from up to 60 m (195 ft) away from
the vehicle.

K : Press to unlock the driver door.

Press

K again within three seconds

to unlock all remaining doors.

Q : Press to lock all doors. Lock

and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See Vehicle

Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑50.

L : Press and release to locate

the vehicle. Press
more than two seconds to sound

the panic alarm. Press
cancel the panic alarm.

L and hold for

L again to

See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.

Remote Vehicle Start

With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.

Starting the Vehicle

1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press

3. Immediately after completing

When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.

Q.

Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash.

/ until

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-9

The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at
the vehicle and press and

hold

/ until the parking

lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition on and then
back off.

See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5.

Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and
unlock the vehicle.

From outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
the key in the driver door. From
inside, use the power door locks or
the 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

If available, these switches are on
the front doors.

K : Press to unlock the doors.
Q : Press to lock the doors.

See Door Locks on page 2‑7.

Windows

Turn the hand crank on each door
to manually raise or lower the
manual windows.

Power Windows

Crew Cab Shown

If available, the power window
switches are located on each of the
side doors in the front and rear.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-10 In Brief

The driver door has a switch for the
passenger window and rear
windows.

Push the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.

For more information, see:

.

Windows on page 2‑18.

.

Power Windows on page 2‑18.

Power Sliding Rear Window

On vehicles with a power sliding
rear window, the switch is located in
the overhead console. See Rear
Windows on page 2‑19.

The power sliding rear window
cannot be operated manually.

.

Push to open the window.

.

Pull to close the window.

Seat Adjustment

Manual Seats

To adjust the seat:

1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.

3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure the seat is
locked in place.

See Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
for more information.

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Power Seats

.

If available, raise or lower the
entire seat by moving the entire
control up or down.

See Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑5 for more information.

Lumbar Adjustment

Manual Lumbar

In Brief 1-11

Power Lumbar

To adjust a power seat, if equipped:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

.

If available, raise or lower the
front or rear part of the seat
cushion by moving the front or
rear of the control up or down.

If equipped, increase or decrease
manual lumbar support by turning
the knob forward or rearward.

See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3‑7 for more information.

To adjust the power lumbar support,
if equipped:

.

On vehicles with two-way
lumbar, press and hold the top
or bottom of the control to
increase or decrease lumbar
support.

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1-12 In Brief

.

On vehicles with four-way
lumbar, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase
or decrease lumbar support. To
raise or lower the height of the
support, press and hold the top
or bottom of the control.

See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3‑7 for more information.

Reclining Seatbacks

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

To recline a manual seatback:

1. Lift the lever.

2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

See Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑8 for more information.

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In Brief 1-13

Power Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust a power seatback,
if equipped:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

See Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑8 for more information.

Memory Features

On vehicles with the memory
feature, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat,
outside mirrors, and the adjustable
throttle and brake pedals,
if equipped.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat and
seatback recliner, both outside
mirrors, and the throttle and
brake pedals, if equipped.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑15
and Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 9‑31 for
more information.

Not all mirrors and adjustable
throttle and brake pedals will
have the ability to save and
recall their positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall, press and release “1”
or “2.” The vehicle must be in
P (Park). A single beep will sound.
The seat, outside mirrors, and
adjustable throttle and brake pedals,
if equipped, will move to the position
previously stored for the identified
driver.

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1-14 In Brief

See “Memory Seat, Mirrors, and
Pedals” under Power Seat

Adjustment on page 3‑5 and Vehicle
Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑50 for more information.

Easy Exit Driver Seat

This feature can move the seat
rearward to allow extra room to exit
the vehicle.

B : Press to recall the easy exit

seat position. The vehicle must be
in P (Park).

See “Memory Seat, Mirrors, and
Pedals” under Power Seat

Adjustment on page 3‑5 and Vehicle
Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑50 for more information.

Heated Seats

If available, the controls are on the
driver and passenger doors.

I : Press to heat the

seatback only.

J : Press to heat the seat and

seatback.

See Heated Front Seats on
page 3‑10.

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.

For more information see Head

Restraints on page 3‑2 and Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑3.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-15

Safety Belts

Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.

.

Safety Belts on page 3‑12.

.

How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑16.

.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑22.

.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑56.

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

The passenger sensing system,
if equipped, turns off the right front
passenger frontal airbag under
certain conditions. The driver
airbags, seat‐mounted side impact
airbags and roof‐rail airbags are not
affected by this.

If the vehicle has one of the
indicators pictured in the following
illustrations, then the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position unless
there is an airbag off switch located
in the glove box.

If there is an airbag off switch, the
vehicle does not have a passenger
sensing system. See Airbag On-Off
Switch on page 3‑37 for more
information.

The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
overhead console when the vehicle
is started.

United States

Canada and Mexico

See Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑40 for important information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-16 In Brief

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power mirrors
and foldaway mirrors have controls
located on the driver door.

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.

2. Press the arrows on the control
pad to move the mirror up,
down, right, or left.

3. Press either (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.

See Manual Mirrors on page 2‑14 or
Power Mirrors on page 2‑15.

If the vehicle has towing mirrors,
they can be adjusted for a clearer
view of the objects behind you.
Manually pull out the mirror head to
extend it for better visibility when
towing a trailer. See Trailer-Tow
Mirrors on page 2‑14.

Power Foldaway Mirrors

To fold the mirrors:

1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.

2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.

Manual Foldaway Mirrors

Manually fold the mirrors inward
to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return to its original position.

See Folding Mirrors on page 2‑15.

Interior Mirror

Vehicles with a manual rearview
mirror can be adjusted to see clearly
behind the vehicle. Hold the mirror
in the center to move it up or
down and side to side. To reduce
headlamp glare during nighttime
use, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it for
nighttime use.

Vehicles with the automatic dimming
feature will automatically reduce
the glare of lights from behind the
vehicle. The dimming feature comes
on and the indicator light illuminates
each time the vehicle is started.

See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2‑17 for more
information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-17

Steering Wheel Adjustment

The tilt lever is located on the lower
left side of the steering column.

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Hold the steering wheel and pull
the lever.

2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.

