2009 GMC SIERRA towing

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Fan Noise
If the vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan, when the
clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide more air
to cool the engine. In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is not fully
engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces fan
noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases as
the clutch more fully engages, so you may hear an
increase in fan noise. This is normal and should not be
mistaken as the transmission slipping or making extra
shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning properly.
The fan will slow down when additional cooling is not
required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating the
air conditioning system, the fans may change to
high speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans will change to low
speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
5-37

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge,
locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. Check to be sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During any maintenance, if a
power washer is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly spray the
transfer case output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer case
fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if
the vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is over
8600 lbs or if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-29
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
(l)Extreme Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven off-road in four-wheel
drive. Vehicles used for farming, mining, forestry,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and snow
plowing occupations meet this definition.
(m)Severe Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
Frequent trailer towing.
Taxi, police, or delivery service.
6-10

Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not provided through
this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Limit of six requests
per year.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:Must
be over 250 kilometres from where your trip was
started to qualify. General Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization, original detailed receipts,
and a copy of the repair orders. Once authorization
has been received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and explain how to
receive payment.
Alternative Service:If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the Roadside Assistance
advisor may give you permission to get local
emergency road service. You will receive payment,
up to $100, after sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and labor for
repairs not covered by the warranty are the owner
responsibility.
7-9

If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are all right. If you
are uninjured, make sure that no one else in your
vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your vehicle
only if its position puts you in danger or you are
instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash.
This will help guard against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from
the scene of the crash. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states/provinces
with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with
their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-13

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

Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-45
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-98
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-93
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-63
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-17
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-90
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-91
Retained Accessory Power...............................2-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-30
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-18
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-56S
Safety Belt Reminders.....................................3-36
Safety Belts
Care of ....................................................5-116
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-21
Lap Belt.....................................................1-36
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-30
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-37
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-36
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-16
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches...........................................1-13
Seats
Center Seat................................................1-14
Heated Seats............................................... 1-8
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-6
Memory, Mirrors and Pedals........................... 1-8
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-7
Power Seats................................................. 1-5
Rear Seat Operation............................1-14, 1-15
Reclining Seatbacks.....................................1-10
Seatback Latches........................................1-13
Secondary Latch System................................5-106
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-61
Rear Seat Position......................................1-58
Right Front Seat Position..............1-62, 1-66, 1-70
11

Time, Setting..................................................3-86
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-45
Tires.............................................................5-65
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-119
Buying New Tires........................................5-84
Chains.......................................................5-90
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-92
Cleaning...................................................5-120
Different Size..............................................5-86
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-75
High-Speed Operation..................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-91
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-73
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-98
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-77
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-76
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-98
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-93
Secondary Latch System............................5-106
Spare Tire................................................5-113
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-109
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-66
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-88Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-89
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-83
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................2-34
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-45
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-51
Your Vehicle...............................................
4-45
Traction
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-6
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-84
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-21, 5-24
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-28
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-42
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-9
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-86
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-74
Operation...................................................2-75
13