2005 GMC SIERRA light

During the rst 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start
the vehicle moving in FIRST (1) gear. This allows
the clutch components to wear-in properly.
FIRST (1):With the vehicle at a stop, release the
brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. Only downshift into FIRST (1)
when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the
shift lever will not go into FIRST (1), put the lever
in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal to fully
engage the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again. Then,
shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):With the vehicle at a stop, release the
brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal. With the vehicle moving, press the
clutch pedal and upshift into SECOND (2) from
FIRST (1) while applying light pressure to the right on
the shifter. Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal. If you come to a
complete stop and the shift lever will not go into
SECOND (2), put the lever in NEUTRAL and let up on
the clutch pedal to fully engage the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal again. Then, shift into SECOND (2).THIRD (3):Press the clutch pedal and upshift into
THIRD (3). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6):Upshift into the
higher forward gears the same way as you do
THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press the clutch pedal.
Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift
to REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal. Also, use REVERSE (R),
along with the parking brake, when turning off your
engine and parking your vehicle.
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Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Don’t shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
Do not allow the engine rpm to overspeed and enter the
tachometer red lines. Engine overspeed occurs when
downshifting, or descending a grade, at too high a
vehicle speed. When going down steep grades, always
select a gear at least one position lower than you
would use on climbing a grade. This will allow the
vehicle’s engine to provide some braking and help to
slow the vehicle as it goes down the grade. Monitor your
vehicle speed, acceleration and engine rpm while
applying the brakes as you go down the grade to ensure
you have complete control over the vehicle.If your engine speed drops below 600 rpm, or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. When operating on slippery
surfaces, downshift at lower than normal vehicle speeds
to prevent the tires from slipping.
In bench seat equipped vehicles, move the tallest
beverage containers to the right cupholder to provide
additional clearance for the shift lever.
For vehicles equipped with a center console, the front cup
holder pulls out and turns 180° to provide additional
clearance between tall beverage containers and the shift
lever.
Up-Shift Light
If you have a manual
transmission, you may
have a shift light. This light
will show you when to
shift to the next higher gear
for best fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher
gear if weather, road and traffic conditions allow. For the
best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the
light comes on.
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While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on
and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and is equipped with
a manual transmission, disregard the SHIFT light when
the transfer case is in 4-Wheel Low.
Ignore the SHIFT light when you downshift.
Four-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your
engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction.
To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive, you
must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that
follows before using four-wheel drive. See the
appropriate text for the transfer case in your vehicle.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended period of time may
cause premature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain.
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel
drive on pavement for extended periods of time.
Front Axle Locking Feature
The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when
you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to
lock or unlock is normal.
Manual Transfer Case
The transfer case shift lever is on the oor to the right
of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
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A 4WD indicator light will
illuminate when you shift
into four-wheel drive
and the front axle engages.
SeeFour-Wheel-Drive
Light on page 3-48.
Some delay between shifting and the indicator’s lighting
is normal.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Transfer Case Settings
Driving Conditions 2HI 4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-62for further
information.An indicator light near the lever shows you the transfer
case settings:
2-Wheel High (2HI):This setting is used for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle
is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting
also provides the best fuel economy.
4-Wheel High (4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also engages your front
axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P), or if you have a
manual transmission, even if you are in gear.
You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-48.
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NEUTRAL (N):Shift to this setting only when your
vehicle needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 4-62orTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-62.
4-Wheel Low (4LO):This setting also engages your
front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need 4LO. It sends maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in
deep sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing
or descending steep hills. When operating in 4LO, the
gear ratio is extra deep when compared to 4HI. The
transmission gear shift feel will be exaggerated.
You can shift from 2-Wheel High (2HI) to
4-Wheel High (4HI) or from 4-Wheel High (4HI) to
2-Wheel High (2HI) while the vehicle is moving. Your
front axle will engage faster if you take your foot off of the
accelerator for a couple of seconds after you shift. In
extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to stop or
slow the vehicle to shift into 4-Wheel High (4HI).
When Using the Manual Transfer Case

All shifts should be made using quick motions. Slow
shifts may make it harder to shift.
You may notice that it is harder to shift when the
vehicle is cold. When the vehicle warms up the
shifting will return to normal.
While in 4-Wheel High (4HI) or 4-Wheel Low (4LO)
you may experience reduced fuel economy.
Avoid driving in 4-Wheel Drive on clean, dry
pavement. It may cause your tires to wear faster,
and make your transfer case harder to shift and run
noisier.
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI

Shifts between 2HI and 4HI can be made at any
vehicle speed.
It is easiest to shift the transfer case when
maintaining a constant speed or a slight
acceleration. If possible, avoid shifting while slowing
down, as it will may make it harder to shift.
Shift your transfer case lever in one continuous
motion into either the 4HI or 2HI position.
In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to
slow or stop the vehicle to shift into 4HI until your
vehicle has warmed up.
While in 4HI, your vehicle can be driven at any
posted legal speed limit.
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Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving
ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2HIAUTO
4WD4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Variable YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in
Tow*YES
*See “Recreational Vehicle Towing” in the Index for
further information.
You can choose among four driving settings:
AUTO 4WD:This setting is ideal for use when road
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle
in AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the
vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. When the
vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will
automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this
mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI.
h(2HI):This setting is used for driving in most street
and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged
in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the
best fuel economy.
G(4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such
a on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
This setting also engages your front axle to help drive
your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when
plowing snow.
g(4LO):This setting also engages your front axle and
delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
4LO if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud,
deep snow and climbing or descending steep hills. When
operating in 4LO, the gear ratio is extra deep when
compared to 4HI. The transmission gear shift feel will be
exaggerated.
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{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-48.
NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-62for more information.
Indicator lights in the switches show which setting your
transfer case is in. The indicator lights will come on
briey when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will
ash while the transfer case is being shifted. It will
remain illuminated when the shift is complete. If
for some reason the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for further
information.Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This
can be done at any speed (except when shifting
from 4LO), and the indicator light will ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
Shifting into 2HI
Press and release the 2HI switch. This can be done at
any speed (except when shifting from 4LO).
Shifting into 4LO
To shift to 4LO, the ignition must be in RUN and the
vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph
(4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The
preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have
your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press
and release the 4LO switch. You must wait for the
4LO indicator light to stop ashing and remain
illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear.
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Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped ashing
could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO
indicator light to stop ashing before shifting
the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine
running.
If the 4LO switch is pressed when your vehicle is in
gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will ash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds
the transfer case will shift to 4HI mode.
Shifting Out of 4LO
To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your vehicle
must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in
RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of 4LO is to
have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch.
You must wait for the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator
light to stop ashing and remain illuminated before
shifting your transmission into gear.Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped ashing
could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO
indicator light to stop ashing before shifting
the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine
running.
If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when
your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI,
AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light will ash for
30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
4. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO
buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL light
will come on when the transfer case shift to
NEUTRAL is complete.
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