2009 GMC SIERRA fuel

2m(Two-Wheel-Drive High):This setting is used for
driving in most street and highway situations. The front
axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel-Drive High):Use the
Four-Wheel-Drive High position when extra
traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads
or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages
the front axle to help drive the vehicle. This is the best
setting to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel-Drive Low):This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low while
driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep hills.
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.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-45for 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.
2-42

Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob
is located next to the
steering column.
Use the dial to shift into and out of Four-Wheel Drive.
You can choose among ve driving settings:
Indicator lights in the dial show which setting you are in.
The indicator lights will come on briey when you turn on
the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come
on, you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for
service. An indicator light will ash while shifting the
transfer case. It will remain illuminated when the shift is
complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot
make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen
setting.2
m(Two-Wheel-Drive High):This setting is used for
driving in most street and highway situations. The front
axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This setting is
ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are
variable. When driving the vehicle in AUTO, the front axle
is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the
front and rear wheels automatically based on driving
conditions. Driving in this mode results in slightly lower
fuel economy than Two-Wheel-Drive High.
4
m(Four-Wheel-Drive High):Use the
Four-Wheel-Drive High position when extra traction
is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also engages the front
axle to help drive the vehicle. This is the best setting to
use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel-Drive Low):This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low if you
are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow,
and while climbing or descending steep hills.
2-46

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light...........................................3-43
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................3-44
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-44
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-45
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-45
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-48
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-49
Security Light...............................................3-50
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-50
Cruise Control Light......................................3-50
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-50
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-51
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-51
Fuel Gage...................................................3-51
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-52
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-53
DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC
Buttons)...................................................3-53
DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC
Buttons)...................................................3-59
DIC Compass..............................................3-63
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-66
DIC Vehicle Customization
(With DIC Buttons)....................................3-76Audio System(s).............................................3-85
Setting the Clock..........................................3-86
Radio(s)......................................................3-88
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD or
Six-Disc CD Player).................................3-108
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and
DVD Player)...........................................3-113
XM Radio Messages...................................3-118
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-119
Bluetooth
®.................................................3-119
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System.........3-129
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-139
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-140
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-141
Radio Reception.........................................3-141
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-142
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-142
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is going, about
how much fuel the vehicle has and many other things needed to drive safely and economically. For vehicles with
a DURAMAX
®Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information. United States Light Duty Premium version shown. Canada, Uplevel, Base, Heavy Duty Clusters similar.
3-34

Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it
stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with
the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Voltmeter Gage
For vehicles with a
voltmeter gage, this gage
indicates the battery
voltage when the ignition
is turned on.
When the ignition is on, this gage indicates the
battery voltage.
When the engine is running, this gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage can
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading. This is normal. If the vehicle is operating
outside the normal operating range, the charging system
light comes on. SeeCharging System Light on
page 3-41for more information. The voltmeter gage
may also read lower when in fuel economy mode.
This is normal.
3-41

Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure light, this light
comes on briey when the
engine is started and
provides information about
tire pressures and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is signicantly
underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-66for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If a tire is underinated, inate to the
proper pressure. SeeTires on page 5-65for more
information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there could be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for
about a minute and stays on steady for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with
every ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-76for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
3-45

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

Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-10. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is usually corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few driving
trips should turn the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run
as efficiently as designed and can cause: stalling
after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed
into gear, misring, hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration. These conditions
might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change
the fuel brand used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-6.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
3-47