GMC SIERRA 2010 Owner's Manual

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.If this happens, use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and enable the right front
passenger frontal airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.
2-89

Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See“Safety Belts”and“Child Restraints”
in the Index for additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all the
way, the child restraint locking feature will be engaged.
This may unintentionally cause the passenger sensing
system to turn the airbag off for some adult size
occupants. If this happens, let the belt go back all the
way and start again.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket
or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM
for your specific vehicle. See
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicleon page 2‑91for more
information about modifications that can affect how the
system operates.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.
{WARNING:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper operation
of the passenger sensing system.
2-90

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing the vehicle
and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information
on
page 8‑16.
{WARNING:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
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, side
impact sensors, rollover sensor module, or airbag
wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the 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 seat trim 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
2-91

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 2‑85.
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.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8‑2.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see
Different Size Tires and Wheels
on page 6‑85for
additional important information. Q: What if I added a snow plow? Will it keep the
airbags from working properly?
A: We have designed our airbag systems to work
properly under a wide range of conditions, including
snow plowing with vehicles that have the optional
Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO VYU). But do not
change or defeat the snow plow's “tripping
mechanism.” If you do, it can damage your snow
plow and your vehicle, and it may cause an airbag
inflation.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether this
will affect my airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8‑2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.
2-92

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn or
frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They
can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders
on page 4‑32for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts
on page 6‑112.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4‑33for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an
Airbag Inflate?
on page 2‑79. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
2-93

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{WARNING:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected and
any necessary replacements made as soon as
possible.
If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new
safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during
any crash may have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer/retailer to have the safety belt
assemblies inspected or replaced. If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was
being used during a crash, you may need new
LATCH system parts.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not
being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. See
Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4‑33.
2-94

Section 3 Features and Controls
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Power Sliding Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 Theft-Deterrent Systems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Content Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . 3-19
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Active Fuel Management™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Automatic Transmission Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-55
3-1

Section 3 Features and Controls
Mirrors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Outside Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Outside Towing Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Outside Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-58
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
Outside Convex Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
Outside Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
Object Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-60
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) . . . . . . . . 3-60
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-63 Universal Home Remote System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-69
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-69
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75
Instrument Panel Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-77
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-78
Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-78
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-80
3-2

Keys
{WARNING:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key
is dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer
or qualified locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in the vehicle.
See your dealer/retailer if a replacement key or
additional key is needed.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
3-3

If you are locked out of the vehicle, call the Roadside
Assistance Center. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 8‑7.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
SeeRadio Frequency Statementon page 8‑19for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or
snowy weather.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualified technician for
service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 3‑4.
With Remote Start
(Without Remote Start Similar)
3-4