2006 GMC SIERRA instrument cluster

Never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front
passenger’s seat unless the airbag is off. Here is why:
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inating airbag. Be
sure the airbag is off before using a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front seat position. If
you secure a forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move the right front
passenger seat as far back as it will go.
A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward facing
child restraint. SeeWhere to Put the Restraint on
page 1-40. If you need to secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the right front seat position, move the
seat as far back as it will go before securing a
forward-facing child restraint. SeeManual Seats on
page 1-3orPower Seats on page 1-4.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on when you have
turned off the airbag, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system. The
right front passenger’s airbag could inate
even though the switch is off. If this ever
happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly.
Until you have the vehicle serviced, do not let
anyone whom the national government has
identied as a member of a passenger airbag
risk group sit in the right front passenger’s
position (for example, do not secure a
rear-facing child restraint in the right front
passenger’s seat). SeeAirbag Off Switch on
page 1-78.
If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
system, seeLower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH) on page 1-42.
1-61

There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-35
for more information.Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the steering
wheel.
1-72

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-35for more on this, including
important safety information.
Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
You may want to consider not using seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger
sensing system. SeeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-86for more
information about modications that can affect how the
system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
1-85

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may be equipped with a content
theft-deterrent alarm system.
The security light is located
on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeSecurity Light
on page 3-49for additional
information.To activate the theft-deterrent system, do the following:
1. Close all the doors.
2. Lock the door with the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The security light should come on
and ash.
If the lock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter is pressed, but a door is open, you may hear
three chimes indicating delayed locking is enabled. See
Delayed Locking on page 2-10for additional information.
Close the door and the content theft-deterrent system will
be activated.
If a locked door is opened without using the remote
keyless entry transmitter or OnStar, if equipped with
an active subscription, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s
lamps will ash and the horn will sound
for about two minutes, then will turn off to save the
battery power. If this occurs, you can turn off the alarm
by pressing unlock on the remote keyless entry
transmitter or by placing the key in the ignition and
turning it to START.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC),
you can customize your alarm warning. SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-64for additional information.
2-19

Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle is has an automatic transmission, it
features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P).
SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-123.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle cannot move easily. If your vehicle has the
Allison Transmission®, with the Power Takeoff (PTO),
use PARK (P) when starting. The Allison Transmission®
has a park pawl that is designed to hold the weight of
commercial medium duty trucks. Therefore, the Allison
Transmission
®uses larger parts than other automatic
transmissions. These larger parts may sometimes make
a clunk noise when the selector lever is moved from
DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) to PARK (P). This is normal
and there is no damage occurring during these shifts.
When parked on a hill, especially when loaded, you may
notice an increase in the effort to shift out of Park. See
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) underShifting
Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-53for
more information.
Automatic Transmission
Allison Transmission®
2-26

Cold Weather Operation
(Allison Transmission®)
On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your
automatic transmission is designed to shift differently.
The transmission uses a warm-up mode shift schedule
until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
While the transmission is in warm-up mode it is normal for
transmission upshifts to be delayed or held longer. This
feature improves heater performance by giving quicker
vehicle warm-ups.
When temperatures are below−13°F (−25°C), the
transmission will prevent certain operations to protect
against damage. When active the DIC will display
the message “Trans in Warm-up”.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-55for
more information.
Tow/Haul Mode
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it may
have a Tow/Haul mode. If your vehicle has an
Allison Transmission
®see “Tow/Haul Mode (Allison
Transmission®) following. Tow/Haul mode adjusts
the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift cycling,
providing increased performance, vehicle control, and
transmission cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.
The selector button is located on the end of the shift
lever. Turn the Turn Tow/Haul on and off by pressing
the button. When the Tow/Haul is on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will come on.
2-31

SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-50for more
information.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Performance
Package-Enhanced Towing, activating the manual
selectable ride will adjust the shock absorber
characteristics to enhance the ride and handling of the
vehicle for towing or hauling heavy loads.
Also see Tow Haul Mode underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-67for more information.
Tow/Haul Mode
(Allison Transmission®)
If your vehicle has an Allison Transmission®,itmay
have a Tow/Haul mode. Tow/Haul mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce shift cycling,
providing increased performance, vehicle control, and
transmission cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.
The selector button is located on the end of the shift
lever. Turn the Turn Tow/Haul on and off by pressing
the button. When the Tow/Haul is on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-50for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-67for more information.
2-32

Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case buttons
are located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster.
Use these switches to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving
ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2
mAUTO
4WD4m4nN
Normal YES
Variable YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in
Tow*YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62for
further information.
You can choose among four driving settings:
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low 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 High or
Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time.
AUTO 4WD (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This
setting is ideal for use when road surface traction
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in
Automatic Four-Wheel Drive, the front axle is engaged,
but the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels.
2-42