coolant temperature GMC SIERRA CLASSIC 2007 Owners Manual

When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0°F or−18°C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START and hold it there up
to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let
go of the key.
2. If your engine still will not start, or starts but
then stops, it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for about three seconds.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey but then
stops again, do the same thing, but this time
keep the pedal down for ve or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the
engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should
be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to
starting your vehicle. At temperatures above
32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not
required. Your vehicle may also have an internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This
will prevent operation of the engine coolant
heater when the temperature is at or above
0°F (−18 C°) as noted on the cord.
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. If you have
a diesel engine, refer to diesel supplement
for location.
139

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and
some other things. Instead of trying to list
everything here, we ask that you contact yourdealer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission,
it features an electronic shift position indicator
within the instrument panel cluster. This display
must be powered anytime the shift lever is moved
out of PARK (P). SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 600.
There are several different positions for your shift
lever.
Automatic Transmission
140

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 255
Traction Off Light...................................... 256
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 256
Transmission Temperature Gage............... 257
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 258
Oil Pressure Gage..................................... 262
Security Light............................................ 263
Cruise Control Light.................................. 263
Highbeam On Light................................... 263
Four-Wheel-Drive Light.............................. 263
Tow/Haul Mode Light................................ 264
Cargo Lamp Light..................................... 264
Fuel Gage................................................. 264
Low Fuel Warning Light............................ 265
Driver Information Center (DIC).................. 265
DIC Operation and Displays...................... 266
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 270
DIC Vehicle Customization........................ 282Audio System(s)......................................... 289
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).................... 290
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).................... 291
AM-FM Radio............................................ 291
Radio with CD........................................... 294
Radio with Cassette and CD..................... 304
Radio with Six-Disc CD............................. 318
XM Radio Messages................................. 332
Rear Seat Entertainment System............... 334
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)............................. 347
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 348
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 349
Radio Reception........................................ 350
Care of the Cassette Tape Player............. 350
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.................... 352
Care of the CD and DVD Player............... 352
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................. 353
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 353
Chime Level Adjustment............................ 353
Section 3 Instrument Panel
208

When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will
run when the outside temperature is over
about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air
inlet may automatically switch to recirculate
inside air to help quickly cool down your
vehicle. The light on the button will come on in
recirculation.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F
(23°C) temperature setting and allow about
20 minutes for the system to regulate. Turn the
driver’s or passenger’s side temperature
knob to adjust the temperature setting as
necessary. If you choose the temperature
setting of 60°F (15°C) the system will remain
at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C)
the system will remain at the maximum
heat setting. Choosing either maximum setting
will not cause the vehicle to heat or cool
any faster.Be careful not to cover the solar sensor
located on the top of the instrument panel
near the windshield. This sensor regulates air
temperature based on sun intensity. It also
turns on the headlamps. For more information
on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in
this section.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the
system will delay turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature.
Pressing the fan switch will override this delay
and change the fan to a selected speed.
9(Off):Press this button to turn off the entire
climate control system. Outside air will still
enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the oor.
This direction can be changed by pressing the
mode button. The temperature can also be
adjusted using either temperature knob. Press the
up or down arrows on the fan switch, the defrost
button, the AUTO button, or the air conditioning
button to turn the system on when it is off.
237

The ABS warning light should come on briey
when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Off Light
If your vehicle has the
Traction Assist System,
this light should
come on briey when
you turn the ignition
to RUN.
If the light does not come on then, the system
may require service. Have it xed so it will be there
to warn you if the system is turned off.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you are
driving, there may be a problem with your Traction
Assist System and your vehicle may need
service. When this light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your
vehicle is working. During a majority of the
operation, the gage will read 210°F (100°C) or
less. If you are pulling a load or going up hills, it is
normal for the temperature to uctuate and
approach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the gage
reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates that
the cooling system is working beyond its
capacity.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 505.
United StatesCanada
256

DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver’s door is not fully closed, this message
will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. 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. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will
acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle does not have the four
DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this
message will appear in the DIC. Turn off the
air conditioning. If the message is still on, or if the
engine coolant temperature gage continues to
rise, pull the vehicle over when it is safe to do so.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 256for more information. Stop the vehicle
and let the engine idle in PARK (P) for a few
minutes, or NEUTRAL with the parking brake set
for manual transmissions, to allow the coolant
to reach a safe temperature. This message
will clear when the coolant temperature drops to
safe operating temperature.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
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.
Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 505for more information.
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation, this message
will appear in the DIC and you will hear a chime.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This
message will clear when the engine has cooled to
a safe operating temperature.
273

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger’s door is not fully closed, this
message will appear on the display and you will
hear a chime. 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. Pressing any of the four DIC
buttons will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display. If your vehicle does not
have the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
odometer reset stem will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display.
RANGE SHIFT INHIBITED
(Allison Transmission®Only)
If the transmission is unable to shift into a selected
gear, this message will appear on the DIC. The
electronic shift position indicator on the instrument
panel cluster may blink when this occurs. To
make the vehicle shift to the requested gear, you
may have to shift back to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) and re-select the desired gear.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed when the cooling
system temperature gets too hot and the engine
further enters the engine coolant protection mode.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 505for further
information.
This message will also display when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. Reduced engine
power can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no reduction
in performance, proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at
a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
276

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.
If you have an automatic transmission, 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 264.
If you have a 5-speed manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to use
FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear
(or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, consider the following: Engine coolant at
or near sea level will boil at a lower temperature
than at higher altitudes. If you turn your engine off
immediately after towing at high altitude 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 automatic transmission in
PARK (P) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off. For manual transmissions, let the
engine run while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission out of gear and the
parking brake applied, for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, seeEngine Overheating on page 505.
453

How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does
not reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it
is in place in the reservoir. See the instructions on
the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever
occurs rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 505.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down
to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at
the rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
502

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the surge tank,
but only when the engine is cool. SeeCooling
System on page 508.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant
on hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 480for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 256.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE
OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) on the instrument panel. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 270.
505