Get Driving and Operating -> Automatic Transmission Guide for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

220

Driving and Operating

Engine Exhaust

Automatic Transmission

Warning (Continued)

If unusual fumes are detected or if it is

suspected that exhaust is coming into the

vehicle:

Automatic Transmission

(Mechanical Shifter)

There is an electronic shift lever position

indicator within the instrument cluster. This

display illuminates when the vehicle is on.

Warning

{

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide

(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.

Exposure to CO can cause

Drive it only with the windows

completely down.

unconsciousness and even death.

Have the vehicle repaired immediately.

There are several different positions for the

shift lever.

Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:

Never park the vehicle with the engine

running in an enclosed area such as a

garage or a building that has no fresh air

ventilation.

The vehicle idles in areas with poor

ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,

deep snow that may block underbody

airflow or tail pipes).

The exhaust smells or sounds strange

or different.

Running the Vehicle While Parked

It is better not to park with the engine

running.

The exhaust system leaks due to

corrosion or damage.

See Driver Mode Control 0 240 and “Range

Selection Mode” under Manual Mode

(Mechanical Shifter) 0 227 or

If the vehicle is left with the engine running,

follow the proper steps to be sure the

vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park

(Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or

Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217

and Engine Exhaust 0 220.

The vehicle exhaust system has been

modified, damaged, or improperly

repaired.

Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter) 0 229.

P : This position locks the rear wheels. Use

P (Park) when starting the engine because

the vehicle cannot move easily.

There are holes or openings in the

vehicle body from damage or

aftermarket modifications that are not

completely sealed.

If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see

Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips

0 299.

When parked on a hill, especially when the

vehicle has a heavy load, you might notice

an increase in the effort to shift out of

(Continued)

Driving and Operating

221

P (Park). See “Torque Lock” under Shifting

Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or

Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217.

Warning (Continued)

Warning

{

lever is in P (Park). You or someone else

could be seriously injured. Be sure the

transfer case is in a drive gear — 2 m, 4 m,

or 4 n — or set the parking brake before

placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).

See Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.

Shifting into a drive gear while the

engine is running at high speed is

Warning

{

dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on

the brake pedal, the vehicle could move

very rapidly. You could lose control and

hit people or objects. Do not shift into a

drive gear while the engine is running at

high speed.

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle

if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)

with the parking brake firmly set. The

vehicle can roll.

R : Use this gear to back up.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine

is running. If you have left the engine

running, the vehicle can move suddenly.

You or others could be injured. To be

sure the vehicle will not move, even

when you are on fairly level ground,

always set the parking brake and move

the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting

Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or

Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217

and Driving Characteristics and Towing

Tips 0 299.

Caution

Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is

moving forward could damage the

transmission. The repairs would not be

covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to

R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is

stopped.

Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with

the engine running at high speed may

damage the transmission. The repairs

would not be covered by the vehicle

warranty. Be sure the engine is not

running at high speed when shifting the

vehicle.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get

out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging

the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck

0 203.

Caution

A transmission hot message may display

if the automatic transmission fluid is too

hot. Driving under this condition can

damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the

engine to cool the automatic

N : In this position, the engine does not

connect with the wheels. To restart the

engine when the vehicle is already moving,

use N (Neutral) only.

Warning

{

If equipped with four-wheel drive, the

vehicle will be free to roll if the transfer

case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift

(Continued)

222

Driving and Operating

Caution (Continued)

The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature

that adjusts the transmission shifting to the

current driving conditions in order to reduce

rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift

stabilization feature is designed to

determine, before making an upshift, if the

engine is able to maintain vehicle speed by

analyzing things such as vehicle speed,

throttle position, and vehicle load. If the

shift stabilization feature determines that a

current vehicle speed cannot be maintained,

the transmission does not upshift and

instead holds the current gear. In some

cases, this could appear to be a delayed

shift, however the transmission is operating

normally.

When temperatures are very cold, the

transmission's gear shifting could be delayed

providing more stable shifts until the engine

warms up. Shifts could be more noticeable

with a cold transmission. This difference in

shifting is normal.

transmission fluid. This message clears

when the transmission fluid has cooled

sufficiently.

D : This position is for normal driving.

