2008 GMC SIERRA panel

Tow/Haul Mode (Allison Transmission®
or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
If your vehicle has an Allison or Hydra-Matic®6-speed
automatic transmission®, it has a tow/haul mode.
The 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.
Turn the tow/haul mode on and off by pressing the
button, located on the end of the shift lever. When the
tow/haul is on, a light on the instrument panel cluster will
come on.SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-53for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-55for more information.
Grade Braking (Allison Transmission®
or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated by
pressing the button on the end of the shift control lever.
While in Range Selection Mode, Grade Braking is
deactivated allowing the driver to select a desired range
of gears.
Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Mode
is selected and you are not in the Range Selection
Mode. See “Tow/Haul Mode listed previously and
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-28for
more information on the Range Selection Mode. Grade
Braking assists in maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that utilizes the engine
and transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces wear
on the braking system and increases control of the
vehicle. Grade Braking monitors vehicle speed,
acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage.
2-35

This mirror has the following features.
Manual Folding
The mirrors can be manually folded inward to prevent
damage when going through an automatic car wash. To
fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. To return the
mirror to its original position, push outward. Be sure
to return both mirrors to their original unfolded position
before driving.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to
warm the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview
mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow, and
condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-28for more
information.
Convex Mirror
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass. A
convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can be
seen from the driver’s seat.
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
2-60

Park Tilt Mirrors
If your vehicle has the memory package, the outside
mirrors are able to perform the park tilt function. This
feature may be useful in allowing the driver to view the
curb when parallel parking. This feature will cause the
passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror to tilt to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R).
The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return to its
original position when the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE (R), or the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-72.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to
warm the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview
mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow, and
condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-28for more
information.
Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass. A
convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can be
seen from the driver’s seat.
Your vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on
the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in the
direction of the turn or lane change.
2-62

Your garage door opener receiver (motor head unit)
may also have a row of dip switches that can be
used when programming the Universal Home
Remote. If the total number of switches on the motor
head and hand held transmitter are different, or if
the dip switch settings are different, use the
dip switch settings on the motor head unit to
program your Universal Home Remote. The motor
head dip switch settings can also be used when
you do not have the original hand held transmitter.
Your panel of switches may not appear exactly as
they do in the examples, but they should be similar.
The switch positions on your hand-held transmitter
may be labeled as follows:
A switch in the up position may be labeled as
“Up,” “+,” or “On.”
A switch in the down position may be labeled as
“Down,” “−,” or “Off.”
A switch in the middle position may be labeled
as “Middle,” “0,” or “Neutral.” Example of Eight Dip Switches with Two Positions
Example of Eight Dip Switches with Three Positions
2-72

Cupholder(s)
Your vehicle may have cupholders located on and
behind the center console and in the rear seat armrest.
Pull the loop down on the rear seat armrest to access
the cupholders.
Pull downward on the lid to use the cupholders behind
the center console.
Instrument Panel Storage
Your vehicle may have an instrument panel storage
area. It is located above the glove box.To open, press and hold the driver’s side of the handle
in and pull out on the exposed portion of the handle.
2-75

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Instrument Panel Overview
(Base/Uplevel version).................................3-4
Instrument Panel Overview
(Premium version).......................................3-6
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-8
Other Warning Devices...................................3-8
Horn.............................................................3-8
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-9
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................3-10
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................3-11
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-11
Windshield Wipers........................................3-12
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-12
Windshield Washer.......................................3-13
Cruise Control..............................................3-14
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-17
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-18
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-18
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-19
Puddle Lamps..............................................3-20
Fog Lamps..................................................3-20
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp.........................3-20Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-21
Dome Lamps...............................................3-21
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-21
Entry Lighting...............................................3-21
Exit Lighting.................................................3-21
Reading Lamps............................................3-22
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-22
Electric Power Management...........................3-22
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-23
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-23
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-24
Climate Controls............................................3-25
Climate Control System
(With Air Conditioning)...............................3-25
Climate Control System (Heater Only)..............3-27
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-28
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-33
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-34
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-35
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-36
Trip Odometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-37
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-38
Airbag Off Light............................................3-39
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-41
Charging System Light..................................3-43
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-43
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-44
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-45
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light..............................3-46
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-46
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-47
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-48
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-50
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-51
Security Light...............................................3-52
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-52
Cruise Control Light......................................3-52
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-52
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-53
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-53
Fuel Gage...................................................3-53
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-54Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-54
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-55
DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)................................3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-63
DIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-72
Audio System(s).............................................3-80
Setting the Clock..........................................3-81
Radio(s)......................................................3-84
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or
Six-Disc CD Player).................................3-102
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and
DVD Player)...........................................3-106
XM Radio Messages...................................3-111
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-112
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-113
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-122
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-123
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-124
Radio Reception.........................................3-125
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-126
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-126
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Instrument Panel Overview
Instrument Panel Overview (Base/Uplevel version)
The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-33. B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
3-4