2006 GMC SIERRA check engine

CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to
be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL message. SeeEngine Oil Life
System (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-23,Engine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20, andScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4for more
information.
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the generator
and battery charging system, this message will appear on
the DIC, a chime will sound, and the battery warning light
on the instrument panel cluster will come on. Driving
with this problem could drain your battery. Turn off all
unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system
checked by your GM dealer immediately. SeeBattery
Warning Light on page 3-40andVoltmeter Gage on
page 3-40for more information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, and the oil level in
the vehicle is low, this message will appear on the DIC.
Check the oil level and correct it as necessary. You may
need to let the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the
ignition to be sure this message will clear. Once the
problem is corrected, pressing any of the four DIC
buttons will acknowledge the message and clear it from
the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the four
DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20
for additional information.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer uid level is low, this message will appear
on the DIC. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-46.
Adding washer uid to the windshield washer reservoir
will clear the message. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons will acknowledge the message and clear it from
the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the four
DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display.
3-57

DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s door is not fully closed, this message will
appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop
and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles and
close the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning. If the
message is still on, or if the engine coolant temperature
gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over when it is
safe to do so. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 3-43for more information. Stop the vehicle and
let the engine idle in PARK (P) for a few minutes, or
NEUTRAL with the parking brake set for manual
transmissions, to allow the coolant to reach a safe
temperature. This message will clear when the coolant
temperature drops to safe operating temperature.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37for more information.
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message will clear when the engine has
cooled to a safe operating temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-51,
Fuel Gage on page 3-51, andFuel on page 5-5.
3-58

KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low, this
message will appear on the DIC. The battery needs to be
replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-5. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab)
If the driver’s side rear door is not fully closed, this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
obstacles and close the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons will acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
in the Index for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
If your vehicle has a low coolant level sensor, this
message will appear on the DIC if the engine coolant
level is low. Adding coolant to the coolant recovery
tank will clear the message. SeeCooling System on
page 5-40. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the display for about
10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil
message. See “Engine Oil Life System” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-53andEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20for more information.
3-59

OIL PRESSURE LOW
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine oil
pressure is low, severe engine damage may occur.
If a low oil pressure warning appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the cause of
the low oil pressure is corrected. SeeEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20for more information.
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be
displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate it
until the cause of the low oil pressure has been corrected.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline
Engine) on page 5-20.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s door is not fully closed, this message
will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop
and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles and
close the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC
display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
RANGE SHIFT INHIBITED
(Allison Transmission®Only)
If the transmission is unable to shift into a selected gear,
this message will appear on the DIC. The electronic shift
position indicator on the instrument panel cluster may
blink when this occurs. To make the vehicle shift to the
requested gear, you may have to shift back to PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) and re-select the desired gear.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters
the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-37for additional
information.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab)
If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed, this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
obstacles and close the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons will acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
3-60

If the message is displayed immediately after starting
the vehicle or the message appears while driving,
your Supplemental Brake Assist system needs service.
See your GM dealer. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-41for additional information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
If there is a problem with the brake system, this
message will be displayed on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the brake
system needs service. See your GM dealer.
SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery
charging system, this message will appear on the DIC.
Under certain conditions, the battery warning light may
also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. SeeBattery
Warning Light on page 3-40. The battery will not be
charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the
ability to enter the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is
safe to drive, however you should have the electrical
system checked by your GM dealer. Pressing any of the
four DIC buttons will acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly, this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-46. Fully reinstall the fuel cap. SeeFilling the
Tank on page 5-10. The diagnostic system can determine
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system had detected that any
of the vehicle’s wheels are slipping, the traction control
system will activate and this message will appear on the
DIC. For more information, seeTraction Assist
System (TAS) on page 4-8.
TRANS (Transmission)
HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can
damage the transmission. This could lead to costly
repairs that would not be covered by your warranty.
3-62

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and get
familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can use it
with less effort, as well as take advantage of its features.
While your vehicle is parked, set up your audio system
by presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone and adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
stations using the presets and steering wheel controls
(if equipped).
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving
on page 4-2
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your favorite
radio stations, setting the tone, and adjusting the
speakers. Then, when driving conditions permit, you
can tune to your favorite radio stations using the
presets and steering wheel controls (if equipped).
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to your
vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player, CB
radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make sure
that it can be added by checking with your dealer.
Also, check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be added,
it is very important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of your
vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems, and even
damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere
with the operation of sound equipment that has been
added.
3-70

Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second.
But that is only an average. It might be less with one
driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination,
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between your
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops,
you will still have some power brake assist.But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist
is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-4.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away, your
anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going
on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will stay
on. SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light on
page 3-42.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime.
4-6

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after a day’s
work — do not plan to make too many miles that rst part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you will nd experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across North America. They will be
ready and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated
to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-38