GMC SIERRA DENALI 2005 Owners Manual

Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor
emission control components to optimize fuel economy,
to monitor conditions for airbag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the
driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations.
Some information may be stored during regular
operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash event by
computer systems, such as those commonly called event
data recorders (EDR).
In a crash event, computer systems, such as the Airbag
Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your vehicle
may record information about the condition of the vehicle
and how it was operated, such as data related to
engine speed, brake application, throttle position, vehicle
speed, safety belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag
performance, and the severity of a collision. If your
vehicle is equipped with Quadrasteer, steering
performance, including yaw rate, steering wheel angle,
and lateral acceleration, is also recorded. This
information has been used to improve vehicle crash
performance and may be used to improve crash
performance of future vehicles and driving safety. Unlikethe data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board
systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of
vehicle occupants.
To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the device that stores
the data is required. GM will not access information
about a crash event or share it with others other than:
with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may:
use the data for GM research needs,
make it available for research where appropriate
condentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
share summary data which is not tied to a specic
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
7-9

Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to
the special equipment that can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or the device
that stores the data.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®, please check
the OnStar®subscription service agreement or manual
for information on its operations and data collection.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or
General Motors.To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
7-10

Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782), or
write:
GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-11

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-12

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-60
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-102
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-29
Readiness Light..........................................3-29
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-48
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-60
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-53
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-55
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-59
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-53
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-54
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-52
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-50
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-46
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................2-23
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-94
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-94
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-33
Appearance Care............................................5-92Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-98
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-95
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-99
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-96
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-92
Finish Care.................................................5-96
Finish Damage............................................5-99
Glass Surfaces............................................5-95
Instrument Panel.........................................5-94
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-95
Leather......................................................5-94
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-99
Tires..........................................................5-98
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-99
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-100
Vinyl..........................................................5-94
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-95
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-97
Wood Panels..............................................5-95
Ashtrays........................................................3-19
Audio System(s).............................................3-60
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-91
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-92
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-93
Care of Your CDs........................................3-93
CD Changer...............................................3-87
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-94
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-94
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-86
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-61
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-86
Setting the Time..........................................3-61
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-90
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-92
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-94
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Battery Warning Light......................................3-31
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-33
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-24
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp......................................5-51
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamps.................................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-54
Taillamps....................................................5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-66
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-112
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-27, 4-36, 4-52
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-95
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-92
Your CD Player...........................................3-93
Your CDs ...................................................3-93
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-18
CD Changer...................................................3-87
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-41
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-51
Chains, Tire...................................................5-70
2

Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-99
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-45
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-94
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-98
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-96
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-92
Finish Care.................................................5-96
Glass Surfaces............................................5-95
Instrument Panel.........................................5-94
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-95
Leather......................................................5-94Cleaning (cont.)
Tires..........................................................5-98
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-99
Vinyl..........................................................5-94
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-95
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-97
Wood Panels..............................................5-95
Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-24
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-34
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-40
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-41
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
3

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-17
Dome Lamps.................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-13
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-42
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-43
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-54
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-45Driving
At Night.....................................................4-26
City...........................................................4-31
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-32
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-34
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-28
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-41
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-40
Winter........................................................4-36
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-20
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-75
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-102
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-106
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-102
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-102
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-107
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-102
4

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-36
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-34
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-27
Fan Noise..................................................5-34
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-28
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage...............................................5-99
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-94
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9Flat Tire........................................................5-71
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-72
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-87
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-106
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-102
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-103
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-107
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-102
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-34
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Oil Pressure...............................................3-39
Speedometer..............................................3-28
Tachometer.................................................3-28
Transmission Temperature.............................3-34
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-31
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-36
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-41
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamps............................................3-13, 5-49
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-15
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-50Headlamps (cont.)
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-3
Heater...........................................................3-20
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-33
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-34
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-36
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-37
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-29
Ination -- Tire Pressure..................................5-62
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-27
Overview..................................................... 3-4
6