2009 GMC SIERRA steering

The vehicle may have a memory function which lets
pedal settings be saved and recalled. SeeMemory Seat,
Mirrors, and Pedals on page 1-8for more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine heater can provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather
conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours
before starting. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of
the cord may exist which will prevent engine coolant
heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
If the vehicle has the DURAMAX
®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment, near the power steering
uid reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt
AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged
in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for
the best advice on this.
2-27

To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the
steering column shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving conditions.
When M (Manual Mode) is selected a number displays
next to the M, indicating the current gear.
This number is the highest gear that can be used.
However, the vehicle can automatically shift to lower
gears as it adjusts to driving conditions. This means
that all gears below that number are available. When
5 (Fifth) is selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are
automatically shifted by the vehicle, but 6 (Sixth) cannot
be used until the plus/minus button located on the
steering column lever is used to change to the gear.
Grade Braking is not available when Range Selection
Mode is active. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34.While using Range Selection Mode, cruise control and
the Tow/Haul mode can be used.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Low Traction Mode
If your vehicle has the Allison Transmission®,orthe
Hydra-Matic®6-Speed Automatic Transmission, it has a
Low Traction Mode that can assist in vehicle acceleration
when road conditions are slippery, such as with ice or
snow. While the vehicle is at a stop, select the second
gear range using Range Selection Mode. This will limit
torque to the wheels after it detects wheel slip, preventing
the tires from spinning.
2-33

Four-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive, you can send the
engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction.
To get the most satisfaction out of Four-Wheel Drive, you
must be familiar with its operation. Read the following
before using Four-Wheel Drive. See the appropriate
text for the transfer case in the vehicle.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for
an extended period of time may cause premature
wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on
clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or
Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time.
While driving on clean dry pavement and during tight
turns, you may experience vibration in the steering
system.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®, shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
Front Axle
The front axle engages and disengages automatically
when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for
the axle to engage or disengage is normal.
Manual Transfer Case
The transfer case shift lever is on the oor to the right
of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of
Four-Wheel Drive.
A Four-Wheel Drive
indicator light comes
on when you shift into
four-wheel drive and
the front axle engages.
SeeFour-Wheel-Drive
Light on page 3-51.
2-37

Shifting In or Out of Neutral
1. With the vehicle running and the engine at an idle
set the parking brake.
2. Place the transmission into N (Neutral).
Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion into or
out of the N (Neutral) position.
Electronic 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.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m4m4nN
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-45
You can choose among four 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 ashes while shifting the
transfer case and remains 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.
2-41

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

OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and stock
quotes. Press the phone button and give a few simple
voice commands to browse through the various topics.
See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the continental U.S.
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can
be used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-141for
more information.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar Call Center when the OnStar button is pressed,
the emergency button is pressed, or if the airbags or
AACN system deploy. This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle
was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where
the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas,
or at all times.
2-73

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

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-33.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
C.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-53.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-34.
F. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-28. Tow/Haul Selector Button
(If Equipped). SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34.
Range Selection Mode (Allison Transmission
and Hydra-Matic
®6-Speed Button (If Equipped).
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 2-28.
G.Audio System(s) on page 3-85.
H.Instrument Panel Storage on page 2-81.
I. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.
J.Exterior Lamps on page 3-16.
K.Hood Release on page 5-13.
L.Parking Brake on page 2-50.
M.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-20.Dome Lamps
on page 3-20.Fog Lamps on page 3-19
(If Equipped).
N.Cruise Control on page 3-13.
O.Tilt Wheel on page 3-8.P.Horn on page 3-8.
Q.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-141
(If Equipped).
R. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
S. Ashtray (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-23.
T.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped).
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-62
(If Equipped). Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 2-26. Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Button
(If Equipped).Windshield Washer on page 3-12.
U.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22.
V.Climate Control System (With Heater Only) on
page 3-24orClimate Control System (With Air
Conditioning) on page 3-25andDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-27.
W. Power Take Off (PTO) Control (If Equipped).
See Power Take Off (PTO) in the Duramax Diesel
Supplement Index.
X. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-81.
Y.Glove Box on page 2-81.
3-5