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EnglishDriving and Operating -> Ride Control Systems for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2018-2025
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 n without 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.
L2
L1
.
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.
