check engine light GMC SIERRA 2004 User Guide

·Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
¯oor mats Ð anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You can not see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-50

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ¯ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ¯ash, telling other drivers
you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ¯ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow in
DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission
to lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See
Tow/Haul Mode
Light on page 3-53.If you have a 5-speed manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH (5) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need
to, a lower gear).
If you have a 6-speed manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use SIXTH (6) gear.
Drive in FIFTH (5) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with
the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off. For manual
transmissions, let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the transmission out of
gear and the parking brake applied, for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-36.
4-93

Engine Oil
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see ªEngine Oilº in
the Diesel Engine Supplement.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster (except vehicles equipped with the
4.3L engine), it means you need to check your engine oil
level right away.
For more information, see
Driver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-55.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
All Other Engines
8.1L Engine
5-18

How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper ¯uid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it's in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-36.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
žcoolant will:
·Give freezing protection down to-34ÉF (-37ÉC).
·Give boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
·Protect against rust and corrosion.
·Help keep the proper engine temperature.
·Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOLžmay
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs ®rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
ž(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-33

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
¯ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the ACDelco
žbattery
installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery
has ®ller caps, be sure the right amount of
¯uid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that ®rst. If you do not, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery ¯uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ¯ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables don't have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or a remote positive terminal (+) if the
vehicle has one. Negative (-) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or a remote
negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Don't connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you'll
get a short that would damage the battery and
maybe other parts too. And don't connect the
negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
On vehicles equipped with dual batteries, make all
battery connections to the remote positive (+)
and remote negative (-) terminals.
5-55

(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, cha®ng, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)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. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgatelinkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door
hinge, locks and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)Add ¯uid as needed. A ¯uid loss could indicate a
problem; repair as needed. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle GVWR is over 8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
þIn heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
þIn hilly or mountainous terrain.
þWhen doing frequent trailer towing.
þUses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-33for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ®ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
6-9

Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-67
Taillamps....................................................5-71
Buying New Tires...........................................5-89
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada........................................................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations..........................5-134
Car Washes for QUADRASTEERŸ Equipped
Vehicles.....................................................4-16
Carbon Monoxide...................4-47, 4-70, 2-14, 2-53
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-119
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-129
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-131
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-130
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-18
CARGO LAMP ON.........................................3-67
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-98
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-99
CD Messages.............................3-87, 3-101, 3-115
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-67
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp...............................................5-69
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block................5-128Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-25
Chains, Tires..................................................5-94
CHANGE ENGINE OIL....................................3-68
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-49
Check Engine Light.........................................3-49
CHECK OIL LEVEL.........................................3-67
CHECK WASHER FLUID.................................3-67
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-49
Checking Coolant............................................5-35
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-18
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-87
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-123
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-48
Older Children.............................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System......................1-50, 1-51
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-58
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-60
Top Strap...................................................1-43
3

Electrical System (cont.)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-126
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-126
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-126
Electronic Transfer Case..................................2-44
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-51
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-23
Battery.......................................................5-52
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-49
Coolant......................................................5-33
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-44
Oil .............................................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-36
Starting......................................................2-23
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-68
Engine Hour Meter Display...............................3-35
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-21
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-68
Entertainment System
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-131
DVD Distortion..........................................3-129
Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Environmental Concerns..................................4-24
Event Data Records (EDR)..............................7-10Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Express Down Windows..................................2-17
Extended Cab................................................1-58
Extended Cab and Crew Cab...........................1-55
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering................4-90
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-23
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XMŸ).......................3-80, 3-92, 3-105
Finding a Station..................3-75, 3-78, 3-90, 3-103
Finish Care..................................................5-120
Finish Damage.............................................5-122
Five-Speed (VORTECŸ 4300 V6 and
4800 V8 Engines)........................................2-31
Five-Speed (VORTECŸ 6000 V8 Engine)...........2-30
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-131
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-95
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-96
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-25, 5-28
Manual Transmission....................................5-31
Power Steering...........................................5-45
6

Headlamps (cont.)
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-66
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-64
Pickup Box Identi®cation and Fender Marker
Lamps....................................................5-70
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-67
Headphones.................................................3-122
Heated Seats................................................... 1-6
Heating.........................................................3-31
Heavy-DutyTrailer Wiring Harness Package........4-96
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-44
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-45
Hitches..........................................................4-88
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
for Gasoline Engines....................................5-41
How to Add Fluid............................5-27, 5-30, 5-32
How to Check........................5-25, 5-28, 5-31, 5-85
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-33
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-59
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-46
How to Inspect...............................................5-23
How to Use This Manual...................................... iiHow to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-32
Hydroplaning..................................................4-40
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-38
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-37
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-50
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-50
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-49
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-51
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-71
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-35
In¯ation - Tire Pressure...................................5-84
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-34
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-19
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-126
Interior Lamps................................................3-19
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-53
8

Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-115
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-9
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
(Extended Cab and Crew Cab)......................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-27
Rear Seat Top Strap Anchors (Extended Cab
Models)......................................................1-46
Rear Seat Top Strap Anchors
(Crew Cab Models)......................................1-47
Rear Window Defogger............................3-24, 3-32
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-57
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
ž, Compass and Temperature Display . . . 2-55
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-54
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-14
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-54
REDUCED ENGINE POWER...........................3-70
Regular Cab and Extended Cab Models.............1-76
Remote Alarm.................................................. 2-6
Remote Control.............................................3-119
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-101
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-97
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-74
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-52
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash.....1-88Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-11
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-87
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-88
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-87
Replacing Parts...........................................1-88
Resynchronization............................................. 2-7
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-25
Right Front Passenger Position Top Strap Anchor
(Regular and Extended Models).....................1-45
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab).............3-70
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-52
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-53
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-36
Safety Belts
Care of....................................................5-119
Center Passenger Position............................1-25
13