ECO mode GMC SIERRA 2008 Owner's Guide

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
Engine Hour Meter Display
The Driver Information Center (DIC) can also display
the number of hours the engine has run. To display the
engine hours, turn the ignition off, press and hold the
reset button for at least four seconds. The hour
meter will be displayed for up to 30 seconds, or until the
ignition is turned on. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons) on page 3-55orDIC Operation
and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on page 3-60for
more information.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has
been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero.
Press the reset button, located on the instrument panel
cluster next to the voltmeter, to toggle between the
trip odometer and the regular odometer. Holding
the reset button for approximately one second while the
trip odometer is displayed will reset it.
To display the odometer reading with the ignition off,
press the reset button.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on
page 3-55orDIC Operation and Displays (Without
DIC Buttons) on page 3-60for more information.
Tachometer
Your tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm). See “Grade Braking
(Allison Transmission
®)” underTow/Haul Mode on
page 2-34for more information.
3-36

Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn on
the ignition, but the engine
is not running, as a
check to show you it is
working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63
for more information. This light could indicate that you
have problems with a generator drive belt, or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If
you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Voltmeter Gage
Your vehicle may have a
voltmeter gage.
When the ignition is on, this gage indicates the battery
voltage.
When the engine is running, this gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage may
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading, this is normal. If the vehicle is operating outside
the normal operating range, the charging system light
will come on. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-43
for more information. The voltmeter gage may also
read lower when in fuel economy mode. This is normal.
3-43

Transmission Temperature
Press the trip/fuel button until TRANS TEMP displays.
This display shows the temperature of the automatic
transmission uid in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or
degrees Celsius (°C).
Instantaneous Economy and Active Fuel
Management™ Indicator
If your vehicle has this display, press the trip/fuel button
until INST ECONOMY V8 MODE displays. This
display shows the current fuel economy at a particular
moment and will change frequently as driving conditions
change. This display shows the instantaneous fuel
economy in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km). Unlike average economy,
this screen cannot be reset.
An Active Fuel Management™ indicator will display on
the right side of the DIC, while INST ECONOMY
displays on the left side. Active Fuel Management™
allows the engine to operate on either four or eight
cylinders, depending on your driving demands. When
Active Fuel Management™ is active, V4 MODE will
display on the DIC. When Active Fuel Management™ is
inactive, V8 MODE will display. SeeActive Fuel
Management™ on page 2-27for more information.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):Press this button to scroll
through the following menu items:
Oil Life
Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE
REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate
of the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains. The engine oil life system
will alert you to change the oil on a schedule consistent
with your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on the display.
See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-63. You should
change the oil as soon as you can. SeeEngine
Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15. In addition to the
engine oil life system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4for more information.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE display
yourself after each oil change. It will not reset itself.
3-58

Relearn Remote Key
This display allows you to match Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitters to your vehicle. To match an RKE
transmitter to your vehicle:
1. Press the vehicle information button until PRESS
V
TO RELEARN REMOTE KEY displays.
2. Press the set/reset button until REMOTE KEY
LEARNING ACTIVE is displayed.
3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the
rst transmitter at the same time for about
15 seconds.
On vehicles with memory recall seats, the rst
transmitter learned will match driver 1 and
the second will match driver 2.
A chime will sound indicating that the transmitter is
matched.
4. To match additional transmitters at this time, repeat
Step 3.
Each vehicle can have a maximum of eight
transmitters matched to it.
5. To exit the programming mode, you must cycle the
key to LOCK/OFF.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)
If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, the
information below explains the operation of this system.
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the trip odometer reset stem located on the
instrument panel cluster. Pressing the trip odometer
reset stem will also turn off, or acknowledge, DIC
messages.
The DIC displays trip and vehicle system information,
and warning messages if a system problem is detected.
If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, you can
use the trip odometer reset stem to view the following
displays: odometer, engine hours, trip odometer,
transmission temperature, trailer brake gain and output
information for vehicles with the Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system, oil life, Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) programming for vehicles with
the TPMS, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
programming, and display language.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, you can use the
trip odometer reset stem to view the following
displays: odometer, engine hours, trip odometer, and
display language.
3-60

