tailgate GMC SIERRA 2008 Owner's Manual

Safety Belts
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety
belts properly. It also tells you some things you should
not do with safety belts.
{CAUTION:
Do not let anyone ride where he or she cannot
wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a
crash and you are not wearing a safety belt,
your injuries can be much worse. You can hit
things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected
from it and be seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be, if you are
buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt,
and check that your passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
{CAUTION:
People riding on the tailgate (if equipped) can
easily lose their balance and fall even when
the vehicle is operated at low speeds. Falling
from a moving vehicle may result in serious
injuries or death.
{CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not
allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and safety
belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a safety belt properly.
Your vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle your
safety belts. SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-37.
1-14

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Rear Doors..................................................2-13
Tailgate.......................................................2-14
Windows........................................................2-15
Manual Windows..........................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-16
Power Sliding Rear Window...........................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-20
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-20
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-22
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-22
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-23
Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Fast Idle System..........................................2-25
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-26
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-26
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-27
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-28
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-34
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................2-36
Parking Brake..............................................2-49
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-50
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-52
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-53
Engine Exhaust............................................2-53
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-54
Mirrors...........................................................2-55
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-55
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-55
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display..............2-57
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-58
Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors............................2-59
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-59
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.....................2-61
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Tailgate
{CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride on the
tailgate, even when the vehicle is operated at
low speeds. People riding on the tailgate can
easily lose their balance and fall in response to
vehicle maneuvers. Falling from a moving
vehicle may result in serious injuries or death.
Do not allow people to ride on the tailgate. Be
sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
On vehicles with a lock on the tailgate, use the key to
lock or unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling
the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, rmly push it upward until it
latches.
After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards
you to be sure it latches securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate can be removed to allow for different loading
situations. Although the tailgate can be removed without
assistance, you may want someone to assist you with the
removal to avoid possible damage to the vehicle.
To remove the tailgate, do the following:
1. Raise the tailgate
slightly and release
both retaining
cable clips. To release
the retaining cable
clips, lift the cable so it
points straight out.
Lift the clip over
the bolt, and push the
cable forward then
rotate down.
2. With the tailgate about halfway open, lift the right
edge of the tailgate from the lower pivot.
On vehicles with the tailgate assist feature, raise
the tailgate nearly all the way to the closed position
prior to removing the left edge.
3. Move the tailgate to the right to release the left edge.
Reverse this procedure to reinstall the tailgate. Make
sure the tailgate is secure.
2-14

How the System Works
URPA comes on automatically when the shift lever is
moved into REVERSE (R). The rear display will
then briey illuminate to let you know the system is
working.
URPA operates only at speeds less than 5 mph
(8 km/h). If you are above this speed, the red light on
the rear display will ash.
To be detected, objects must be at least 10 inches
(25.4 cm) off the ground and below tailgate level.
Objects must also be within 8 feet (2.5 m) from your
rear bumper. This distance may be less during warmer
or humid weather.
A single beep will sound the rst time an object is
detected between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 8 feet (2.5 m)
away. Beeping will occur for three seconds when
you are closer than 1 foot (0.3 m) from the object.The following describes what will occur with the URPA
display as you get closer to a detected object:
Description English Metric
amber light 8 ft 2.5 m
amber/amber lights 40 in 1.0 m
amber/amber/red lights 23 in 0.6 m
amber/amber/red lights
ashing and beep for
three seconds1 ft 0.3 m
The system can be
disabled by pressing the
rear park aid disable button
located next to the radio.
The indicator light will
come on to indicate that
URPA is off.
Notice:If you use URPA while the tailgate is
lowered, it may not detect an object behind your
vehicle, and you might back into the object and
damage your vehicle. Always verify the tailgate is
closed when using URPA or turn off URPA when
driving with the tailgate lowered.
2-64

When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The driver disables the system.
The parking brake pedal is depressed.
The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep your
vehicle’s rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice and slush. For cleaning instructions, see
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-116.
A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle
or an object was hanging out of your tailgate
during your last drive cycle, the red light may
illuminate in the rear display. Once the attached
object is removed, URPA will return to normal
operation.
A tow bar is attached to your vehicle.
The vehicle’s bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled, after driving forward at
least 15 mph (25 km/h), take your vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent to your location.
If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to unlock
your doors. If you need roadside assistance, press
the OnStar button and they can contact Roadside
Service for you.
OnStar service is provided to you subject to the OnStar
Terms and Conditions. You may cancel your OnStar
service at any time by contacting OnStar. A complete
OnStar Owner’s Guide and the OnStar Terms and
Conditions are included in the vehicle’s OnStar
2-65

Pickup Box Identication and
Fender Marker Lamps
To replace a pickup box identication or fender marker
lamp bulb:
1. Press the tab from the back to remove the lamp.
2. Unplug the lamp assembly harness.
3. Gently pry the individual lamp from the lamp
assembly.
4. Unplug the lamp.
5. Plug in a new lamp and snap it into the assembly.
6. Reinstall the lamp assembly.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the tailgate.Tailgate on page 2-14for more
information.
2. Remove the two rear
lamp assembly screws
near the tailgate latch
strikerpost and pull out
the lamp assembly.
3. Determine which of the following taillamp
assemblies applies to your vehicle.
5-62

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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 see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-87.
(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 fluid and filter 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, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
6-10

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
89021677, in Canada 89021678)
meeting GM Specication 9986115.
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel
Drive)DEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle
Propshaft
Spline or
One-Piece
Propshaft
Spline
(Two-Wheel
Drive with
4-Speed Auto.
Trans.)Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879, in
Canada 10953511) or lubricant
meeting requirements of GM
9985830.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Tailgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seats,
and Fuel Door
HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Tailgate Handle
Pivot Points,
Hinges, Latch
Bolt, and
LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518)
or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Teon,
Superlube (GM Part No. U.S.
12371287, in Canada 10953437).
6-16

Secondary Latch System................................5-105
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-57
Rear Seat Position......................................1-55
Right Front Seat Position..............1-58, 1-62, 1-66
Security Light.................................................3-52
Service........................................................... 5-4
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-6
California Pershlorate Materials Requirements.... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-5
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-48
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Service, Scheduling Appointments....................... 7-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-84
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-119
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-50
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-52
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change........................3-10
Sliding Rear Window, Power.............................2-17
Snow Plow....................................................4-43
Spare Tire....................................................5-112
Installing....................................................5-98
Removing...................................................5-93
Storing.....................................................5-108
Specications, Capacities...............................5-130
Speedometer..................................................3-36
StabiliTrak
®System.......................................... 4-6StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light................................3-46
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-7
Starting the Engine.........................................2-24
Steering.......................................................... 4-8
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-124
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-9
Storage Areas
Cargo Management System..........................2-78
Center Console Storage Area........................2-76
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-75
Glove Box..................................................2-74
Instrument Panel Storage Area......................2-75
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-76
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-77
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-34
Sun Visors.....................................................2-18
Sunroof.........................................................2-79
T
Tachometer....................................................3-36
Tailgate.........................................................2-14
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-62
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-123
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
PASS-Key®III+ Operation.............................2-20
12