2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 lock

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System on page 5-30.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-46.
D.Battery on page 5-45.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 5-24orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 5-27.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-46.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-30.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-127.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil” in the
DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-17

Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. Locate the transmission
dipstick handle with this
graphic which is located
at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of the
vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16
for more information on location.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.3. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The uid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or
in the HOT or cross-hatched area for a hot check.
Be sure to keep the dipstick pointed down to get an
accurate reading.
5. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push
the dipstick back in all the way; then ip the
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-25

Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using the
procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid
level. If readings are still inconsistent, contact your
dealer/retailer.
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Using a funnel, add uid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission uid while it is
hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the uid
level is low, add only enough of the proper uid to bring
the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It does not
take much uid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L).
Do not overll.Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as described
under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,”
earlier in this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-26

4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
5. If the uid level is below the COLD check band,
add only enough uid as necessary to bring the
level into the COLD band. It does not take
much uid, generally less than one pint (0.5L).
Do not overll.
6. Perform a hot check at the rst opportunity
after the transmission reaches a normal operating
temperature between 160°F to 200°F (71°C to 93°C).
7. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push
the dipstick back in all the way, then ip the
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the transmission uid level
when the transmission uid temperature is between
160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
The hot check is the most accurate method to check
the uid level. The hot check should be performed at
the rst opportunity in order to verify the cold check.
The uid level rises as uid temperature increases,
so it is important to ensure the transmission temperature
is within range.
1. Locate the transmission
dipstick at the
rear of the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of the
vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16
for more information.
2. Flip the handle up, and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way,
wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
5-29

4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the
lower level. Repeat the check procedure to verify
the reading.
5. Safe operating level is within the HOT cross hatch
band on the dipstick. If the uid level is not within
the HOT band, and the transmission temperature is
between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), add
or drain uid as necessary to bring the level into
the HOT band. If the uid level is low, add only
enough uid to bring the level into the HOT band.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5L). Do not overll.
6. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using the
procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid level.
If readings are still inconsistent, contact your
dealer/retailer.
Cooling System
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The Cooling System allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
5-30

If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:
1. Remove the coolant
surge tank pressure
cap when the cooling
system, including the
coolant surge tank
pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture
to the FULL COLD mark.
5-35

7. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which
are under the hood near each headlamp assembly.
The adjustment screw can be turned with
a E8 Torx
®socket.
8. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp
beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. Turn it
clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the
angle of the beam.9. Make sure that the light from the headlamp is
positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal tape
line. The lamp on the left (A) shows the correct
headlamp aim. The lamp on the right (B) shows
the incorrect headlamp aim.
10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 for the opposite
headlamp.
5-60

Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see
Replacement Bulbs on page 5-66.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer/retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-14
for more information.
2. If you are replacing the bulb on the passenger side
remove the Engine Air Cleaner cover. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more information.3. Reach in and access the bulb sockets from inside
the engine compartment.
4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the headlamp assembly and pull it straight out.
5. Unplug the electrical connector from the old bulb by
releasing the clips on the bulb socket.
6. Replace it with a new bulb socket.
7. Plug in the electrical connector to the new bulb
socket.
8. Reinstall the new bulb socket into the headlamp
assembly and turn it clockwise to secure.
9. Close the hood.
5-61