2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Silverado
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Instrument Panel (Base/Uplevel Version)
8
Instrument Panel (Premium Version)
12
Initial Drive Information
14
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
14
Remote Vehicle Start
15
Door Locks
15
Windows
16
Seat Adjustment
18
Memory Features
20
Heated and Ventilated Seats
22
Head Restraint Adjustment
22
Safety Belts
23
Passenger Sensing System
23
Mirror Adjustment
24
Steering Wheel Adjustment
27
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment
27
Interior Lighting
27
Exterior Lighting
28
Windshield Wiper/Washer
29
Climate Controls
30
Transmission
32
Four-Wheel Drive
33
Vehicle Features
35
Radio(s)
35
Satellite Radio
36
Portable Audio Devices
37
Bluetooth®
37
Steering Wheel Controls
37
Cruise Control
38
Navigation System
38
Driver Information Center (DIC)
39
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
40
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
40
Power Outlets
40
Universal Remote System
41
Sunroof
41
Performance and Maintenance
43
StabiliTrak® System
43
Tire Pressure Monitor
44
Engine Oil Life System
44
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
45
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
45
Roadside Assistance Program
46
OnStar®
46
Keys, Doors, and Windows
47
Keys and Locks
48
Keys
48
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
48
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
49
Remote Vehicle Start
51
Door Locks
54
Power Door Locks
55
Delayed Locking
55
Automatic Door Locks
56
Lockout Protection
56
Safety Locks
56
Doors
57
Rear Doors (Extended Cab)
57
Tailgate
57
Vehicle Security
59
Anti-theft Alarm System
59
Immobilizer
60
Immobilizer Operation
60
Exterior Mirrors
62
Convex Mirrors
62
Manual Mirrors
62
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
62
Power Mirrors
63
Folding Mirrors
64
Heated Mirrors
65
Park Tilt Mirrors
65
Interior Mirrors
65
Manual Rearview Mirror
65
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
66
Windows
66
Manual Windows
67
Power Windows
67
Rear Windows
68
Sun Visors
69
Roof
69
Sunroof (Extended Cab)
69
Sunroof (Crew Cab)
70
Seats and Restraints
73
Head Restraints
74
Front Seats
75
Seat Adjustment
75
Center Seat
77
Power Seat Adjustment
77
Lumbar Adjustment
78
Reclining Seatbacks
79
Memory Seats
80
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
82
Rear Seats
84
Rear Seats (Extended Cab Full Bench)
84
Rear Seats (All Split Bench and Hybrid Full Bench)
85
Safety Belts
86
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
87
Lap-Shoulder Belt
89
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
94
Lap Belt
94
Safety Belt Extender
95
Safety System Check
95
Safety Belt Care
96
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
96
Airbag System
97
Where Are the Airbags?
99
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
101
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
103
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
103
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
104
Airbag On-Off Switch
105
Passenger Sensing System
109
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
114
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
115
Airbag System Check
116
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
117
Child Restraints
117
Older Children
117
Infants and Young Children
120
Child Restraint Systems
122
Where to Put the Restraint
124
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
126
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
134
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position)
135
Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)
137
Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)
137
Storage
147
Storage Compartments
147
Instrument Panel Storage
147
Glove Box
147
Cupholders
147
Center Console Storage
148
Instruments and Controls
149
Controls
150
Steering Wheel Adjustment
150
Steering Wheel Controls
151
Horn
153
Windshield Wiper/Washer
153
Compass
154
Clock
156
Power Outlets
158
Cigarette Lighter
159
Ashtrays
160
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
160
Instrument Cluster
161
Speedometer
162
Odometer
162
Trip Odometer
162
Tachometer
162
Fuel Gauge
163
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
164
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
165
Voltmeter Gauge
166
Safety Belt Reminders
167
Airbag Readiness Light
168
Airbag On-Off Light
169
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
171
Charging System Light
172
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
173
Brake System Warning Light
175
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
176
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
177
Tow/Haul Mode Light
177
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
178
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
178
Tire Pressure Light
178
Engine Oil Pressure Light
179
Low Fuel Warning Light
180
Security Light
180
High-Beam On Light
180
Front Fog Lamp Light
181
Cruise Control Light
181
Information Displays
181
Driver Information Center (DIC)
181
Vehicle Messages
191
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
191
Brake System Messages
191
Door Ajar Messages
192
Engine Cooling System Messages
193
Engine Oil Messages
194
Engine Power Messages
195
Fuel System Messages
195
Key and Lock Messages
