2009 GMC SIERRA check engine light

This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-88.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 6-19.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect
the airow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System” in the DURAMAX®
Diesel manual.
For vehicles with gasoline engines, please read this.
Gasoline
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-121.
If the vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 0), the
5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 3), or the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code 2), you can use either unleaded gasoline
or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
SeeFuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 5-8. In all other
gasoline engines, use only unleaded gasoline.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-6.
Gasoline Octane
For all vehicles except those with the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code 2), use regular unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane
rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to
as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code 2), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
5-6

notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-7
for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and thevehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-45. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle
experiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves,
look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS is
the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
5-7

Maintenance Footnotes
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. For diesel engine vehicles, see
the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX
®
Diesel manual.
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,
and parking brake cable guides. Control arm ball joints
on 2500/3500 series vehicles require lubrication but
should not be lubricated unless their temperature is
10°F (−12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.
Control arm ball joints on 1500 series vehicles are
maintenance-free. Vehicles used under severe
commercial operating conditions require lubrication
on a regular basis every 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-64 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-118 for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced. Also see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-90.
6-9

Center Seat...................................................1-14
Chains, Tire...................................................5-90
Charging System Light....................................3-41
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-45
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-120
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-45
Infants and Young Children...........................1-41
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-49
Older Children.............................................1-38
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-58
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-61
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........1-62, 1-66, 1-70
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-48
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-23
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-119
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-117
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-115
Finish Care...............................................5-118
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-116
Interior.....................................................5-113
Leather....................................................5-115
Tires........................................................5-120Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-120
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-117
Weatherstrips............................................5-116
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-118
Climate Control System...........................3-24, 3-25
Dual Automatic............................................3-27
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-33
Clock, Setting.................................................3-86
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass.......................................................3-63
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-44
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control................................................3-13
Cruise Control Light........................................3-50
Cupholders....................................................2-81
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation................................7-10
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-6
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-6
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-7
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-15
3

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

Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage .........................................................3-51
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-7
Low Warning Light.......................................3-52
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-125
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-122
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-126
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-122
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-44
Fuel..........................................................3-51
Oil Pressure...............................................3-48
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-41
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-74
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-7
Glove Box.....................................................2-81
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-8
Head Restraints............................................... 1-3
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-55
Headlamps....................................................5-58
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-58
Daytime Running Lamp................................3-17
Exterior Lamps............................................3-16
Flash-to-Pass..............................................3-10
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58
High/Low Beam Changer..............................3-10
On Reminder..............................................3-17
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-60
Heated Seats................................................... 1-8
Heater...................................................3-24, 3-25
Engine Coolant...........................................2-27
Heater...........................................................3-27
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-50
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................5-74
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-27
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-13
Horn ............................................................... 3-8
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-21
6

Mirrors (cont.)
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-59
Outside Towing Mirrors.................................2-58
Park Tilt .....................................................2-60
MP3 ..................................................3-108, 3-113
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
Navigation/Radio System, see
Navigation Manual.....................................3-119
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-22
Noise Control System, Tampering......................5-54
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-35
Off-Road Driving.............................................4-12
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Gage............................................3-48
Pressure Light.............................................3-49
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-38
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-71
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-75
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-33
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-22
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-61
Heated Mirrors............................................2-61
Manual Mirrors............................................2-58
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-59
Power Mirrors.............................................2-59
Towing Mirrors............................................2-58
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-37
Owner Checks and Services.............................6-11
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-120
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-52
Shifting Out of............................................2-54
Park Aid................................................2-62, 2-65
Park Brake....................................................2-50
Park Tilt Mirrors..............................................2-60
Parking
Assist........................................................2-62
Over Things That Burn.................................2-54
9