Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, one of the best-selling vehicles in North America.
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Platform Shared:
Shared platform with Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade of the same era.
Durability:
Renowned for its robust construction and durability, a hallmark of GM trucks.
Towing Hauling:
Designed for significant towing and hauling capabilities, with various configurations.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, starter, charging system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, fluid checks, parking brake.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Lighting, instruments, gauges, wipers, horn, power outlets, fuses, battery.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), audio system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, interior lighting.
Safety And Security:
Seat belts, airbags, child restraints, anti-theft system, door locks, vehicle security.
Driver Information:
Instrument cluster, warning indicators, trip computer, driver messages.
Exterior Features:
Doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, mirrors, glass, trailer towing.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement.
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, shifting gears, using vehicle controls, parking, towing.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lights, what to do in case of a breakdown, jump starting procedures.
Safety Instructions:
Proper use of seat belts, airbag system precautions, child safety seat installation guidance.
Depth:
Designed for the end-user, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features and warning indicators. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Digital Format Quality:
N/A (This is for a printed manual)
Print Quality:
OEM standard, clear text and diagrams.
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound (typical for OEM owner's manuals).
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for regular use.
Engine Options:
Multiple V8 engines and a Vortec 4.8L V8 were common. Specific engine details would depend on trim and configuration, but common options include:
4.8L Vortec V8 (Lr4):
Displacement: 4.8 L (293 cu in), Horsepower: ~200-285 hp, Torque: ~295-305 lb-ft.
5.3L Vortec V8 (Lm7):
Displacement: 5.3 L (325 cu in), Horsepower: ~285-295 hp, Torque: ~320-335 lb-ft.
6.0L Vortec V8 (Lq4/Lq9):
Displacement: 6.0 L (364 cu in), Horsepower: ~300-325 hp, Torque: ~360-370 lb-ft.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Injection Type:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPFI).
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) or coil-on-plug (COP) depending on engine. ECM/PCM controlled.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4L60E, 4L80E depending on engine/application).
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission may have been available on certain configurations, though less common in the light-duty Silverado.
Drive Modes:
RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with selectable modes (2HI, 4HI, 4LO).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent). Check owner's manual for exact specification. Capacity approx. 9-11 quarts (dry fill).
Wheelbase:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 119" for short bed, 133" for standard bed, 143" for long bed cab-and-chassis).
Overall Length:
Varies by configuration (e.g., approx. 209" for short bed).
Overall Width:
Approx. 78.8 inches (excluding mirrors).
Overall Height:
Varies by configuration (e.g., approx. 73.7 inches for standard cab).
Bed Lengths:
Typically offered in 6.5 ft (short bed) and 8 ft (long bed) configurations.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 lbs.
Max Payload:
Varies by configuration, typically 1,000-3,000+ lbs.
Max Towing Capacity:
Varies by configuration, up to 8,000-10,000+ lbs depending on engine, axle ratio, and towing package.
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Generally performed well for its class. Frontal impact ratings were typically 4 or 5 stars. Side impact and rollover ratings varied by configuration and specific test. Consult NHTSA archives for precise details.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) often available or standard on higher trims or with certain powertrains.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags standard. Side-impact airbags were optional on some trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions. Pretensioners on front seat belts.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (common), auxiliary input optional. Bose premium audio optional on higher trims.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were available as an option on higher trim levels, though less common than aftermarket solutions.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking assist system (Ultrasonic) was an optional feature.
Onstar:
OnStar communications system was an available option, providing features like emergency assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, and turn-by-turn navigation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system (if equipped), depending on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check owner's manual. Often at 50,000-100,000 miles under normal conditions, more frequently for severe use (towing, heavy loads).
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic is generally recommended for most Vortec engines in this era. Refer to manual for precise specification and viscosity for climate.
Coolant Type:
GM specified engine coolant (e.g., Dex-Cool or an equivalent orange ethylene glycol coolant). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components (rust/leaks), fuel pump.
Electrical Concerns:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent gauge issues, body control module (BCM) related gremlins on some models.
Engine Specific:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (on some Vortec V6/V8 engines not typically in the Silverado V8 lineup, but worth noting for GM history), AFM/DOD lifter issues on later models (less prevalent on 2004), potential for oil consumption on high-mileage engines.
Filter Part Numbers Examples
Oil Filter:
Wix 57712, AC Delco PF1218 (example, verify for specific engine).
Air Filter:
Wix 42068, AC Delco A3163C (example, verify for specific engine).
Chevrolet Truck Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the 1910s with models like the Chevrolet Series C Classic Six.
Silverado Lineage:
The Silverado nameplate has been used for Chevrolet's premium truck trim levels since 1975. The 2004 model year is part of the third generation of the full-size Silverado (GMT800 platform), which debuted in 1999 and underwent a significant refresh for the 2003 model year, introducing updated styling, interior, and powertrain options.
Manufacturing Locations:
Produced at various General Motors assembly plants in North America, including Fort Wayne, Indiana; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; and Silao, Mexico.
Platform Generation:
GMT800 platform, which also underpinned the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The GMT800 platform, which the 2004 Silverado is part of, was awarded MotorTrend's Truck of the Year in 2000.
J D Power Ratings:
Often received good to excellent ratings from J.D. Power and Associates for initial quality and dependability in its segment during this period.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet federal emissions standards for the 2004 model year.
