2006 GMC SIERRA overheating

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 6-11and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline Engine)
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 the rst maintenance
service after each 25,000 miles (41 500 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

The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark.
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 3-55.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at 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 and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
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.
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.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-43.
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 3-55.
5-37

If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface. Check the coolant
level after the system cools down. Some amount of
coolant may be lost due to overheating.
The coolant level should
be at or above the FULL
COLD mark. If it is not,
you may have a leak at
the pressure cap or in
the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water
pump, or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with an electric engine cooling
fan, check the coolant temperature gage. If the coolant
temperature is approximately 232°F (111°C), the electric
cooling fan should be running. If it is not, your vehicle
needs service. Turn off the engine.
5-41

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-48.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-79.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
20-Inch Tires
If your vehicle has the optional 20-inch P275/55R20 size
tires, they are classied as touring tires and are designed
for on road use. The low-prole, wide tread design is not
recommended for “off-road” driving or commercial uses
such as snow plowing. SeeOff-Road Driving on
page 4-16andAdding a Snow Plow or Similar
Equipment on page 4-54for additional information.
5-72

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-123
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-126
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-127
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-51
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-46
Coolant......................................................5-35
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-19
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-57
Fan Noise..................................................5-45
Oil .............................................................5-20
Oil Life System...........................................5-23
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-39
Overheating................................................5-37
Starting......................................................2-23Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finish Damage.............................................5-120
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-132
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-90
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-91
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-108
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-28, 5-30
Manual Transmission....................................5-33
Power Steering...........................................5-45
Windshield Washer......................................5-46
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-38, 5-59
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-50
Front Axle......................................................5-60
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Front Storage Area.........................................2-79
5