🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Silverado

Year:

2012

Platform Code:

GMT900

Chassis Code:

GMT900

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Work trucks, fleet vehicles, personal use trucks, towing, hauling

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust build, powerful engine options, towing capacity, reliability, comfortable interior (for its class)

Manual Value Proposition:

Dealership-level accuracy and completeness, enabling professional-quality repairs and maintenance

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full coverage: diagnosis, repair, overhaul, troubleshooting, performance tuning

Transmission:

All automatic and manual transmissions: overhaul, repair, diagnosis, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive systems, differentials, axles, driveshafts

Brakes:

Hydraulic, ABS, EBD, traction control systems: diagnosis, repair, component replacement, bleeding procedures

Steering:

Power steering, steering column, steering gear/rack: diagnosis, repair, alignment specifications

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, sensors, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system: diagnosis, repair, refrigerant charging, component replacement

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, sound system, airbags, interior components

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, repair, corrosion protection

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, pump, injectors, lines, evaporative emissions control

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, sensors

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms

Diagnostic Tools:

OBD-II diagnostics, specific tool requirements

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, tire rotations, fluid checks, belt replacements, brake pad replacement

Repair:

Engine component repair, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with detailed sub-assembly instructions

Calibration:

Wheel alignment, sensor calibration (e.g., ABS sensors, steering angle sensor)

Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle components and systems

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems

Torque Specifications:

Exact torque values for all critical fasteners

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Complete A-Z coverage, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIYers

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and images

Printability:

Printable pages for easy on-the-job use

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.8L V8 (L20), 5.3L V8 (LMF/LMG), 6.0L V8 (L96/LMF/LY6), 6.2L V8 (L94)

Engine Type:

Vortec V8 gasoline engines, some with FlexFuel capability

4.8L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 302 hp @ 5600 rpm

4.8L V8 Torque:

Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

5.3L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 315-326 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm

5.3L V8 Torque:

Approx. 335-348 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm

6.0L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 360-366 hp @ 5400-5600 rpm

6.0L V8 Torque:

Approx. 380-383 lb-ft @ 4200-4400 rpm

6.2L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 403 hp @ 5700 rpm

6.2L V8 Torque:

Approx. 417 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (FlexFuel variants compatible with E85)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (4L60-E/4L70-E), 6-speed automatic (6L80/6L90), 6-speed manual (ZF S6-750)

Optional Transmission:

Varies by engine and trim level (e.g., 6-speed auto more common with larger engines)

Transmission Features:

Tow/Haul mode, manual shifting mode (on some 6-speed autos), electronic control

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron VI

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., Synthetic GL-4 or GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Crew Cab

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (approx. 5'8"), Standard Bed (approx. 6'6"), Long Bed (approx. 8'0")

Wheelbase Range:

143.5 inches to 167.7 inches (depending on cab and bed configuration)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,500 lbs to 5,800 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Ranges from 7,000 lbs to 10,000+ lbs depending on configuration (e.g., 1500, 2500, 3500 series)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 10,700 lbs (properly equipped 2500/3500 models)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to 3,960 lbs (properly equipped 3500 models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Generally rated 4 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance in 2WD and 4WD configurations.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stabilitrak:

Available StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with touchscreen display, USB connectivity, Bluetooth.

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo, CD/MP3 player, auxiliary input, premium sound system options.

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking assist sensors.

Rearview Camera:

Available rearview camera system integrated with the infotainment display.

Connectivity Features:

OnStar telematics system with turn-by-turn navigation and roadside assistance capabilities.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil type and usage).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000-45,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine type, typically 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 45,000-60,000 miles for heavy-duty use, or 100,000+ miles for normal use (refer to manual). Filter replacement recommended during fluid changes.

Coolant Flush And Replacement:

Approximately every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30, meeting GM spec GM6094M (or Dexos1 for newer specs if applicable, though typically not for 2012). Verify with manual.

Coolant Spec:

GM P/N 12346131 or 1052855 (Orange coolant), or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Dexron III/VI compatible fluid

Common Wear Items:

Brake pads/rotors, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, front wheel bearings.

Engine Concern:

AFM (Active Fuel Management) system lifter issues can occur on 5.3L engines, leading to misfires or ticking noises.

Transmission Concern:

Occasional issues with transmission solenoids or torque converter clutch on higher mileage units.

Electrical Concern:

Dashboard illumination issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, and power window regulator failures can be reported.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for building durable and capable trucks dating back to the early 20th century.

Silverado Introduction:

The Silverado nameplate was introduced in 1999 as the successor to the C/K series trucks. The 2012 model is part of the third generation (GMT900), which ran from 2007-2013.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing plants include Fort Wayne, Indiana; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; and Silao, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Powertrain Awards:

The 5.3L and 6.2L Vortec V8 engines have historically received multiple 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' awards in previous generations for their power and efficiency.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports generally rated the 2012 Silverado favorably for its comfort, ride quality, and V8 engine performance, with typical ratings for predicted reliability in the average to above-average range for the class.