Get Driving and Operating -> Ride Control Systems Guide for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

Driving and Operating

237

apply the brake pedal as the driving

situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages

when the brake pedal is released.

HSA is available when the vehicle is facing

uphill in a forward gear, or when facing

downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must

come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA

to activate.

Caution

Driving with the parking brake on can

overheat the brake system and cause

premature wear or damage to brake

system parts. Make sure that the parking

brake is fully released and the brake

warning light is off before driving.

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

Warning

{

Ride Control Systems

Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does

not replace the need to pay attention

and drive safely. You may not hear or

feel alerts or warnings provided by this

system. Failure to use proper care when

driving may result in injury, death,

or vehicle damage. See Defensive Driving

0 195.

Traction Control/Electronic

Stability Control

If you are towing a trailer and parking on a

hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing

Tips 0 299.

System Operation

Automatic EPB Release

The vehicle has a Traction Control System

(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability

Control (ESC), an electronic stability control

system. These systems help limit wheel spin

and assist the driver in maintaining control,

especially on slippery road conditions.

The EPB will automatically release if the

vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an

attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid

acceleration when the EPB is applied, to

preserve parking brake lining life.

When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill

Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from

rolling in an unintended direction during the

transition from brake pedal release to

accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release

when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the

accelerator pedal is not applied within a few

minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will

apply. The brakes may also release under

other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold

the vehicle.

TCS activates if it senses that any of the

drive wheels are spinning or beginning to

lose traction. When this happens, TCS

applies the brakes to the spinning wheels

and reduces engine power to limit

wheel spin.

Brake Assist

Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal

applications due to emergency braking

situations and provides additional braking to

activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if

the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough

to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake

pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement

during this time may occur. Continue to

StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle

senses a difference between the intended

path and the direction the vehicle is actually

traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies

238

Driving and Operating

braking pressure to any one of the vehicle

wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping

the vehicle on the intended path.

If d comes on and stays on, the vehicle

may need more time to diagnose the

problem. If the condition persists, see your

dealer.

If cruise control is being used and TCS or

StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,

cruise control will disengage. Cruise control

may be turned back on when road

conditions allow.

Turning the Systems Off and On

(Except ZR2)

The indicator light for both systems is in the

instrument cluster. This light will:

Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.

Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.

Turn on and stay on when either system

is not working.

Both systems come on automatically when

the vehicle is started and begins to move.

The systems may be heard or felt while

they are operating or while performing

diagnostic checks. This is normal and does

not mean there is a problem with the

vehicle.

If either system fails to turn on or to

activate, a message displays in the Driver

The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC is on

the center stack.

Information Center (DIC), and d comes on

and stays on to indicate that the system is

inactive and is not assisting the driver in

maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to

drive, but driving should be adjusted

accordingly.

It is recommended to leave both systems on

for normal driving conditions, but it may be

necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets

stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the

Vehicle Is Stuck 0 203 and “Turning the

Systems Off and On” later in this section.

Caution

Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate

heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle

driveline could be damaged.

If d comes on and stays on:

1. Stop the vehicle.

To turn off only TCS, press and release g.

When the transfer case (if equipped) is in 4

n, the stability system is automatically

disabled, and g comes on in the instrument

cluster. Both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC are

automatically disabled.

The Traction Off light i displays in the

instrument cluster. To turn TCS on again,

press and release g. The Traction Off light

2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.

3. Start the engine.

i in the instrument cluster will turn off.

4. Drive the vehicle.

Driving and Operating

239

The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC is on

the center stack.

To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,

press and hold g until the Traction Off light

i and StabiliTrak/ESC Off light g come on

and stay on in the instrument cluster and

the ESC OFF message appears in the DIC. To

turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again, press

and release g. The Traction Off light i and

StabiliTrak/ESC Off light g in the instrument

cluster turn off.

If TCS is limiting wheel spin when g is

pressed, the system will not turn off until

the wheels stop spinning.

Caution

To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,

press and hold g until the Traction Off light

i and StabiliTrak/ESC Off light g come on

and stay on in the instrument cluster. To

turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again, press

and release g. The Traction Off light i and

StabiliTrak/ESC Off light g in the instrument

cluster turn off.

Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate

heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle

driveline could be damaged.

Pressing and releasing g while in Off-Road

Mode disables TCS and changes the

StabiliTrak/ESC calibration to allow a greater

difference between vehicle path and

intended path. This reduces the amount of

correction StabiliTrak/ESC will provide in the

event the vehicle is not traveling on the

intended path.

StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if

the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph). TCS

will remain off until g is pressed or until

the ignition is turned off and then back on.

StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if

the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph). TCS

will remain off until g is pressed or until

the ignition is turned off and then back on.

