🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty

Year:

2012

Generation Code:

GMT900 (Second Generation Facelift)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals requiring heavy towing and hauling capabilities.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ram Heavy Duty

Vehicle Focus:

Robust chassis, powerful engine options, towing and payload capacity.

Manual Value:

Provides essential knowledge for safe operation, routine maintenance, and understanding vehicle features.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Source:

Official Factory Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Safety Restraints:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH)

Instruments Controls:

Dashboard layout, warning lights, gauges, steering wheel controls

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seating adjustments

Operation Tips:

Starting, driving, towing, parking, fuel economy tips

Appearance Care:

Exterior cleaning, interior cleaning, paint care

Unexpected Situations:

Flat tire, jump starting, overheating, fuses, fuses

Technical Information:

Vehicle identification number (VIN), tire pressure specifications, fluid capacities

Warranty Customer Relations:

Warranty coverage details, customer assistance information

Entertainment Systems:

Audio system operation, radio, CD player, auxiliary inputs

Climate Controls:

HVAC system operation, recirculation, air flow modes

Lights:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lights

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel, pedals, shifter, parking brake

Locks Security:

Keyless entry, remote start (if equipped), anti-theft system

Seating Restraints:

Seat adjustment, headrests, seat belt usage

Driving Techniques:

Starting and stopping, turning, braking, traction control

Customer Assistance:

Contact information for dealer support, roadside assistance

Safety Defect Reporting:

Procedure for reporting safety defects (U.S. specific)

Engine Compartment:

Location of engine components, fluid reservoirs, identification labels

Engine Oil:

Oil type, capacity, checking oil level, oil filter part number

Battery:

Battery type, location, maintenance, jump starting procedure

Fuel Information:

Fuel type recommendations, fuel tank capacity, fuel filter information

Air Filter:

Air filter type, location, replacement interval, part number

Accessories:

Information on factory-installed and dealer-installed accessories

Service Information:

Basic maintenance intervals, fluid specifications

Maintenance Schedule:

Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks

Fluid Specifications:

Engine oil viscosity, coolant type, brake fluid type, transmission fluid type, differential fluid type

Refill Capacities:

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid capacities

Depth:

Covers user-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or full repair procedures requiring specialized tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (standard for official PDF manuals)

Quality:

Identical to Original Factory Manuals (digital representation)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

6.0L V8 Vortec L96 (Gasoline)

Engine Option 2:

6.6L V8 Duramax LML (Turbodiesel)

L96 Horsepower:

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

L96 Torque:

380 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Lml Horsepower:

397 hp @ 3000 rpm

Lml Torque:

765 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

L96 Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Lml Fuel System:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)

Recommended Fuel L96:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Fuel Lml:

ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel)

Engine Oil Spec L96:

SAE 5W-30, API SN certified (GM dexos1™)

Engine Oil Spec Lml:

SAE 5W-30, API CJ-4 or CK-4 certified (GM dexos2™ Diesel)

Engine Oil Capacity L96:

6.6 Liters (7 Quarts)

Engine Oil Capacity Lml:

10.9 Liters (11.6 Quarts)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 17.9 Liters (19 Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Option 1:

6-Speed Automatic (Allison 1000 Series)

Transmission Option 2:

6-Speed Manual (less common in HD models, primarily for gasoline engines)

Transmission Features:

Tap-up/Tap-down shifting (automatic), Tow/Haul mode, grade braking.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron VI

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 10.0 - 10.8 Liters (10.6 - 11.4 Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

143.5 inches (Regular Cab 8' Bed), 153.7 inches (Extended/Crew Cab 6.5' Bed), 167.7 inches (Extended/Crew Cab 8' Bed)

Overall Length Approx:

237.4 - 261.1 inches

Overall Width:

Approx. 79.9 inches

Overall Height:

Approx. 77.2 - 78.1 inches

Bed Length Options:

6.5 ft (short box), 8 ft (long box)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs

Gvwr Range:

9,200 - 11,000 lbs

Gcwr Range:

Up to 26,000 - 31,400 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Typically 4-Star (may vary by specific test and configuration)

Active Safety Features:

ABS, Traction Control, StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control), Trailer Sway Control

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front-side airbags (optional), head curtain side airbags (optional), reinforced passenger compartment.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base audio system with AM/FM, CD player, auxiliary input. Optional upgrades included: Touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, premium sound systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or adaptive cruise control were not common or standard on this model.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input. Bluetooth was an optional feature on higher trims or added via aftermarket solutions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, or based on Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) for severe duty. Consult manual for detailed OLMS usage.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 100,000 miles for normal service, sooner for severe service (towing, heavy loads).

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12378392 (Yellow), OAT (Organic Acid Technology), extended life coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Differential Fluid Spec Rear:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or SAE 75W-140 for heavy towing/off-road applications, consult manual for specifics).

Common Issues Diesel:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues, injector problems, EGR valve issues (common in modern diesels).

Common Issues Gasoline:

Less prone to complex emissions system issues compared to diesel, but standard engine maintenance applies.

General Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check tire pressure, inspect belts and hoses, clean the engine bay, and ensure all fluid levels are correct.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Truck Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long and storied history in the truck market, dating back to the early 20th century, with the Silverado nameplate being a prominent part of this lineage.

Silverado Hd Evolution:

The 2012 model is part of the second generation (GMT900) Silverado, which debuted in 2007 and received a significant facelift for 2009, improving styling, aerodynamics, and interior features. The Heavy Duty models often received powertrain updates independently.

Manufacturing Location:

Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Contention:

While specific awards for the 2012 model year are difficult to pinpoint without extensive historical data, Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks have consistently been strong contenders in the heavy-duty segment, often recognized for their towing and hauling capabilities.