2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission (Mechanical Shifter)
There is an electronic shift lever position indicator within the instrument cluster. This display illuminates when the vehicle is on. There are several different positions for the shift lever.
See Driver Mode Control 0 246 and “Range Selection Mode” under Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter) 233 or Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter) 235.
- P : This position locks the rear wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.
- 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 P (Park). See “Torque Lock” under Shifting Into Park (Mechanical Shifter)or Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter).
- R : Use this gear to back up.
- 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.
- 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.
- Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
- 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. By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear and has more power.
- 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.
- Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding. See “Skidding” under Loss of Control.
- 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.
- The transmission uses adaptive shift 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 transmission determines the best settings.
- 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.
- 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 the selection of a range of gears appropriate for current driving conditions. If equipped, see “Range Selection Mode” under Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter) or Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter).
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.
Automatic Transmission (Electronic Shifter)
- 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.
- 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.
- If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
- 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.
P : This position locks the rear wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the engine to prevent the vehicle from moving easily.
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. 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) 222 or Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 223 and Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips 305.
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 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 236.
- 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. When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
- START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The transmission will shift to P (Park) automatically unless the vehicle is in N (Neutral), See “Car Wash Mode” later in this section.
- The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift into P (Park).
- To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 222 or Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 223 and Shifting out of Park (Mechanical Shifter) 224 or Shifting out of Park (Electronic Shifter) 224.
Service Shift Lever Message
- 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, R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the shift lever.
- R : Use this gear to back up.
- 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 istoo high, the vehicle may shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse)
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Press and hold the shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
- From the center position, move the shift lever forward to R (Reverse). R will be illuminated in red.
- After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse)
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Shift to the desired gear.
- 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 0 209.
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
Shifting into a drive gear while theengine 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.
Caution
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.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in N (Neutral) for more than five minutes. It may automatically shift into P (Park). N (Neutral) is not intended for towing. If the vehicle needs to be towed, see Towing the Vehicle 0 406.
To shift into N (Neutral)
- Move the shift lever forward to N (Neutral).
- If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the brake pedal and press the shift lock release button while moving the shift lever forward.
- The N indicator will illuminate in red.
- After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral)
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), press the shift lock release button.
- After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral) for use in automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off – Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine off and the vehicle occupied:
- Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Shift to N (Neutral).
- Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
- The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
- The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off – Driver Out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:
- Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Open the door.
- Shift to N (Neutral).
- Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
- The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–5.
- Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
- The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
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.
D : This position is for normal driving. If more power is needed for passing, press the accelerator pedal down.
To shift into D (Drive):
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- From the center position, move the shift lever back.
- If the vehicle is in P (Park) press the shift lock release button while pulling the shift lever back.
- D will illuminate in red.
- After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position
To shift out of D (Drive)
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Shift to the desired gear.
- After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. Downshifting the transmission on a slippery road could result in skidding. See “Skidding” under Loss of Control 0 203.
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.
Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter)
Range Selection Mode
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:
- Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
- Press the plus/minus buttons on the shift lever to select the desired gear range for current driving conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 |
L6 |
L6 |
L5 |
L4 |
L3 |
L3 |
L2 |
L1 |
| Range after shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode) – Tow/Haul engaged |
L6 |
L5 |
L4 |
L3 |
L3 |
L3 |
L2 |
L1 |
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 | L7 | L7 | L7 | L6 | L5 | L4 | L3 | L3 | L2 | L1 |
| Range after shifting from D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode) – Tow/Haul engaged | L7 | L7 | L6 | L5 | L4 | L3 | L3 | L3 | L2 | L1 |
Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter)
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Caution: 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.
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 Information Center (DIC) will display a number next to the L indicating the highest available gear.
To enter Electronic Range Select or Manual Mode:
- 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.
- Tap the left steering wheel control to reduce the highest gear available, or the right control to increase the highest gear available.
- 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.
- When shifting to L (Low), the transmission will shift to a preset lower gear range. For this preset range, the highest gear availablewill be displayed next to the L in the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 123 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 125. 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).
- 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.
- 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, or when hauling heavy loads. See Driver Mode Control 246 to activate Tow/ Haul Mode.
- 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.
- 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.
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) 233 or Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter) 235.
- 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 314.