These instructions apply to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Mk3 (K2XX) 2014-2018.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Before any electrical work on a 2014–2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (K2XX) you disconnect the 12 V battery. Doing it in the correct order keeps a wrench from shorting the live post to the body and protects the truck’s electronics; reconnecting in the right order avoids a surge. This is the US-market procedure.
- Park, ignition off, key out, and leave the doors closed for a couple of minutes so the modules go to sleep. Put on eye protection.
- Open the hood. The 12 V battery is in the engine bay on the driver’s side.
- Loosen and remove the negative (−, black) terminal clamp first, and tuck it well clear of the post.
- Then loosen and remove the positive (+, red) clamp.
- Do your work. With the battery off, the clock, radio presets and some driver settings will need re-setting afterward.
- Reconnect the positive (+) first and tighten it, then the negative (−). Make both clamps fully tight.
- Switch on, check for warning lights, and reset the clock and presets.
FAQ
Which terminal comes off first?
Always negative off first and positive on first — it stops a slipped wrench bridging the live positive post to the grounded body.
Will I lose my settings?
Expect to re-set the clock and radio presets; most driver personalisation returns on its own.
Do I need a memory saver?
Optional. A memory saver in the OBD port keeps presets alive, but it leaves the system live — so keep tools clear of the terminals.
Anything special to relearn afterward?
Not on the K2XX Silverado — just the clock and presets. If a warning light stays on, check the code.
If the truck stores fault codes after reconnecting the battery, look them up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Chevrolet. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.