check engine light GMC SIERRA 2005 User Guide

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This may cause wind
noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check
with your dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System” in the Diesel Engine
Supplement.
For vehicles with gasoline engines, please read this.
Gasoline Octane
For all except vehicles with the 6000 V8 (VIN Code N)
engine, use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane of 87 or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage your
engine. A little pinging noise when you accelerate or drive
uphill is considered normal. This does not indicate a
problem exists or that a higher-octane fuel is necessary.
If you are using 87 octane or higher-octane fuel and hear
heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
If you have the 6000 V8 (VIN Code N) engine, use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
91 or higher for best performance. You may also
use middle grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration
may be slightly reduced. If the octane is less than 87,
you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If this occurs, use gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage
your engine.
5-6

Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine Oil” 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, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-50.
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 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.2. 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
5-20

When to Check and What to Use
The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is located in the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for more information
on location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-10and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
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 is in
place in the reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended 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, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
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-COOL
®may
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
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-35

{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 battery 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 do not 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.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not 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, chang, 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 airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag 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, tailgate linkage,
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)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:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-35for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
6-9

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-67
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-25
Chains, Tire...................................................5-90
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-44
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-119
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers
for Children (LATCH System).....................1-47
Older Children.............................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position (Crew Cab)..................1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position (Regular
and Extended Cab)..........................1-56, 1-62
Top Strap...................................................1-43
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-45
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-127
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-117
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-116
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-113
Finish Care...............................................5-116
Glass Surfaces..........................................5-115
Instrument Panel........................................5-115
Interior Plastic Components.........................5-115
Leather....................................................5-114
Tires........................................................5-118
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-119
Vinyl........................................................5-114
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-116
Weatherstrips............................................5-115
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-117
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Dual..........................................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-34
Coinholder(s)..................................................2-70
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-30
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-19
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-42
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-37
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-121
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-124
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-122
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-122
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-122
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-125
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-121
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-52
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Coolant......................................................5-35
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-42
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-45
Oil .............................................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-39
Overheating................................................5-37
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finish Damage.............................................5-118
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-127
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-91
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-92
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-109
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-27, 5-30
Manual Transmission....................................5-33
Power Steering...........................................5-46
Windshield Washer......................................5-48
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-58
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-48
Front Axle......................................................5-60
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Front Storage Area.........................................2-71
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E-85 (85% Ethanol)....................................... 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling Your Tank..........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage.........................................................3-49
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
5

Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-7
Low Warning Light.......................................3-50
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-124
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-122
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-122
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-125
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-121
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-42
Fuel..........................................................3-49
Oil Pressure...............................................3-47
Speedometer..............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Transmission Temperature.............................3-43
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-38
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-66
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-7
Glove Box.....................................................2-70
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-8
Headlamps............................................3-13, 5-63
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-15
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-62
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps...........................5-64
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-62
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-9
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-69
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-65
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Heater...................................................3-21, 3-22
Heater...........................................................3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-48
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-42
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-42
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-66
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-67
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-13
6

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-93
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-71
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-82
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-82
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-82
Replacing Parts...........................................1-82
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-25
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-48
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-54
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-33
Safety Belts
Care of....................................................5-115
Center Passenger Position............................1-25
Driver Position............................................1-16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-16Safety Belts (cont.)
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts........1-15
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults.........................1-30
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-27
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-25
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-32
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-25
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-11
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-8
Seats
Head Restraints............................................ 1-8
Heated Seats............................................... 1-5
Manual........................................................ 1-3
Memory.....................................................2-74
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-5
Power Seats................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation..............................1-9, 1-10
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-6
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-8
Secondary Latch System................................5-105
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-53
Center Rear Seat Position............................1-52
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-49
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-50
Right Front Seat Position (Crew Cab).............1-54
11