check engine light GMC SIERRA 2007 User Guide

If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 486.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that
will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You may hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning
Light on page 257.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP
problem, both the brake and ABS warning lights
will come on accompanied by a 10-second
chime. The lights and chime will come on each
time the ignition is turned on until the problem is
repaired. See your dealer for service.
379

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
cannot 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 the
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.
421

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 gearbefore
you 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.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. SeeTow/Haul
Mode Light on page 266.
When towing at high elevation on steep uphill
grades, consider the following: Engine coolant at
higher elevations will boil at a lower temperature
than at or near sea level. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high
elevation 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 transmission
in PARK (P) at least ve minutes before turning the
engine off. If you do get the overheat warning,
seeEngine Overheating on page 516.
475

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 623for
more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle
lubricant, belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and
the Index will help you nd them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following
wiring harnesses for towing a trailer or hauling
a slide-in camper.
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, extended cab and crew cab pickups
have a seven-wire trailer towing harness.
For vehicles not equipped with heavy duty
trailering, the harness is clipped to the vehicle’s
frame behind the spare tire mount. The harness
requires the installation of a trailer connector,
which is available through your dealer.
If you need to tow a light-duty trailer with a
standard four-way round pin connector, you can
also get an adapter from your dealer.
478

Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine
Oil” in the DURAMAX®Diesel Engine Supplement.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster, except vehicles that have the
4.3L engine, check the engine oil level right away.
For more information, seeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 267. You should check the
engine oil level regularly; this is an added
reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 498
for 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.
500

(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. Check to be sure vent hose
is unobstructed, clear, and free of debris.(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter
if the vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(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 513 for what to use. Inspect
hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired and the uid level checked. Add uid if
needed.
630

C
Calibration..........................................169, 173
California Fuel............................................. 489
California Proposition 65 Warning................ 487
Canadian Owners........................................... 3
Capacities and Specications...................... 616
Carbon Monoxide..............122, 167, 418, 445
Care of
Safety Belts............................................. 601
Your CD and DVD Player........................ 371
Your CDs and DVDs................................ 370
Cargo Lamp................................................ 227
Cargo Management System........................ 199
CD, MP3 ............................................339, 345
Center Console Storage Area...................... 197
Center Front Passenger Position,
Safety Belts........................................ 37, 38
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp...................................... 545
Center Seat.................................................. 19
Chains, Tire................................................. 574
Charging System Light................................ 254
Check
Engine Light............................................ 260
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 496
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 605Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 51
Infants and Young Children........................ 48
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 58
Older Children........................................... 45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position.......................................... 67
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position ................................. 69
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position.......................... 70, 76
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position (Crew Cab).............. 80
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 56
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 233
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 603
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 602
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 599
Finish Care.............................................. 602
Inside of Your Vehicle.............................. 597
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.................................... 600
Leather.................................................... 600
Tires........................................................ 604
Underbody Maintenance........................... 605
Washing Your Vehicle.............................. 601
667

Door (cont.)
Rear Door Security Locks........................ 120
Rear Doors.............................................. 121
Driver
Position, Safety Belt................................... 28
Driver Information Center (DIC)................... 267
DIC Operation and Displays............268, 275
DIC Vehicle Customization....................... 289
DIC Warnings and Messages................... 279
Driving
At Night................................................... 407
City.......................................................... 412
Defensive................................................. 374
Drunken................................................... 375
Freeway................................................... 413
Hill and Mountain Roads.......................... 416
In Rain and on Wet Roads...................... 408
Off-Road.................................................. 390
Recovery Hooks....................................... 424
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.......... 423
Winter...................................................... 418
Dual Automatic Climate Control System....... 238
Dual Tire Operation..................................... 560
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System............. 355E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment................................... 608
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block........ 611
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 608
Instrument Panel Fuse Block................... 609
Power Windows and Other Power
Options................................................. 608
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 612
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 608
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 505
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 260
Coolant.................................................... 513
Coolant Heater......................................... 136
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 258
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 639
Engine Compartment Overview................ 498
Exhaust................................................... 167
Fan Noise................................................ 525
Oil ........................................................... 500
Oil Life System........................................ 503
Overheated Protection Operating Mode.... 519
Overheating............................................. 516
Starting.................................................... 134
Entry Lighting.............................................. 226
669

N
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual..................................................... 355
New Vehicle Break-In.................................. 132
Noise Control System, Tampering................ 542
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..... 638
O
Odometer.................................................... 248
Odometer, Trip............................................ 248
Off-Road Driving.......................................... 390
Off-Road Recovery...................................... 387
Oil
Engine..................................................... 500
Pressure Gage......................................... 263
Pressure Light.......................................... 264
Oil, Engine Oil Life System......................... 503
Older Children, Restraints............................. 45
Online Owner Center................................... 647
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual........ 180
Operation, Universal Home Remote
System............................................185, 189
Other Warning Devices................................ 211
Outlet Adjustment........................................ 245Outlets
Accessory Power..................................... 232
Outside
Manual Mirrors......................................... 174
Power Foldaway Mirrors........................... 177
Power Mirrors.......................................... 176
Trailer-Tow Mirrors................................... 175
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode....................................... 519
Owner Checks and Services....................... 631
Owners, Canadian.......................................... 3
P
Paint, Damage............................................ 605
Park Aid...................................................... 228
Park (P)
Shifting Into............................................. 163
Shifting Out of......................................... 165
Parking
Assist....................................................... 228
Brake....................................................... 162
Over Things That Burn............................ 166
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............... 252
Passenger Sensing System........................... 97
Passing....................................................... 387
674

Rear Seat Armrest...................................... 199
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)............................... 366
Rear Seat Entertainment System................. 355
Rear Seat Operation.............................. 20, 21
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts.............. 39
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display.......... 173
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display..................................................... 169
Rearview Mirrors......................................... 169
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 15
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.......... 635
Recovery Hooks.......................................... 424
Recreational Vehicle Towing........................ 439
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.......... 110
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation................................................. 111
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................ 582
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools............ 578
Replacement Bulbs..................................... 549
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government............................. 662
General Motors........................................ 662
United States Government....................... 662Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems............... 104
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash................................................ 105
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)................ 134
Right Front Passenger Position,
Safety Belts............................................... 37
Roadside
Assistance Program................................. 650
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.............. 423
Routing, Engine Drive Belt.......................... 639
Running the Engine While Parked............... 168
S
Safety Belt
Passenger Reminder Light....................... 249
Pretensioners............................................. 44
Reminder Light........................................ 249
Safety Belts
Care of.................................................... 601
Center Front Passenger Position......... 37, 38
Driver Position........................................... 28
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly............ 27
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts............................................ 26
676