3. Release the lever to lock the
wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment

On vehicles with this feature, you
can change the position of the
throttle and brake pedals.

The control used to adjust the
pedals is located on the instrument
panel below the climate control
system.

Press the bottom of the control to
move the pedals closer to your
body. Press the top of the control to
move the pedals away.

See Adjustable Throttle and Brake
Pedal on page 9‑31.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps

The dome lamps are located in the
overhead console.

They come on when any door is
opened and turn off after all the
doors are closed.

Turn the instrument panel
brightness knob located below the
dome lamp override button,
clockwise to the farthest position to
manually turn on the dome lamps.
The dome lamps remain on until the
knob is turned counterclockwise.

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1-18 In Brief

Dome Lamp Override

The dome lamp override button is
located next to the exterior lamps
control.

k : Press the button in and the

dome lamps remain off when a door
is opened. Press the button again to
return it to the extended position so
that the dome lamps come on when
a door is opened.

Reading Lamps

For vehicles with reading lamps in
the overhead console, press the
button located next to the lamp to
turn it on or off.

The vehicle may also have reading
lamps in other locations. To turn the
lamps on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp.

For more information about interior
lamps, see:

.

Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.

.

Reading Lamps on page 6‑9.

.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑8.

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.

O : Turns off the automatic

headlamps and Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). Turn the headlamp
control to the off position again to
turn the automatic headlamps or
DRL back on.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-19

For vehicles first sold in Canada,
the off position will only work when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).

AUTO: Automatically turns on the
headlamps, parking lamps,
taillamps, instrument panel lights,
roof marker lamps (if equipped) and
license plate lamps.

; : Turns on the parking lamps,

taillamps, instrument panel lights,
roof marker lamps (if equipped) and
license plate lamps.

5 : Turns on the headlamps,

parking lamps, taillamps, instrument
panel lights, roof marker lamps (if
equipped) and license plate lamps.

For more information, see:

.

Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.

.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑3.

.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑6.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

8 : Single wipe, turn to 8, then

release. Several wipes, hold the
band on

8 longer.

9 : Turns the windshield

wipers off.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-20 In Brief

6 : Turn the band up for more

frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.

6 : Slow wipes.
? : Fast wipes.
L : Push the paddle at the top of

the lever to spray washer fluid on
the windshield.

See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.

Climate Controls

These systems control the heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Climate Control System (With Air Conditioning)

A. Fan Control

B. Temperature Control

C. Air Delivery Mode Control

D. Air Conditioning

E. Outside Air

F. Air Recirculation

G. Rear Window Defogger

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Climate Control System (With Heater Only)

In Brief 1-21

A. Fan Control

B. Temperature Control

C. Air Delivery Mode Control

See Climate Control Systems (with

Air Conditioning) on page 8‑1 or
Climate Control Systems (with
Heater Only) on page 8‑4.

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1-22 In Brief

Dual Automatic Climate Control System

A. Driver and Passenger

Temperature Controls

B. Fan Control

C. AUTO

D. Defrost

E. Air Recirculation

F. Outside Air

G. Air Delivery Mode Control

H. Display

I. Power Button

J. Rear Window Defogger

K. Air Conditioning

L. PASS (Passenger)

See Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑5.

Transmission

Range Selection Mode

The Range Selection Mode switch,
if equipped, is located on the shift
lever. To enable the Range
Selection feature, 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 5 (Fifth) gear is
selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth)
gears are available.

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In Brief 1-23

Press the plus/minus buttons,
located on the steering column shift
lever, to select the desired range of
gears for current driving conditions.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑45.

While using Range Selection Mode,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul
mode can be used.

Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑46.

Four-Wheel Drive

If the vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive,
you can send the engine's driving
power to all four wheels for extra
traction.

Transfer Case Buttons

The vehicle will have one of these
three styles of transfer case
controls. Use these controls to shift
into and out of the different
Four-Wheel Drive modes.

Manual Transfer Case

This transfer case shift lever is on
the floor to the right of the driver.

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1-24 In Brief

Electronic Transfer Case

This transfer case knob is located
next to the steering column.

Automatic Transfer Case

This transfer case knob is located
next to the steering column.

Each transfer case design offers
different drive options. The list
below describes the different drive
options that may be available.

2

m (Two-Wheel-Drive High): This

setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.

AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive): This setting is ideal for

use when road surface traction
conditions are variable.

m (Four-Wheel High): Use the

4

Four-Wheel-Drive High position
when extra traction is needed, such
as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations.

N (Neutral): Shift the transfer case
to Neutral only when towing the
vehicle. See Recreational Vehicle

Towing on page 10‑99 or Trailer
Towing on page 9‑89.

n (Four-Wheel-Drive Low): This

4

setting 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.

See Four-Wheel Drive on
page 9‑50.

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In Brief 1-25

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

Radio with USB, CD, and DVD (MP3)

O : Press to turn the system on

and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.

BAND: Press to choose between
FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.

f : Select radio stations.
© ¨ : Seek or scan stations.

4 : Press to switch the display

between the radio station frequency
and the time. While the ignition is
off, press this button to display the
time. Press to display additional text
information related to the current
FM-RDS or XM station; or CD, MP3,
or WMA song. If information is
available during XM, CD, MP3,
or WMA playback, the song title
information displays on the top line
of the display and artist information
displays on the bottom line. When
information is not available, “NO
INFO” displays.

For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑2.

For vehicles with a Rear Seat
Entertainment System (RSE) and
Rear Seat Audio System (RSA), see

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 7‑36 and Rear
Seat Audio (RSA) System on
page 7‑46 for more information.

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1-26 In Brief

Storing Radio Stations

A maximum of 36 stations can be
stored as favorites using the six
softkeys located below the radio
station frequency tabs and by using
the radio FAV button. Press FAV
to go through up to six pages of
favorites, each having six favorite
stations available per page. Each
page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM
stations.

For more information, see “Storing
Radio Stations” in AM-FM Radio on
page 7‑8.

Setting the Clock

To set the time and date:

1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then

press

O, to turn the radio on.

2. Press

3. Press the softkey located under

4. To increase or decrease the time

For detailed instructions on setting
the clock for the vehicle's specific
audio system, see Clock on
page 5‑7.

