cooling GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Owners Manual

Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a at, thin object
inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature.
This feature allows you to start the engine from outside
of the vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s
heating or air conditioning systems and rear window
defogger. Normal operation of the system will return
after the key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
If your vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
the climate control system will default to a heating or
cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures.
If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
During a remote start, if your vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated seats, the heated
seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures and
will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN. If your
vehicle does not have an automatic climate control
system, during remote start, you will need to manually
turn the heated seats on and off. SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-8for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using the remote start to have the vehicle
in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
2-7

Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatic transmission have a tow/haul
mode. The tow/haul mode adjusts the transmission
shift pattern to reduce shift cycling, providing increased
performance, vehicle control, and transmission
cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.The selector button is located on the end of the shift
lever. Turn the tow/haul on and off by pressing the
button. When the tow/haul is on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-51for more
information.
Also see Tow Haul Mode underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-53for more information.
2-34

Tow/Haul Mode (Allison Transmission®
or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
Vehicles with an Allison or Hydra-Matic®6-speed
automatic transmission®have a tow/haul mode.
The tow/haul mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern
to reduce shift cycling, providing increased performance,
vehicle control, and transmission cooling when towing
or hauling heavy loads.Turn the tow/haul mode on and off by pressing the
button, located on the end of the shift lever. When the
tow/haul is on, a light on the instrument panel cluster
will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-51for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-53for more information.
2-35

Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps, they 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 vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn the lamps on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp.
If the vehicle has a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
system, press the lamp lenses to turn the lamps on or off.
The lamps are xed and cannot be adjusted.
Cargo Lamp
The cargo lamps come on by turning the instrument panel
brightness control knob to the farthest clockwise position.
This knob is located on the instrument panel and also
turns on the dome lamps.
The cargo lamp can be used if more light is needed
in the cargo area of the vehicle or in the top-box
storage units.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the following
are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear
window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power outlets.
3-21

Climate Control System
(With Air Conditioning)
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation
can be controlled.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
Control
D. Air ConditioningE. Outside Air
F. Recirculation
G. Rear Window
Defogger
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. Turn the knob all the
way counterclockwise to turn the front system off.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
inside the vehicle. The knob can be positioned between
two modes to select a combination of those modes.
Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
In this mode, the system automatically selects outside air.
Recirculation cannot be selected in oor mode.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, oor outlets,
and side window vents.
0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and the side window vents, with some air directed to the
oor vents. The system automatically forces outside air
into the vehicle.
3-25

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.
3-27

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.
3-28

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles with the
StabiliTrak®system, this
light comes on briey while
starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on while driving, there
could be a problem with the StabiliTrak
®system and the
vehicle might need service. When this warning light is
on, the StabiliTrak
®system is off and does not limit
wheel spin.
The light ashes if the system is active and is working to
assist the driver with directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
(US-Canada)
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard the vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage will
read 210°F (100°C) or less. If the vehicle is pulling a load
or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
uctuate and go over the 235°F (113°C) mark. However,
if the gage reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-36.
United StatesCanada
3-44

ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an
overheat warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-36for
more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage (US-Canada) on page 3-44.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-38for information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-36
for more information.This message displays and a chime sounds if the engine
cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for
operation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating
temperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine
further enters the engine coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 5-36for further information.
This message also displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays
on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
3-68

Driving in Water
{CAUTION:
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous.
Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers could drown. If it is
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding, and ood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before driving through it.
Do not try it if it is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs,
axles, or exhaust pipe — you probably will not get
through. Deep water can damage the axle and other
vehicle parts.If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.
At faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition system
and the vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you get
the tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is under water, you
will never be able to start the engine. When going through
water, remember that when the brakes get wet, it might
take longer to stop. SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet
Roads on page 4-27.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on
the underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust
system for damage and check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
The vehicle requires more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.
4-25