light GMC SIERRA 2000 User Guide

2-
yellowblue
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2-3 Door Locks
2-6 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2-9 Rear Access Door (Extended Cab)
2-10 Tailgate
2-11 Theft
2-12 Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2-14 Passlock

2-14 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2-15 Ignition Positions
2-17 Starting Your Engine
2-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2-21 Automatic Transmission Operation
2-24 Manual Transmission Operation
2-28 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2-34 Parking Brake
2-35 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
2
-37 Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)2
-38 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission
Models Only)
2
-38 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-39 Engine Exhaust
2-39 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-40 Manual Selectable Ride (If Equipped)
2-41 Locking Rear Axle
2-42 Windows
2-44 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-50 Exterior Lamps
2-53 Interior Lamps
2-54 Mirrors
2-67 OnStar
System (Option)
2-68 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-70 Instrument Panel Cluster
2-72 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-85 Message Center

yellowblue
2-7
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.Operation
UNLOCK: Pressing this button once will unlock the
driver's door. The parking lamps will flash and the
interior lights will come on. Pressing UNLOCK again
within three seconds will cause the remaining doors to
unlock. The parking lamps will flash and the interior
lights will come on.
LOCK: Pressing this button once will lock all of the
doors. Press LOCK again within three seconds and the
horn will chirp.
Operating the keyless entry transmitter may interact
with the theft
-deterrent system. See ªContent-Theft
Deterrentº in the Index.
Remote Panic Alarm
When the button with the horn symbol on the key
transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the
headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds.
This can be turned off by pressing the horn button again,
waiting for 30 seconds, or starting the vehicle.

yellowblue
2-10
To open a rear access door
from the inside, the front
door must be opened first.
Then, use the handle located
on the inside of the rear
access door to open it.
Tailgate
You can open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle
while pulling the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward until
it latches.
After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards
you to be sure it latches securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for
different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be
removed without assistance, you may want someone to
assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to
the vehicle.
To remove the tailgate:
1. Raise the tailgate
slightly and release both
retaining cable clips. To
release the retaining
cable clips, lift the cable
so it points straight out
and push the cable
clip forward.

yellowblue
2-11
2. With the tailgate at a
slight upward angle, pull
back on the tailgate at
the right edge and then
move the tailgate to the
right to release the
left edge.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking
your key out also locks your transmission. Also
remember to lock the doors.
If the key is in the ignition, with any door open, and you
try to lock your doors with the power door locks, the
driver's door will not stay locked. This will help to keep
you from locking your keys in the vehicle.

yellowblue
2-12 Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.

Valuables can be locked in the center floor console.

If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.
Content Theft-Deterrent
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Content
Theft
-Deterrent alarm system.
With this system, the
SECURITY message will
flash as you open the door
(if your ignition is off).
This message reminds you to activate the theft
-deterrent
system. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY
message should come on and stay on. If using the
remote keyless entry transmitter, the door does not
need to be open.
3. Close all doors. The SECURITY message should go
off after approximately 15 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the SECURITY message goes off.

yellowblue
2-14
Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
If the engine stalls and the SECURITY message flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the SECURITY message
comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you
turn the engine off. However, your Passlock system is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this
time. You may also want to check the fuse (see ªFuses
and Circuit Breakersº in the Index). See your dealer
for service.
In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance
Center. See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don't drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in. See
ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

yellowblue
2-23
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you
need more power for passing, and you're:

Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off
-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to
THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D).
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
If you manually select SECOND (2) in a light duty
automatic transmission, the transmission will drive in
second gear. You may use this feature for reducing the
speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start
your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission won't shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use your brakes or shift into
PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on
a hill.
On cold days, approximately 32F (0C) or colder, your
transmission is designed to shift differently until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is
intended to improve heater performance.

yellowblue
2-27 Shift Speeds
CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Don't shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
If your engine speed drops below 600 RPM, or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear.Shift Light
If you have a manual
transmission, you may have
a SHIFT light. This light
will show you when to shift
to the next higher gear for
best fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions allow.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go
on and off if you quickly change the position of
the accelerator.
If your vehicle has four
-wheel drive and is equipped
with a manual transmission, disregard the SHIFT light
when the transfer case is in 4
-Wheel Low.
Ignore the SHIFT light when you downshift.

yellowblue
2-28
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your
engine's driving power to all four wheels for extra
traction. To get the most satisfaction out of four
-wheel
drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read the
part that follows before using four
-wheel drive. See the
appropriate text for the transfer case in your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Driving in the 4-WHEEL HIGH (4H) or
4
-WHEEL LOW (4L) positions for a long time
on dry or wet pavement could shorten the life of
your vehicle's drivetrain.
Front Axle Locking Feature
The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when
you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to
lock or unlock is normal.
Manual Transfer Case (If Equipped)
The transfer case shift lever is on the floor to the right of
the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of
four
-wheel drive.
The 4WD indicator will
light up when you shift into
four
-wheel drive and the
front axle engages.
Some delay between shifting and the indicator's lighting
is normal.

yellowblue
2-31
You can choose among four driving settings:
2HI: This setting is used for driving in most street and
highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged in
two
-wheel drive. This setting also provides the best
fuel economy.
AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in
AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's
power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the vehicle
senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically
engage four
-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in
slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI.4HI: Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such as
on snowy or icy roads or in most off
-road situations.
This setting also engages your front axle to help drive
your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when
plowing snow.
4LO: This setting also engages your front axle and
delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
4LO if you are driving off
-road in deep sand, deep mud,
deep snow and climbing or descending steep hills.
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking
brake before placing the transfer case in
NEUTRAL. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index.
NEUTRAL: Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº or ªTowing Your
Vehicleº in the Index for more information.