Adding accessories can affect the vehicle

performance. See Accessories and

Modifications 0 333.

To turn off only TCS, press and release g.

The Traction Off light i and StabiliTrak/ESC

Off light g display in the instrument

cluster. To turn TCS on again, press and

release g. The Traction Off light i and

Adding accessories can affect the vehicle

performance. See Accessories and

Modifications 0 333.

Stability Control Interaction with

Off-Road Mode (ZR2 Only)

The TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC calibrations are

different while in Off-Road Mode. They

provide optimum performance in an off-road

environment.

Turning the Systems Off and On

(ZR2 Only)

StabiliTrak/ESC Off light g in the instrument

cluster will turn off.

If TCS is limiting wheel spin when g is

pressed, the system will not turn off until

the wheels stop spinning.

Pressing and releasing g disables TCS and

changes the StabiliTrak/ESC calibration to

allow a greater difference between vehicle

path and intended path. This reduces the

240

Driving and Operating

amount of correction StabiliTrak/ESC will

provide in the event the vehicle is not

traveling on the intended path.

+RES or SET- on the steering wheel, or by

applying the accelerator or brake pedal. This

adjusted speed becomes the new set speed.

Press 5 to enable or disable HDC. Vehicle

speed must be below 50 km/h (31 mph).

HDC will remain enabled between 30 and

60 km/h (19 and 37 mph); however, vehicle

speed cannot be set or maintained in this

range. HDC will automatically disable if the

vehicle speed is above 80 km/h (50 mph) or

above 60 km/h (37 mph) for at least

30 seconds.

To turn off only TCS, press and release g.

i and g will display in the instrument

cluster. To turn TCS on again, press and

release g. i and g in the instrument

cluster will turn off.

When enabled, the HDC light displays on

the instrument cluster.

To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,

press and hold g until a StabiliTrak/ESC off

message displays in the instrument cluster

and the ESC OFF message appears in the

DIC. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on

again, press and release g. i and g in the

instrument cluster will turn off.

5 must be pressed again to re-enable HDC.

HDC may disable after an extended period

of use. If this happens, HDC will require

time to cool down. The length of time HDC

remains active depends on road conditions,

grade, set speed, vehicle loading, and

outside temperature.

A blinking HDC light indicates the system is

actively applying the brakes to maintain

vehicle speed. HDC can maintain vehicle

speeds between 1 and 22 km/h (1 and

14 mph) on grades greater than or equal

to 10%.

StabiliTrak/ESC will not automatically turn

on while in Off-Road Mode. TCS and

StabiliTrak/ESC will remain off in Off-Road

Mode until g is pressed or the ignition is

turned off and then back on.

If HDC is to be used for more than

three minutes or on grades steeper than

25%, the transfer case should be put into

Four-Wheel Drive Low (4 n) to reduce the

possibility of brake overheating.

When enabled, if the vehicle speed is above

30 km/h (19 mph) and below 60 km/h

(37 mph), a DIC message will display.

Driver Mode Control

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Noise from the Electronic Brake Control

Module (EBCM) is normal when HDC is

active.

Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver

to adjust the overall driving experience to

better suit preference by adjusting multiple

systems to fit specific driving needs. Drive

If equipped, Hill Descent Control (HDC) sets

and maintains vehicle speed while driving

down steep grades in a forward or reverse

gear. The HDC switch is on the center stack.

When HDC is activated, the initial HDC

speed is set to the current driving speed.

It can be increased or decreased by pressing

Driving and Operating

241

mode availability and affected vehicle

subsystems are dependent upon vehicle trim

level, region, and optional features.

Mode Activation

Two-Speed Transfer Case

Uplevel Shown, Base Level Similar

Single Speed Transfer Case

Uplevel Shown, Base Level Similar

To activate Tow/Haul Mode, press _. To

activate other drive modes, turn the knob.

Modes

Normal Mode : Use for normal city and

highway driving to provide a smooth ride.

This setting provides balance between

comfort and handling. This is the standard/

default mode. There is no persistent

indicator in the instrument cluster for

this mode.

Work Truck and Custom

8 Sport Mode : Use where road conditions

or personal preference demand a more

controlled response. Sport Mode improves

vehicle handling and acceleration on dry

Work Truck and Custom

242

Driving and Operating

pavement. When active, Sport Mode

modifies steering efforts, transmission

shifting, brake pedal feel and suspension

tuning, if equipped.

_ Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode

when hauling heavy loads for increased

performance and vehicle control. Tow/Haul

Mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern,

steering, and Trailer Sway Control,

if equipped.

g Terrain Mode : Use for finer control

during low speed, off-road driving. When

using this mode it will mimic the

characteristics of four-wheel-drive low (4 n)

without the torque capabilities.

