Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12102101) - 2019 - crc - 10/2/18
234
Driving and Operating
Exhaust Brake
The exhaust brake can be used to
enhance the vehicle brake system
and reduce brake lining wear.
Downshifts may be automatically
selected to increase engine speed,
which increases the effectiveness of
the exhaust brake. The number of
downshifts selected is determined
by the length of time the brakes are
applied and the rate the vehicle is
slowing. The system delivers the
correct amount of braking to assist
in vehicle control. The heavier the
vehicle load, the more active the
engine exhaust brake will be. Use of
the exhaust brake will help maintain
vehicle speed when used with
cruise control. See
Automatic downshifts will not occur
if the vehicle is in Range Selection
Mode. See
.
The exhaust brake only activates
when the transmission torque
converter is locked. This can vary
based on vehicle speed, gear,
and load.
To activate the system, press the
exhaust brake switch. A light in the
switch will come on when the
exhaust brake is activated. The
switch must be pressed at each
vehicle start for the system to be
active.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays the message EXHAUST
BRAKE ON for approximately
three seconds, then clears.
To turn the brake off, press the
exhaust brake switch a second time.
The DIC displays the message
EXHAUST BRAKE OFF for
approximately three seconds, then
clears.
The exhaust brake will be more
active when in Tow/Haul Mode.
A light comes on in the instrument
cluster when the exhaust brake and
Tow/Haul are activated. The switch
must be pressed at each vehicle
start for the system to be active.