octane GMC SIERRA CLASSIC 2007 Owners Manual

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 470. Poor fuel
quality will cause your engine not to run as
efficiently as designed. You may notice this as
stalling after start-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is
warmed up.) This will be detected by the system
and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle.
Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced your battery or if your battery has
run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for
lack of OBD system readiness, your GM dealer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
261

Service........................................................ 468
Accessories and Modications................... 468
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 469
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 469
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 470
Fuel............................................................. 470
Gasoline Octane........................................ 470
Gasoline Specications.............................. 471
California Fuel........................................... 471
Additives................................................... 472
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)............................ 473
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 474
Filling the Tank......................................... 474
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 477
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 478
Hood Release........................................... 479
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 480
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine).................... 486
Engine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine).................................. 489
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
(Gasoline Engines)................................. 491Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission®) .......................... 494
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Except Allison Transmission
®) ............... 497
Manual Transmission Fluid........................ 500
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 501
Engine Coolant.......................................... 502
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 505
Engine Overheating................................... 505
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)........ 508
Cooling System......................................... 508
Engine Fan Noise..................................... 514
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 515
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 516
Brakes...................................................... 517
Battery...................................................... 520
Jump Starting............................................ 521
Rear Axle.................................................... 527
Four-Wheel Drive........................................ 528
Front Axle................................................... 529
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
465

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Diesel
Fuel Requirements and Fuel System” in the
DURAMAX
®Diesel Supplement.
For vehicles with gasoline engines, please
read this.
Gasoline
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To
help keep your engine clean and maintain optimum
vehicle performance, GM recommends the use
of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identication Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that
identies your engine. You will nd the VIN at
the top left of the instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identication Number (VIN) on page 598.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine
(VIN Code Z), you may use either regular
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85); also seeFuel E85
(85% Ethanol) on page 473. In all other gasoline
engines, use only regular unleaded gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
For all vehicles, except those with the 6.0L V8
engine (VIN Code N), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you may notice an audible knocking noise when
you drive, commonly referred to as spark knock.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher as soon as possible. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
470

If your vehicle has the 6.0L V8 engine
(VIN Code N), use premium unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher.
You may also use regular unleaded gasoline rated
at 87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s
acceleration may be slightly reduced, and you
may notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane
is less than 87, you may notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking,
your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). General Motors recommends against the
use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 472for additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on
fuels that meet California specications. See the
underhood emission control label. If this fuel is not
available in states adopting California emissions
standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on
fuels meeting federal specications, but emission
control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on and your
vehicle may fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 258. If this occurs, return to
your authorized GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by the type
of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by your
warranty.
471

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United
States are now required to contain additives
that will help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing your emission
control system to work properly. In most cases,
you should not have to add anything to your
fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean,
or if your vehicle experiences problems due to
dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Also, your GM dealer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as
ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines
may be available in your area. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines if they
comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels
containing more than 10% ethanol must not be
used in vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Do not use
fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in your fuel system and also damage
the plastic and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you
buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT.
General Motors recommends against the use of
such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this
occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer
for service.
472

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identication Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that
identies your engine. You will nd the VIN at
the top left of the instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identication Number (VIN) on page 598.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine
(VIN Code Z only), you may use either regular
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85); also seeFuel on page 470.
In all other engines, use only the unleaded
gasoline described underGasoline Octane on
page 470.
Only vehicles that have the 5.3L V8 engine
(VIN Code Z) may use 85% ethanol fuel (E85).
General Motors encourages the use of E85
in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanol
in E85 is a “renewable” fuel, meaning it is made
from renewable sources such as corn and
other crops.
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U. S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/
locator.html) that can help you nd E85 fuel.Those stations that do have E85 should have a
label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the
fuel if the ethanol content is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM
Specication D 5798.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the
E85 fuel must be formulated properly for your
climate according to ASTM specication D 5798.
If you have trouble starting on E85, it may be
because your E85 fuel is not properly formulated
for your climate. If this happens, switching to
gasoline or adding gasoline to your fuel tank may
improve starting. For good starting and heater
efficiency below 32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel
tank should contain no more than 70% ethanol.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between
gasoline and E85. If you do switch fuels, it
is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible — do not add less than ve gallons
(18.9 L) when refueling. You should drive
the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least
seven miles (11 km) to allow the vehicle to
adapt to the change in ethanol concentration.
473

