
•If you spill brakefluid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paintfinish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brakefluid on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care”in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedalfirmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes won’t work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes arefirst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-15.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
5-38
2003 - Sierra Denali

Fuses Usage
IGN 1 Ignition Relay
PCM 1 Powertrain Control Module
ETC/ECMElectronic Throttle Control,
Electronic Brake Controller
IGN EInstrument Panel Cluster, Air
Conditioning Relay, Turn
Signal/Hazard Switch, Starter
Relay
RTD Ride Control
TRL B/U Backup Lamps Trailer Wiring
PCM BPowertrain Control Module,
Fuel Pump
F/PMP Fuel Pump (Relay)
B/U LPBack-up Lamps, Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock
Control System
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger
HDLP-HI Headlamp High Beam Relay
PRIME Not Used
02B Oxygen Sensors
SIRSupplemental Inflatable
Restraint System
FRT PARKFront Parking Lamps,
Sidemarker Lamps
DRLDaytime Running Lamps
(Relay)Fuses Usage
SEO IGN Rear Defog Relay
TBC IGN1 Truck Body Controller Ignition
HI HDLP-LT High Beam Headlamp-Left
LH HID Not Used
DRL Daytime Running Lamps
IPC/DICInstrument Panel
Cluster/Driver Information
Center
HVAC/ECAS Climate Control Controller
CIG LTR Cigarette Lighter
HI HDLP-RT High Beam Headlamp-Right
HDLP-LOW Headlamp Low Beam Relay
A/C COMP Air Conditioning Compressor
A/C COMPAir Conditioning Compressor
Relay
RR WPR Not Used
RADIO Audio System
SEO B1Mid Bussed Electrical Center,
Rear Heated Seats,
HomeLink
LO HDLP-LT Headlamp Low Beam-Left
BTSIBrake Transmission Shift
Interlock System
CRANK Starting System
LO HDLP-RT Headlamp Low Beam-Right
5-98
2003 - Sierra Denali

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-35
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-91
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-50
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)..............3-60
After Off-Road Driving.....................................4-30
Air Bag
Off Light.....................................................3-28
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-31
Readiness Light..........................................3-27
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-55
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-71
Air Bag Off Switch.......................................1-61
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-59
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-66
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-70
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-59
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-59
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-58
Where Are the Air Bags?
..............................1-57
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine
.................................5-18
Air Conditioning
..............................................3-21
All Overseas Locations
...................................... 7-4
All-Wheel Drive
...............................................5-45
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
.........................2-21AM ...............................................................3-76
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-78
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-78
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-84
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-88
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-83
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-85
Finish Damage............................................5-87
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..........5-88
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Approaching a Hill..........................................4-23
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-76
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-77
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-78
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-78
CD Changer
...............................................3-73
Fixed Mast Antenna
.....................................3-78
Navigation/Radio System
..............................3-70
Radio with Cassette and CD
.........................3-57
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
................................3-71
Setting the Time
..........................................3-57
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................3-75
Understanding Radio Reception
.....................3-76
1
2003 - Sierra Denali

Audio System(s) (cont.)
XM™Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-78
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-19
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-11
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-12
B
Backing Up....................................................4-58
Battery..........................................................5-39
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-52
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-5
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery Warning Light......................................3-33
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-37
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-18
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-11
Brake
Parking......................................................2-22
System Inspection.......................................6-15
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Brake Adjustment............................................5-38
Brake Fluid....................................................5-36
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-38
Brake Wear...................................................5-38
Brakes..........................................................5-36Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp......................................5-52
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamps.................................................5-48
Pickup Box Identification and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-51
Taillamps....................................................5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-60
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada........................................................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Specifications............................5-99
Car Washes for QUADRASTEER™Equipped
Vehicles.....................................................4-14
Carbon Monoxide...................4-40, 4-53, 2-10, 2-26
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-77
2
2003 - Sierra Denali

Care of (cont.)
Your CD Player...........................................3-78
Your CDs ...................................................3-78
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-14
CARGO LAMP ON .........................................3-54
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-67
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-10
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-68
CD Changer...................................................3-73
CD Functions.................................................3-74
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-39
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-52
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................5-94
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-21
Chains, Tires..................................................5-64
CHANGE ENGINE OIL ....................................3-52
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Check Engine Light.........................................3-37
CHECK OIL LEVEL .........................................3-54
CHECK WASHER FLUID .................................3-54
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-37
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood
......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems
......................1-71
Chemical Paint Spotting
...................................5-88
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
...............................1-35Child Restraints (cont.)
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-49
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-40
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-83
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-85
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-83
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-84
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
.................5-84
Cleaning Leather
............................................5-83
Cleaning the Mirror
.........................................2-30
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
...........5-84
3
2003 - Sierra Denali

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamps....................................................5-48
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-48
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Pickup Box Identification and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-54
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-51
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heating.........................................................3-22
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-38
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-38
Hitches..........................................................4-57
HomeLink
®Transmitter, Programming................2-35
HomeLink®Transmitter....................................2-35
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn ............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-30
How to Add Fluid............................................5-22
How to Check........................................5-20, 5-57
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-46
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-35How to Inspect...............................................5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydroplaning..................................................4-33
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-38
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-38
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-44
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-53
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-42
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-13
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors.........................2-13
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-57
Inspection
Brake System
.............................................6-15
Engine Cooling System
................................6-14
Exhaust System
..........................................6-14
Fuel System
...............................................6-14
Part C - Periodic Maintenance
.......................6-14
Steering and Suspension
..............................6-14
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)
......................................6-15
7
2003 - Sierra Denali

Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-25
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-92
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-40
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-11
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-11
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-13
Lap Belt........................................................1-22
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-12
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-42LATCH System (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-45
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running......2-24
Light
Air Bag Off .................................................3-28
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-35
Battery Warning..........................................3-33
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Cruise Control.............................................3-40
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-37
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator................3-31
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-27
Tow/Haul Mode ...........................................3-41
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-47
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-19
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-10
Locks
Door ........................................................... 2-6
Power Door.................................................. 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-7
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-52
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-41
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
8
2003 - Sierra Denali

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-100
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-10
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-14
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-10
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-14
PartD-Recommended Fluids and Lubricants....6-15
PartE-Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-14
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-60Making Turns.................................................4-59
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-37
Manual Selectable Ride..................................... 4-9
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Memory Seat.................................................2-41
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-51
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands)....................................................... 7-4
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-28
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors...................2-32
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-32
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
MyGMLink.com
................................................ 7-3
N
Navigation/Radio System
..................................3-70
New Vehicle Break-In
......................................2-15
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
...........5-100
9
2003 - Sierra Denali