Market Position:
Full-size pickup truck segment, competing with Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2009 Silverado 1500 was praised for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and powerful engine options, building on the established reputation of the Silverado nameplate.
Key Features:
Available in various cab configurations (Regular, Extended, Crew Cab) and bed lengths. Known for its robust build quality and versatile utility.
Systems Covered:
Instrument Panel, Controls and Displays, Seats, Seat Belts, and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Storage, Interior, Starting and Operating, Vehicle Care, Maintenance, Vehicle Specifications, Reporting Safety Defects, Customer Assistance
Dashboard And Controls:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, climate controls, audio system, and other vehicle controls.
Seats And Restraints:
Operation of seat adjustments, seat belt usage, and explanation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including airbags.
Vehicle Care And Maintenance:
Guidance on checking and topping up essential fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, battery maintenance, and interior/exterior care.
Driving And Operating:
Information on starting the engine, shifting gears, using cruise control, towing considerations, and understanding the transmission's modes.
Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, inspections, and fluid checks based on mileage and time.
Procedures Included:
Proper vehicle operation, checking fluid levels, tire pressure, bulb replacement, fuse identification, jump starting, changing a tire, basic troubleshooting, maintenance schedule, break-in procedures, care and cleaning
Jump Starting:
Step-by-step instructions for safely jump-starting the vehicle's battery.
Changing A Tire:
Instructions for safely changing a flat tire, including jacking points and spare tire location.
Fuse Replacement:
Identification of fuse box locations and specific fuse functions for electrical system troubleshooting.
Bulb Replacement:
Guidance on replacing common exterior and interior bulbs.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for daily operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typical of a service manual.
Primary Engine:
4.8L Vortec 5300 V8
4.8L V8 Horsepower:
295 hp @ 5600 rpm
4.8L V8 Torque:
305 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
5.3L Vortec 6000 V8 Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5200 rpm
5.3L Vortec 6000 V8 Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
6.0L Vortec V8 Hybrid Horsepower:
332 hp @ 5100 rpm
6.0L Vortec V8 Hybrid Torque:
367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
6.2L Vortec V8 Horsepower:
367 hp @ 5500 rpm
6.2L Vortec V8 Torque:
429 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
26 US Gallons (standard)
Wheelbase Standard:
133.7 inches (for Crew Cab, Short Bed)
Wheelbase Extended:
143.5 inches (for Crew Cab, Long Bed; Extended Cab, Short Bed)
Overall Length Standard Bed:
237.5 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
255.3 inches
Curb Weight Approx:
4,800 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 10,500 lbs (with appropriate configuration and trailering package)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact Rating:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact Rating:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)
Passive Safety Features:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side-impact airbags (front), Roof rail airbags (front and rear on some models), Seatbelt pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Available Bose premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio. Higher trims may feature a touch-screen display with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity (RPO code UUI/UP9).
Driver Assistance:
StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control), Trailer Sway Control (with certain towing packages)
Connectivity:
Optional OnStar system for emergency services and vehicle diagnostics. Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 6 months (if using synthetic oil and driving under normal conditions)
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
5,000 miles or 6 months (if using conventional oil and driving under normal conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or as needed based on conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 miles or annually
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or newer)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.0 - 6.5 quarts (depending on engine)
Coolant Specification:
Dex-Cool (GM P/N 12346290 or equivalent orange silicate-free coolant)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron VI (GM P/N 88861950 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Known Issues:
Some owners have reported issues with active fuel management (AFM) system lifter wear, potential AFM deactivation needed. Exhaust manifold crack/leak is also a known, though not universal, issue. Transmission solenoid issues on some 4-speed automatics.
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Chevrolet Series AB National Six of 1918. The Silverado nameplate was introduced in 1999 as a premium trim level for Chevrolet C/K trucks, becoming a standalone model in 2000.
Model Evolution:
The 2009 model year falls within the second generation (GMT900) of the Silverado, which debuted for the 2007 model year. This generation introduced a completely redesigned exterior and interior, improved aerodynamics, and updated powertrains.
Production Location:
Fort Wayne, Indiana; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