6 Snow/Ice Mode : Snow/Ice Mode

improves vehicle acceleration on snow and

ice covered roads. When active, Snow/Ice

Mode will adjust acceleration to optimize

traction on slippery surfaces. This can

compromise the acceleration on dry asphalt.

Use when:

If the vehicle is turned off while in Tow/

Haul Mode and then restarted within four

hours or less, it will remain active,

Otherwise, the vehicle will start in

Normal Mode.

Traveling on very rough roads at very low

speeds, such as a two-track or heavily

rutted road.

Traveling slowly in grassy fields.

Pulling a boat out of the water on a

trailer.

This feature is not intended for use when

the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,

or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see If

the Vehicle Is Stuck 0 203.

If the vehicle has a diesel engine, exhaust

braking is automatically activated when

Tow/Haul Mode is selected. The system will

command downshifts and use the

Using the vehicle for public off-road

recreational driving. See Off-Road Driving

0 197 and

7 Off-Road Mode : Use this mode for

off-road recreational driving. Off-Road Mode

should be used to improve driving at

moderate speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,

unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. The

accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use.

This mode modifies pedal mapping, Antilock

Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability

Control (ESC), and Traction Control System

(TCS) performance.

turbocharger on the engine to reduce

vehicle speed when the brake is applied. The

normal tow/haul shift pattern will return

once the vehicle is on a low grade or when

the accelerator pedal is pressed. While in

the Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode (see

Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter) 0 227 or

Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter) 0 229),

grade breaking is deactivated, allowing the

driver to select a range, and limiting the

highest gear available. Auto Start/Stop is

disabled while in Tow/Haul Mode.

Hill and Mountain Roads 0 202.

Using terrain mode in extreme conditions

that cause the wheel(s) to slip can lead to

excessive heat in the transfer case causing

four-wheel drive and terrain mode to

automatically turn off, leaving the vehicle in

two-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive will

automatically re-engage once the transfer

case has cooled, then terrain mode can be

turned back on.

For more information on off-road driving,

see Off-Road Driving 0 197.

When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle will shift

automatically but may hold a lower gear

longer to maximize engine torque. A unique

For more information on trailer weight

specifications, see Trailer Towing 0 303.

Driving and Operating

243

pedal map, transmission shift pattern, and

rpm control are utilized to give better

control at lower speeds and over rough

terrain. When the vehicle comes to a stop,

Vehicle Hold is engaged. TCS will be

optimized for maximum torque transfer

across axles, and Active Braking During Lift

Throttle will be engaged.

Terrain Mode Drive

Select

Expected Vehicle Behavior

Ideal Terrain

Minor deceleration when off

throttle and mild ability to

modulate throttle; mimics

performance of 4 ⁿwithout torque

multiplication.

Grassy fields,

mild two tracks,

rutted roads,

Drive (L3-Lx)

large rolling hills

Moderate deceleration when off

throttle and moderate ability to

modulate throttle; will bring vehicle

to a stop in most cases.

Active Braking During Lift Throttle:

Mild rock crawling,

heavy ruts,

short, steeper grades

Automatically applies light braking,

similar to heavy engine braking of

four-wheel-drive low.

Applies light braking in D (Drive) until the

vehicle is at idle speeds. In Manual L1 and

Manual L2, moderate braking may stop

the vehicle.

Significant deceleration when off

throttle and significant ability to

modulate throttle; will bring vehicle

to a stop in most cases.

Rock crawling downhill

Reduces trailer braking.

When the vehicle is in forward gear on a

decline, the vehicle is allowed to creep

down the hill when the brake pedal is

released without pressing the accelerator

pedal. The vehicle will also creep forward

on flat ground.

If the driver seat belt is removed and the

driver door is opened while the vehicle is

being held, Electric Parking Brake (EPB)

will be engaged.

Active Braking During Lift Throttle will

reduce the back and forth between the

accelerator and brake pedals.

Vehicle Hold Features:

When the vehicle comes to a stop on an

incline grade in forward gear or on a

decline grade in reverse gear, Vehicle

Hold is engaged until the accelerator

pedal is pressed.

244

Driving and Operating

EPB will engage if the vehicle is held for

an extended period.

vehicles with the limited-slip differential,

driven under severe conditions, the rear axle

fluid should be changed. See Maintenance

Schedule 0 417.

Caution

Do not lock the axle while the tires are

spinning. The vehicle drivetrain could be

damaged. The repairs would not be

covered by the vehicle warranty.

Terrain Mode is only available on vehicles

equipped with the single speed

transfer case.

Locking Rear Axle

Terrain Mode can only be active when:

If equipped, the locking rear axle can give

the vehicle additional traction from the rear

wheels when traveling in off-road situations

such as mud, snow, steep hills, and uneven

terrain. The locking rear axle button is on

the center stack, see Instrument Panel

Overview 0 5.

