2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 park assist

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-33.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster (US-Canada) on page 3-34.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-28.
F.Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-34(If Equipped).
G.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-53.
H.Audio System(s) on page 3-84.
I.Exterior Lamps on page 3-16.
J. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-53.
K.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-20.Dome Lamps
on page 3-20.
L. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
M.Hood Release on page 5-14.
N.Parking Brake on page 2-50.
O.Cruise Control on page 3-12.P.Tilt Wheel on page 3-8.
Q.Horn on page 3-8.
R.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-140.
S.Climate Control System (With Heater Only)
on page 3-24orClimate Control System (With Air
Conditioning) on page 3-25orDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-27(If Equipped).
T.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22. Cigarette
Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-23.
U.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped). Pedal
Adjust Button (If Equipped). SeeAdjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal on page 2-26.Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-61(If Equipped).
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Button (If
Equipped). SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-12.
V. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-81.
W.Glove Box on page 2-80.
3-7

If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any
problem is apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent
more serious damage to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that
might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 5-4.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could damage
the emission control system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so, stop
the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle. Turn the
key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine.
If the light is still ashing, follow the previous steps and
see your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
3-46

OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17for more information.
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not
operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-17.
PARK ASSIST OFF
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, after the vehicle has been started, this
message displays to remind the driver that the URPA
system has been turned off. Press the set/reset button
or the trip odometer reset stem to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display. To turn the
URPA system back on, seeUltrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 2-61.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the front
passenger door is not fully closed and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and close the door again.
Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays while you are matching a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle. See
“Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5and
DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on
page 3-53orDIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC
Buttons) on page 3-59for more information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter battery is low. The battery needs to be
replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-5.
3-70

SERVICE BRAKES SOON
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. If this message appears, stop as soon as
possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and
check for the message on the DIC display. If the message
is still displayed or appears again when you begin driving,
the brake system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this message displays if there is a
problem with the URPA system. Do not use this system
to help you park. SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) on page 2-61for more information. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®and this message
displays, it means there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safe to
drive, however, you do not have the benet of StabiliTrak,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer before turning off the engine. See
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation on
page 2-20for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the system is
not working properly. The tire pressure light also ashes
and then remains on during the same ignition cycle. See
Tire Pressure Light on page 3-45. Several conditions may
cause this message to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 5-80for more information. If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem
with the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when there is a problem with the Traction Control System
(TCS). When this message displays, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. See your
dealer/retailer for service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6for more information.
3-72

Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as possible
from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.
4-9

Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at
the end of the shift lever
turns on and off the
tow/haul mode.
This indicator light on the
instrument panel cluster
comes on when the
tow/haul mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 2-34for more information.Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” later in the section.
Tow/Haul is most useful under the following driving
conditions:
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load through rolling terrain.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in stop and go traffic.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded
or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benet to the selection of Tow/Haul when
the vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Tow/Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
4-69

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

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning ashers. SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on page 3-8.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you or
other people. You and they could be badly injured
or even killed. Find a level place to change your
tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle,
be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear — not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and do not restart while
the vehicle is raised.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
5. Do not allow passengers to remain in the
vehicle.
6. Put the wheel blocks at the front and rear
of the tire farthest away from the one being
changed. That would be the tire on the other
side, at the opposite end of the vehicle.
When the vehicle has a at tire (B), use the following
example as a guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (A).
A. Wheel Block
B. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to use the jack
and change a tire.
5-94