GMC SIERRA 1500 2006 Owners Manual

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
Press in the button at the end of the lever until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, briey press
the set button. Each time you do this, you’ll go
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may want to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers nd this to
be too much trouble and don’t use cruise control on
steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to turn off the cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal,
move the cruise control switch to off, or
shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
If the accelerator pedal is held for 60 seconds or
longer, cruise control will turn off.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
3-13

Headlamps
The control on the driver’s side of your instrument panel
operates the headlamps.
Turn the control clockwise to operate the lamps.
The headlamp control has four positions:
9(Off):Turning the control to this position turns off
the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic
headlamps.
AUTO (Automatic):Turning the control to this position
puts the system into automatic headlamp mode.
;(Parking Lamps):Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps, together with
the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Roof Marker Lamps (If Equipped)
5(Headlamps):Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
You can switch your headlamps from high to low-beam
by pushing the turn signal/high-beam lever towards the
instrument panel.
A circuit breaker protects your headlamps. If you have an
electrical overload, your headlamps will icker on and off.
Have your headlamp wiring checked right away if this
happens.
Headlamps on Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on and your ignition is
off, in LOCK, ACCESSORY, or a door is open. To disable
the chime, turn the light off then back on.
3-14

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO
The automatic transmission is not in PARK (P)
The light sensor determines it is daytime
When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be on.
The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.When you turn the headlamp switch off, the headlamps
will go off, and your DRL lamps will illuminate, provided it
is not dark outside.
Shifting the transmission into PARK (P) will allow you to
idle the vehicle with the DRL off. The DRL will stay off
until you shift the transmission out of PARK (P). This
procedure applies only to vehicles rst sold in the
United States.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic headlamp
system will turn on your headlamps at the normal
brightness along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then release.
Turning off the automatic headlamp system with the
headlamp switch is not available for vehicles rst sold in
Canada. For vehicles rst sold in Canada, you can turn
off the automatic headlamp system when parked at
night by applying the parking brake before starting your
vehicle. The headlamps will remain off once the vehicle is
started for as long as you are parked. If you release the
parking brake, the lights will turn on. If the parking brake
is not released before you begin to drive, the exterior
lamps will turn on above 2 mph (3.2 km/h).
3-15

Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor located on
the top of the instrument panel in the defroster grille.
Be sure it is not covered, or the system will be on
whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on your headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and
nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
and the automatic headlamp systems so that driving
under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not
affect the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp
system will only be affected when the light sensor sees
a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once you
leave the garage, it will take approximately one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
bright enough outside. During that delay, your instrument
panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
your instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-18.To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the control to the off position.
You may be able to turn off your Automatic Headlamp
System. SeeDaytime Running Lamps (DRL) on
page 3-15for more information.
Your headlamps will also stay on after you exit the
vehicle. You can program this feature using the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 3-64.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need them.
3-16

Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has fog lamps, use them for better vision
in foggy or misty conditions.
The fog lamp button is
located on the left side
of the instrument panel.
Your parking lamps and/or low-beam headlamps must
be on for your fog lamps to work.Press the button to turn the fog lamps on. Press the
button again to turn them off. An indicator light will glow
in the button when the fog lamps are on.
Remember, fog lamps alone will not give off as much
light as your headlamps. Never use your fog lamps
in the dark without turning on your headlamps.
The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high beams go off,
the fog lamps will come on again.
The fog lamps will be cancelled after the ignition is
turned off. If you still want to use the fog lamps after you
restart the vehicle, you will need to press the fog
lamp button again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-17

Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp
If your vehicle has this feature, this button includes
wiring provisions for a dealer or a qualied service
center to install an auxiliary roof lamp.
This button is located
on the center of the
instrument panel near
the climate controls.
When the wiring is connected to an auxiliary roof
mounted lamp, pressing the button will activate the lamp
and illuminate an indicator light near the button. Pressing
the button again will turn off the roof mounted lamp.
If your vehicle has this button, your vehicle may have the
snow plow prep package. For further information see
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment on page 4-54.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D(Instrument Panel Brightness):This feature
controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights.
The thumbwheel for this feature is located next to
the headlamp control.
Turn the thumbwheel up to adjust the instrument panel
lights. Turn the thumbwheel up to return the radio display
to full brightness when the headlamps or parking lamps
are on. To turn on the dome lamps, turn the thumbwheel
all the way up.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps will come on when you open a door.
You can also turn the dome lamps on by turning the
thumbwheel, located next to the exterior lamps control,
all the way up. In this position, the dome lamps will
remain on whether a door is opened or closed.
3-18

