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EnglishDriving and Operating -> Automatic Transmission for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2018-2025
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
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)
(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
L6
7th
L6
6th
L5
5th
L4
4th
L3
3rd
L3
2nd
L2
1st
L1
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
L6
L5
L4
L3
L3
L3
L2
L1
Driving and Operating
229
10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear before shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode) 10th
9th
L7
8th
L7
7th
L6
6th
L5
5th
L4
4th
L3
3rd
L3
2nd
L2
1st
L1
Range after shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual
L7
Mode) – Tow/Haul not engaged
Range after shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual
Mode) – Tow/Haul engaged
L7
L7
L6
L5
L4
L3
L3
L3
L2
L1
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.
