2005 GMC SIERRA coolant temperature

When to Check and What to Use
The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is located in the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for more information
on location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-10and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does
not reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it is in
place in the reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended 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, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
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-COOL
®may
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
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-35

If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant sensor,
and the LOW COOLANT LEVEL message comes
on and stays on, it means you are low on engine
coolant. See “LOW COOLANT LEVEL” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-42.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE OVERHEATED
and a REDUCED ENGINE POWER message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument
panel. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.
5-37

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer uid message that
comes on when the washer uid is low. The message is
displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the CHECK WASHER FLUID message is
displayed, you will need to add washer uid to the
windshield washer uid reservoir.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-48

(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, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate 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)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle GVWR is over 8600 lbs or 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.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-35for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
6-9

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-67
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-25
Chains, Tire...................................................5-90
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-44
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-119
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers
for Children (LATCH System).....................1-47
Older Children.............................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position (Crew Cab)..................1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position (Regular
and Extended Cab)..........................1-56, 1-62
Top Strap...................................................1-43
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-45
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-127
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-117
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-116
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-113
Finish Care...............................................5-116
Glass Surfaces..........................................5-115
Instrument Panel........................................5-115
Interior Plastic Components.........................5-115
Leather....................................................5-114
Tires........................................................5-118
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-119
Vinyl........................................................5-114
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-116
Weatherstrips............................................5-115
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-117
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Dual..........................................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-34
Coinholder(s)..................................................2-70
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-30
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-19
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-42
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-37
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-121
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-124
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-122
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-122
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-122
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-125
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-121
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-52
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Coolant......................................................5-35
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-42
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-45
Oil .............................................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-39
Overheating................................................5-37
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finish Damage.............................................5-118
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-127
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-91
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-92
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-109
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-27, 5-30
Manual Transmission....................................5-33
Power Steering...........................................5-46
Windshield Washer......................................5-48
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-58
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-48
Front Axle......................................................5-60
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Front Storage Area.........................................2-71
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E-85 (85% Ethanol)....................................... 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling Your Tank..........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage.........................................................3-49
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
5

Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-7
Low Warning Light.......................................3-50
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-124
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-122
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-122
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-125
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-121
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-42
Fuel..........................................................3-49
Oil Pressure...............................................3-47
Speedometer..............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Transmission Temperature.............................3-43
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-38
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-66
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-7
Glove Box.....................................................2-70
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-8
Headlamps............................................3-13, 5-63
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-15
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-62
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps...........................5-64
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-62
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-9
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-69
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-65
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Heater...................................................3-21, 3-22
Heater...........................................................3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-48
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-42
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-42
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-66
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-67
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-13
6