2008 GMC SIERRA instrument panel overview

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
..............................................1-12
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-35
Airbag System
.........................................1-68
Restraint System Check
............................1-87
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-22
Mirrors
....................................................2-55
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-63
OnStar
®System
......................................2-65
Universal Home Remote System
................2-68
Storage Areas
.........................................2-74
Sunroof
..................................................2-79
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-25
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-34
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-54
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-80Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-50
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Rear Axle
...............................................5-51
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-52
Front Axle
...............................................5-54
Noise Control System
...............................5-56
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-56
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-65
Tires
......................................................5-66
Appearance Care
...................................5-112
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-121
Electrical System
....................................5-122
Capacities and Specications
...................5-130
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 GMC Sierra Owner ManualM

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

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

Instrument Panel Overview (Premium version)
3-6

Trailer Brake Control Panel
A. Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
B. Trailer Gain Adjustment ButtonsThe ITBC system has a control panel located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column. See
Instrument Panel Overview (Base/Uplevel version)
on page 3-4orInstrument Panel Overview (Premium
version) on page 3-6for more information on location.
The control panel allows you to adjust the amount
of output, referred to as trailer gain, available to
the electric trailer brakes and allows you to manually
apply the trailer brakes. The Trailer Brake Control Panel
is used along with the Trailer Brake Display Page on
the DIC to adjust and display power output to the trailer
brakes.
Trailer Brake DIC Display Page
The ITBC system displays messages into the vehicle’s
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-63for more information.
4-80

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool. SeeCooling System on page 5-34
for more information.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46.
In addition, you will nd ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE, ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE,
and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED messages in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument panel.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63.
5-30

Electrical System (cont.)
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-126
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-48
Coolant......................................................5-28
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-39
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-33
Overheating................................................5-30
Running While Parked..................................2-54
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-21
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-21
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-35
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-17F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage.............................................5-119
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-126
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-11
Flat Tire........................................................5-91
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-92
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-108
Fluid.....................................................5-22, 5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-20
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-52
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-36, 5-52
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-53
Front Axle......................................................5-54
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
5

I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-38
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-74
Instrument Panel
Overview...............................................3-4, 3-6
Storage Area..............................................2-75
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-21
Cluster.......................................................3-35
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-46
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-67
Lamps
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp........................3-20
Cargo........................................................3-22
Dome........................................................3-21Lamps (cont.)
Dome Lamp Override...................................3-21
Puddle.......................................................3-20
Reading.....................................................3-22
Lap Belt........................................................1-34
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-28
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-45
Latches, Seatback..........................................1-11
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-64
Light
Airbag Off..................................................3-39
Airbag Readiness........................................3-38
Antilock Brake System Warning.....................3-45
Brake System Warning.................................3-44
Charging System.........................................3-43
Cruise Control.............................................3-52
Fog Lamp..................................................3-52
Four-Wheel-Drive.........................................3-53
Highbeam On.............................................3-52
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-54
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-48
Oil Pressure...............................................3-51
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-41
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-37
Security.....................................................3-52
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................3-46
Tire Pressure..............................................3-47
Tow/Haul Mode...........................................3-53
7