Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, emissions controls.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic), transfer case (4WD models), axles, driveshafts, differentials.
Chassis And Suspension:
Steering system, front and rear suspension components, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs.
Braking System:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc/drum brake operation, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams (often in separate service manuals, but basic locations may be indicated).
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation controls, cabin air filter replacement.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, mirrors, seats, airbags, seat belts, interior trim, locking mechanisms, remote keyless entry.
Infotainment And Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, audio system operation, climate controls, driver information center.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seat belt operation, child restraint systems (LATCH), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm system.
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, using lights and wipers, operating climate controls.
Dashboard And Controls:
Explanation of all buttons, switches, and indicators on the dashboard and steering wheel.
Fluid Checks And Top-Offs:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable).
Tire And Wheel Maintenance:
Checking tire pressure, basic tire rotation guidance, information on spare tire and jack usage.
Lighting System Maintenance:
Replacing headlight bulbs, taillight bulbs, and interior light bulbs.
Fuse And Relay Replacement:
Locating fuse boxes and identifying correct fuse/relay replacements.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.
Keyless Entry And Remote Start Operation:
Usage of key fobs, programming new fobs (basic steps), remote start functionality.
Child Seat Installation:
Guidelines for using LATCH system and safely installing child restraint seats.
Towing Information:
Towing capacity, trailer brake controller integration (if equipped), proper towing procedures.
Roadside Emergencies:
Troubleshooting common issues like a dead battery (jump starting), flat tires.
Diagnostic Depth:
Owner-level diagnostics. Focuses on identifying warning lights and symptoms, providing basic troubleshooting steps, and advising when professional service is required.
Repair Depth:
Limited to user-serviceable items like bulbs, fuses, and basic fluid checks. Does not cover complex mechanical or electrical repairs.
Maintenance Depth:
Detailed guidance on routine maintenance tasks and recommended service intervals, including fluid types and capacities.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Crew Cab.
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 69.3 inches), Standard Bed (approx. 78.8 inches), Long Bed (approx. 97.8 inches).
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 119.7 inches for regular cab short bed, 133.5 inches for crew cab short bed, 143.5 inches for crew cab long bed).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly based on configuration (e.g., approx. 4,700 - 5,500 lbs).
Max Payload:
Up to approx. 2,000 lbs (varies by configuration).
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 10,500 lbs (with specific engine, axle ratio, and towing package).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Generally received good ratings (4-5 stars) in frontal and side crash tests from NHTSA for this generation, though specific test results can vary slightly by year and configuration.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, available side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or based on oil life monitoring system).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 45,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plugs:
Typically replaced around 100,000 miles for the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s (e.g., ACDelco 41-101 or equivalent platinum/iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect regularly; change fluid and filter every 45,000 - 100,000 miles depending on usage (heavy towing may require more frequent changes).
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 150,000 miles (240,000 km), then every 5 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic. Meets GM specification GM6094M.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) Dex-Coolยฎ Long-Life Coolant, or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Active Fuel Management Lifters:
Some 5.3L V8 engines may experience lifter noise or failure due to AFM operation. Regular oil changes and proper oil level are crucial.
Transmission Problems:
Early models of the 6-speed automatic could experience shifting issues or torque converter problems. Regular fluid changes are recommended.
Intermediate Steering Shaft:
Some Silverado models can develop a clunking or loose feeling in the steering due to wear in the intermediate steering shaft. Lubrication or replacement may be needed.