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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 366

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Manual

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Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods of sunshine, the floor of the truck bed may become very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed that might be affected by high ambient temperatures. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. Making Turns Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you'returning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs; trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. 4-85

Section	Page
Table of Contents	2
Seats and Restraint Systems	8
Front Seats	10
Manual Seats	10
Power Seats	11
Power Lumbar	11
Heated Seats	12
Reclining Seatbacks	12
Head Restraints	14
Seatback Latches	14
Rear Seats	15
Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab)	15
Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab)	16
Safety Belts	17
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	17
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts	21
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	22
Driver Position	23
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	30
Right Front Passenger Position	31
Center Passenger Position	31
Rear Seat Passengers	33
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	36
Safety Belt Extender	38
Child Restraints	39
Older Children	39
Infants and Young Children	41
Child Restraint Systems	45
Where to Put the Restraint	48
Top Strap	49
Top Strap Anchor Location	50
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	53
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position	59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position	61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	61
Air Bag Systems	68
Where Are the Air Bags?	70
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?	71
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?	73
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?	73
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?	74
Air Bag Off Switch	75
Passenger Sensing System	81
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	84
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	85
Restraint System Check	86
Checking Your Restraint Systems	86
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	87
Features and Controls	88
Keys	90
Remote Keyless Entry System	91
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation	92
Doors and Locks	95
Power Door Locks	96
Delayed Locking	97
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	97
Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cabs)	99
Lockout Protection	99
Rear Doors	100
Tailgate	100
Windows	102
Manual Windows	103
Power Windows	103
Swing-Out Windows	104
Sun Visors	104
Theft-Deterrent Systems	105
Content Theft-Deterrent	105
Passlock	107
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	108
New Vehicle Break-In	108
Ignition Positions	108
Starting Your Engine	110
Engine Coolant Heater	112
Automatic Transmission Operation	113
Manual Transmission Operation	117
Four-Wheel Drive	122
Parking Brake	131
Shifting Into Park (P)	132
Shifting Out of Park (P)	135
Parking Your Vehicle	135
Parking Over Things That Burn	136
Engine Exhaust	136
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked	137
Mirrors	139
Manual Rearview Mirror	139
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar, Compass and Temperature Display	139
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display	141
Outside Manual Mirrors	144
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors	144
Outside West Coast-Type Mirrors	145
Outside Power Mirrors	145
Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror	146
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors	146
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror	146
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors	147
Outside Convex Mirror	147
Outside Heated Mirrors	147
OnStar System	148
Storage Areas	150
Glove Box	150
Cupholder(s)	150
Center Overhead Console	150
Front Storage Area	153
Center Console Storage Area	153
Vehicle Personalization	154
Memory Seat	154
Instrument Panel	156
Instrument Panel Overview	159
Hazard Warning Flashers	161
Other Warning Devices	161
Horn	161
Tilt Wheel	162
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	162
Exterior Lamps	168
Interior Lamps	172
Accessory Power Outlets	173
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	174
Climate Controls	175
Dual Climate Control System	176
Dual Automatic Climate Control System	179
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	185
Instrument Panel Cluster	186
Speedometer and Odometer	187
Tachometer	187
Safety Belt Reminder Light	187
Air Bag Readiness Light	188
Air Bag Off Light	188
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator	191
Battery Warning Light	193
Voltmeter Gage	194
Up-Shift Light	194
Brake System Warning Light	195
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	196
Traction Off Light	200
Oil Pressure Gage	202
Cruise Control Light	203
Four-Wheel-Drive Light	203
Tow/Haul Mode Light	203
Overdrive Disable	203
Fuel Gage	204
Low Fuel Warning Light	204
Driver Information Center (DIC)	205
DIC Operation and Displays	205
DIC Warnings and Messages	215
Audio System(s)	223
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)	223
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)	223
AM-FM Radio	224
Radio with CD	226
Radio with Cassette and CD	237
Radio with Six-Disc CD	251
Rear Seat Entertainment System	266
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)	275
Theft-Deterrent Feature	276
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	277
DVD Distortion	278
Understanding Radio Reception	278
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	278
Care of Your CDs and DVDs	279
Care of Your CD and DVD Player	280
Cleaning the Video Screen	280
Fixed Mast Antenna	280
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System	280
DAB Radio Antenna System	280
Chime Level Adjustment	280
Driving Your Vehicle	282
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	283
Defensive Driving	283
Drunken Driving	283
Control of a Vehicle	286
Braking	287
Traction Assist System (TAS)	290
Manual Selectable Ride	292
Locking Rear Axle	293
Steering	293
QUADRASTEER	295
Off-Road Recovery	299
Loss of Control	301
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle	302
Driving at Night	317
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	318
City Driving	321
Freeway Driving	322
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	323
Highway Hypnosis	324
Hill and Mountain Roads	325
Winter Driving	327
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	331
Towing	334
Towing Your Vehicle	334
Recreational Vehicle Towing	334
Loading Your Vehicle	337
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment	340
Truck-Camper Loading Information	344
Trailer Recommendations	346
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab	346
Towing a Trailer	347
Power Take-Off (PTO)	373
Service and Appearance Care	376
Service	378
Doing Your Own Service Work	379
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	379
Fuel	380
Gasoline Octane	380
Gasoline Specifications	380
California Fuel	381
Additives	381
Fuels in Foreign Countries	382
Filling Your Tank	382
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	384
Checking Things Under the Hood	385
Hood Release	385
Engine Compartment Overview	387
Engine Oil	392
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	398
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison Transmission)	400
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmission)	403
Manual Transmission Fluid	406
Hydraulic Clutch	407
Engine Coolant	408
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	411
Engine Overheating	411
Cooling System	414
Engine Fan Noise	419
Power Steering Fluid	419
Windshield Washer Fluid	421
Brakes	422
Battery	425
Jump Starting	426
Rear Axle	432
Four-Wheel Drive	433
Noise Control System	435
Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited	435
Bulb Replacement	436
Halogen Bulbs	436
Headlamps	436
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime Running Lamps	438
Roof Marker Lamps	439
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp	441
Pickup Box Identification and Fender Marker Lamps	442
Taillamps	442
Replacement Bulbs	445
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	446
Tires	447
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	448
Dual Tire Operation	449
Tire Inspection and Rotation	449
When It Is Time for New Tires	452
Buying New Tires	453
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	454
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	455
Wheel Replacement	455
Tire Chains	457
If a Tire Goes Flat	458
Changing a Flat Tire	459
Appearance Care	477
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	477
Care of Safety Belts	480
Weatherstrips	480
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	480
Sheet Metal Damage	482
Finish Damage	482
Underbody Maintenance	483
Chemical Paint Spotting	483
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	483
Vehicle Identification	485
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	485
Service Parts Identification Label	485
Electrical System	486
Add-on Electrical Equipment	486
Windshield Wiper Fuses	486
Power Windows and Other Power Options	486
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	486
Capacities and Specifications	495
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	499
Maintenance Schedule	500
Maintenance Schedule	501
Introduction	501
Your Vehicle and the Environment	501
Maintenance Requirements	501
How This Section is Organized	502
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	503
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	503
Scheduled Maintenance	504
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	510
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles (160, 1600 and 10000km)	510
At Each Fuel Fill	510
At Least Once a Month	510
At Least Twice a Year	511
At Least Once a Year	512
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	515
Steering and Suspension Inspection	515
Exhaust System Inspection	515
Fuel System Inspection	515
Engine Cooling System Inspection	515
Throttle System Inspection	516
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection	516
Brake System Inspection	516
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	517
Part E: Maintenance Record	520
Customer Assistance Information	524
Customer Assistance Information	525
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	525
Online Owner Center	526
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	527
Customer Assistance Offices	527
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	529
Roadside Assistance Program	529
Courtesy Transportation	530
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	532
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	533
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	533
Service Publications Ordering Information	533
Supplement	536