H to display HR, MIN,

MM, DD, and YYYY (hour,
minute, month, day, and year).

any one of the labels to be
changed.

or date, turn
counter‐clockwise.

f clockwise or

Satellite Radio

XM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.

A fee is required to receive the
XM service.

For more information, refer to:

.

www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)

.

www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)

See Satellite Radio on page 7‑10.

Portable Audio Devices

This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input located on the radio faceplate
and a USB port located in the center
console or on the dashboard.
External devices such as an iPod
laptop computer, MP3 player, CD
changer, or USB storage device can
be connected to the auxiliary port
using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input cable
or the USB port depending on the
audio system.

See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack”
and “Using the USB Port” in
Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑31.

®

,

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In Brief 1-27

Bluetooth

For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle’s audio system
and controls.

The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.

For more information, see Bluetooth
on page 7‑48.

®

Steering Wheel Controls

If available, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.

w / c x : Press to select preset

or favorite radio stations, select
tracks on a CD/DVD, or to navigate
an iPod or USB device.

b g : Press to silence the vehicle

speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with

®

OnStar
if equipped.

+

decrease volume.

or Bluetooth systems,

e − e : Press to increase or

c x : Press to reject an

incoming call, or to end a call.

SRCE: Press to switch between
the radio and CD, and for equipped
vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary,
and rear auxiliary.

¨ : Press to seek the next radio

station, the next track or chapter
while sourced to the CD or DVD
slot, or to select tracks and folders
on an iPod or USB device.

For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2.

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1-28 In Brief

Cruise Control

The cruise control buttons are
located on the left side of the
steering wheel.

T : Press to turn the system on

or off. The indicator light is on when
cruise control is on and turns off
when cruise control is off.

+ RES : Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously set
speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.

SET − : Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or make the
vehicle decelerate.

[ : Press to disengage cruise

control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

See Cruise Control on page 9‑69.

Navigation System

If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
navigation system manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system.

The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points of
interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.

See the navigation system manual
for more information.

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of
many vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.

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In Brief 1-29

The DIC buttons are located on the
instrument panel, next to the
steering wheel.

Some vehicles do not have the
buttons shown, however some of
the menus can be viewed by using
the trip odometer reset stem.

3 : Press to display the

odometer, trip odometer, fuel range,
average economy, fuel used, timer,
instantaneous economy and Active
Fuel Management™ indicator,
and transmission temperature.

The compass and outside air
temperature will also be shown in
the display. The temperature will be
shown in °C or °F depending on the
units selected.

T : Press to display the oil life,

units, tire pressure readings for
vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), trailer
brake gain and output information
for vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
engine hours, compass zone
setting, and compass recalibration.

U : Press to customize the feature

settings on your vehicle. See

Vehicle Personalization (with DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑50 for more

information.

V : Press to set or reset certain

functions and to turn off or
acknowledge messages on the DIC.

For more information, see Driver

Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑32.

Vehicle Customization

Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the DIC
buttons next to the steering wheel.
These features include:

.

Language

.

Door Lock and Unlock Settings

.

RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback

.

Lighting

.

Chime Volume

.

Memory Features

See Vehicle Personalization (with
DIC Buttons) on page 5‑50.

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1-30 In Brief

Rear Vision Camera (RVC)

If available, the rear vision camera
displays a view of the area behind
the vehicle when the vehicle is
shifted into R (Reverse). This is
displayed on the inside rearview
mirror or the navigation screen,
if equipped.

To clean the camera lens, located in
the bezel for the tailgate handle,
rinse it with water and wipe it with a
soft cloth.

For more information, see Rear
Vision Camera (RVC) on page 9‑74.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) uses sensors on the
rear bumper to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. URPA comes
on automatically when the shift lever
is moved into R (Reverse) and
operates at speeds less than 8 km/h
(5 mph). URPA uses audio beeps to
provide distance and system
information.

Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.

The system can be disabled by
pressing the rear park aid disable
button located next to the radio.

See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑72 for more information.

Power Outlets

Accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone, MP3
player, etc.

The vehicle may have two
accessory power outlets located
below the climate control system,
or may have one accessory power
outlet and one cigarette lighter. The
cigarette lighter is designed to fit
only in the receptacle closest to the
driver.

There may be another accessory
power outlet in the rear cargo area.
If the vehicle has a floor console,
there is an accessory power outlet
inside the storage bin and one on
the rear of the floor console.

The accessory power outlets are
powered, even when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. Continuing to use
power outlets while the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF may cause the vehicle's
battery to run down.

See Power Outlets on page 5‑9.

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In Brief 1-31

Universal Remote System

This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.

Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to have
another person assist with
programming the transmitter.

See Universal Remote System on
page 5‑58.

Sunroof

Extended Cab

The sunroof switch is located on the
headliner above the rearview mirror.

Vent: From the closed position,
press and hold the rear of the switch
to vent the sunroof.

Open: From the vent position,
press and hold the rear of the switch
to open the sunroof.

Close: Press and hold the front of
the switch to close the sunroof.

The sunroof also has a roller
sunshade that can be used to block
the rays of the sun. To open the
sunshade, press and unlatch it, and
roll it back. To close, pull it forward
and latch it into the closed position.

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1-32 In Brief

Crew Cab

A. Open or Close

B. Vent

There are two sunroof switches
located in the overhead console
above the rearview mirror.

Vent: From the closed position,
press the rear of the passenger side
switch (B) to vent the sunroof.

Manual-Open/Manual-Close: To
open the sunroof, press and hold
the rear of the driver side switch

(A) until the sunroof reaches the
desired position. Press and hold the
front of the driver side switch to
close it.

Express-Open/Express-Close:

To express-open the sunroof, fully
press and release the rear of the
driver side switch (B) until the
sunroof reaches the desired
position. To express-close the
sunroof, fully press and release the
front of the driver side switch. Press
the switch again to stop it.

The sunroof also has a sunshade
that you can pull forward to block
the rays of the sun. The sunshade
must be opened and closed
manually.

See Sunroof (Extended Cab) on

page 2‑20 or Sunroof (Crew Cab)
on page 2‑21.