It provides the best fuel economy. If more

power is needed for passing, press the

accelerator pedal down.

When going less than about 55 km/h (35

mph), push the accelerator pedal about

halfway down.

When going about 55 km/h (35 mph) or

more, push the accelerator all the

way down.

If equipped with the 2.7L L4 engine, engine

speeds may be increased while driving at

highway speeds while the engine is still

warming up.

L : This position allows selection of a range

of gears appropriate for current driving

conditions. If equipped, see “Range Selection

Mode” under Manual Mode (Mechanical

Shifter) 0 227 or Manual Mode (Electronic

Shifter) 0 229.

The transmission uses adaptive shift

By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to

the next gear and has more power.

controls. The adaptive shift control process

continually compares key shift parameters

to pre-programmed ideal shifts stored in the

transmission’s computer. The transmission

constantly makes adjustments to improve

vehicle performance according to how the

vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy

load or when the temperature changes.

During this adaptive shift control process,

shifting might feel different as the

Caution

Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode when

towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load,

driving on steep hills, or driving off-road.

Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the

transmission shifts too often.

Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle

in one place on a hill using only the

accelerator pedal may damage the

transmission. The repair will not be

covered by the vehicle warranty. If the

vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.

When stopping on a hill, use the brakes

to hold the vehicle in place.

Downshifting the transmission in slippery

road conditions could result in skidding. See

“Skidding” under Loss of Control 0 197.

transmission determines the best settings.

Driving and Operating

223

If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the

transmission can be shifted into P (Park).

Automatic Transmission (Electronic

Shifter)

Warning

{

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle

if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)

with the parking brake firmly set. The

vehicle can roll.

If the vehicle is turned off while at a

relatively high vehicle speed, the

transmission will automatically shift to

N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is stopped,

P (Park) is automatically selected.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine

is running. If you have left the engine

running, the vehicle can move suddenly.

You or others could be injured. To be

sure the vehicle will not move, even

when you are on fairly level ground,

always set the parking brake and move

the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting

Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or

Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217

and Driving Characteristics and Towing

Tips 0 299.

The shift pattern is displayed on the top of

the shift lever. The selected gear position

illuminates red on the shift lever, while all

others will be displayed in white. If the shift

is not immediate, as in very cold conditions,

the indicator on the shift switch may blink

until it is fully engaged.

P : This position locks the rear wheels. Use

P (Park) when starting the engine to prevent

the vehicle from moving easily.

Warning

{

If equipped with four-wheel drive, the

vehicle will be free to roll if the transfer

case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift

lever is in P (Park). You or someone else

could be seriously injured. Be sure the

The shift lever always starts from a center

position, represented by an up/down arrow

on the shift pattern. After releasing the shift

lever, it will return to the center position.

The transmission does not operate when the

vehicle is off.

transfer case is in a drive gear — 2 m, 4 m,

(Continued)

224

Driving and Operating

Warning (Continued)

automatically unless the vehicle is in

N (Neutral), See “Car Wash Mode” later in

this section.

If the vehicle is shifted from either

R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or L (Low), or L (Low)

or D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is

too high, the vehicle may shift to

N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle speed and

try the shift again.

or 4 n — or set the parking brake before

placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).

See Four-Wheel Drive 0 230.

The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is

moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift

into P (Park).

To shift into R (Reverse):

To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting

Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0 216 or

Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0 217

and Shifting out of Park (Mechanical Shifter)

0 218 or Shifting out of Park (Electronic

Shifter) 0 218.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Press and hold the shift lock release

button on the side of the shift lever.

3. From the center position, move the shift

lever forward to R (Reverse). R will be

illuminated in red.

Service Shift Lever Message

4. After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE

OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the Driver

Information Center (DIC), the shift lever

needs service. Have the vehicle serviced as

soon as possible. If the vehicle is

automatically shifting into P (Park), check to

see if the P (Park) button on top of the shift

lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle, hold

the shift lever in the desired gear,

To shift out of R (Reverse):

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shift to the desired gear.

This vehicle is equipped with an

electronically controlled transmission. The

shift lock release button is designed to

prevent inadvertent shifting out of P (Park)

unless the ignition is on, the brake pedal is

applied, and the shift lock release button is

pressed.

