steering GMC SIERRA 1500 2006 Owners Manual

There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-35
for more information.Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the steering
wheel.
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The right front passenger’s airbag is in the instrument
panel on the passenger’s side.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the bag might not inate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
inating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put
anything between an occupant and an airbag,
and do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
1-73

What Makes an Airbag Inate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The
sensing system triggers a release of gas from the
inator, which inates the airbag. The inator, airbag,
and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules
inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel
in front of the right front passenger.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But airbags
would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts and many side impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and
then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions.
What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?
After an airbag inates, it quickly deates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the airbag inated.
Some components of the airbag module — the steering
wheel hub for the driver’s airbag or the instrument panel
for the right front passenger’s bag — may be hot for a
short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact
with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will
be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
deated airbags. Airbag ination does not prevent the
driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the
vehicle.
1-76

Q:What if I added a snow plow? Will it keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:We have designed our airbag systems to work
properly under a wide range of conditions,
including snow plowing with vehicles equipped with
the optional Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO
VYU). But do not change or defeat the snow plow’s
“tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can damage
your snow plow and your vehicle, and it may cause
an airbag ination.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my advanced airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module (located under the driver’s seat), or
the inside rearview mirror can affect the operation
of the advanced airbag system. If you have
questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages 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.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, the airbag
may not work properly. You may have to replace the
airbag module in the steering wheel or both the
airbag module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger’s airbag. Do not open or break
the airbag coverings.
1-87

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.A (Lock):This position locks your ignition when the key
is removed. The steering locks when equipped with a
manual transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You
will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.
B (Accessory):This position allows you to use things
like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers
when the engine is off.
{CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the
key to LOCK will lock the steering column and
result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle.
This could cause a collision. If you need to turn
the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the key only to ACCESSORY. Do not press the
key release button while the vehicle is moving.
C (Run):This is the position for driving.
D (Start):This position starts your engine.
2-22

Engine Coolant Heater
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required. Your vehicle may also have an internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent
operation of the engine coolant heater when the
temperature is at or above 0°F (−18 C°) as noted on
the cord.
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.
If you have a diesel engine, refer to diesel
supplement for location.
3. Plug it 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.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
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Directions and Connections®Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Personal Calling
As an OnStar®subscriber, the Personal Calling capability
allows you to make hands-free calls using a wireless
system that is integrated into the vehicle. Calls can be
placed nationwide using simple voice commands with no
additional contracts and no additional roaming charges.
To nd out more about OnStar
®Personal Calling, refer to
the OnStar®User’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak to an
OnStar
®advisor by pressing the OnStar®button or
calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Your vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is a feature
of OnStar®Personal Calling that uses minutes to
access weather, local traffic reports, and stock quotes.
By pressing the phone button and giving a few simple
voice commands, you can browse through the
various topics. Customize your information prole at
www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar
®User’s Guide for
more information.
OnStar®Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may be
equipped with a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to
interact with OnStar
®. See
the Audio Steering Wheel
Control section for your
specic vehicle operation.
When calling into voice mail systems, or to dial directory
numbers, press this button once, wait for the response,
say the number(s) to be dialed, wait for the number(s)
to be repeated and then say “dial”. See the OnStar
®
User’s Guide for more information.
2-74

Highbeam On Light.......................................3-49
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-50
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-50
Cargo Lamp Light.........................................3-50
Fuel Gage...................................................3-51
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-51
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-52
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-53
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-55
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)........................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS)........................3-71
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-72Radio with CD..............................................3-75
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-85
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-100
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-115
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-127
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-129
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-129
Radio Reception.........................................3-130
Care of the Cassette Tape Player.................3-131
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-132
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-132
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-132
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-133
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-133
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are the
following:
A. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-19.
B. Headlamp Controls. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-14.
C. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Electronic Transfer
Case/Traction Assist System (TAS). SeeFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-38andTraction Assist System (TAS)
on page 4-8.
E. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
G. Range Selection Mode (Allison Transmission
®only)
Button (If Equipped). SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-26.
H. Gearshift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-26orManual Transmission
Operation on page 2-34for manual transmissions.
I. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped).
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-31.
J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-70.
K. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21,Dual Climate Control System on
page 3-22andDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-25.L. Instrument Panel Fuse Block.Instrument Panel Fuse
Block on page 5-124.
M. Cargo Lamp Button. SeeCargo Lamp on page 3-19.
N. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-13.
O. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-52
orAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-129.
P. Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block. SeeCenter
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-126.
Q. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-52.
R. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
S. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-20.
T. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-20.
U. Manual Selectable Ride Control (If Equipped).
SeeManual Selectable Ride on page 4-10.
V. Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Button (If Equipped).
SeeAuxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp on page 3-18.
W. Passenger Airbag Off Switch (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-78.
X. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-79.
3-5

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning ashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning asher
button is located on top of
the steering column.
Your hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is not in
the ignition.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to turn the
ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your
vehicle.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on the steering
wheel.
Tilt Wheel
If your vehicle is equipped with a tilt wheel, it will allow
you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You
can raise it to the highest level to give your legs more
room when you exit and enter your vehicle.
The tilt steering wheel lever is located on the lower left
side of the column.
3-6