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System

If equipped, the vehicle has a
traction control system that limits
wheel spin and the StabiliTrak
system that assists with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. Both systems
turn on automatically every time the
vehicle is started.

.

To turn off traction control, press
and release
panel.

appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑46.

5 on the instrument

F illuminates and the

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

.

To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold

5 until F illuminates and the

appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑46.

.

Press and release 5 again to
turn on both systems.

For more information, see

StabiliTrak

®

System on page 9‑67.

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the

warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑22. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.

During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑65.

In Brief 1-33

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and, on most vehicles, displays a
DIC message when it is necessary
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.

Resetting the Oil Life System

To reset the Engine Oil Life System
on most vehicles:

1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. If the vehicle does
not have DIC buttons, the
vehicle must be in P (Park) to
access this display.

2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC, or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.

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1-34 In Brief

On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life
System can be reset as follows:

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off.

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal
slowly three times within
five seconds.

3. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. If the display shows
100%, the system is reset.

See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑81. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑79.

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.

.

Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.

.

Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.

.

Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.

.

When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.

.

Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.

.

Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.

.

Combine several trips into a
single trip.

.

Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.

.

Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

Roadside Assistance Program

U.S.: 1-800-243-8872

TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438

Canada: 1-800-268-6800

Mexico: 01-800-466-0800

As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.

See Roadside Assistance Program

(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7 or
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑9 for more

information.

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Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)

If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the

and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.

Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)

The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.

Sign up today at:

www.chevyownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).

Q button

OnStar

For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
Advisors to provide a wide range of
safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.

Automatic Crash Response

In a crash, built‐in sensors
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see if
you need help.

®

How OnStar Service Works

Q : Push this blue button to

connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to answer
questions.

] : Push this red emergency

button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.

X : Push this button for hands‐free,

voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-36 In Brief

Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available on
all vehicles. For more information,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide;
visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY
1‐877‐248‐2080; or push

the

Q button to speak with an

OnStar Advisor 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.

For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide in
the glove box.

OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.

OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.

OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area, and the wireless
service provider has coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar
service. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle must have
a working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.

OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment is not properly
installed or you have not maintained
it even if the vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance
with all government regulations.
If you try to add, connect, or modify
any equipment or software in the
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems beyond
OnStar's control may prevent
service to you, such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of the vehicle, damage
to important parts of the vehicle in a
crash, or wireless phone network
congestion or jamming.

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑18 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-37

OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls

This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 for more information.

On some vehicles, the Talk button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.

Your Responsibility

Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar Advisor cannot be
heard.

If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly.

Push

Q and request a vehicle

diagnostic check. If the light
appears clear (no light appears),
your OnStar subscription has
expired and all services have been

deactivated. Push
the OnStar equipment is active.

Q to confirm that

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

1-38 In Brief

2 NOTES

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 2-8

Doors

Rear Doors

(Extended Cab) . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-9

Tailgate . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . 2-10

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 2-11

Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-11

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-12

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-14

Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2-15

Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2-16

Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-17

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . .. 2-17

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-17

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-18

Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Rear Windows . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 2-19

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 2-20

Roof

Sunroof (Extended Cab) . . . . . 2-20

Sunroof (Crew Cab) . . . . . . . . . 2-21

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING

{

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 children
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 is used for the ignition and
all door locks.

The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.

See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.

Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.

If you are locked out of the vehicle,
call the Roadside Assistance
Center. See Roadside Assistance

Program (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑7 or Roadside Assistance
Program (Mexico) on page 13‑9.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑18 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:

.

Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.

.

Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

.

Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.

.

If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

With Remote Start (without

Remote Start Similar)

/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For

vehicles with this feature, press
to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5 for additional information.

/

Q (Lock): Press to lock all the

doors.

If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the turn
signal lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps

when

Q is pressed again within

three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑50 for additional

information.

Pressing
deterrent system. See Anti-theft
Alarm System on page 2‑11.

Q arms the content theft‐

K (Unlock): Press once to unlock

only the driver door. If
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps may come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.

K is pressed

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

If enabled through the DIC, the turn
signal lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle

Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑50. If enabled through the

DIC, the exterior lights may turn on.
See “Approach Lighting” under

Vehicle Personalization (with DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑50.

Pressing
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-theft Alarm
System on page 2‑11.

K on the RKE transmitter

L (Vehicle Locator/Panic

Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.

Press and hold
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to

ON/RUN or
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.

L for more than

L is pressed again.

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.

When the replacement transmitter
is programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
for transmitter programming.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.

Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5

To replace the battery:

1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.

.

Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along the
parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.

.

Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.

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. Snap the transmitter back
together.

Remote Vehicle Start

If available, 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 the 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 the
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 the 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 the vehicle does not
have an automatic climate control
system, during remote start,
manually turn the heated seats on
and off. See Heated Front Seats on
page 3‑10 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.

Do not use the remote start feature
if the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

If the 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 2‑2 for
additional information.

/ (Remote Start): This button will

be on the RKE transmitter if the
vehicle has remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote
start feature:

1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press

Q.

3. Immediately press and hold
until the turn signal lamps flash.
If you cannot see the vehicle's

lamps, press and hold
two to four seconds.

When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on and
remain on while the vehicle is
running. The doors will be
locked and the climate control
system may come on.

The engine will continue to run
for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps
for a 10-minute time extension.
Remote start can be extended
only once.

After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

/

/ for

To cancel a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold

until the parking lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition on and then
back 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.

For example, if
pressed again after the vehicle has
been running for 5 minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing the
engine to run for 15 minutes.

The additional 10 minutes are
considered a second remote vehicle
start.

Q and then / are

/

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

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 is 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.

Remote Start Ready

If the vehicle does not have the
remote vehicle start feature, it may
have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer to
add the manufacturer's remote
vehicle start feature.

See your dealer to add the
manufacturer's remote vehicle
start feature to the vehicle.

Door Locks

WARNING

{

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

.

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. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.

.

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

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.

.

Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from
happening.

There are several ways to lock and
unlock the vehicle.

From outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
the key in the driver door.

From 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.

