2006 GMC SIERRA warning light

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers you’re
about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are
seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important to
check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down,
you might have to use your brakes so much that they
would get hot and no longer work well.If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission to
a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too
often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if
the transmission shifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode
Light on page 3-50.
If you have a 5-speed manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it’s better not to use FIFTH (5) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a
lower gear).
If you have a 6-speed manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it’s better not to use SIXTH (6) gear.
Drive in FIFTH (5) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant at or near sea level
will boil at a lower temperature than at higher altitudes.
If you turn your engine off immediately after towing at
high altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may
show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for
at least ve minutes before turning the engine off. For
manual transmissions, let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the transmission out
of gear and the parking brake applied, for at least ve
minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get the
overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-37.
4-90

When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. It will require more effort to turn the fuel cap on
the last turn as you tighten it. Make sure the cap is fully
installed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-46.
The TIGHTEN FUEL CAP message will be displayed
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) if the fuel cap
is not properly installed. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-55for more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel
by shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not t properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and
may damage your fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-46.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
5-11

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

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and may have rear
drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving,
except when you are pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes will not work well. That could lead
to an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they do not have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise,
have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. Drum
brakes have an inspection hole to inspect lining wear
during scheduled maintenance. When you have the front
brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
5-50

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-86

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-4
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-20
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-54
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-86
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-123
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-25
Air Conditioning..............................3-21, 3-22, 3-25
Airbag
Off Light.....................................................3-35
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-37
Readiness Light..........................................3-35
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-70
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-86
Airbag Off Switch........................................1-78
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-76
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-81
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-86
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-76
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-76
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-74
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-72
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-72
Antenna, Fixed Mast......................................3-132
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-133Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-42
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-118
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-116
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-120
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-117
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle..............5-113
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-114
Finish Care...............................................5-117
Finish Damage..........................................5-120
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-115
Leather....................................................5-115
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-119
Tires........................................................5-119
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-120
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-121
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-116
Weatherstrips............................................5-116
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-118
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-20
Audio System(s).............................................3-70
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-72
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-129
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-131
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-132
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-132
Chime Level Adjustment.............................3-133
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-132
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-85
Radio with CD............................................3-75
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-100
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-127
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-71
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-129
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-130
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-133
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-28, 5-30
Operation...................................................2-26
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-18
B
Battery..........................................................5-51
Battery Warning Light......................................3-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-38
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-52
System Warning Light..................................3-41
Brakes..........................................................5-47
Braking........................................................... 4-5Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-63
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp............................................5-67
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-64
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-63
Headlamps.................................................5-63
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-68
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-70
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-66
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-68
Buying New Tires...........................................5-84
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-7
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-133
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-57, 4-42, 4-67
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-116
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-131
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-132
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-132
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
2

Cooling System..............................................5-40
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-49
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-79
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-13
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-5
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-19
Dome Lamps.................................................3-18
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-8Door (cont.)
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Rear Doors.................................................2-14
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-53
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-64
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-55
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-32
City...........................................................4-36
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-37
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-40
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-33
Off-Road....................................................4-16
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-47
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-46
Winter........................................................4-42
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-25
Dual Climate Control System............................3-22
Dual Tire Operation.........................................5-80
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-115
4