195
Lamp Messages
195
Object Detection System Messages
196
Ride Control System Messages
196
Airbag System Messages
197
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
198
Starting the Vehicle Messages
198
Tire Messages
198
Transmission Messages
199
Vehicle Reminder Messages
199
Washer Fluid Messages
200
Vehicle Personalization
200
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
200
Universal Remote System
209
Universal Remote System Programming
210
Universal Remote System Operation
215
Lighting
217
Exterior Lighting
217
Exterior Lamp Controls
217
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
219
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
219
Flash-to-Pass
219
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
219
Automatic Headlamp System
220
Hazard Warning Flashers
221
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
222
Fog Lamps
223
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
223
Interior Lighting
224
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
224
Cargo Lamp
224
Dome Lamps
225
Reading Lamps
225
Lighting Features
226
Entry Lighting
226
Exit Lighting
226
Battery Load Management
226
Battery Power Protection
227
Infotainment System
229
Introduction
229
Infotainment
229
Theft-Deterrent Feature
230
Operation
231
Radio
237
AM-FM Radio
237
Satellite Radio
239
Radio Reception
242
Fixed Mast Antenna
243
Satellite Radio Antenna
243
Audio Players
244
CD Player
244
CD/DVD Player
251
Auxiliary Devices
263
Rear Seat Infotainment
268
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
268
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System
278
Phone
280
Bluetooth
280
Trademarks and License Agreements
288
Climate Controls
289
Climate Control Systems
289
Climate Control Systems (with Air Conditioning)
289
Climate Control Systems (with Heater Only)
292
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
293
Air Vents
299
Driving and Operating
301
Driving Information
302
Distracted Driving
302
Defensive Driving
303
Drunk Driving
303
Control of a Vehicle
303
Braking
304
Steering
304
Off-Road Recovery
305
Loss of Control
305
Off-Road Driving
306
Driving on Wet Roads
312
Highway Hypnosis
312
Hill and Mountain Roads
313
Winter Driving
314
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
316
Vehicle Load Limits
317
Truck-Camper Loading Information
325
Starting and Operating
327
New Vehicle Break-In
327
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
327
Ignition Positions
328
Starting the Engine
330
Fast Idle System
331
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
332
Engine Coolant Heater
332
Shifting Into Park
334
Shifting out of Park
335
Parking (Manual Transmission)
336
Parking over Things That Burn
336
Active Fuel Management®
337
Engine Exhaust
337
Running the Vehicle While Parked
338
Automatic Transmission
339
Manual Mode
343
Tow/Haul Mode
344
Manual Transmission
346
Drive Systems
347
Four-Wheel Drive
347
Brakes
361
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
361
Parking Brake
363
Brake Assist
364
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
365
Ride Control Systems
365
StabiliTrak® System
365
Locking Rear Axle
369
Cruise Control
369
Object Detection Systems
372
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
372
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
374
Fuel
379
Recommended Fuel
380
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
381
California Fuel Requirements
381
Fuels in Foreign Countries
381
Fuel Additives
382
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
383
Filling the Tank
384
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
385
Towing
386
General Towing Information
386
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
386
Trailer Towing
390
Towing Equipment
406
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
418
Conversions and Add-Ons
419
Add-On Electrical Equipment
419
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
419
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
423
Vehicle Care
425
General Information
427
California Proposition 65 Warning
427
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
427
Accessories and Modifications
428
Vehicle Checks
428
Doing Your Own Service Work
428
Hood
429
Engine Compartment Overview
430
Engine Oil
431
Engine Oil Life System
434
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission)
435
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission)
438
Manual Transmission Fluid
442
Hydraulic Clutch
442
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
442
Cooling System
444
Engine Coolant
445
Engine Overheating
448
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
451
Engine Fan
451
Power Steering Fluid
452
Washer Fluid
453
Brakes
454
Brake Fluid
455
Battery
457
Four-Wheel Drive
457
Front Axle
459
Rear Axle
460
Noise Control System
461
Starter Switch Check
462
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
463
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
463
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
464
Wiper Blade Replacement
464
Glass Replacement
465
Headlamp Aiming
465
Bulb Replacement
467
Halogen Bulbs
468
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
468
Pick-Up Box Identification and Fender Marker Lamps
469
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models)
469
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
470
