wheel torque GMC SIERRA CLASSIC 2007 Owners Manual

See “Range Selection Mode” later in this section.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It
is the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. If
your vehicle has the Allison Transmission
®, with the
Power Take-Off (PTO), use PARK (P) when
starting. The Allison Transmission
®has a park pawl
that is designed to hold the weight of commercial
medium duty trucks. Therefore, the Allison
Transmission
®uses larger parts than other
automatic transmissions. These larger parts may
sometimes make a clunking noise when the
selector lever is moved from DRIVE (D) or
REVERSE (R) to PARK (P). This is normal and
there is no damage occurring during these shifts.
When parked on a hill, especially with a heavy load,you may notice an increase in the effort to shift out
of Park. See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
underShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 170for more information.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 170. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 429.
Allison Transmission®
141

Low Traction Mode
(Allison Transmission®)
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®diesel engine
and the Allison Transmission®,ithasaLow
Traction Mode that assists in vehicle acceleration
when road conditions are slippery, such as
with ice or snow. While at a stop, selecting the
second gear range using the Range Selection
system, will allow the Allison Transmission
®to limit
torque to the wheels after it detects wheel slip,
preventing the tires from spinning.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be covered by
your warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin
the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Cold Weather Operation
(Allison Transmission®)
On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder,
your automatic transmission is designed to shift
differently. The transmission uses a warm-up mode
shift schedule until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. While the transmission is
in warm-up mode it is normal for transmission
upshifts to be delayed or held longer. This feature
improves heater performance by giving quicker
vehicle warm-ups.
When temperatures are below−13°F (−25°C), the
transmission will prevent certain operations to
protect against damage. When active the DIC will
display the message “Trans in Warm-up”.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 270for
more information.
146

A 4WD indicator light
comes on when you
shift into four-wheel
drive and the front axle
engages. See
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
on page 263.
Some delay between shifting and when the
indicator light comes on is normal.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2H 4H 4L N
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 424or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 423for further
information.
An indicator light near the lever shows you the
transfer case settings:
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended period of time
may cause premature wear on your vehicle’s
powertrain. Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in four-wheel drive for extended
periods of time.
4L (Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You
may never need 4L. It sends maximum power to
all four wheels. You might choose 4L if you
are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep
snow, and while climbing or descending steep
hills. When operating in 4L, the gear ratio provides
additional torque when compared to 4H. The
transmission gear shift feel will be exaggerated.
154

2m(Two-Wheel Drive High):This setting is
used for driving in most street and highway
situations. Your front axle is not engaged in
two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the best
fuel economy.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL
can cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or
someone else could be seriously injured.
Be sure to set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
SeeParking Brake on page 169.
N (NEUTRAL):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
N (NEUTRAL) only when towing your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 424or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 423for more
information.4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):Use this setting
when you need extra traction, such a on snowy
or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
This setting also engages your front axle to help
drive the vehicle. This is the best setting to
use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):This setting also
engages the front axle and delivers extra
torque. You may never need Four-Wheel Drive
Low. It sends maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low if
you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud,
deep snow, and while climbing or descending
steep hills. When operating in Four-Wheel Drive
Low, the gear ratio provides additional torque
when compared to Four-Wheel Drive High. The
transmission gear shift feel will be exaggerated.
If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 270for further
information.
159

{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL
can cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or
someone else could be seriously injured.
Be sure to set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
SeeParking Brake on page 169.
(N) NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 424or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 423for more
information.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):This setting
engages the front axle to help drive your vehicle.
Use Four-Wheel Drive High when you need
extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads, or in
most off-road situations.4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):This setting also
engages your front axle to give you extra
traction. You may never need Four-Wheel Drive
Low. It sends the maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low
if you were driving off-road in sand, mud or
deep snow and while climbing or descending steep
hills. When operating in Four-Wheel Drive Low,
the gear ratio provides additional torque when
compared to Four-Wheel Drive High. The
transmission gear shift feel will be exaggerated.
Shifting from Two-Wheel Drive High
to Four-Wheel Drive High
Press and release the Four-Wheel Drive High
switch. This can be done at any speed. The front
axle will lock automatically with some delay.
Shifting from Four-Wheel Drive High to
Two-Wheel Drive High
Press and release the Two-Wheel Drive High
switch. This can be done at any speed. The front
axle will unlock automatically with some delay.
165

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and your
transfer case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle
will be free to roll, even if your shift lever
is in PARK (P). So be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, it could overheat and
even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)
and the parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift lever into
PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away
from PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift
your transmission into PARK (P) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much force
on the parking pawl in the transmission. You
may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever out
of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave
the driver’s seat. To nd out how, see “Shifting Into
PARK (P)” listed earlier in this section.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever
out of PARK (P) before you release the parking
brake.
171

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and may have
rear drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the
brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound may come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving, except when you
are pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause
a brake squeal when the brakes are rst applied or
lightly applied. This does not mean something is
wrong with your brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten
wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM torque
specications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake
rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings
inspected immediately. Rear brake drums should
be removed and inspected each time the tires
are removed for rotation or changing. Drum brakes
have an inspection hole to inspect lining wear
during scheduled maintenance. When you have
the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return
to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your brakes
adjust for wear.
519

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check
tire pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are
properly inated simply by looking at them.
Radial tires may look properly inated even when
they’re underinated. Check the tire’s ination
pressure when the tires are cold. Cold means your
vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours
or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire
ination pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading Information
label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the
ination pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air by pushing on
the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, or whenever a wheel,
wheel bolt or wheel nut is replaced, check the
wheel nut torque after 100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000 km) of driving. For proper
torque and wheel nut tightening information, see
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools on page 566.
The outer tire on a dual wheel setup generally
wears faster than the inner tire. Your tires will wear
more evenly and last longer if you rotate the
tires periodically, seeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 553. Also seeScheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 617.
{CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire
that is badly underinated, the tire can
overheat. An overheated tire can lose air
suddenly or catch re. You or others
could be injured. Be sure all tires
(including the spare) are properly inated.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 551, for
information on proper tire ination.
552

If your vehicle has dual rear wheels and the tread
design for your front tires is the same as your
rear tires, always use one of the correct rotation
patterns shown here when rotating your tires.If your vehicle has dual
rear wheels and the
tread design for the front
tires is different from the
dual rear tires, always
use the correct rotation
pattern shown here
when rotating your tires.
The dual tires are rotated as a pair, and the inside
rear tires become the outside rear tires.
When you install dual wheels, be sure the vent
holes in the inner and outer wheels on each side
are lined up.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 409.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specications on page 609.
554

Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset
and be mounted the same way as the one
it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with
new GM original equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle
can be dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your vehicle,
make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in
which you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground
clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is
replaced on a dual wheel setup, check the wheel
nut torque after 100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000 km) of driving. For proper
torque, see “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specications on page 609.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 564for more
information.
561