2007 GMC SIERRA CLASSIC parking brake

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and your
transfer case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle
will be free to roll, even if your shift lever
is in PARK (P). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, it could overheat and
even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)
and the parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift lever into
PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away
from PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift
your transmission into PARK (P) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much force
on the parking pawl in the transmission. You
may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever out
of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave
the driver’s seat. To nd out how, see “Shifting Into
PARK (P)” listed earlier in this section.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever
out of PARK (P) before you release the parking
brake.
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If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to
take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission, so you can pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift
lock control system which locks the shift lever
in PARK (P) when the ignition is in the LOCK
position. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is in RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 140and “Torque Lock”
underShifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 172.
If your vehicle has an Allison Transmission
®, the
transmission has a park pawl designed to hold the
higher weight of commercial medium duty
trucks. Therefore, the Allison Transmission
®uses
larger parts than other automatic transmissions.
These larger parts may sometimes make a
clunking noise when the selector lever is movedfrom DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) to PARK (P).
This is normal and there is no damage occurring
during these shifts.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Then, move the shift lever into
the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can
not shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY. There is no
shift interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of
Step 4.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear
you want.
5. Have the system xed as soon as you can.
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Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust
into your vehicle. See the earlier caution
underEngine Exhaust on page 174.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your
vehicle even if the climate control fan is at
the highest setting. One place this can
happen is a garage. Exhaust — with
CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in
a garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 402.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the automatic transmission shift
lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to.
If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle
will not move, even when it is on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake
and move the automatic transmission
shift lever to PARK (P), or the manual
transmission shift lever to NEUTRAL.
175

{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer
case in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to
roll, even if your automatic transmission
shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear — not in
NEUTRAL. Always set your parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle
will not move. SeeShifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 170.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 429.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Pull or push the tab under the inside rearview
mirror to adjust it to the night or daytime setting. In
the nighttime setting, the glare from headlamps
behind the vehicle will be less intense.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
Your vehicle may have this feature. When on, an
automatic dimming mirror automatically dims
to the proper level to minimize glare from lights
behind you after dark.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the
upper right corner of the mirror face. The compass
reading and the outside temperature will both
appear in the display at the same time.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located to the far
left, briey to turn the compass/temperature
display on or off.
If the display reads CAL, you will need to calibrate
the compass. For more information on calibration,
see below.
176

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 227.
B. Headlamp Controls. SeeHeadlamps on
page 221.
C. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 243.
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Electronic Transfer
Case/Traction Assist System (TAS). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 153andTraction
Assist System (TAS) on page 363.
E. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 214.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 245.
G. Range Selection Mode (Allison Transmission
®
only) Button (If Equipped). SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 140.
H. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 140orManual Transmission
Operation on page 149for manual
transmissions.
I. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped). See
Tow/Haul Mode on page 147.J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 289.
K. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 230,Dual Climate Control
System on page 231andDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 235.
L. Instrument Panel Fuse Block.Instrument Panel
Fuse Block on page 600.
M. Cargo Lamp Button. SeeCargo Lamp on
page 228.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on
page 479.
O. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on
page 265orAudio Steering Wheel Controls on
page 349.
P. Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block. See
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block on
page 602.
Q. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 169.
R. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 213.
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This condition is normal since the charging system
is not able to provide full power at engine idle.
As engine speeds are increased, this condition
should correct itself as higher engine speeds allow
the charging system to create maximum power.
You can only drive for a short time with the reading
in either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off
all unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a
possible problem in the electrical system. Have
the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Up-Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
Your vehicle may have
an up-shift light.
It will come on when you should shift to the next
highest gear. It will help the vehicle get the
best fuel economy.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning
light will ash when you set the parking brake. The
light will ash if the parking brake does not
release fully. If you try to drive with the parking
brake engaged, a chime will sound when the
vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime
sounds there could be a brake problem. Have
your brake system inspected right away.
United StatesCanada
254

Transmission Temperature Gage
Your vehicle may have a transmission
temperature gage.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission uid. The normal
operating range is from 100°F (38°C) to about
265°F (130°C).At approximately 265°F (130°C), the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
TRANSMISSION HOT message and the
transmission will enter a transmission protection
mode. When the transmission enters the protection
mode, you may notice a change in the
transmission shifting patterns. The transmission
will return to normal shifting patterns when
the transmission uid temperature falls below
260°F (125°C).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 265
for further information.
If your vehicle has an Allison
®transmission, and
the uid reaches temperatures of approximately
275°F (135°C) or greater, the DIC will display
a TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE warning message
and a chime will sound until the temperature
falls below 265°F (130°C). Pull the vehicle off the
roadway when it is safe to do so. Set the
parking brake, place the transmission in PARK (P)
and allow the engine to idle until the transmission
temperature falls below 265°F (130°C).United StatesCanada
257

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 obstructions, 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 256for 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 505for 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.
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