2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 warning light

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-3
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-14
Safety Belts
.............................................1-16
Child Restraints
.......................................1-38
Airbag System
.........................................1-72
Restraint System Check
............................1-91
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
....................................................2-57
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-61
OnStar
®System
......................................2-70
Universal Home Remote System
................2-73
Storage Areas
.........................................2-80
Sunroof
..................................................2-84Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-33
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-53
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-84
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-47
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-14
Rear Axle
...............................................5-51
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-53
Front Axle
...............................................5-56
Noise Control System
...............................5-57
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-58
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-61
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-66
2009 GMC Sierra Owner ManualM

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

If enabled through the DIC, the turn signal lamps ash
twice to indicate unlocking has occurred. SeeDIC
Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-75.
If enabled through the DIC, the exterior lights may turn
on. See “APPROACH LIGHTING” underDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-75.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms the content
theft-deterrent system. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on
page 2-18.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate the vehicle. The turn signal lamps ash and the
horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
Lfor more than two seconds to activate
the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps ash and the horn
sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to ON/RUN or
Lis pressed
again. The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for the panic
alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to the
Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to this vehicle will
work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement
can be purchased and programmed through your
dealer/retailer. When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work once the new
transmitter is programmed. Each vehicle can have
up to eight transmitters programmed to it. See “Relearn
Remote Key” underDIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons) on page 3-53orDIC Operation and
Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-59for
instructions on how to match RKE transmitters to your
vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY
IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC.
See “REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66for additional
information.
2-6

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button.
The vehicle’s doors will lock. Immediately press
and hold the transmitter’s remote start button
until the turn signal lights ash. If you cannot see
the vehicle’s lights, press and hold the remote start
button for two to four seconds. Pressing the
remote start button again after the vehicle has
started will turn the engine off.When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done.
3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to RUN to drive the vehicle.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The vehicle can be remote started two separate times
between driving sequences. The engine will run for
10 minutes after each remote start.
2-8

The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in
the ignition could cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all
the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see your
dealer/retailer.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets things like
the radio and the windshield wipers operate while
the engine is off. Use this position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.D (START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following vehicle accessories can be used for
up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
OnStar®System (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the windows and sunroof
continue to work up to 10 minutes until any door
is opened. The radio continues to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.
2-23

If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can
cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in P (Park). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
SeeParking Brake on page 2-50.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-47orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-47for more information.
If the SERVICE 4–Wheel Drive message stays on,
you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for
service. See “Service 4–Wheel Drive message”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
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 ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with
the transmission in N (Neutral). The preferred method
for shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have
the 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
the 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 the vehicle, always wait for the mode
indicator lights to stop ashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
2-43

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can
cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in P (Park). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
SeeParking Brake on page 2-50.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-47orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-47for more information.
If the SERVICE 4–Wheel Drive message stays on, you
should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for
service. See “Service 4–Wheel Drive message” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel-Drive High or
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive High or AUTO
position. This can be done at any speed, except when
shifting from Four-Wheel-Drive Low. The indicator
light will ash while shifting. It will remain on when the
shift is completed.
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. The indicator light will ash while
shifting. It will remain on when the shift is completed.
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 ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with
the transmission in N (Neutral). The preferred method
for shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have
the 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
the transmission into 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 the vehicle, always wait for the mode
indicator lights to stop ashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
2-47

Parking Brake
For vehicles with a release handle, set the parking
brake by holding the regular brake pedal down,
then pushing down the parking brake pedal.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-42.
A chime sounds and the warning light ashes when the
parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at
least 5 mph (8 km/h).
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever with
the parking brake symbol, located above the parking
brake pedal.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-53.
2-50