2006 GMC SIERRA towing

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (V8 Engines Only) on page 5-39for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.Notice:If your engine catches re because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only) on page 5-39for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
The ENGINE COOLANT HOT message, along with a
low coolant condition, can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-67.
5-38

If you get the ENGINE COOLANT HOT message with
no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
3. If you are in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving — DRIVE (D) or THIRD (3).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, park, and fast
idle your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an engine-driven cooling fan, push down
the accelerator until the engine speed is about twice as
fast as normal idle speed for at least three minutes while
you are parked.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an electric engine cooling fan, idle the
engine for three minutes while you are parked.
If you still have the warning, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also,
see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to
a safe place in an emergency. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 5-20.
5-39

Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle is equipped with a clutched engine cooling
fan, when the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday
driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy
and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages, so you
may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and
should not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or
making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system
functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If your vehicle is equipped with electric cooling fans,
you may hear the fans spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
your air conditioning system, the fans change to high
speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans will change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
5-45

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge,
locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better
and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is over
8600 lbs or if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer perform this
service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-35 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve works properly, if equipped. Replace
as needed.
(l)Change clutch uid (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst).
(m)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(n)Vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a Noise
Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles sold in
the United States and recommended for vehicles sold in
Canada.
6-10

If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are all
right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one else
in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Do not
leave the scene of an accident until all matters have
been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This
will help guard against post-accident legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy
of the report for a nominal fee. In some states with
“no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a private
collision repair facility to x the damage, make sure
you are comfortable with them. Remember, you
will have to feel comfortable with their work for a
long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-12

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar®and Compass.................................2-59
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature Display . . . 2-61
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-59
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-14
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-47
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-62
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-96
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-92
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-70
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-13
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-87
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-88
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-25
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-46
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-19
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-58
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-34
Safety Belts
Care of....................................................5-116
Center Front Passenger Position....................1-25
Driver Position............................................1-16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-15
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides...................1-29
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-26
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-25
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-24
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-11
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-8
Seats
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-5
Manual........................................................ 1-3
Memory.....................................................2-83
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-4
Power Seats................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation...............................1-8, 1-9
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-6
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-8
Secondary Latch System................................5-105
11

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-118
Buying New Tires........................................5-84
Chains.......................................................5-89
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-91
Cleaning...................................................5-119
Different Size..............................................5-85
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-80
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-90
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-79
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-96
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-96
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-92
Secondary Latch System............................5-105
Spare Tire................................................5-112
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-108
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-73
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-76
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-87
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-87
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-83
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-80
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-31
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-50
Towing
Power Take-Off (PTO)..................................4-97
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-62Towing (cont.)
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-67
Your Vehicle...............................................4-62
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-8
Manual Selectable Ride................................4-10
Off Light.....................................................3-43
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-96
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-28, 5-30
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-33
Temperature Gage.......................................3-44
Up-Shift Light..............................................3-41
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-34
Trip Odometer................................................3-33
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-59
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-130
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-86
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-75
Operation...................................................2-76
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-41
13