3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the
rst transmitter at the same time for about
15 seconds.
On vehicles with memory recall seats, the rst
transmitter learned will match driver 1 and
the second will match driver 2.
A chime will sound indicating that the transmitter
is matched.
4. To match additional transmitters at this time,
repeat Step 3.
Each vehicle can have a maximum of eight
transmitters matched to it.
5. To exit the programming mode, you must cycle the
key to LOCK/OFF.
Language
This display allows you to select the language in which
the DIC messages will appear. To select a language:
1. Press the trip odometer reset stem until
ODOMETER displays.
2. While in the ODOMETER display, press and hold
the trip odometer reset stem for three seconds until
the currently set language displays.3. Continue to press and hold the trip odometer reset
stem to scroll through all of the available languages.
The available languages are ENGLISH (default),
FRANCAIS (French), ESPANOL (Spanish), and NO
CHANGE.
4. Once the desired language is displayed, release
the trip odometer reset stem to set your choice.
DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct the
condition. Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but
you can press any of the DIC buttons on the instrument
panel or the trip odometer reset stem on the instrument
panel cluster to acknowledge that you received the
messages and to clear them from the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
3-63

is reconnected. This message also clears if you
acknowledge it. If this message still displays, either your
vehicle or the trailer needs service. See your
dealer/retailer.
See “Integrated Trailer Brake Control System” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55for more information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver
door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive
gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
obstructions, and close the door again. Check to
see if the message still appears on the DIC.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning)
TURNED OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-46.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor automatically turns off. When
the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-30
for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode (V8
Engines Only) on page 5-33for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-30
for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for
operation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating
temperature.
3-65

To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for a
few seconds until a beep sounds. The radio goes to a
station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to the
next station.
For AM-FM Radio, the station frequency ashes while
the radio is in the scan mode.
Press either arrow again to stop scanning.
The radio only seeks and scans stations with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
For the AM-FM Radio, scan presets within the current
selected band by pressing and holding either seek arrow
for four seconds until a double beep sounds. The
radio goes to a stored preset, plays for a few seconds if
a strong signal is present, then goes to the next
stored preset. The station frequency ashes while the
radio is in the scan mode.
4(Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service, MP3,
and RDS Features):Press to display additional
text information related to the current FM-RDS or XM™
station, or MP3 song. A choice of additional information
such as: Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT (category)
can display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired
label, or press the pushbutton positioned under any one
of the labels and the information about that label
displays.
When information is not available, No Info displays.
Setting Preset Stations (AM-FM Radio)
If your radio does not have XM™, up to 18 stations
(six FM1, six FM2, and six AM), can be programmed on
the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the
following steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered
pushbuttons for three seconds until a beep sounds.
Whenever that pushbutton is pressed and
released, the station that was set, returns.
5. Repeat the Steps 2 through 4 for each pushbutton.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to your
favorite stations using the presets, favorites button, and
steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature.
SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
FAV (Favorites):If your vehicle has XM™ and has a
FAV button, a maximum of 36 stations can be
programmed as favorites using the six pushbuttons
positioned below the radio station frequency labels and
by using the radio favorites page button (FAV button).
3-87

To quickly adjust balance or fade to the middle position,
press the pushbutton positioned under the BAL or
FADE label for more than two seconds. A beep sounds
and the level adjusts to the middle position.
To quickly adjust all speaker and tone controls to the
middle position, press the
fknob for more than
two seconds.
If the Rear Seat Audio (RSA) is turned on, the radio
disables FADE and mutes the rear speakers.
Finding a Category (CAT) Station
CAT (Category):The CAT button is used to nd XM™
stations when the radio is in the XM™ mode. To nd
XM™ channels within a desired category, perform
the following:
1. Press the BAND button until the XM™ frequency
displays. Press the CAT button to display the
category labels. Continue pressing the CAT button
until the desired category name displays.
Radios with CD and DVD can also navigate the
category list by pressing the
\FWD or the
sREV button.
2. Press either of the two buttons below the desired
category label to immediately tune to the rst
XM™ station associated with that category.3. Turn the
fknob, press the buttons below the right
or left arrows displayed, or press either SEEK arrow
to go to the previous or to the next XM™ station
within the selected category.
4. To exit the category search mode, press the
FAV button or BAND button to display your
favorites again.
Undesired XM™ categories can be removed through
the setup menu. To remove an undesired category,
perform the following:
1. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
2. Press the pushbutton located below the XM CAT
label.
3. Turn the
fknob to display the category you want
removed.
4. Press the pushbutton located under the Remove
label until the category name along with the word
Removed displays.
5. Repeat the steps to remove more categories.
Removed categories can be restored by pressing the
pushbutton under the Add label when a removed
category is displayed or by pressing the pushbutton
under the Restore All label.
You cannot remove or add categories while the vehicle
is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
3-90