3. After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be

used to rock the vehicle back and forth to

get out of snow, ice, or sand without

damaging the transmission. See If the

Vehicle Is Stuck 0 203.

R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed

exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the

shift lever.

When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE

START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The

transmission will shift to P (Park)

R : Use this gear to back up.

Driving and Operating

225

N : In this position, the engine does not

connect with the wheels. To restart the

engine when the vehicle is already moving,

use N (Neutral) only.

N (Neutral) is not intended for towing. If the

vehicle needs to be towed, see Transporting

a Disabled Vehicle 0 402.

Car Wash Mode (Engine Off – Driver in

Vehicle)

To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the

engine off and the vehicle occupied:

To shift into N (Neutral):

1. Move the shift lever forward to

N (Neutral).

1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.

2. Apply the brake pedal.

Warning

{

Shifting into a drive gear while the

engine is running at high speed is

dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on

the brake pedal, the vehicle could move

very rapidly. You could lose control and

hit people or objects. Do not shift into a

drive gear while the engine is running at

high speed.

If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the

brake pedal and press the shift lock

release button while moving the shift

lever forward.

3. Shift to N (Neutral).

4. Turn off the engine and release the

brake pedal.

5. The indicator should continue to show N.

If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.

The N indicator will illuminate in red.

2. After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

6. The vehicle is now ready for the

car wash.

To shift out of N (Neutral):

Car Wash Mode (Engine Off – Driver Out of

Vehicle)

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Caution

2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from

N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), press the shift

lock release button.

To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the

engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:

Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with

the engine running at high speed may

damage the transmission. The repairs

would not be covered by the vehicle

warranty. Be sure the engine is not

running at high speed when shifting the

vehicle.

1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.

2. Apply the brake pedal.

3. Open the door.

3. After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

Car Wash Mode

4. Shift to N (Neutral).

This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that

allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)

for use in automatic car washes.

5. Turn off the engine and release the

brake pedal.

The vehicle is not designed to stay in

N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.

It may automatically shift into P (Park).

6. The indicator should continue to show N.

If it does not, repeat Steps 2–5.

226

Driving and Operating

D will illuminate in red.

After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The

vehicle is now ready for the car wash.

6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The

vehicle is now ready for the car wash.

8. The vehicle may automatically shift to

P (Park) upon re-entry.

7. The vehicle may automatically shift to

P (Park) upon re-entry.

To shift out of D (Drive):

Car Wash Mode (Engine On – Driver in

Vehicle)

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shift to the desired gear.

Caution

A transmission hot message may display

if the automatic transmission fluid is too

hot. Driving under this condition can

damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the

engine to cool the automatic

transmission fluid. This message clears

when the transmission fluid has cooled

sufficiently.

To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the

engine on and the vehicle occupied:

3. After releasing the shift lever, it will

return to the center position.

1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.

2. Apply the brake pedal.

Downshifting the transmission on a slippery

road could result in skidding. See “Skidding”

under Loss of Control 0 197.

3. Shift to N (Neutral).

4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is

now ready for the car wash.

Caution

Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle

in one place on a hill using only the

accelerator pedal may damage the

transmission. The repair will not be

covered by the vehicle warranty. If the

vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.

When stopping on a hill, use the brakes

to hold the vehicle in place.

Car Wash Mode (Engine On – Driver Out of

Vehicle)

D : This position is for normal driving.

If more power is needed for passing, press

the accelerator pedal down.

To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the

engine on and the vehicle unoccupied:

To shift into D (Drive):

1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.

2. Apply the brake pedal.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. From the center position, move the shift

lever back.

3. Open the door.

If the vehicle is in P (Park) press the

shift lock release button while pulling

the shift lever back.

4. Shift to N (Neutral), then release the

brake pedal.

5. The indicator should continue to show N.

If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.

Driving and Operating

227

When the shift lever is moved from

D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a number

displays next to the L, indicating the current

transmission range.

In vehicles with gasoline engines, when the

shift lever is moved from D (Drive) to

L (Manual Mode), a downshift may occur.