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Driving

with a Trailer

Towing

a trailer requires

a certain amount

of experience.

Before setting out

for

the

open road, you’ll want to get

to know

your

rig.

Acquaint yourself with the feel of

handling and braking with the added weight

the trailer.

And

always

keep in mind that the vehicle you are

driving is now

good

deal longer and not nearly as

responsive as your

vehicle is

by itself.

Before

you

start,

check the trailer hitch and platform

(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,

lamps, tires and

mirror adjustment.

the trailer has

electric

brakes,

start

your vehicle and trailer moving

and

then

apply the trailer brake controller by

hand to

sure

the brakes are working. This lets you

check your

electrical connection at the same time.

During

your

trip,

check occasionally to be sure that the

load is

secure,

and

that the lamps

and

any trailer

brakes are still working.

While towing a trailer or when

exposed to long periods

of sunshine,

the

floor of the truck bed may become

very

warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed

that

might

affected

by high ambient temperatures.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as

you

would

when driving your vehicle without a trailer.

This can help you avoid situations that require

heavy braking and sudden

turns.

Passing

You’ll need

more passing distance up

ahead

when

you’re towing a trailer. And,

because you’re a

good deal

longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the

passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.

Then, to move the trailer to

the left, just move that hand

to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your

hand to the right.

Always

back

up slowly and,

possible,

have

someone guide you.

Making Turns

Notice:

Making very sharp turns while trailering

could cause the trailer to come in contact with the

vehicle.

Your vehicle could be damaged.

Avoid

making very sharp turns while trailering.

When

you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns

than

normal.

this

your trailer won’t strike

soft

shoulders,

curbs, road signs; trees or other objects. Avoid jerky

sudden

maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

4-85