Vehicle speed is less than 80 km/h

(50 mph).

Caution

If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving

on pavement, the drivetrain could be

damaged. Repairs would not be covered

by the vehicle warranty. Do not use the

locking axle on pavement.

The transfer case is in 4 m.

Frequent use of this mode may cause brake

wear due to the light braking.

The vehicle will automatically exit the mode

if the brakes get too hot. Terrain Mode can

be turned back on after the brakes have

cooled.

Before the front axle can be locked, the rear

axle must be locked and the transfer case

must be in 4 n.

When Terrain Mode is selected:

Auto Engine Start/Stop will be disabled.

To lock the rear axle:

The Terrain Mode indicator displays on

the instrument cluster.

1. The vehicle must be stationary.

2. Press and release the rear axle locking

switch.

Limited-Slip Differential

3. Wait for the light in the switch to stop

flashing and remain illuminated to show

that the rear axle is locked.

If equipped, the limited-slip differential can

give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,

or gravel. It works like a standard axle most

of the time, but when traction is low, this

feature allows the drive wheel with the

most traction to move the vehicle. For

Uplevel Shown, Other Models Similar

Driving and Operating

245

The locking rear axle will be disengaged

when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h

(25 mph). The Off-Road Mode allows the axle

lock to remain engaged at higher vehicle

speeds.

Before the front axle can be locked, the

transfer case must be in 4 n.

The front axle cannot be locked

independently of the rear axle.

To lock the front and rear axles:

After pressing the switch to unlock the axle,

it may remain locked due to torque in the

driveline. The axle is more easily unlocked

by turning the steering wheel to the right

and to the left while traveling at a low

speed.

1. Place the transfer case in 4 n. This is the

only mode that allows the front axle to

lock. See Four-Wheel Drive 0 230 for

more information regarding the transfer

case and four-wheel drive low operation.

2. Press the front/rear axle locking switch

with the vehicle stopped.

Locking Front Axle

If equipped, the locking front axle can give

the vehicle additional traction when

traveling in off-road situations such as mud,

snow, steep hills, and uneven terrain. The

locking front axle button is on the center

stack, see Instrument Panel Overview 0 5.

Uplevel Shown, Other Models Similar

Caution

Do not lock the axle while the tires are

spinning. The vehicle drivetrain could be

damaged. The repairs would not be

covered by the vehicle warranty.

3. Wait for the light in the switch to stop

flashing and remain illuminated to show

that the front axle is locked. Engagement

of the front axle lock will disable the

Antilock Brake System (ABS) and

illuminate the ABS warning light. Hill

Descent Control (HDC) will also be

disabled.

Caution

The locking front axle will be disengaged

when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h

(25 mph) or the transfer case is shifted out

If the vehicle’s axle is locked while driving

on pavement, the drivetrain could be

damaged. Repairs would not be covered

by the vehicle warranty. Do not use the

locking axle on pavement.

of 4 n.

ABS will be automatically re-enabled and the

ABS warning light will turn off when the

locking front axle is disengaged.

246

Driving and Operating

If HDC was enabled prior to axle lock, it will

be automatically enabled when the locking

front axle is disengaged.

If equipped with cruise control, a speed of

about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be

maintained without keeping your foot on

the accelerator. Cruise control does not work

at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).

After pressing the switch to unlock the axle,

it may remain locked due to torque in the

driveline. The axle is more easily unlocked

by turning the steering wheel to the right

and to the left while traveling at a low

speed.

If the cruise control is being used and the

Traction Control System (TCS) or StabiliTrak/

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) begins to

limit wheel spin, the cruise control will

automatically disengage. See Traction

Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 237. If a

collision alert occurs when cruise control is

activated, cruise control is disengaged. See

Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0 284.

When road conditions allow you to safely

use it again, cruise control can be turned

back on.

Cruise Control

5 : Press to turn cruise control on or off.

A white indicator comes on or off in the

instrument cluster.

Warning

{

Cruise control can be dangerous where

you cannot drive safely at a steady

speed. Do not use cruise control on

winding roads or in heavy traffic.

+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,

press the control up briefly to resume to

that speed or press and hold to accelerate.

If cruise control is already engaged, use to

increase vehicle speed.

Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC

system will disengage the cruise control.

Cruise control can be dangerous on

slippery roads. On such roads, fast

changes in tire traction can cause

excessive wheel slip, and you could lose

control. Do not use cruise control on

slippery roads.

If the brakes are applied, cruise control

disengages.

SET− : Press the control down briefly to set

the speed and activate cruise control.

If cruise control is already engaged, use to

decrease vehicle speed.

* : Press to disengage cruise control

without erasing the set speed from memory.

Driving and Operating -> Ride Control Systems for Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

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