The gear that the transmission is operating

in when the shift lever is moved from D

(Drive) to L (Manual Mode) determines if a

downshift occurs. See the following charts.

Manual Mode (Mechanical

Shifter)

Range Selection Mode

This number is the highest gear that the

transmission will allow while operating in

L (Manual Mode). All gears below that

number are available. As driving conditions

change, the transmission can automatically

shift to lower gears. For example, when L5 is

selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are

automatically shifted by the transmission,

but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until the plus/

minus button on the shift lever is used to

change to the range.

Range Selection Mode helps control the

vehicle transmission and vehicle speed while

driving downhill or towing a trailer.

It permits the manual selection of a desired

gear range.

To use this feature:

1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).

2. Press the plus/minus buttons on the

shift lever to select the desired gear

range for current driving conditions.

228

Driving and Operating

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Gear before shifting

from D (Drive) to

L (Manual Mode)

8th

7th

6th

5th

4th

3rd

2nd

1st

Range after shifting

from D (Drive) to

L (Manual Mode) –

Tow/Haul not engaged

Range after shifting

from D (Drive) to

L (Manual Mode) –

Tow/Haul engaged

Driving and Operating

229

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

Gear before shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode) 10th

9th

8th

7th

6th

5th

4th

3rd

2nd

1st

Range after shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual

Mode) – Tow/Haul not engaged

Range after shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual

Mode) – Tow/Haul engaged

Information Center (DIC) will display a

number next to the L indicating the highest

available gear.

Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter)

Electronic Range Select (ERS)

Caution

To enter Electronic Range Select or

Manual Mode:

Driving with the engine at a high rpm

without upshifting while using Manual

Mode, could damage the vehicle. Always

upshift when necessary while using

Manual Mode.

1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back

on the shift lever to activate L (Low). The

L in the shift pattern will illuminate in

red, and the D will switch to white.

2. Tap the left steering wheel control to

reduce the highest gear available, or the

right control to increase the highest gear

available.

Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual

Mode, allows for the selection of the range

of gear positions. Use this mode when

driving downhill or towing a trailer to limit

the top gear and vehicle speed. The shift

position indicator within the Driver

3. To exit, pull back on the shift lever a

second time. The D in the shift pattern

will illuminate in red, and the L will

switch to white.

230

Driving and Operating

When shifting to L (Low), the transmission

will shift to a preset lower gear range. For

this preset range, the highest gear available

will be displayed next to the L in the DIC.

See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base

Level) 0 127 or Driver Information Center

(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 128. All gears below that

number are available to use. For example,

when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L,

1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted

automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth) gear, tap

the right steering wheel control or shift into

D (Drive).

or when hauling heavy loads. See Driver

Mode Control 0 240 to activate Tow/

Haul Mode.

Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking

Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is only

enabled while the Tow/Haul Mode is

selected and the vehicle is not in the Range

Selection Mode. See Manual Mode

(Mechanical Shifter) 0 227 or

Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter) 0 229.

Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking assists in

maintaining desired vehicle speeds when

driving on downhill grades by using the

engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.

See Towing Equipment 0 307.

L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear

range if the engine speed is too high. If the

vehicle speed is not reduced within the time

allowed, the lower gear range shift will not

be completed. Slow the vehicle, then tap the

left steering wheel control to the desired

lower gear range.

Drive Systems

Four-Wheel Drive

If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the

front axle for extra traction.

For vehicles without Driver Mode Control,

press the Tow/Haul button on the center

stack.

If equipped, the Stop/Start system will

become unavailable when Tow/Haul Mode is

active.

Read the appropriate section for transfer

case operation before using.

Cruise control can be used while in ERS.

Tow/Haul Mode

The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the

transmission shift pattern to reduce shift

cycling. This provides increased performance,

vehicle control, and enhanced transmission

and engine cooling when driving down steep

hills or mountain grades, when towing,

Caution

If equipped with Active Hydraulic Assist, the

vehicle will provide a stiffer steering

response when Tow/Haul mode is engaged

to provide enhanced steering functionality.

Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in

4 m and 4 n (if equipped) for an extended

period of time. These conditions may

cause premature wear on the vehicle’s

powertrain.

Driving and Operating -> Automatic Transmission for Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

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