2005 GMC SIERRA automatic transmission

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive with a manual
transfer case shift lever and your transfer case
is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running unless
you have to.If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from PARK (P) without rst pulling it
toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not 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 may nd 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. To nd out how, see “Shifting
Into PARK (P)” listed earlier in this section.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you 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).
2-50

Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P)
when the ignition is in the LOCK position. You have
to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26.
If your vehicle has an Allison Transmission
®, the
transmission is equipped with a park pawl designed to
hold the higher weight of commercial medium duty
trucks. Therefore, the Allison Transmission
®uses larger
parts than other automatic transmissions. These
larger parts may sometimes make a clunk noise when
the selector lever is moved from DRIVE (D) or
REVERSE (R) to PARK (P). This is normal and there is
no damage occurring during these shifts.
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 ACCESSORY. There is no shift
interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear
you want.
5. Have the system xed as soon as you can.
2-51

Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-53.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-44.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the automatic transmission shift lever is not
fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not 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. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever to
PARK (P), or the manual transmission shift
lever to NEUTRAL.
2-54

{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer
case in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if your automatic transmission shift lever
is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is
in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. Always set
your parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-49.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-68.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Pull or push the tab under the mirror to adust it to the
night or daytime setting. In the nightime setting, the glare
from headlamps behind the vehicle will be less intense.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
Your vehicle may have this feature. When on, an
automatic dimming mirror automatically dims to the
proper level to minimize glare from lights behind
you after dark.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the upper
right corner of the mirror face. The compass reading and
the outside temperature will both appear in the display
at the same time.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
2-55

Vehicle Personalization
Memory Seat
If your vehicle has this
feature, the controls for the
memory function are
located on the driver’s door.
These buttons are used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver’s seat and both the driver’s
and passenger’s outside mirrors. The settings for these
features can be saved for up to two drivers.
To store the memory settings, do the following:
1. If you have an automatic transmission, place the
vehicle in PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, set the parking
brake.2. Adjust the driver’s seat, including the seatback
recliner, lumbar, and side wing area, and both
outside mirrors to your preference.
3. Press and hold the 1 or 2 button of the memory
control for three seconds. A double chime will
sound to let you know that the position has been
stored.
To repeat the procedure for a second driver, follow the
preceding steps, but press the other numbered
memory control button.
To recall a memory position, do one of the following:
If you have an automatic transmission, press
and release the desired button 1 or 2 while
the vehicle is in PARK (P). A single chime will
sound and the memory position will be recalled.
If the vehicle is not in PARK (P), the memory
position will not be recalled.
If you have a manual transmission, press and
release the desired button 1 or 2 while the parking
brake is set. A single chime will sound and the
memory position will be recalled.
If the parking brake is not set, the memory position
will not be recalled.
To stop recall movement of the memory seat feature at
any time, press one of the memory buttons or power
seat controls.
2-74

Easy Exit Seat
The controls for this memory function are located on the
driver’s door.
B(Easy Exit Seat):This button is used to program
and recall the desired driver’s seat position when
exiting/entering the vehicle. The seat position can be
saved for up to two drivers.
To store the seat exit position, do the following:
1. If you have an automatic transmission, place the
vehicle in PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, set the parking
brake.
2. Press and release the 1 or 2 button. The seat will
move to the stored memory position.
3. Adjust the seat to the desired exit position.
4. Press and hold the exit button of the memory
control for three seconds. A double chime will sound
to let you know that the position has been stored
for the selected button 1 or 2.
To repeat the procedure for a second driver, follow
the preceding steps, but press the other numbered
memory control button.To use the seat exit position, do one of the following:
If you have an automatic transmission, press
and release the exit button on the memory control
while the vehicle is in PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, press and
release the exit button on the memory control while
the parking brake is set.
Or, if this feature is activated in the DIC, removing
the key from the ignition will move the seat to the
exit position.
See “Easy Exit Seat” underDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 3-63for more information on activating this
feature in the DIC.
2-75

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp.........................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Dome Lamps...............................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-18
Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Exit Lighting.................................................3-18
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-19
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-19
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-20Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Trip Odometer..............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Airbag Off Light............................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-36
Battery Warning Light....................................3-38
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-38
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transmission)...............3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-39
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-41
Traction Off Light..........................................3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-42
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-43
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-44
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-47
Security Light...............................................3-48
Cruise Control Light......................................3-48
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-48
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Button. SeeDome Lamps on page 3-17.
B. Headlamp Controls. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-13.
C. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Electronic Transfer
Case/Traction Assist System (TAS). SeeFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-37.
E. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
G. Gearshift Lever (Automatic Transmission). See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26.
H. Tow/Haul Selector and Overdrive Disable (Allison
Transmission
®Only) Button (If Equipped). See
Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-29.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-69.
J. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-21,Dual Climate Control System
on page 3-22andDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-25.
K. Instrument Panel Fuse Block.Instrument Panel Fuse
Block on page 5-122.
L. Cargo Lamp Button. SeeCargo Lamp on page 3-19.
M. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-13.N. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped). See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-50.
O. Center Instrument Panel Block. SeeCenter
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-124.
P. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-48.
Q. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-7.
R. Lighter and Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory
Power Outlets on page 3-19, andAshtrays and
Cigarette Lighter on page 3-20.
S. Storage Area. SeeFront Storage Area on page 2-71.
T. Ashtray. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-20.
U. Manual Selectable Ride Control (If Equipped).
SeeManual Selectable Ride on page 4-10.
V. 4-Wheel Steer Button (If Equipped). See
QUADRASTEER™ on page 4-14.
W. Passenger Airbag Off Switch (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-73.
X. Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Button (If Equipped).
SeeAuxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp on page 3-17.
Y. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-70.
3-5