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2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Door Locks

With power door locks, the switches
on the front doors can be used to
lock and unlock the vehicle.

K (Unlock): Press to unlock the

doors.

Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors.

Delayed Locking

The vehicle may have the delayed
locking feature. When locking the
doors with the power lock switch

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 will override the delayed
locking feature and immediately lock
all the doors.

This feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition.

This feature can be programmed
using the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See “Delay Door
Lock” under Vehicle Personalization
(with DIC Buttons) on page 5‑50.

Automatic Door Locks

The vehicle may have an automatic
lock/unlock feature. This feature can
be programmed using the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See

Vehicle Personalization (with DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑50 for more

information on DIC programming.

Lockout Protection

If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.

If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.

Safety Locks

The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9

Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.

To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to the
vertical position.

Doors

Rear Doors (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.

The rear access door must be
closed before the front door can
close.

To open a rear access door from the
inside, first open the front door.
Then, use the handle located on the
inside of the rear access door
to open.

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2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

Tailgate

WARNING

{

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.

Tailgate Removal

The tailgate can be removed to
allow for different loading situations.
Someone may need to assist with
removal to avoid damage to the
vehicle.

On vehicles with a Rear Vision
Camera, it must be disconnected
before removing the tailgate. See

Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9‑74 for more information.

To remove the tailgate:

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.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11

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.

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.

Anti-theft Alarm System

This 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 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 system is armed when the
security light goes off.

If a locked driver door is opened
without using the RKE transmitter, a
10 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 10 second
pre-alarm, the alarm will go off.
The vehicle's headlamps will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds, then will turn off to save
the battery power.

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2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the key or the manual door lock.
It activates only if you use the
power door lock switch or the RKE
transmitter. The vehicle can be
started with the correct key if the
alarm is set off.

To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:

.

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.

.

Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter.

If the alarm is set off, press unlock
on the RKE transmitter or place the
key in the ignition and turn it to
START.

Testing the Alarm

To test the alarm:

1. Lower the driver window and
open the driver door.

2. Press lock on the RKE
transmitter.

3. Close the door and wait for the
security light to go out.

4. 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 10‑48.

If the alarm does not sound or the
headlamps do not flash, see your
dealer for service.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑18 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

Immobilizer Operation

This 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.

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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-13

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 the theft-deterrent
system. Turn the ignition off and try
again.

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 10‑48. If the
engine still does not start with the
other key, the vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle does start, the first key
may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key III+ to
have a new key made.

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 or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the
system.

See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank 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 for service.

3. After the engine has started, turn
the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.

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2-14 Keys, Doors and Windows

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
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.

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

WARNING

{

A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.

The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Manual Mirrors

Adjust the outside mirrors for a
clearer view.

Using hood-mounted air deflectors
and add-on convex mirror
attachments could decrease
mirror performance.

Trailer-Tow Mirrors

If the vehicle has towing mirrors,
they can be adjusted for a clearer
view of the objects behind you.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15

Manually pull out the mirror head to
extend it for better visibility when
towing a trailer.

The lower portion of the mirror is
convex. A convex mirror's surface is
curved to see more from the driver
seat. The convex mirror can be
adjusted manually to the driver
preferred position for better vision.

The mirror may have a turn signal
arrow that flashes in the direction of
the turn or lane change.

Power Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power mirrors
have controls located on the
driver door.

To adjust each mirror:

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.

2. Press the arrows on the control
pad to move the mirror up,
down, right, or left.

3. Adjust the outside mirror so that
the side of the vehicle and the
area behind are seen.

4. Press either (A) or (B) again to
deselect the mirror.

Folding Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power
foldaway mirrors have controls on
the driver door.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-16 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Foldaway

1. Press (A) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.

2. Press (B) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.

Resetting the Power Foldaway
Mirrors

Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:

.

The mirrors are accidentally
obstructed while folding.

.

They are accidentally manually
folded/unfolded.

.

The mirrors will not stay in the
unfolded position.

.

The mirrors vibrate at normal
driving speeds.

Fold and unfold the mirrors one time
using the mirror controls to reset
them to their normal position.
A popping noise may be heard
during the resetting of the power
foldaway mirrors. This sound is
normal after a manual folding
operation.

Manual Foldaway

Manually fold the mirrors inward to
prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return to its original position.

Automatic Dimming

If equipped with an automatic
dimming mirror, the driver outside
mirror adjusts for the glare of the
headlamps behind you. See

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror on page 2‑17.

Turn Signal Indicator

The vehicle may also have a turn
signal indicator on the mirror. An
arrow on the mirror flashes in the
direction of the turn or lane change.

Heated Mirrors

For vehicles with heated mirrors:

1 (Rear Window Defogger):

Press to heat the mirrors. If the
vehicle has a towing mirror, only the
upper glass of the mirror is heated.
The lower convex part of the towing
mirror is not heated.

Depending on the vehicle's features,
see “Rear Window Defogger” under

Climate Control Systems (with Air
Conditioning) on page 8‑1 or
Climate Control Systems (with
Heater Only) on page 8‑4 or Dual
Automatic Climate Control System
on page 8‑5 for more information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-17

Park Tilt Mirrors

If the vehicle has the memory
package, the passenger and/or
driver mirror tilts to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This feature lets the
driver view the curb when parallel
parking. The mirror(s) return to the
original position when the vehicle is
shifted out of R (Reverse), or the
ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.

Turn this feature on or off through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Vehicle Personalization (with
DIC Buttons) on page 5‑50 for more
information.

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Hold the mirror in the center to
move it for a clearer view of behind
your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps
behind you. Push the tab at the
bottom of the mirror forward for
daytime use and pull it for
nighttime use.

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.

Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature comes on and the indicator
light illuminates each time the
ignition is turned to start.

O (On/Off): Press to turn the

dimming feature on or off.

The vehicle may also have a Rear
Vision Camera (RVC). See Rear

Vision Camera (RVC) on page 9‑74

for more information.

If the vehicle has RVC, the
for turning the dimming feature on or
off will not be available.

Vehicles with OnStar have three
additional control buttons for the
OnStar system. See your dealer for
more information about OnStar and
how to subscribe to it. See the
OnStar Owner Guide for more
information about the services
OnStar provides.

