2004 GMC SIERRA DENALI coolant temperature

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift
the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See ªTow/Haul Modeº
earlier in this section.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-25.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-67

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-25.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
žcoolant will:
·Give freezing protection down to-34ÉF (-37ÉC).
·Give boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
·Protect against rust and corrosion.
·Help keep the proper engine temperature.
·Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOLžmay
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs ®rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
ž(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-21

Engine Overheating
You will ®nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-38. In addition, you will
®nd an ENGINE OVERHEATED, and a REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message in the DIC on the instrument
panel. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-46.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ®ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-11.
5-25

(g)Add ¯uid as needed. A ¯uid loss could indicate a
problem; repair as needed. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
þIn heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
þIn hilly or mountainous terrain.
þWhen doing frequent trailer towing.
þUses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-21for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ®ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)
A ¯uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the ¯uid level checked. Add ¯uid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition.
Check that the purge valve works properly (if equipped).
Replace as needed.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals speci®ed to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any ¯uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-11for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-9

Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-88
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-96
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-102
Weatherstrips..............................................5-98
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels.....................................................5-101
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-99
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-96
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-98
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-98
Cleaning Leather............................................5-97
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-33
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-97
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.......5-100
Cleaning Tires..............................................5-101
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-97
Cleaning Wood Panels....................................5-98
Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-19
Compass Calibration.......................................2-33
Compass Variance..........................................2-32
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-16
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-24
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-42
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors....................................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
4

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-25
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dome Lamps.................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Doors.................................................2-11
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
DRIVER DOOR AJAR.....................................3-59
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-46
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-57
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-32
City...........................................................4-36
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-37
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-40
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-33
Winter........................................................4-42
Driving Across an Incline..................................4-28Driving Downhill..............................................4-26
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice....................4-29
Driving in Water..............................................4-30
Driving On Grades..........................................4-67
Driving on Off-Road Hills.................................4-22
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-43
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-35
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-35
Driving Uphill..................................................4-24
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-65
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-19
E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-46
Electrical System
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-105
Power Windows and Other Power
Options.................................................5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-105
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-42
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-16
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Coolant......................................................5-21
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-38
Fuel..........................................................3-45
Oil Pressure...............................................3-43
Speedometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Transmission Temperature.............................3-39
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-36
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-38
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-4
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-41
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-20
Glove Box.....................................................2-42
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamps....................................................5-49
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-50Headlamps (cont.)
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Pickup Box Identi®cation and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-55
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-52
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heating.........................................................3-24
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-39
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-40
Hitches..........................................................4-63
HomeLink
žTransmitter....................................2-38
HomeLinkžTransmitter, Programming................2-39
Hood
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-8
Release....................................................... 5-9
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-30
How to Add Fluid............................................5-20
How to Check........................................5-18, 5-67
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-47
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-35
How to Inspect...............................................5-16
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydroplaning..................................................4-35
7

Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-48
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-19
Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-6
Power Door.................................................. 2-7
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Loss of Control...............................................4-17
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-60
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-45
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-15
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-68
Making Turns.................................................4-66
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-40
Manual Selectable Ride..................................... 4-9
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Memory Seat.................................................2-45
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-57
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands)................................. 7-5
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
ž,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-31
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-35
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors...................2-35
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-36
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-34
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-34
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
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