Instrument Cluster:
Indicators, gauges, warning lights, driver information center
Entertainment Systems:
Audio system operation, radio, CD player, auxiliary inputs, navigation (if equipped)
Climate Controls:
HVAC operation, temperature settings, fan speed, air direction, recirculation
Lights:
Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lighting, fog lights
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, parking brake, shifter operation
Locks And Security:
Door locks, power locks, keyless entry, security system, alarm operation
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustments, seat belts, airbag system, child restraint systems (LATCH)
Driving:
Starting and operating the vehicle, towing information, trailer brakes, stability control
Customer Assistance:
Owner services, roadside assistance, warranty information
Reporting Safety Defects:
U.S. specific procedure for reporting safety defects
Cleaning:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations
Maintenance And Specifications:
Routine maintenance, recommended service intervals, fluid capacities, tire pressure
Engine Compartment:
Identification of engine components, fluid level checks
Engine Oil:
Oil type, viscosity, capacity, and checking procedure
Battery:
Battery type, maintenance, jump starting procedure
Fuel Information:
Fuel type, octane rating, fuel tank capacity
Air Filter:
Engine air filter location and replacement recommendation
Part Numbers:
Key OEM part number references for common maintenance items (e.g., filters, spark plugs - may be limited in owner's manual)
Refill Capacities:
Coolant, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid capacities
Lubricant Specifications:
Specific lubricant requirements for various components (e.g., chassis grease, wheel bearing grease)
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed accessories and their operation
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations
Basic Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights, simple fixes for common issues
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of safety restraints, airbag system limitations, child seat installation
Jump Starting:
Correct procedure for jump-starting the vehicle
Tire Changing:
Changing a flat tire, jack and lug nut usage
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance, operation, and basic troubleshooting
Engine Options:
Available with 6.0L V8 Vortec (gasoline, less common for 3500HD in later years), 6.2L V8 Vortec (gasoline), and 6.6L V8 Duramax Turbo-Diesel (LMM/LML)
Gasoline Hp Torque:
6.0L: ~322 hp / 380 lb-ft; 6.2L: ~403 hp / 417 lb-ft (approximate figures, consult specific RPO codes for exact specs)
Duramax Hp Torque:
6.6L Duramax LMM: 365 hp / 660 lb-ft; 6.6L Duramax LML: 397 hp / 765 lb-ft (approximate figures)
Gasoline Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Diesel Type:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)
Fuel Type Required:
Unleaded gasoline for gasoline engines; Diesel fuel (ULSD) for Duramax engine
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Typically 26 gallons (single rear wheel) or 34 gallons (dual rear wheel), check VIN for exact configuration
Wheelbase:
Varies by configuration (e.g., 143.5 inches for standard cab, 167.5 inches for extended cab, 172.5 inches for crew cab) - consult specific RPO codes
Bed Lengths:
Available in 6'6" and 8' lengths
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration (cab style, 2WD/4WD, SRW/DRW), typically starting around 6,000-7,000 lbs
Max Gvw:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 13,000 - 14,200 lbs depending on configuration
Max Gcvw:
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating up to 23,000 - 26,000 lbs (Duramax)
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Refer to NHTSA for specific 2011 Silverado 3500HD ratings (likely incomplete for heavy duty trucks of this era)
Traction Control:
Standard electronic traction control
Stability Control:
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Trailer Sway Control:
Integrated trailer sway control (often standard or part of towing package)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; side-impact airbags (optional or standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles for gasoline, 5,000-10,000 miles for Duramax Diesel (under normal conditions, consult manual for severe conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-45,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions
Transmission Fluid Change:
Around 50,000-100,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type. Crucial for heavy-duty use.
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2-3 years or as needed based on moisture content
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 API SN certified (e.g., ACDelco, Mobil 1)
Engine Oil Diesel:
CK-4 or CJ-4 rated 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic (e.g., ACDelco, Rotella, Delvac)
Coolant Type:
GM DEX-COOL® (Orange) or equivalent extended life coolant
Duramax Egr Cooler:
EGR cooler failures can occur, especially with early Duramax engines in this generation (LMM).
Duramax Dpf Regeneration:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues can arise with primarily short-trip usage.
Trailer Brake Controller Failures:
Occasional issues with the integrated trailer brake controller.
Injector Issues Duramax:
While generally robust, early Duramax injectors can be a concern at higher mileage.