O button

Cleaning the Mirror

Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows

Windows

WARNING

{

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.

The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).

Manual Windows

Turn the hand crank on each door
to manually raise or lower the
manual windows.

Power Windows

WARNING

{

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.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-19

Crew Cab Shown

If the vehicle has power windows,
controls are located on each door.

The driver door has a switch for the
passenger and rear windows as
well. The power windows will work
when the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑36.

Push 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. Push
the switch down to the second
detent, then release, to activate
the express-down mode. The
express-down mode can be
canceled at any time by pulling up
on the front of the switch. To open
the window partway, push the switch
down to the first detent until the
window is at the desired position.

Window Lockout

o (Window Lockout): If a crew

cab or extended cab vehicle has
power windows, the driver door
power window switch has a lockout
feature. This feature prevents the
rear windows from operating, except
from the driver 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.

Rear Windows

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 or
ON/RUN, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑36 for more
information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-20 Keys, Doors and Windows

The power sliding rear window
cannot be operated manually.

.

Push to open the window.

.

Pull to close the window.

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod,
if available.

Roof

Sunroof (Extended Cab)

On vehicles with a sunroof, the
sunroof switch is located on the
headliner above the rearview mirror.

The sunroof only operates when the
ignition is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN or the Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑36 for more
information.

Vent: From the closed position,
press and hold the rear of the
switch (B) to vent the sunroof. To
close the sunroof, press and hold
the front of the switch.

Open: From the vent position,
the sunroof can be fully opened
either manually or by using the
express-open feature. To open
manually, press the rear of the
switch (A) to the first detent and
hold until the sunroof has reached
the desired position. To open using
express-open, press the rear of the
switch to the second detent and
release. The sunroof will move to
the full open position. To stop the
sunroof partway, press the switch a
second time.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-21

Close: From the vent, or open

position, press and hold the front of
the switch (A) to close the sunroof.

The sunroof also has a roller
sunshade that can be used to
block the rays of the sun. The roller
sunshade can be manually operated
with the sunroof in an open or
closed position. To open the
sunshade, press and unlatch it, and
roll it back. To close, pull it forward
and latch it into the closed position.

When the sunroof is opened, an air
deflector will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.

Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise, or plugging the
water drainage system. Periodically
open the sunroof and remove any
obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the
sunroof seal and roof sealing area
using a clean cloth, mild soap, and
water. Do not remove grease from
the sunroof.

Sunroof (Crew Cab)

A. Open or Close

B. Vent

On vehicles with a sunroof, there
are two sunroof switches located in
the overhead console above the
rearview mirror.

The sunroof only operates when the
ignition is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN or the Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑36 for more
information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

2-22 Keys, Doors and Windows

To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close switch (A) to the
first detent position.

To express open or close the
sunroof, press the open or close
switch (A) to the second detent
position and release. To stop the
movement, press the switch again.

The sunroof has a comfort stop
feature which stops the sunroof from
opening to the full-open position.
From the comfort stop position,
press the open or close switch (A) a
second time to open the sunroof to
the full-open position.

To automatically vent or close the
sunroof, press the vent open or
close switch (B).

When the sunroof is opened, an air
deflector will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.

The sunroof also has a sunshade
which can be pulled forward to block
sun rays. The sunshade must be
opened and closed manually.

If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.

Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise, or plugging the
water drainage system. Periodically
open the sunroof and remove any
obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the
sunroof seal and roof sealing area
using a clean cloth, mild soap, and
water. Do not remove grease from
the sunroof.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 3-2

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Center Seat . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . 3-4

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-5

Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Rear Seats

Rear Seats (Extended Cab

Full Bench) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Rear Seats (All Split Bench

and Hybrid Full Bench) . . . . . 3-12

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3-12

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22

Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-27

Lap Belt (Crew and

Extended Cab) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-28

Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-29

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 3-29

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-31

When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . 3-33

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . 3-35

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-35

What Will You See after an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35

Airbag On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . 3-37

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . 3-40

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 3-44

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-45

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-46

Replacing Airbag System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-47

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-47

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3-50

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-52

Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-54
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System) . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-56

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-64

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat Position) . . . . . .. . 3-65

Securing Child Restraints

(Center Front Seat

Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-67

Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front Seat

Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-67

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard
seating positions.

WARNING

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull the head restraint up to raise it.
To lower the head restraint, press
the button, located on the top of the
seatback, and push the
restraint down.

Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

The head restraints are not
designed to be removed.

The rear seat has headrests that
can be adjusted up and down.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

WARNING

{

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

Split Bench or Bucket Seat

To adjust the seat:

1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.

3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure the seat is
locked in place.

Some vehicles have a folding front
bench seat.

Seats and Restraints 3-3

Bench Seat

To adjust the seat:

1. Move the lever to the right to
unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the lever.

3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to make sure it is locked
into place.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

3-4 Seats and Restraints

Folding the Bench Seat

To fold the bench seat:

1. Push back on the front of the
seatback.

2. Pull one of the release levers, at
each end of the seat on the
lower rear of the seatback,
completely out.

3. While holding the lever out, fold
the seatback forward until it
rests on the seat.

4. Release the lever.

Do not try to release the
seatback before pulling the
release levers or the release
system can be damaged.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

Reverse the steps to raise the
seatback. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure the seatback
is locked in the upright position
before driving. Make sure the safety
belts are not twisted or caught in the
seatback.

Center Seat

If equipped, the center front
seatback doubles as an armrest and
cupholder/storage area for the driver
and passenger when the center
front seat is not used. Do not use it
as a seating position when the
seatback is folded down.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-5

Power Seat Adjustment

To adjust a power seat, if equipped:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

.

If equipped, raise or lower the
front or rear part of the seat
cushion by moving the front or
rear of the control up or down.

.

If equipped, raise or lower the
entire seat by moving the entire
control up or down.

To adjust the seatback, see “Power
Reclining Seatbacks” under
Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑8.

