tow GMC SIERRA 1500 2006 Service Manual

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

Tachometer
Your tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm). See “Grade Braking
(Allison Transmission
®)” underTow/Haul Mode on
page 2-31for more information.
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the solid red area, your vehicle could
be damaged. The damages would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not operate the engine in the solid
red area.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will be
provided for several seconds to remind people to buckle
their safety belts. The driver safety belt light will also be
provided and stay on for several seconds, then it will ash
for several more. You should buckle your seat belt.
This chime and light will
be repeated if the driver
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-55for
more information on driver and passenger safety
belt reminders.
If the driver’s belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-81for more
information.
3-34

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal
is harder to push or may go closer to the oor. It may take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-62.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you
have pulled off the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on
for several seconds.
That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. You will also hear a chime
sound when the light is on steady. If the regular brake
system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but
you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on you don’t have anti-lock
brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. In
addition to both lights, you will also hear a chime sound
on the rst occurrence of a problem and each time the
vehicle is shut off and then restarted. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-41.
3-42

If your vehicle has an Allison transmission, and the uid
reaches temperatures of approximately 275°F (135°C)
or greater, the driver information center will display a
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE warning message and a
chime will sound until the temperature falls below
265°F (129°C). Pull the vehicle off the roadway when
it is safe to do so. Set the parking brake, place the
transmission in PARK (P) and allow the engine to
idle until the transmission temperature falls below
265°F (129°C). If the transmission continues to operate
above 265°F (130°C), contact your nearest dealer or
the GM Roadside Assistance Center. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle
while the transmission temperature gage reading is
above normal. See your dealer for service.The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Vehicle overloading
Hauling a large or heavy load
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler (if equipped).
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4for the proper
transmission maintenance intervals.
3-45

If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so, stop
the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle. Turn
the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is
On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service as soon
as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the
cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-10. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed.A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-6. Poor fuel quality will cause
your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You
may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when
you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light to
turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has the
proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
3-47

Four-Wheel-Drive Light
The four-wheel-drive
indicator will light up when
you shift a manual transfer
case into four-wheel drive
and the front axle engages.
Some delay between shifting and the indicator’s lighting
is normal.
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-38for more
information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light is displayed
when the Tow/Haul mode
has been activated.
For more information, seeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-31.
Cargo Lamp Light
This light will come on
when the cargo lamp is in
use. For more information
seeCargo Lamp on
page 3-19.
3-50

SERVICE 4WD (Four-Wheel-Drive)
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs service. See your
GM dealer.
SERVICE AIRBAG
If there is a problem with the airbag system, this message
will be displayed on the DIC. Have your GM dealer
inspect the system for problems. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-35andAirbag System on page 1-70for
more information. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the four DIC
buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER
message is displayed.
If the brake system warning light is also on,
you should have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-41.
If the brake system warning light is not on, you
still have brakes, but the supplemental brake
assist system on vehicles with rear disc brakes
may not operate properly. In the event of a
vacuum loss, you may not have vacuum power
assist for braking. The brake pedal will be
harder to push and it will take longer to stop.
If you continue to drive with this message
displayed it can lead to a crash. Have the
brake system serviced as soon as possible.
If your vehicle has vacuum assist power brakes, this
message will be displayed on the DIC when there is a
problem with the Supplemental Brake Assist system.
3-61

Do not drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
If the transmission uid in the vehicle gets hot, this
message will appear on the DIC along with a continuous
chime. Driving with the transmission uid temperature
high can cause damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle
and let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This
message will clear and the chime will stop when the uid
temperature reaches a safe level. SeeTransmission
Temperature Gage on page 3-44.
TRANSMISSION HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can
damage the transmission. This could lead to costly
repairs that would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission uid or while the transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
If the transmission uid temperature becomes high,
this message will appear on the DIC display.When the transmission enters the protection mode,
you may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
If the vehicle has the Tow/Haul mode, use this feature
if the transmission is operating at higher temperatures
and/or the following situations exist, which can cause
the transmission to operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Hauling a large or heavy load
Over-loading
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures on
a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline
Engine) on page 6-4for the transmission your vehicle is
equipped with for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals. Also seeTransmission Temperature Gage on
page 3-44for more information.
3-63