🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Silverado

Year:

2008

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Coverage Statement:

Covers all models and all repairs A-Z

Authenticity:

Vehicle Specific, Identical to Dealership Technician Manual

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, a dominant segment in the North American market. Competes directly with Ford F-Series, Ram Trucks, and Toyota Tundra.

Key Competitors 2008:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for its durability, capability (towing and hauling), wide range of configurations, and variety of powerful V8 engine options. Strong aftermarket support.

Benefits For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose common issues, and tackle complex repairs, saving time and money on dealership visits.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and maintenance information for all 2008 Chevrolet Silverado models.

Model Variant Coverage:

Includes all Silverado 1500, 2500HD, and 3500 models (and potentially HD variants of 1500 if applicable to the platform).

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for this generation's complete service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable) or Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild procedures, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control systems (OBD-II diagnostics).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (e.g., NV1500, NV3500) service, rebuild, clutch operation, and driveline components.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 4L60E, 4L70E, 4L80E) service, overhaul, diagnostics, torque converter, electronic controls.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system operation, transfer case service, driveshafts, U-joints, differentials (front and rear), axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf spring), shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, steering knuckles, wheel bearings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear/rack, tie rods, steering column, intermediate shaft, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting systems.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components, dashboard, instrumentation.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant, diagnostic procedures.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, pre-tensioners, diagnostic and service procedures for safety components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, identification of common failures, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, including electrical schematics and connector pinouts.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic tool usage.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits, including color codes and connector information.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, door and window regulator repair, chassis and frame inspection, collision repair basics.

Depth Of Coverage:

Complete mechanical and electrical repair, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.

Diagnostic Tools:

Covers the use of diagnostic scan tools (like GM's Tech 2, the standard at the time) for retrieving trouble codes, reading live data, and performing actuator tests.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF. Features include hyperlinking for navigation, searchable text for quick information retrieval, and bookmark functionality.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and clear, legible text. Designed for easy reading and reference in a workshop environment.

Binding Type:

If printed: Perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability.

Paper Type:

If printed: Durable, heavyweight paper stock resistant to grease and shop use.

Detail Level:

In-depth technical procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring schematics, diagnostic flowcharts, and component identification for all major systems.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

4.3L V6 'Vortec 4300' (L33/LV3 variations)

V8 Engines:

4.8L V8 (LY2), 5.3L V8 (LMF7/LH6/LY5 - with Active Fuel Management), 6.0L V8 (L76/L96)

Horsepower 4.8L:

Approx. 295 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 4.8L:

Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Horsepower 5.3L:

Approx. 315 hp @ 5200 rpm (non-AFM), 315 hp @ 5200 rpm (AFM)

Torque 5.3L:

Approx. 338 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (non-AFM), 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (AFM)

Horsepower 6.0L:

Approx. 355 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque 6.0L:

Approx. 380 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (higher octane recommended for optimal performance, especially for heavy towing)

Engine Identification:

V6: L33/LV3; 4.8L: LY2; 5.3L: LMF7/LH6/LY5; 6.0L: L76/L96

Active Fuel Management Afm:

The 5.3L V8 engine featured Active Fuel Management (AFM) on many 2008 models, which deactivates cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy. The manual provides specific service procedures and potential failure points related to AFM.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-Speed Manual NV1500 (available on some configurations)

Automatic Transmission 1:

4-Speed Automatic 4L60-E (common with 4.8L, 5.3L)

Automatic Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic 4L70-E (heavy-duty version of 4L60-E, common with 6.0L)

Heavy Duty Automatic:

4-Speed Automatic 4L80-E (available on heavy-duty Silverado 2500/3500 models, may be present in some 1500 HD)

Transmission Features:

Tow/Haul mode, electronic pressure control, diagnostic capabilities.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Varied based on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 119.6", 133.0", 143.5")

Bed Length Options:

Short (6'3"), Standard (7' 7"), Long (8' 1")

Cab Configurations:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (2-door with rear-opening doors), Crew Cab (4-door with front-opening doors)

Maximum Towing Capacity:

Up to 10,500 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)

Maximum Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,900 lbs (depending on configuration)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,700 - 5,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model (e.g., 7,000 - 8,600 lbs for 1500 series)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Occupant:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Crashworthiness:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Traction Control:

Standard StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control) with Traction Control

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), available side-impact airbags (curtain and seat-mounted).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for all occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional upgrades included Bose premium audio systems, in-dash CD changers, and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (or similar GM predecessor) with features like satellite radio and auxiliary input jacks. Some models offered an auxiliary input for MP3 players.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard StabiliTrak (ESC), ABS, Traction Control. Optional features could include rear parking assist sensors. No advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were standard or widely available.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary input for audio devices. OnStar telematics system was available on higher trim levels, providing features like emergency assistance and vehicle diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic blend oil, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS). Check manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles for platinum or iridium tipped plugs (specifics depend on engine).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (check owner's manual for specific engine and climate recommendations). Dexos is not applicable for this model year, but a high-quality API SN or newer rated oil is recommended.

Coolant Specification:

GM P/N 12346490 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant (long-life OAT).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron VI (for 4L60-E, 4L70-E, 4L80-E, and 6-speed 6L80/90 if applicable, though 2008 typically uses 4-speeds). Check manual for specific transmission type.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GM P/N 12346172 (or equivalent) for manual transmissions.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM P/N 89021183 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI compatible fluid).

Differentials And Transfer Case:

Specifications for front/rear differential fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic) and transfer case fluid (e.g., GM P/N 12345348 or equivalent).

Common Issues Text:

Examples include AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter issues (ticking noise), potential transmission problems (especially 4L60E/4L70E under heavy use), exhaust manifold leaks (cracked manifolds or broken bolts), and minor electrical glitches. Active Fuel Management system requires specific maintenance considerations.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck History:

Chevrolet has a long and storied history in the truck market, dating back to the 1910s. The Silverado nameplate has been synonymous with reliability and capability for decades.

Silverado Generation:

The 2008 Silverado belongs to the GMT900 platform generation, which debuted for the 2007 model year. This generation represented a significant redesign with more aerodynamic styling, improved interior comfort, and enhanced powertrains.

Manufacturing Locations:

Assembled in various GM plants across North America, including Fort Wayne, Indiana; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; and Silao, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year may vary, the Silverado has consistently been recognized for its towing and hauling capabilities, durability, and value by automotive publications such as MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and Kelley Blue Book throughout its generations.