Memory Seat, Mirrors, and
Pedals

On vehicles with the memory
feature, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat,
outside mirrors, and the adjustable
throttle and brake pedals,
if equipped.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback
recliner, both outside mirrors,
and the throttle and brake
pedals, if equipped.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑15
and Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 9‑31 for
more information.

Not all mirrors and adjustable
throttle and brake pedals will
have the ability to save and
recall their positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall, press and release “1” or
“2.” The vehicle must be in P (Park).
A single beep will sound. The seat,
outside mirrors, and adjustable
throttle and brake pedals will move
to the position previously stored for
the identified driver.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

3-6 Seats and Restraints

Memory Remote Recall

The memory feature can recall the
driver seat, outside mirrors, and
pedals, if equipped, to stored
positions when entering the vehicle.

To activate, unlock the driver
door with the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. The driver
seat, outside mirrors, and adjustable
pedals, if equipped, will move to the
memory position associated with the
transmitter used to unlock the
vehicle.

This feature can be turned on or off
using the vehicle personalization
menu. See “Memory Seat Recall”
under Vehicle Personalization (with
DIC Buttons) on page 5‑50 for more
information.

To stop recall movement, press one
of the power seat controls, memory
buttons, or power mirror buttons,
or the adjustable pedal switch.

If something has blocked the driver
seat and/or the adjustable pedals
while recalling a memory position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold the
appropriate manual control for the
memory item that is not recalling
for two seconds. Try recalling the
memory position again by pressing
the appropriate memory button.
If the memory position is still not
recalling, see your dealer for
service.

Easy Exit Driver Seat

This feature can move the seat
rearward to allow extra room to exit
the vehicle.

B (Easy Exit Driver Seat): Press

to recall the easy exit seat position.
The vehicle must be in P (Park).

If the easy exit seat feature is
programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, automatic
seat movement occurs when the
ignition key is removed.

A single beep sounds. The driver
seat moves back approximately
8 cm (3 in). To move the seat back
farther, press the easy exit seat
button again until the seat is all the
way back.

If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling the exit position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold the
power seat control rearward for
two seconds. Try recalling the exit
position again. If the exit position is
still not recalling, see your dealer for
service.

See “Easy Exit Recall” and

“Easy Exit Setup” under Vehicle
Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑50 for more information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Lumbar Adjustment

Manual Lumbar

If equipped, increase or decrease
manual lumbar support by turning
the knob forward or rearward.

Power Lumbar

To adjust the power lumbar support,
if equipped:

.

On vehicles with two-way
lumbar, press and hold the top
or bottom of the control to
increase or decrease lumbar
support.

Seats and Restraints 3-7

.

On vehicles with four-way
lumbar, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase
or decrease lumbar support. To
raise or lower the height of the
support, press and hold the top
or bottom of the control.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

3-8 Seats and Restraints

Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you could
go into it, receiving neck or other
injuries.

The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

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

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-9

To adjust a manual seatback:

1. Lift the lever.

The seatback will automatically
fold forward.

2. To recline, move the seatback
rearward to the desired position,
then release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

Power Reclining Seatbacks

To recline a power seatback,
if equipped:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

3-10 Seats and Restraints

Heated Front Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover, or similar item. This
may cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.

If available, the buttons are on the
front doors.

I (Heated Seatback): Press to

heat the seatback only.

J (Heated Seat and Seatback):

Press to heat the seat and
seatback.

Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.

The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.

The heated seats will be canceled
10 seconds after the ignition is
turned off.

Remote Start Heated Seats

When it is cold outside, the heated
seats may turn on automatically
during a remote vehicle start. The
heated seats will be canceled when
the ignition is turned on. Press the
desired button to use the heated
seats after the vehicle is started.

The lights on the heated seat
buttons do not turn on during a
remote start.

The temperature performance of an
unoccupied seat may be reduced.
This is normal.

See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5 for more information.

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Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-11

Rear Seats

Rear Seats (Extended Cab Full Bench)

Folding the Rear Seat

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

To fold the seat:

1. Pull up on the front of the seat
cushion while pulling down on
the release strap under the seat
cushion.

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

3. Pull forward on the seat cushion
to make sure it is locked in
place.

To unfold the seat:

1. Push the seat cushion rearward
while pulling the release strap
under the seat cushion. Pull
the seat cushion down until it
latches.

2. Pull up on the seat cushion to
make sure it is locked in place.

Make sure the safety belts are
not twisted or caught in the seat
cushion.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to
be sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.

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3-12 Seats and Restraints

Rear Seats (All Split Bench and Hybrid Full Bench)

Folding Rear Seat

Either side of the rear seat can be
folded for added cargo space.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Make sure that nothing is on
the seat.

To fold the seat, slowly pull the seat
cushion up.

To return the seat to the normal
seating position, slowly pull the
seat cushion down.

Make sure the safety belts are
not twisted or caught in the seat
cushion.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to
be sure that the safety belts are
properly routed and attached,
and are not twisted.

Safety Belts

This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.

WARNING

{

Do not let anyone ride where
a safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You
and your passenger(s) can be
seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be,
if you are buckled up. Always
fasten your safety belt, and check
that your passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.

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Seats and Restraints 3-13

WARNING

{

People riding on the tailgate (if
equipped) can easily lose their
balance and fall even when the
vehicle is operated at low speeds.
Falling from a moving vehicle may
result in serious injuries or death.

WARNING

{

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

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on
page 5‑20 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be
in a crash. If you do have a crash,
you do not know if it will be a
serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.

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

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3-14 Seats and Restraints

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the

vehicle. The rider does not stop.

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

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or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!

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

Seats and Restraints 3-15

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

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

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety
belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true not
only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.

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3-16 Seats and Restraints

Q: If I am a good driver, and I

never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 miles) of home. And
the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at
speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in the
vehicle, see Older Children on

page 3‑47 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑50. Follow those

rules for everyone's protection.

It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others in
the vehicle who are wearing safety
belts.

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.

