ABS GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 User Guide

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to
free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the
system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle
is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-32
When the transfer case is in 4LO, the stability system is
automatically disabled, the StabiliTrak light comes on
and the STABILITRAK OFF message will appear
on the DIC. Both traction control and StabiliTrak are
automatically disabled in this condition.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started. It will activate and the
StabiliTrak light will ash if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction
while driving. If traction control is turned off, only the
brake-traction control portion of traction control will work.The engine speed management will be disabled. In this
mode, engine power is not reduced automatically
and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can
cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brake
warning lights and any relevant DIC messages
are displayed, the transfer case could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin
the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and
messages are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction
in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration
may be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the system
activates, the StabiliTrak light will ash and cruise
control will automatically disengage. Cruise control may
be reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-12.
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if it
determines that a problem exists with the system.
If the problem does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
4-8

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s three
control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not
rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed
or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: StabiliTrak
®helps avoid only the
acceleration skid. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
If the StabiliTrak®System is off, then an acceleration
skid is best handled by easing your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more
limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-12

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
TheStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6improves the
ability to accelerate on slippery roads, but slow down
and adjust your driving to the road conditions. When
driving through deep snow, turn off the traction control
part of the StabiliTrak
®System to help maintain
vehicle motion at lower speeds.TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
4-30

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
The tow/haul mode may be used if the transmission
shifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-51.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, the 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 P (Park) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-36.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4-79

4. Position the jack under the vehicle as shown. If the
at tire is on the front of the vehicle (1500 Model
vehicles), position the jack under the bracket
attached to the vehicle’s frame, behind the at tire.
If the at tire is on the front of the vehicle (all other
models), position the jack on the frame behind the
at tire.If the at tire is on the rear, for 1500 models
position the jack under the rear axle about
2 inches (5 cm) inboard of the shock absorber
bracket; for all other models, position the jack
under the rear axle between the spring anchor
and the shock absorber bracket.
If you have added a snow plow to the front of your
vehicle, lower the snow plow fully before raising
the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack head is positioned so
that the rear axle is resting securely between the
grooves that are on the jack head. Front Position - 1500
Models
Front Position - All
Other ModelsRear Position – 1500
ModelsRear Position – All
Other Models
5-102

Do not clean the vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause damage to the vehicle’s
interior surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops
per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.
Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage the vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats.
For any soil, always try to remove it rst with plain
water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove
as much of the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
5-116

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-4
Accessory Power............................................2-23
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-22
Active Fuel Management™...............................2-28
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-40
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-90
Additional Required Services, Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-7
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-8
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-123
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-26
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
Air Conditioning......................................3-24, 3-25
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
Airbag System................................................1-72
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-90
Airbag Off Switch........................................1-81
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-79
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-84
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-89
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-79Airbag System (cont.)
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-80
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-77
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-75
Airbags
Off Light.....................................................3-38
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-40
Antenna
Fixed Mast................................................3-142
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-142
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Warning Light.............................................3-43
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-120
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-118
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-122
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-119
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-116
Finish Care...............................................5-119
Finish Damage..........................................5-121
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-117
Interior Cleaning........................................5-115
Leather....................................................5-117
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-121
1

Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-14
Release.....................................................5-14
Horn ............................................................... 3-8
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-22
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-41
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-76
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-20
Cluster.......................................................3-34
Overview...............................................3-4, 3-6
Storage Area..............................................2-81
Introduction...................................................... 6-2
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-46
K
Keyless Entry, Remote Operation........................ 2-5
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-68
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-45
Lamps
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp........................3-19
Cargo........................................................3-21
Daytime Running (DRL)................................3-17
Dome ........................................................3-20
Dome Lamp Override...................................3-20
License Plate..............................................5-65
Puddle.......................................................3-19
Reading.....................................................3-21
Lap Belt........................................................1-36
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-30
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-49
Latches, Seatback..........................................1-13
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-20
Exit...........................................................3-20
Lights
Airbag Off..................................................3-38
Airbag Readiness........................................3-37
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-43
Brake System Warning.................................3-42
Charging System.........................................3-41
Cruise Control.............................................3-50
8