tow GMC SIERRA DENALI 2005 Owner's Manual

4. To add cargo to the
box, remove all bows
and the back rail
and stow them safely.
To clean the tonneau cover, use mild soap and water. If
necessary, use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt
trapped in the grain of the material.
Sunroof
The vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding
sunroof. To open or close your sunroof, the ignition must
be on or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 2-17for more information.Press the rear side of the
sunroof control, located on
the overhead console,
to open the sunroof.
To close the sunroof, press and hold the front of the
control. The control must be held until the glass
stops moving, so that the sunroof will be fully seated.
With the sunroof closed, press the rear of the control to
open the sunroof to the vent position.
The sunroof is also has a roller sunscreen that can be
used to block the rays of the sun. The roller sunscreen
can be manually operated with the sunroof in an
open or close position. To open the sunscreen, press
up to unlatch it and roll it back. To close, pull it forward
and latch it to the close position.
Do not leave the sunroof open for long periods of time
as debris can collect in the tracks.
2-43

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Puddle Lamps..............................................3-16
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamps...............................................3-17
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Exit Lighting.................................................3-17
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Cargo Lamp.................................................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-18Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-25
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-26
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-27
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-28
Trip Odometer..............................................3-28
Tachometer.................................................3-28
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-29
Battery Warning Light....................................3-31
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-34
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-34
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-39
Security Light...............................................3-40
Cruise Control Light......................................3-40
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-40
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-40
Fuel Gage...................................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17.
B. Headlamp Control. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-13.
C. Air Outlets. SeeDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-20
D. Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-7.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-27.
F. Gearshift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-20.
G. Tow/Haul Selector Switch (If Equipped). See
Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-23.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-60.
I. Comfort Control System. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-20.J. Instrument Panel Fuse Block. SeeInstrument Panel
Fuse Block on page 5-103.
K. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
L. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-91.
M. Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block. SeeCenter
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-106.
N. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
O. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-24.
P. Compact Disc Changer (If Equipped). SeeCD
Changer on page 3-87.
Q. Ashtray. SeeAccessory Power Outlets on page 3-18.
R. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-18.
S. Glovebox. SeeGlove Box on page 2-41.
3-5

An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will ash in
the direction of the
turn or lane change.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows
ash more quickly than normal, a signal bulb may
be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn
signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal
a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and a blown fuse.
SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-102.
Turn Signal On Chime
If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile
(1.2 km), a chime will sound at each ash of the
turn signal and the message TURN SIGNAL ON will
also appear in the DIC. To turn the chime and message
off, move the turn signal lever to the off position.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
53(Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer):To
change the headlamps from low to high beam, push the
lever toward the instrument panel. To return to
low-beam headlamps, pull the multifunction lever toward
you. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this indicator light on
the instrument panel
cluster will also be on.
3-8

Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
It works even if your headlamps are in the automatic
position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, then
release it.
If your headlamps are in the automatic position or on
low beam, your high-beam headlamps will turn on.
They’ll stay on as long as you hold the lever toward you.
The high-beam indicator on the instrument panel
cluster will come on. Release the lever to return to
normal operation.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
with the wiper symbol on it.
8(Mist):For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to
mist. Hold it there until the wipers start. Then let go. The
wipers will stop after one wipe. If you want more
wipes, hold the band on mist longer.
N(Delay):You can set the wiper speed for a long or
short delay between wipes. This can be very useful
in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay
time. The closer to the top of the lever, the shorter
the delay.
6(Low Speed):For steady wiping at low speed,
turn the band away from you to the rst solid band past
the delay settings. For high-speed wiping, turn the
band further, to the second solid band past the delay
settings. To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
1(High Speed):For high-speed wiping, turn
the band further, to the second solid band past the
delay settings.
9(Off):To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
3-9

;(Parking Lamps):Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps, together with the
following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Roof Marker Lamps (If Equipped)
5(Headlamps):Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
You can switch your headlamps from high to low-beam
by pushing the turn signal/multifunction lever towards
the instrument panel.
Headlamps on Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on and your ignition is
off, in LOCK, ACCESSORY, or your door is open. To
disable the chime, turn the light off, then back on.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on,
the exterior lamp control is in AUTO
the automatic transmission is not in PARK (P), and
the light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be
on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps or the last
chosen headlamp setting that was used.
When you turn the exterior lamp control to off, the
headlamps will go off, and your DRL lamps will
illuminate, provided it is not dark outside.
3-14

You can only drive for a short time with the reading in
either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off all
unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will
ash when you set the parking brake. The light will ash if
the parking brake doesn’t release fully. If you try to drive
with the parking brake engaged, a chime will sound when
the vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two
parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still
work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need
both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there
could be a brake problem. Have your brake system
inspected right away.This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or may go closer to the oor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-51. United States
Canada
3-32

{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you
have pulled off the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and may stay on for
several seconds.
That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
your vehicle needs service. You will also hear a
chime sound when the light is on steady. If the regular
brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on you don’t
have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with
your regular brakes. In addition to both lights, you will
also hear a chime sound on the rst occurrence of
a problem and each time the vehicle is shut off and then
restarted. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-32.
3-33

SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-42for
further information.
If the transmission uid reaches temperatures of
approximately 275°F (135°C) or greater, the Driver
Information Center will display a TRANS HOT IDLE
ENGINE warning message, and a chime will sound. Pull
the vehicle off the roadway when it is safe to do so.
Set the parking brake, place the transmission in
PARK (P) and allow the engine to idle until the
transmission temperature falls below 260°F (127°C).
If the transmission continues to operate above
265°F (130°C), contact your nearest dealer or the GM
Roadside Assistance Center. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-5.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
vehicle while the transmission temperature gage
reading is above normal. See your dealer for service.The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Hauling a large or heavy load
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler (if equipped).
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
3-35

This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and may damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling Your Tank on page 5-7. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
3-37