panel GMC SIERRA 2008 User Guide

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front
sensors, rollover sensor module, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle may have a passenger
sensing system for the right front passenger’s
position, which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seattrim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or
trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as
an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing
pad or device, installed under or on top of the
seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of
the passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-80.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
If your vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see
Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 5-86
for additional important information.
1-85

Object Detection Systems...............................2-63
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............2-63
OnStar
®System.............................................2-65
Universal Home Remote System......................2-68
Universal Home Remote System.....................2-68
Universal Home Remote System Operation
(With Three Round LED)............................2-69Storage Areas................................................2-74
Glove Box...................................................2-74
Cupholder(s)................................................2-75
Instrument Panel Storage...............................2-75
Center Console Storage.................................2-76
Luggage Carrier...........................................2-76
Rear Seat Armrest........................................2-77
Cargo Management System...........................2-78
Sunroof.........................................................2-79
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2

PASS-Key®III+
The PASS-Key®III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START
from the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on when trying to
start the vehicle, there may be a problem with your
theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
2-20

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
On vehicles with this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the
pedals cannot move farther away from the standard
position, but can move toward the driver for better pedal
reach.
No adjustment to the pedals can be made when the
vehicle is in REVERSE (R) or while using the cruise
control.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on
the instrument panel below
the climate control
system.
Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch to move the
pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the top of
the switch to move the pedals away from your body.Before you start driving, fully press the brake pedal to
conrm the adjustment is right for you. While driving,
make only small adjustments.
Your vehicle may have a memory function which lets
pedal settings be saved and recalled. SeeMemory Seat,
Mirrors, and Pedals on page 1-6for more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX
®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment, near the power steering uid
reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
2-26

Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle is has an automatic transmission, it
has an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument panel cluster. This display comes on
when the ignition key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily. When parked
on a hill, especially when the vehicle has a heavy
load, you might notice an increase in the effort to shift
out of Park. See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
underShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-50for more
information.
Hydra-Matic
®4-Speed
Automatic Transmission
Allison Transmission®or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed
Automatic Transmission
2-28

Tow/Haul ModeIf your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it has a
tow/haul mode. If your vehicle has an Allison or
Hydra-Matic
®6-speed automatic transmission see
Tow/Haul Mode (Allison or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed
Automatic Transmission®) following. The tow/haul mode
adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling when towing or hauling
heavy loads.
The selector button is located on the end of the shift
lever. Turn the tow/haul on and off by pressing the
button. When the tow/haul is on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-53for more
information.
Also see Tow Haul Mode underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-55for more information.
2-34

Tow/Haul Mode (Allison Transmission®
or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
If your vehicle has an Allison or Hydra-Matic®6-speed
automatic transmission®, it has a tow/haul mode.
The tow/haul mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern
to reduce shift cycling, providing increased performance,
vehicle control, and transmission cooling when towing
or hauling heavy loads.
Turn the tow/haul mode on and off by pressing the
button, located on the end of the shift lever. When the
tow/haul is on, a light on the instrument panel cluster will
come on.SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-53for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-55for more information.
Grade Braking (Allison Transmission®
or Hydra-Matic®6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated by
pressing the button on the end of the shift control lever.
While in Range Selection Mode, Grade Braking is
deactivated allowing the driver to select a desired range
of gears.
Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Mode
is selected and you are not in the Range Selection
Mode. See “Tow/Haul Mode listed previously and
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-28for
more information on the Range Selection Mode. Grade
Braking assists in maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that utilizes the engine
and transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces wear
on the braking system and increases control of the
vehicle. Grade Braking monitors vehicle speed,
acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage.
2-35

This mirror has the following features.
Manual Folding
The mirrors can be manually folded inward to prevent
damage when going through an automatic car wash. To
fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. To return the
mirror to its original position, push outward. Be sure
to return both mirrors to their original unfolded position
before driving.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to
warm the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview
mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow, and
condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-28for more
information.
Convex Mirror
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass. A
convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can be
seen from the driver’s seat.
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
2-60

Park Tilt Mirrors
If your vehicle has the memory package, the outside
mirrors are able to perform the park tilt function. This
feature may be useful in allowing the driver to view the
curb when parallel parking. This feature will cause the
passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror to tilt to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R).
The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return to its
original position when the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE (R), or the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-72.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to
warm the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview
mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow, and
condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-28for more
information.
Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass. A
convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can be
seen from the driver’s seat.
Your vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on
the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in the
direction of the turn or lane change.
2-62

Your garage door opener receiver (motor head unit)
may also have a row of dip switches that can be
used when programming the Universal Home
Remote. If the total number of switches on the motor
head and hand held transmitter are different, or if
the dip switch settings are different, use the
dip switch settings on the motor head unit to
program your Universal Home Remote. The motor
head dip switch settings can also be used when
you do not have the original hand held transmitter.
Your panel of switches may not appear exactly as
they do in the examples, but they should be similar.
The switch positions on your hand-held transmitter
may be labeled as follows:
A switch in the up position may be labeled as
“Up,” “+,” or “On.”
A switch in the down position may be labeled as
“Down,” “−,” or “Off.”
A switch in the middle position may be labeled
as “Middle,” “0,” or “Neutral.” Example of Eight Dip Switches with Two Positions
Example of Eight Dip Switches with Three Positions
2-72