2009 GMC SIERRA overheating

{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan can start even when
the engine is not running. To avoid injury, always
keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any
engine cooling fan.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts,
can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you
can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine re, and you could be burned.
Get any leak xed before you drive the vehicle.Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in
the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-34.
5-29

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture
to the FULL COLD mark.
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 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. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
5-34

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 5-37for 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 5-37for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there
is no sign of steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-37for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
5-35

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty booklet
for details. For additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much exing. You could have an air-out
and a serious accident. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-32.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting
accident could cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently to maintain the
recommended pressure. Tire pressure
should be checked when your vehicle’s
tires are cold. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-73.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire’s tread is badly worn, or if your
vehicle’s tires have been damaged,
replace them.
5-65

Electrical System (cont.)
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-126
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-122
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-45
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-44
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-55
Fan Noise..................................................5-37
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-37
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-20
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-37
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage.............................................5-120
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-142
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-10
Flat Tire........................................................5-91
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-92
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-109
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-21, 5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-19
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-50
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-51
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-51
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
5