2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 Owners Manual

A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you will need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care
not to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to change the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Active Transfer Case
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Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
A:Fill Plug
B:Drain PlugA:Fill Plug
B:Drain Plug
When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level from 0 (0 mm) to 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm) below the ller plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15. 1500 Series
All except 1500 Series
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Noise Control System
Tampering with Noise Control
System Prohibited
The following information relates to compliance with
federal noise emission standards for vehicles with a
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg). The Maintenance Schedule
provides information on maintaining the noise control
system to minimize degradation of the noise emission
control system during the life of your vehicle. The noise
control system warranty is given in your warranty booklet.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold in the
United States.
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof:
1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance,
repair or replacement, of any device or element
of design incorporated into any new vehicle for
the purpose of noise control, prior to its sale
or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it
is in use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inoperative
by any person.Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
Insulation:

Removal of the noise shields or any underhood
insulation.
Engine:

Removal or rendering engine speed governor, if the
vehicle has one, inoperative so as to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer specications.
Fan and Drive:

Removal of fan clutch, if the vehicle has one, or
rendering clutch inoperative.
Removal of the fan shroud, if the vehicle has one.
Air Intake:

Removal of the air cleaner silencer.
Modication of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:

Removal of the muffler and/or resonator.
Removal of the exhaust pipes and exhaust pipe
clamps.
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Headlamp Aiming
The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been preset
at the factory and should need no further adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the aim
of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles ash their high beams at you, this
may mean the vertical aim of your headlamps needs
to be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your
dealer/retailer for service if the headlamps need to
be adjusted. It is possible however, to re-aim the
headlamps as described.The vehicle should:Be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from
a light colored wall.
Have all four tires on a level surface which is level
all the way to the wall.
Be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall.
Not have any snow, ice, or mud on it.
Be fully assembled and all other work stopped while
headlamp aiming is being performed.
Normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one
person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver seat.
Have the tires properly inated.
Have the spare tire is in its proper location in the
vehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’s low-beam
headlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctly
aimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
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To adjust the vertical aim:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-14
for more information.
2. Locate the aim dot on the lens of the low-beam
headlamp.
3. Record the distance from the ground to the aim dot
on the low-beam headlamp.4. At a wall, measure from the ground upward (A) to
the recorded distance from Step 3 and mark it.
5. Draw or tape a horizontal line (B) on the wall the
width of the vehicle at the height of the mark in
Step 4.
Notice:Do not cover a headlamp to improve beam
cut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp may
cause excessive heat build-up which may cause
damage to the headlamp.
6. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place a
piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the
headlamp not being adjusted. This allows only the
beam of light from the headlamp being adjusted
to be seen on the at surface.
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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.
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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.
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Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the screws and lift off the lamp assembly.A. Cargo Lamp
B. Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb (CHMSL)
2. Remove the bulbs by turning socket
counterclockwise and pulling the bulb straight out.
3. Install the bulbs by pushing the bulb straight in and
turning clockwise.
4. Reinstall the lamp assembly and tighten the screws.
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