Using the DVD Player
The DVD player is controlled by the buttons on the
remote control, or by the RSA system, or by the buttons
on the radio faceplate. See “Remote Control”, under
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System on page 3-113
andRear Seat Audio (RSA) on page 3-122for more
information.
The DVD player is only compatible with DVDs of the
appropriate region code that is printed on the jacket of
most DVDs.
The DVD slot of the radio is compatible with most
audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio,
DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW media along with MP3
and WMA formats.
If an error message displays on the video screen or the
radio, see “DVD Display Error Messages” under,
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System on page 3-113
and “DVD Radio Error Messages” in this section for
more information.
Playing a DVD
DVD/CD AUX (Auxiliary):Press this button to cycle
through DVD, CD, or Auxiliary when listening to
the radio. The DVD/CD text label and a message
showing track or chapter number displays when a disc
is in either slot. Press this button again and the
system automatically searches for an auxiliary inputdevice, such as a portable audio player. If a portable
audio player is not connected, “No Aux Input Device”
displays. If a disc is in both the DVD slot and the CD slot
the DVD/CD AUX button cycles between the two
sources and not indicate “No Aux Input Device”. If a
front auxiliary device is connected, the DVD/CD AUX
button cycles through all available options, such
as: DVD slot, CD slot, Front Auxiliary, and Rear Auxiliary
(if available). See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack(s)”
later in this section, or “Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks” under,
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System on page 3-113
for more information.
O(Power):Press to turn the radio on or off. Turn this
knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the volume. Press and hold for more than
two seconds to turn off the entire radio and Rear Seat
Entertainment (RSE) system and to start the parental
control feature. Parental control prevents the rear
seat occupant from operating the Rear Seat Audio
(RSA) system or remote control.
A lock symbol displays next to the clock display. The
parental control feature remains on until you press and
hold this knob for more than two seconds again, or
until the driver turns the ignition off and exits the vehicle.
f(Tune):Turn to change tracks on a CD or DVD,
to manually tune a radio station, or to change clock or
date settings, while in the clock or date setting mode.
3-97

See the information given earlier in this section specic
to the radio, CD, and the DVD. Also, see “Setting
the Time” in the index, for setting the clock and date.
©SEEK (Previous Track/Chapter):Press the
left arrow to return to the start of the current track or
chapter. Press the left arrow again to go to the previous
track or chapter. This button might not work when the
DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.
SEEK
¨(Next Track/Chapter):Press the right
arrow to go to the next track or chapter. This button
might not work when the DVD is playing the copyright
information or the previews.
sREV (Fast Reverse):Press to quickly reverse the
CD or DVD at ve times the normal speed. The radio
displays the elapsed time while in fast reverse. To stop
fast reversing, press again. This button might not
work when the DVD is playing the copyright information
or the previews.
\FWD (Fast Forward):Press to fast forward the
CD or DVD. The radio displays the elapsed time and fast
forwards ve times the normal speed. To stop fast
forwarding, press again. This button might not work
when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the
previews.
Z(Eject):Press to eject a CD or DVD. If a CD or
DVD is ejected, but not removed, the player
automatically pulls it back in after 15 seconds.
If loading and reading of a CD cannot be completed,
because of an unknown format, etc., and the disc fails to
eject, press and hold for more than ve seconds to
force the disc to eject.
DVD-V (Video) Display Buttons
Once a DVD-V is inserted, the radio display menu
shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the
pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during
DVD playback. See the tag options listed after, for
more information.
The rear seat passenger can navigate the DVD-V
menus and controls through the remote control. See
“Remote Control”, underRear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System on page 3-113for more information. The
Video Screen automatically turns on when the DVD-V is
inserted into the DVD slot.
r/j(Play/Pause):Press either the play or pause
icon displayed on the radio system, to toggle between
pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the forward
arrow is showing on display, the system is in pause
mode. If the pause icon is showing on display, the
system is in playback mode. If the DVD screen is off,
press the play button to turn the screen on.
3-98