2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 overheating

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-36.
What to Use
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This mixture:
Gives freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
Protects against rust and corrosion.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this manual for the
cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-15for more information.
5-32

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off,
start the engine and let it run until the engine
coolant temperature gage indicates approximately
195°F (90°C).
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
6. Verify coolant level after engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary, repeat coolant ll
procedure Steps 1 through 6.
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.
Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on the vehicle’s
instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage (US-Canada) on page 3-44.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 3-66.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 5-38for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-38for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
5-36

3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector and
make sure the grooved areas are fully set in the
locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-17.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty booklet
for details. For additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much exing. You could have an air-out
and a serious accident. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-34.
Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when your vehicle’s tires are
cold. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-76.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if your
vehicle’s tires have been damaged,
replace them.
5-67

Engine (cont.)
Coolant......................................................5-32
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-44
Cooling System...........................................5-30
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Exhaust.....................................................2-55
Fan Noise..................................................5-39
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-17
Oil Life System...........................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-38
Overheating................................................5-36
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Exit Lighting...................................................3-20
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-37
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finish Damage.............................................5-121
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-142
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-10
Flat Tire........................................................5-93
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-94
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-110
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-24, 5-27
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-19
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-50
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-53
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-51
Front Axle......................................................5-56
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-8
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-9
Economy Driving........................................... 4-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-13
Filling the Tank...........................................5-11
Fuels in Foreign Countries............................5-10
Gage .........................................................3-51
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-7
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-7
Low Fuel Warning Light................................3-52
Fuel Management, Active.................................2-28
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