2009 GMC SIERRA Owner's Manual

Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-37for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or
broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules, seeWhat Makes an
Airbag Inflate? on page 1-79. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected and any
necessary replacements made as soon as possible.If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new
safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being
used during a crash, you may need new LATCH
system parts.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was
not being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-37.
1-91

✍NOTES
1-92

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Rear Doors..................................................2-12
Tailgate.......................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Manual Windows..........................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-16
Power Sliding Rear Window...........................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-20
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-20Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-22
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-22
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-23
Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Fast Idle System..........................................2-25
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-26
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-27
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-28
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-28
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-34
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-37
Parking Brake..............................................2-50
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-52
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-54
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-54
Engine Exhaust............................................2-55
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-56
Mirrors...........................................................2-57
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-57
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-57
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-58
Outside Towing Mirrors..................................2-58
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-59
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.....................2-59
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Park Tilt Mirrors............................................2-60
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-61
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-61
Object Detection Systems...............................2-62
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)...........................................2-62
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)............................2-65
OnStar
®System.............................................2-71
Universal Home Remote System......................2-74
Universal Home Remote System Operation
(With Three Round LED).............................2-75Storage Areas................................................2-81
Glove Box...................................................2-81
Cupholders..................................................2-81
Instrument Panel Storage...............................2-81
Center Console Storage.................................2-82
Luggage Carrier...........................................2-82
Rear Seat Armrest........................................2-83
Cargo Management System...........................2-84
Sunroof.........................................................2-85
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key
is dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer
or qualied locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in the vehicle.
2-3

See your dealer/retailer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
If you are locked out of the vehicle, call the Roadside
Assistance Center. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 7-7.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If this vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization
to use this equipment.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or snowy
weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly,
see your dealer/retailer or a qualied technician
for service.
2-4

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):For vehicles with this
feature, press
/to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle
Start on page 2-7for additional information.
Q(Lock):Press to lock all the doors.
If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC),
the turn signal lamps ash once to indicate locking
has occurred. If enabled through the DIC, the horn
chirps when
Qis pressed again within three seconds.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 3-76for additional information.
Pressing
Qarms the content theft-deterrent system.
SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18.
K(Unlock):Press once to unlock only the driver door.
If
Kis pressed again within three seconds, all remaining
doors unlock. The interior lamps may come on and stay
on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
With Remote Start
(Without Remote Start
Similar)
2-5

If enabled through the DIC, the turn signal lamps ash
twice to indicate unlocking has occurred. SeeDIC
Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76.
If enabled through the DIC, the exterior lights may turn
on. See “APPROACH LIGHTING” underDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-76.
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” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-66for additional
information.
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
2-6