Chevrolet 2003 Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual page 121

Shift Speeds
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could
lose
control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Don't shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
I I
Do not allow the engine rpm to overspeed and enter the
tachometer red lines. Engine overspeed occurs when
downshifting, or descending a grade, at too high a
vehicle speed. When going down steep grades, always
select a gear at least one position lower than you
would use on climbing a grade. This will allow the
vehicle's engine to provide some braking and help to
slow the vehicle as it goes down the grade. Monitor your
vehicle speed, acceleration and engine rpm while
applying the brakes as you go down the grade to ensure
you have complete control over the vehicle.
If your engine speed drops below 600 rpm, or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. When operating on slippery
surfaces, downshift at lower than normal vehicle speeds
to prevent the tires from slipping.
In bench seat equipped vehicles, move the tallest
beverage containers to the right cupholder to provide
additional clearance for the shift lever.
For vehicles equipped with a center console, the front
cup holder pulls out and turns 180" to provide additional
clearance between tall beverage containers and the
shift lever.
Shift Light
If you have a manual
transmission, you may
have a SHIFT light. This
light will show you when to
shift to the next higher
gear for best fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions
allow. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly
and shift when the light comes on.
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