This schedule is for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits. You will nd these limits
on the Tire and Loading Information label.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 409.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within
legal driving limits.
are driven off-road in the recommended
manner. SeeOff-Road Driving on page 372.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline
Octane on page 470.
The services inScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline
Engine) on page 617should be performed
when indicated. SeeAdditional Required Services
(Gasoline Engine) on page 621andMaintenance
Footnotes (Gasoline Engine) on page 623for
further information.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle
can be dangerous. In trying to do some
jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your
own maintenance work only if you have the
required know-how and the proper tools
and equipment for the job. If you have any
doubt, see your GM Goodwrench
®dealer to
have a qualied technician do the work.
SeeDoing Your Own Service Work on
page 469.
Some maintenance services can be complex. So,
unless you are technically qualied and have
the necessary equipment, you should have your
GM Goodwrench
®dealer do these jobs.
When you go to your GM Goodwrench
®dealer for
your service needs, you will know that GM-trained
and supported service technicians will perform
the work using genuine GM parts.
616

Engine (cont.)
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 258
Coolant.................................................... 502
Coolant Heater......................................... 139
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 256
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 633
Engine Compartment Overview................ 480
Exhaust................................................... 174
Fan Noise................................................ 514
Oil ........................................................... 486
Oil Life System........................................ 489
Overheated Protection Operating Mode.... 508
Overheating............................................. 505
Starting.................................................... 137
Entry Lighting.............................................. 227
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 650
Exit Lighting................................................ 227
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 43
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner................................... 491
Finish Damage............................................ 596
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................... 353
Flashers, Hazard Warning........................... 212Flash-to-Pass.............................................. 216
Flat Tire...................................................... 563
Flat Tire, Changing...................................... 564
Flat Tire, Storing......................................... 584
Fluid
Automatic Transmission...................494, 497
Manual Transmission................................ 500
Power Steering........................................ 515
Windshield Washer.................................. 516
Fog Lamps.................................................. 225
Four-Wheel Drive...............................153, 528
Four-Wheel-Drive Light................................ 263
Front Axle................................................... 529
Front Reading Lamps.................................. 227
Front Storage Area...................................... 202
Fuel............................................................ 470
Additives.................................................. 472
California Fuel.......................................... 471
E85 (85% Ethanol)................................... 473
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.............. 477
Filling Your Tank...................................... 474
Fuels in Foreign Countries....................... 474
Gage....................................................... 264
Gasoline Octane...................................... 470
Gasoline Specications............................ 471
Low Warning Light................................... 265
664

Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block........ 602
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 600
Instrument Panel Fuse Block................... 600
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 603
Windshield Wiper..................................... 599
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.................... 256
Fuel......................................................... 264
Oil Pressure............................................. 262
Speedometer........................................... 246
Tachometer.............................................. 246
Transmission Temperature........................ 257
Voltmeter Gage........................................ 253
Garage Door Opener..........................191, 192
Gasoline
Octane..................................................... 470
Specications........................................... 471
Glove Box................................................... 202
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.......... 643
H
Hazard Warning Flashers............................ 212
Head Restraints............................................ 18
Headlamps.........................................221, 533
Automatic Headlamp System.................... 223
Bulb Replacement.................................... 532
Daytime Running Lamps.......................... 222
Flash-to-Pass........................................... 216
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps....................... 534
Halogen Bulbs......................................... 532
High/Low Beam Changer......................... 215
On Reminder........................................... 222
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps...................................... 538
Roof Marker Lamps................................. 535
Heated Seats................................................ 11
Heater................................................230, 231
Heater......................................................... 235
Highbeam On Light..................................... 263
Highway Hypnosis....................................... 399
Hill and Mountain Roads............................. 400
Hood
Checking Things Under............................ 478
Release................................................... 479
665