2008 GMC SIERRA warning lights

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

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-49.
N (NEUTRAL):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-50orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-50for more information.
If the SERVICE 4–Wheel Drive message stays on, you
should take your vehicle to your dealer for service.
See “Service 4–Wheel Drive message” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-63.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel-Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel-Drive High position.
This can be done at any speed, except when shifting
from Four-Wheel-Drive Low. See Shifting Out of
Four-Wheel-Drive Low for more information.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive Low
When Four-Wheel-Drive Low is engaged, vehicle speed
should be kept below 45 mph. Extended high-speed
operation in Four-Wheel-Drive Low may damage
or shorten the life of the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position, the
ignition must be in RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for
shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have your
vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the
knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. You
must wait for the Four-Wheel-Drive Low indicator light to
stop ashing and remain on before shifting your
transmission in gear.
Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has stopped
ashing could damage the transfer case. To
help avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for
the mode indicator lights to stop ashing before
shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
Four-Wheel-Drive Low and Four-Wheel-Drive High
ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
2-42

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

Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from air inlets
at the base of the windshield that could block the
ow of air into your vehicle.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle. The pictures help to locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As
the details show on the next few pages, some warning
lights come on briey when you start the engine just
to let you know they are working. If you are familiar with
this section, you should not be alarmed when this
happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
as you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s
advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even
dangerous. So please get to know your vehicle’s
warning lights and gages. They can be a big help.
Your vehicle also has a Driver Information Center (DIC)
that works along with warning lights and gages. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63for
more information.
3-34

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do,
the pedal could get harder to push down. If the
engine stops, you will still have some power brake
assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the
power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-4.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away, ABS
will check itself. You might hear a momentary motor or
clicking noise while this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-45.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights and
chime will come on each time the ignition is turned on
until the problem is repaired. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
4-4

In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically
and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can
cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
Notice:If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak
®, ABS and brake
warning lights and the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message are displayed, you could damage the
transfer case. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Reduce engine power and do not
spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and
this message are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, you may
notice a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise
or vibration. This is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the StabiliTrak
®light will ash and the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-14.
StabiliTrak
®may also turn off automatically if it
determines that a problem exists with the system. If the
problem does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, you should see your dealer/retailer for service.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
4-8

Engine Coolant
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
CAUTION: (Continued)
5-28

Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-21
Exit...........................................................3-21
Lights
Exterior Lamps............................................3-17
Flash-to-Pass..............................................3-11
High/Low Beam Changer..............................3-11
On Reminder..............................................3-18
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-36
Locking Rear Axle............................................ 4-5
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-54
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-76
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-5
Power Controls............................................. 1-5M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-7
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-11
At Least Once a Month................................6-12
At Least Once a Year..................................6-13
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000km).......................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-19
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-17
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-11
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-15
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-48
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-5
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Manual Windows............................................2-16
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals...................... 1-6
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-63
8