Dome Lamp Override
E(Dome Lamp Override):You can use the dome
override button, located below the exterior lamps control,
to set the dome lamps to come on automatically when a
door is opened, or to remain off. To turn the lamps off,
press the button into the in position. With the button in
this position, the dome lamps will remain off when the
doors are open. To return the lamps to automatic
operation, press the button again and return it to the
out position. With the button in this position, the dome
lamps will come on when you open a door.
Entry Lighting
Your vehicle is equipped with an illuminated entry
feature.
When the doors are opened, the dome lamps will come
on if the dome override button is in the out position. If the
dome override button is pressed in, the lamps will not
come on.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition. The lights will
not come on if the dome override button is pressed in.
Front Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console.
To turn on the reading lamps, press the button located
next to each lamp. To turn them off, press the button
again.
The lamps can be adjusted to point in the direction
you want.
Your vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn the lamps on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp. The lamps are xed and cannot
be adjusted.
Cargo Lamp
The cargo lamp button is
located on the left side of
the instrument panel. Press
the button to turn the cargo
lamp on. Press the button
again to turn it off.
An indicator light on the instrument panel cluster will
illuminate when the cargo lamp is turned on, and the
ignition key is turned to RUN.
3-19

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
With accessory power outlets you can plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
Your vehicle may have two accessory power outlets,
or may have one accessory power outlet located near
the cigarette lighter, if equipped. The cigarette lighter is
designed to t only in the receptacle to the right of the
accessory power outlet.
To use the outlet, lift the cover. When not using it,
always close the cover.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer for additional information on the
accessory power plugs.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating. Check with
your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may be equipped with a front ashtray
located near the center of the instrument panel. Pull
on the door to open it.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in the
ashtray.
To remove the front ashtray, pull the ashtray toward you.
To replace the ashtray, place the ashtray on the slides at
the side of its location in the instrument panel. To use the
cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and let go. When
it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
3-20

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
Fan Knob
The fan knob on the left side of the control panel
adjusts the fan speed. To increase airow, turn the knob
clockwise. To decrease airow, turn it counterclockwise.
To turn the fan off, turn the knob to the off position.
9(Off):If the fan is off, outside air will still enter the
vehicle, and will be directed based on the position of
the mode knob. The temperature can also be adjusted
using the temperature knob.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
temperature of the air owing into the passenger area.
Turn the knob clockwise toward the red area for warmer
air. Turn the knob counterclockwise toward the blue area
for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
H(Vent):This setting directs the air through the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is delivered through the oor outlets
as well as the instrument panel outlets. The ow can
be divided between vent and oor outlets depending
upon where the knob is placed between the settings.
6(Floor):This setting directs most of the air through
the oor outlets, and the rest of the air is divided between
the windshield defroster outlets and the side window
defroster outlets.
W(Defog):Airow is delivered through the oor outlets,
the windshield defroster outlets and the side window
defroster outlets. The air ow can be divided between
oor and defrost depending upon where the knob is
placed between the settings.
3-21

1(Defrost):This setting directs most air through
the windshield defroster outlets, side window defroster
outlets and some through the oor outlets.
Dual Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Fan Control
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob to the off position to turn off the fan. If the
knob is in off, outside air will still enter the vehicle and will
be directed based on the position of the mode knob. The
temperature can also be adjusted using the temperature
levers.Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
direct the airow inside of your vehicle.
Mode Control
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets; then directs most of the
remaining air to the oor outlets. A little air is directed
toward the windshield and the side window outlets.
Cooler air is directed to the upper outlets and warmer
air to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with a little air directed to the windshield
and the side window outlets.
3-22