2003 GMC SIERRA automatic transmission

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Door Locks....................................................2-6
Power Door Locks..........................................2-7
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks................................................2-7
Rear Doors...................................................2-9
Tailgate.......................................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-11
Power Windows............................................2-12
Swing-Out Windows......................................2-12
Sun Visors...................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-13
Passlock
®....................................................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-15
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-15
Ignition Positions
..........................................2-16
Starting Your Engine
.....................................2-17
Engine Coolant Heater
..................................2-18
Automatic Transmission Operation
...................2-19
All-Wheel Drive
............................................2-21
Parking Brake
..............................................2-22Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-23
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-25
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-26
Engine Exhaust............................................2-26
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked. . . .2-27
Mirrors...........................................................2-28
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-28
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-31
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.....................2-31
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-32
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors....................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-32
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-32
OnStar
®System.............................................2-33
HomeLink®Transmitter...................................2-35
Programming the HomeLink®Transmitter.........2-35
Storage Areas................................................2-39
Glove Box...................................................2-39
Cupholder(s)................................................2-39
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-39
Tonneau Cover............................................2-39
Vehicle Personalization...................................2-41
Memory Seat...............................................2-41
Section 2 Features and Controls
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2003 - Sierra Denali

1. lock the door from the
inside by sliding the
manual lock lever
rearward. To unlock
the door, slide the
manual lock lever
forward.
Power Door Locks
If your vehicle is equipped
with power door locks,
press the raised side of the
switch, with the lock
symbol, on either front
door to lock all the doors
at once.
Press the recessed side of the switch with the unlock
symbol, to unlock all the doors at once.The power door locks will operate at any time even
when the ignition is off.
Operating the power locks may interact with the
theft-deterrent system (if equipped). SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-13.
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic lock/unlock
feature which enables you to program your vehicle’s
power door locks. You can program this feature through
the Driver Information Center (DIC), or by the following
method.
Programmable Locking Feature
The following is the list of available programming
options:
Mode 1:All doors lock when the transmission is shifted
into gear. This is the mode that is pre-programmed in
the factory for your vehicle.
Mode 2:All doors lock when the vehicle speed is
greater than 8 mph (13 km/h).
Mode 3:No automatic door locking.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

The following instructions tell you how to change the
automatic door lock mode. Choose one of the three
programming options listed above before entering the
program mode. To enter the program mode, do the
following:
1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn
signal/multifunction lever toward you and hold
it there while you perform the next step.
2. Turn the key to RUN then back to LOCK twice.
Then, with the key in LOCK, release the turn
signal/multifunction lever. Once you do this, the
doors will lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice,
and a 30-second timer will begin. You are now
ready to program the automatic door lock feature.
3. Press the door lock switch once. You will hear one,
two, or three chimes. The number of chimes tells
you which lock mode is currently selected. Continue
to press the door lock switch until the number of
chimes that you hear matches the number of
the mode that you want. If you take longer than 30
seconds, the locks will automatically lock and
unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that
you have left the program mode. If this occurs,
you can repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1
to re-enter the programming mode.
You can exit the program mode any time by turning the
ignition to RUN (the doors will automatically lock and
unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you
are leaving the program mode). If the lock/unlockswitches are not pressed while in the programming
mode, the current automatic settings will not be
modied.
See your dealer for more information.
Programmable Unlocking Feature
The following is the list of available programming
options:
Mode 1:Driver’s door unlocks when the transmission is
shifted into PARK (P).
Mode 2:All doors unlock when the transmission is
shifted into PARK (P). This is the mode that is
pre-programmed in the factory for your vehicle.
Mode 3:All doors unlock when the key is removed
from the ignition.
Mode 4:No automatic door unlock.
The following instructions tell you how to change the
automatic door unlock mode. Choose one of the
four programming options listed above before entering
the program mode. To enter the program mode, do
the following:
1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn
signal/multifunction lever toward you and hold
it there while you perform the next step.
2. Turn the key to RUN and LOCK twice. Then, with
the key in LOCK, release the turn
signal/multifunction lever. Once you do this, the
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission
that features an electronic shift position indicator
located within the instrument panel cluster. This display
is powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being
moved out of PARK (P). SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-91.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your wheels. It’s the
best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle can’t move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brakefirmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even
when you’re on fairly level ground, always set
your parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). See“Shifting Into Park (P)”in the
Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see“Towing a
Trailer”in the Index.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-44.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

On cold days, approximately 32°F(0°C) or colder, your
transmission is designed to shift differently until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is
intended to improve heater performance.
Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may be equipped with a tow/haul mode.
The switch is located on the end of the column shift
lever. You can use this feature to assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load.When tow/haul is activated
the tow/haul symbol will
illuminate on the
instrument panel cluster.
SeeTow/Haul Modeunder
Towing a Trailer on
page 4-53for more
information.
All-Wheel Drive
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
all the time.
This is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle.
It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You maynd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called″torque
lock.″To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave
the driver’s seat. Tond out how, seeShifting Into
Park (P) on page 2-23.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-19.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then,
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift
out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to LOCK.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive
gear you want.
5. Have the systemxed as soon as you can.
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2003 - Sierra Denali

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn .............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-11
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-16
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-18
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-27
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-27
Air Bag Off Light..........................................3-28
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator.................3-31
Battery Warning Light....................................3-33
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-33
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-36Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-37
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-40
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-41
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-42
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-42
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-51
Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Setting the Time...........................................3-57
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-57
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-70
Rear Seat Audio (RSA).................................3-71
CD Changer................................................3-73
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-75
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-76
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-76
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-77
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-78
Care of Your CD Player................................3-78
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-78
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
(United States Only)..................................3-78
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
2003 - Sierra Denali

Lamps On Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on and your ignition is
off, in LOCK, ACCESSORY, or your door is open.
To disable the chime, turn the light off, then back on.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
•The ignition is on,
•the exterior lamp control is in AUTO
•the automatic transmission is not in PARK (P), and
•the light sensor determines it is daytime.When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’tbe
on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps or the last
chosen headlamp setting that was used.
When you turn the exterior lamp control to off, the
headlamps will go off, and your DRL lamps will
illuminate, provided it is not dark outside.
Shifting the transmission into PARK (P) will allow you to
idle the vehicle with the DRL off. The DRL will stay
off until you release the parking brake or shift the
transmission out of PARK (P).
Puddle Lamps
Your vehicle is equipped with puddle lamps to help you
see the area near the base of the front doors when it
is dark out. The puddle lamps will illuminate when a door
is opened or when you press the UNLOCK button on
the keyless entry transmitter.
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2003 - Sierra Denali