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp
470
License Plate Lamp
471
Replacement Bulbs
472
Electrical System
472
Electrical System Overload
472
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
473
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
473
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
478
Wheels and Tires
481
Tires
481
Tire Sidewall Labeling
482
Tire Designations
485
Tire Terminology and Definitions
486
Tire Pressure
489
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation
490
Tire Pressure Monitor System
491
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
492
Tire Inspection
495
Tire Rotation
496
Dual Tire Rotation
498
When It Is Time for New Tires
499
Buying New Tires
499
Different Size Tires and Wheels
501
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
502
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
503
Wheel Replacement
504
Tire Chains
505
If a Tire Goes Flat
506
Tire Changing
508
Full-Size Spare Tire
519
Jump Starting
520
Towing
525
Towing the Vehicle
525
Recreational Vehicle Towing
525
Appearance Care
530
Exterior Care
530
Interior Care
533
Floor Mats
536
Service and Maintenance
537
General Information
537
Maintenance Schedule
539
Special Application Services
545
Additional Maintenance and Care
546
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
549
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
549
Maintenance Replacement Parts
552
Maintenance Records
553
Technical Data
557
Vehicle Identification
557
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
557
Service Parts Identification Label
557
Vehicle Data
558
Capacities and Specifications
558
Engine Drive Belt Routing
562
Customer Information
563
Customer Information
564
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada)
564
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
566
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada)
567
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico)
568
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada)
569
Online Owner Center
569
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada)
570
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada)
570
Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico)
573
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada)
577
Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada)
577
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada)
579
Service Publications Ordering Information
581
Reporting Safety Defects
582
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
582
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
583
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
583
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
583
Event Data Recorders
584
OnStar®
585
Navigation System
585
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
585
Radio Frequency Statement
585
OnStar
587
OnStar Overview
587
OnStar Services
588
Emergency
588
Security
588
Navigation
588
Connections
590
Diagnostics
591
OnStar Additional Information
591
Index
595
Index_A
595
Index_B
596
Index_C
596
Index_D
598
Index_E
598
Index_F
599
Index_G
600
Index_H
600
Index_I
601
Index_J
601
Index_K
601
Index_L
601
Index_M
602
Index_N
603
Index_O
603
Index_P
603
Index_R
604
Index_S
605
Index_T
606
Index_U
607
Index_V
608
Index_W
608
2012 Chevrolet Silverado Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is a rugged and reliable full-size pickup truck that combines power, versatility, and advanced technology. Renowned for its durability and performance, the Silverado makes an ideal choice for both work and leisure. With a refined ride and a well-appointed interior, this model continued Chevrolet's reputation for manufacturing capable trucks that meet the diverse needs of drivers.
Powertrains
The 2012 Silverado offers multiple powertrains to cater to various driving preferences and requirements. The standard 4.3-liter V6 engine delivers a solid 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for everyday tasks. For those needing more power, the 5.3-liter V8 engine produces a robust 315 horsepower. Additionally, the 6.0-liter V8 engine, paired with a heavier-duty transmission, enhances towing capabilities, achieving up to 360 horsepower. All engines can be paired with either a six-speed automatic or a four-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and responsive handling.
Trims
Features
Among notable features, the 2012 Silverado offers a spacious cabin with user-friendly technology, including an available touchscreen navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features include front airbags, stability control, and available rear-parking sensors, ensuring peace of mind while driving. Options for cargo management and towing enhancements further add to the truck’s capability, making it a well-rounded choice for all truck enthusiasts.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado serves as a comprehensive guide, offering detailed information on operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It includes specific instructions on how to utilize features, perform routine maintenance, and understand the vehicle's capabilities, ensuring owners get the most out of their Silverado experience.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Silverado owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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