2005 GMC SIERRA DENALI towing

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ame if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the uid and lter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
5-21

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-28for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 5-28for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-52.
5-27

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
3. If you are in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving — DRIVE (D).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an engine-driven cooling fan, push down
the accelerator until the engine speed is about twice
as fast as normal idle speed for at least three minutes
while you are parked.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an electric engine cooling fan, idle the
engine for three minutes while you are parked.If you still have the warning,turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicleuntil it cools down. Also,
see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
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. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-14.
5-28

Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle is equipped with a clutched engine cooling
fan, when the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday
driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy
and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages, so you
may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and
should not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or
making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If your vehicle is equipped with electric cooling fans, you
may hear the fans spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
your air conditioning system, the fans change to high
speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise. This
is normal and indicates that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
power steering uid reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-34

(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, door
hinges, liftgate hinge, liftgate linkage, liftgate handle pivot
points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, locks and folding seat
hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better and not stick or
squeak.
(g)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.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
6-8

Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-75
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-6
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-22
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature Display.....2-29
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-41
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-51
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-76
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-73
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-54
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-61
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-61
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-61
Replacing Parts...........................................1-61
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-17
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-22Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-40
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-28
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-95
Driver Position............................................1-13
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-13
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-12
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults.........................1-24
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-22
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-22
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-21
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-8
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seats
Head Restraints............................................ 1-6
Heated Seats............................................... 1-3
Memory.....................................................2-44
10

Tires (cont.)
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-71
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-62
Inspection and Rotation................................5-63
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-76
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-76
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-73
Secondary Latch System..............................5-83
Spare Tire..................................................5-91
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-87
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-57
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-60
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-68
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-69
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-65
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-41
Top Strap......................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-38
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-23
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-40
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-51
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-52
Your Vehicle...............................................4-51
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-51Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Temperature Gage.......................................3-34
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-20
Trip Odometer................................................3-28
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-92
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-67
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-54
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-101
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-101
Vehicle Personalization
Memory Seat..............................................2-44
12