4WD GMC SIERRA 2005 Owner's Manual

A 4WD indicator light will
illuminate when you shift
into four-wheel drive
and the front axle engages.
SeeFour-Wheel-Drive
Light on page 3-48.
Some delay between shifting and the indicator’s lighting
is normal.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Transfer Case Settings
Driving Conditions 2HI 4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-62for further
information.An indicator light near the lever shows you the transfer
case settings:
2-Wheel High (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.
4-Wheel High (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.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P), or if you have a
manual transmission, even if you are in gear.
You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-48.
2-38

Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving
ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2HIAUTO
4WD4HI 4LO N
Normal YES
Variable YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in
Tow*YES
*See “Recreational Vehicle Towing” in the Index for
further information.
You can choose among four driving settings:
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 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.
h(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.
G(4HI):Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such
a 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.
g(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. When
operating in 4LO, the gear ratio is extra deep when
compared to 4HI. The transmission gear shift feel will be
exaggerated.
2-41

{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. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-48.
NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-62orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-62for more information.
Indicator lights in the switches show which setting your
transfer case is in. The indicator lights will come on
briey when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will
ash while the transfer case is being shifted. It will
remain illuminated when the shift is complete. If
for some reason the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for further
information.Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This
can be done at any speed (except when shifting
from 4LO), and the indicator light will ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
Shifting into 2HI
Press and release the 2HI switch. This can be done at
any speed (except when shifting from 4LO).
Shifting into 4LO
To shift to 4LO, the ignition must be in RUN and the
vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph
(4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The
preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have
your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press
and release the 4LO switch. You must wait for the
4LO indicator light to stop ashing and remain
illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear.
2-42

Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped ashing
could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO
indicator light to stop ashing before shifting
the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine
running.
If the 4LO switch is pressed when your vehicle is in
gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will ash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds
the transfer case will shift to 4HI mode.
Shifting Out of 4LO
To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your vehicle
must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in
RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of 4LO is to
have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch.
You must wait for the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator
light to stop ashing and remain illuminated before
shifting your transmission into gear.Notice:Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped ashing
could damage the transfer case. To help avoid
damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO
indicator light to stop ashing before shifting
the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit signicant
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine
running.
If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when
your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI,
AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light will ash for
30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
4. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO
buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL light
will come on when the transfer case shift to
NEUTRAL is complete.
2-43

5. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second, or FIRST (1) for vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL:
1. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the
ignition to RUN with the engine off.
2. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
3. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
the red light will go out.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the
different modes may cause the transfer case to
enter the shift protection mode. This will protect the
transfer case from possible damage and will only allow
the transfer case to respond to one shift per
10 seconds. The transfer case may stay in this mode for
up to three minutes.
Electronic Transfer Case
If your four-wheel-drive
vehicle has the electronic
transfer case, the
transfer case switches are
located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster.
Use these switches to shift into and out of four-wheel
drive.
2-44

RANGE SHIFT INHIBITED (Allison
Transmission®Only)
If the transmission is unable to shift into a selected
gear, this message will appear on the DIC. The
electronic shift position indicator on the instrument panel
cluster may blink when this occurs. To make the
vehicle shift to the requested gear, you may have to
shift back to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and re-select
the desired gear.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters
the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-37for additional
information.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab)
If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed,
this message will appear on the display and you
will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check
the door for obstacles and close the door again.
Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
SERVICE 4WD
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs service. See your
GM dealer.
SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER
If a problem occurs with the four-wheel steer system,
this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the four-wheel
steer system needs service. See your GM dealer. See
QUADRASTEER™ on page 4-14for more information.
3-59

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Regular Cab Short Box (4WD)
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.73 5,100 lbs (2 313 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.73 4,100 lbs (1 860 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 086 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto)3.42
4.107,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)12,000 lbs (5 448 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.42
4.105,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
11,000 lbs (4 994 kg)
5300 V83.42
4.108,000 lbs (3 629 kg)
9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)13,000 lbs (5 902 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 356 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Extended Cab Short Box (4WD)*
4800 V8 (Auto)3.42
4.106,700 lbs (3 039 kg)
7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)**12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.42
4.104,700 lbs (2 132 kg)
5,700 lbs (2 585 kg)10,000 lbs (4 535 kg)
11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5300 V83.42
4.107,700 lbs (3 493 kg)**
8,700 lbs (3 946 kg)**13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5300 V8 w/4WS3.42
4.107,300 lbs (3 311 kg)
8,300 lbs (3 765 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
**Maximum weight 7,700 lbs (3 492 kg) for fth-wheel or gooseneck.
4-74

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 HD (4WD)*
6000 V83.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
9,900 lbs (4 491 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,600 lbs (3 447 kg)
9,600 lbs (4 354 kg)14,000 lbs (6 356 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 264 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 2,500 lbs (1 133 kg) maximum.
Vehicle** Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Crew Cab (4WD)*
5300 V83.42
4.107,400 lbs (3 357 kg)
8,400 lbs (3 810 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
**Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailering is neither designed nor intended for this vehicle.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Regular Cab Long Box (4WD)*
4300 V6 (Auto) 3.73 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
4300 V6 (Manual) 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 9,000 lbs (4 082 kg)
4800 V8 (Auto)3.42
4.106,900 lbs (3 130 kg)
7,900 lbs (3 583 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4-75

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
4800 V8 (Manual)3.73
4.104,900 lbs (2 223 kg)
5,900 lbs (2 676 kg)10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5300 V83.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
8,900 lbs (4 037 kg)**13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) maximum.
**Maximum weight 8,900 lbs (4 036 kg) for fth-wheel and gooseneck.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 Extended Cab Long Box (4WD)*
4800 V83.42
4.106,600 lbs (2 993 kg)
7,600 lbs (3 447 kg)**12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
4800 V8 (Manual)3.42
4.104,600 lbs (2 087 kg)
5,600 lbs (2 540 kg)10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)
11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
5300 V83.42
4.107,600 lbs (3 447 kg)**
8,600 lbs (3 900 kg)**13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight
up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) maximum.
**Maximum weight 6,800 lbs (3 084 kg) for fth-wheel and gooseneck.
4-76

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Crew Cab Short Box HD (2WD)**
6000 V8 4.10 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight
up to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs (4 491 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-1500 HD (4WD)*
6000 V83.73
4.107,900 lbs (3 583 kg)
9,900 lbs (4 491 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 w/4WS3.73
4.107,600 lbs (3 447 kg)
9,600 lbs (4 354 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up
to 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) maximum.
4-78