Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Primary Competitors:
Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra
Powertrain Options:
V8 engine options, available 4WD
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (or Double Cab), Crew Cab
Payload Towing:
Strong emphasis on payload and towing capabilities
Interior Design:
Durable and functional interior, various trim levels offering different levels of refinement
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, warning lights, electrical accessories, fuses and relays
Body:
Doors, windows, mirrors, seats, interior trim, exterior features, cargo management
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat restraints, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation
Infotainment:
Audio system operation, radio features, optional navigation system, entertainment features
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, towing information, emergency equipment
Driver Controls:
Operation of all vehicle controls, switches, and indicators
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of warning lights, basic diagnostic information for common issues
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostics typically found in a service manual.
Engine Options:
4.3L V6 (L26), 4.8L V8 (LY2), 5.3L V8 (LMG/LS4), 6.0L V8 (L76/L96)
4.8L V8 Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
4.8L V8 Torque:
305 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (approx.)
5.3L V8 Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
5.3L V8 Torque:
338 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
6.0L V8 Horsepower:
367 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx. for L76)
6.0L V8 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx. for L76)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (higher octane recommended for optimal performance)
Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., approx. 220-250 inches)
Width:
Approx. 79.9 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 73.6 inches (varies by configuration)
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 119.0 to 167.0 inches)
Bed Lengths:
Short (6'6"), Standard (7'0"), Long (8'0")
Curb Weight:
Varies widely by configuration, typically 4,500 - 5,500 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,700 - 7,200 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 10,500 lbs (properly equipped)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approx. 1,700 lbs (properly equipped)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (driver and passenger for 2009 models)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (front and rear seating positions for 2009 models)
NHTSA Rollover:
4 Stars (RWD) / 5 Stars (4WD) (typical for 2009 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available or standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, available side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, available with satellite radio, auxiliary input, and premium sound systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specific recommendations)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Check at regular intervals, replace as needed or every 15,000-30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically around 50,000 to 100,000 miles, consult manual for specific transmission type and fluid specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (e.g., Dexos 1 Gen 2 or equivalent meeting GM specifications)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346537 or equivalent silicate-inhibited, orange ethylene glycol coolant (ỐDEXCOOL® or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (for 4-speed automatic); Dexron VI or equivalent for 6-speed automatic (verify specific transmission)
Active Fuel Management Afm Issues:
Potential for oil consumption, lifter noise, or cylinder deactivation system problems in some 5.3L V8 engines. The manual covers basic checks for these systems.
Transmission Issues:
Some models may experience issues with the 4-speed automatic transmission solenoid pack or torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid. Manual covers basic operation and fluid checks.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Certain V8 engines could develop cracked exhaust manifolds. Manual provides no repair guidance but details engine operation.
Chevrolet Truck Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long history of producing reliable and capable pickup trucks dating back to the 1910s.
Silverado Generation:
The 2009 model year belongs to the GMT900 platform generation (2007-2013), which introduced a significantly updated exterior and interior design, improved aerodynamics, and new powertrain technologies over its predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Assembly plants in the United States, Canada, and Mexico (e.g., Fort Wayne, Indiana; Oshawa, Ontario; Silao, Mexico)
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The Chevrolet Silverado (including this generation) has received numerous accolades, including MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award in previous iterations.
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports typically provides reliability ratings based on owner surveys, which can vary by specific model year and configuration.
Emissions Certifications:
Vehicles meet all applicable Federal and California emissions standards for the model year.