Sit up straight and always keep your
feet on the floor in front of you. The
lap part of the belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this

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Seats and Restraints 3-17

applies force to the strong pelvic
bones and you would be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force
on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

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

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3-18 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose. It will

not give nearly as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if the
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap
belt and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The
lap belt should be worn low and
snug on the hips, just touching
the thighs.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

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Seats and Restraints 3-19

WARNING

{

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

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

WARNING

{

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

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3-20 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

WARNING

{

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

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

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Seats and Restraints 3-21

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too
far forward increasing the chance
of head and neck injury. You
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

WARNING

{

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

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3-22 Seats and Restraints

Lap-Shoulder Belt

If the vehicle is a regular cab, then
all seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt. If the
vehicle is a crew or extended cab,
then all seating positions in the
vehicle have a lap-shoulder
belt except for the center front
passenger position (if equipped),
which has a lap belt. See Lap Belt

(Crew and Extended Cab) on
page 3‑27 for more information.

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the
belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out
all the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.

Engaging the child restraint
locking feature may affect the
passenger sensing system,
if equipped. See Passenger

Sensing System on page 3‑40

for more information.

If the belt stops before it reaches
the buckle, when using the
lap-shoulder belt in a rear center
seating position of a crew-cab,
tilt the latch plate and keep
pulling the safety belt until it
can be buckled.

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4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section.

Seats and Restraints 3-23

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

Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 3‑28.

If the latch plate will not go fully
into the buckle, check if the
correct buckle is being used.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.

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3-24 Seats and Restraints

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger.

Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How

to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑16.

Regular and Crew Cab

To move the adjuster down for the
regular and crew cabs, squeeze
the buttons (A) on the sides of the
height adjuster and move the height
adjuster to the desired position.

Extended Cab

On the extended cab, push down on
the release button (A) and move the
height adjuster to the desired
position.

You can move the adjuster up just
by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide.

After you move the adjuster to
where you want it, try to move it
down, without squeezing the buttons
for the regular and crew cabs,
or without pushing the release
button for extended cabs, to make
sure it has locked into position.

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Seats and Restraints 3-25

Safety Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for front outboard
occupants. Although the safety belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the safety belt assembly.
They can help tighten the safety
belts during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, if your
vehicle has side impact airbags,
safety belt pretensioners can help
tighten the safety belts in a side
crash or a rollover event.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
they will need to be replaced, and
probably other new parts for the
vehicle's safety belt system. See

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts
after a Crash on page 3‑29.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides

This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides. If not, they are
available through your dealer. The
guides may provide added safety
belt comfort for older children who
have outgrown booster seats and
for some adults. When installed and
properly adjusted, the comfort guide
positions the belt away from the
neck and head.

Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the shoulder belt:

1. Remove the guide from its
storage clip on the interior body.

2. Place the guide over the belt
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.

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3-26 Seats and Restraints

3. Be sure that the belt is not
twisted and it lies flat. The
elastic cord must be under the
belt and the guide on top.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Slide
the guide onto the storage clip.

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Seats and Restraints 3-27

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

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

Lap Belt (Crew and Extended Cab)

This section is only for the lap belt.
To learn how to wear a lap-shoulder
belt, see Lap-Shoulder Belt on
page 3‑22.

Your vehicle may have a center
seating position. When you sit in the
center front seating position, you
have a lap safety belt, which has no
retractor.

To make the belt longer, tilt the latch
plate and pull it along the belt.

Buckle, position, and release it the
same way as the lap part of a
lap-shoulder belt.

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3-28 Seats and Restraints

To make the belt shorter, pull its free
end as shown until the belt is snug.

If the belt is not long enough, see
Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑28.

Make sure the release button on the
buckle is positioned so you would
be able to unbuckle the safety belt
quickly if necessary.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.

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

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system

from doing its job. See your dealer
to 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 5‑20 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑28.

Safety Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.

WARNING

{

Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

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Seats and Restraints 3-29

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑20.

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following
airbags:

.

A frontal airbag for the driver.

.

A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.

The vehicle may have the following
airbags:

.

A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.

.

A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger and the person
seated directly behind the right
front passenger.

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3-30 Seats and Restraints

All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.

With seat‐mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

WARNING

{

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even if
you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should an
Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑33.

Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

WARNING

{

Because airbags inflate with great
force and faster than the blink
of an eye, anyone who is up
against, or very close to any
airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
sit unnecessarily close to any
airbag, as you would be if sitting
on the edge of the seat or leaning
forward. Safety belts help keep
you in position before and during
a crash. Always wear a safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

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Seats and Restraints 3-31

WARNING

{

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

Children on page 3‑47 or Infants
and Young Children on
page 3‑50.

There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑20 for
more information.

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver airbag is in the middle of
the steering wheel.

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3-32 Seats and Restraints

The right front passenger airbag is
in the instrument panel on the
passenger side.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

If the vehicle has seat‐mounted side
impact airbags for the driver and
right front passenger, they are in the
side of the seatbacks closest to
the door.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

If the vehicle has roof-rail
airbags for the driver, right front
passenger, and second row
outboard passengers, they are in
the ceiling above the side windows.

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Seats and Restraints 3-33

WARNING

{

If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.

Do not use seat accessories that
block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie‐down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver's or right
front passenger's head and chest.
However, they are only designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on how
fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly your vehicle slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds. For
example:

.

If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.

.

If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.

.

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).

.

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.

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3-34 Seats and Restraints

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 3 855 kg
(8,500 lb) or above, the vehicle has
single stage airbags. If the GVWR is
below 3 855 kg (8,500 lb) then the
vehicle has dual stage airbags.
Vehicles with a full bench seat are
equipped with single state airbags.
You can find the GVWR on the
certification label on the rear edge
of the driver door. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑22 for more
information.

The vehicle may have dual‐stage
frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags
adjust the restraint according to
crash severity. The 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 enable the sensing system to
monitor the position of the driver
seat (all models), and on crew cab
and extended cab models the right
front passenger seat on light duty
models only. The seat position
sensor provides information that is
used to determine if the airbags
should deploy at a reduced level or
at full deployment.

The vehicle may or may not have
seat‐mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System
on page 3‑29. Seat‐mounted side
impact and 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. Seat‐mounted
side impact and 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.
A seat‐mounted side impact airbag
is intended to deploy on the side of
the vehicle that is struck. 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 seat‐mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location and
severity of the side impact.