GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Owners Manual

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. The vehicle also has
a ow-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. AUTO
D. Defrost
E. Recirculation
F. Outside AirG. Air Delivery Mode
Control
H. Display
I. Power Button
J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS (Passenger)
O(On/Off):Press to turn the climate control system on
or off. Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed to
the oor. This direction can be changed by pressing the
mode button. Recirculation can be selected once you
have selected vent or bi-level mode. The temperature can
also be adjusted using either temperature button. If the
air delivery mode or temperature settings are adjusted
with the system off, the display illuminates briey to show
the settings and then returns to off. The system can be
turned back on by pressing either
O,D,C,#, the
defrost or the AUTO button.
Driver and Passenger Side Temperature
Controls
The driver and passenger side temperature buttons are
used to adjust the temperature of the air coming through
the system on the driver or passenger’s side of the
vehicle. The temperature can be adjusted even if the
system is turned off. This is possible since outside air
always ows through the system as the vehicle is
moving forward unless it is set to recirculation mode.
See “Recirculation” later in this section.
Press the + or−buttons to increase or decrease the
cabin temperature. The driver side or passenger side
temperature display shows the temperature setting
decreasing or increasing.
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The passenger’s temperature setting can be set to
match the driver’s temperature setting by pressing the
PASS button and turning off the PASS indicator.
When the passenger’s temperature setting is set
different than the driver’s setting, the indicator on the
PASS button illuminates and both the driver side
and passenger side temperature displays are shown.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is active
the system controls the inside temperature, the air
delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display changes to
show the current temperature(s) and AUTO is lit on
the display. The current air delivery mode and fan
speed are also displayed for about 5 seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet are automatically controlled.
The air conditioning compressor may run when the
outside temperature is above freezing. The air inlet
will normally be set to outside air. If it is hot outside,
the air inlet may automatically switch to the
recirculate mode to help quickly cool down the air
inside the vehicle. The light on the button comes on
in recirculation.2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes for
the system to regulate. Use the driver or passenger
temperature buttons to adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If a temperature setting of 60°F (15°C)
is chosen, the system remains at the maximum
cooling setting. If a temperature setting of 90°F
(32°C) is chosen, the system remains at the
maximum heat setting. Choosing either maximum
setting will not cause the vehicle to heat or cool
any faster.
Do not cover the solar sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load. For more
information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in
this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
delays turning the fan on until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan switch overrides this
delay and changes the fan to a selected speed.
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Manual Operation
DC(Fan Control):Press these buttons to increase or
decrease the fan speed.
Pressing either fan button while in automatic control
places the fan under manual control. The fan setting
remains displayed and the AUTO light turns off. The air
delivery mode remains under automatic control.
HG(Air Delivery Mode Control):Press these buttons
to change the direction of the airow in the vehicle.
Repeatedly press either button until the desired mode
appears on the display. Pressing either mode button
while the system is off changes the air delivery mode
without turning the system on. Pressing either mode
button while in automatic control places the mode under
manual control.
The air delivery mode setting is displayed and the AUTO
light turns off. The fan remains under automatic control.
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air is directed towards the
windshield and side window outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some to the windshield, side window outlets, and second
row oor outlets. In this mode, the system automatically
selects outside air.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents. In this mode, the system turns off
recirculation and runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is close to freezing.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
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0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window vents, with some directed to the oor
vents. In this mode, the system automatically forces
outside air into the vehicle and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is close to
freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
(A/C) compressor on and off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on.If this button is pressed when the air conditioning
compressor is unavailable due to outside conditions, the
indicator ashes three times and then turns off. If the air
conditioning is on and the outside temperature drops
below a temperature which is too cool for air conditioning
to be effective, the air conditioning light turns off to show
that the air conditioning mode has been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This helps to reduce the time it takes
for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to
operate more efficiently.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water might drip under
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
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@(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show that the
recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent outside
air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with oor, defog,
or defrost modes. If recirculation is selected with one of
those modes, the indicator light ashes three times and
then turns off. The air conditioning compressor also
comes on when this mode is activated. While in
recirculation mode the windows may fog when the
weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, select either
the defog or defrost mode and increase the fan speed.
The recirculation mode can be turned off by pressing the
outside air button, or by turning off the ignition.
;(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode on.
An indicator light on the button comes on to show that
outside is on. When selected, air from outside the vehicle
circulates throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode
can be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):For vehicles with
this feature, press to turn the defogger on or off.
It automatically turns off several minutes after it has
been activated. The defogger can also be turned off by
turning the engine off. Do not drive the vehicle until all
the windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Heated Mirrors:For vehicles with heated outside
rearview mirrors, the mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost
from the surface of the mirror when the rear window
defog button is pressed. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 2-58.
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Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the defrost grille, in the
middle of the instrument panel, monitors the solar heat.
Do not cover the solar sensor or the system will not work
properly.The interior temperature
sensor, located in the
headliner, measures the
temperature of the air
inside the vehicle.
There is also an exterior temperature sensor located
behind the front grille. This sensor reads the outside air
temperature and helps maintain the temperature inside
the vehicle. Any cover on the front of the vehicle could
cause a false reading in the displayed temperature.
The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the air
delivery mode. The system may also supply cooler air to
the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The recirculation
mode will also be used as needed to maintain cool outlet
temperatures.
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Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of the instrument panel to direct the airow. Use the
thumbwheels near the air outlets to open or close off the
airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from air inlets
at the base of the windshield that could block the
ow of air into the vehicle.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
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Instrument Panel Cluster (US-Canada)
The instrument cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is going, about
how much fuel the vehicle has and many other things needed to drive safely and economically. For vehicles with
a DURAMAX
®Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information. United States Light Duty Premium version shown. Canada, Uplevel, Base, Heavy Duty Clusters similar.
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Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). The
odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in
either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers
(used in Canada).
Engine Hour Meter Display
The Driver Information Center (DIC) can also display
the number of hours the engine has run. To display
the engine hours, turn the ignition off, press and hold the
reset button for at least four seconds. The hour meter
displays for up to 30 seconds, or until the ignition is
turned on. SeeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC
Buttons) on page 3-53orDIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-59for more
information.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero.
Press the reset button, located on the instrument panel
cluster next to the voltmeter, to toggle between the trip
odometer and the regular odometer. Holding the reset
button for approximately one second while the trip
odometer is displayed will reset it.
To display the odometer reading with the ignition off,
press the reset button.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on
page 3-53orDIC Operation and Displays (Without
DIC Buttons) on page 3-59for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm). For a description of how Grade Braking
affects vehicle speed while the Tow/Haul Mode is
activated, see “Grade Braking (Allison Transmission
®)”
underTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34for more information.
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Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several
seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt,
unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for
several seconds, then
ashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime
sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger
to buckle their safety belt. This only occurs if the
passenger airbag is enabled. SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-84for more information. The
passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument
panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and
then ashes for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime
may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device. To turn off the warning light and or
chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
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