maintenance GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Owner's Manual

Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer 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 that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
Battery
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
This vehicle has a maintenance free battery
(or batteries). When it is time for a new battery,
see your dealer/retailer for one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-16for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
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For all 6.0L and 6.2L 2500HD Series applications,
the proper level is from 0 to 0.5 inches (0 mm to
13 mm) below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add only enough uid
to reach the proper level.
For all 6.6L DURAMAX DIESEL 2500HD Series
applications and all 3500 Series applications, the
proper level is from 0.6 inches to 0.8 inches (17 mm
to 21 mm) below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle. Add only enough uid to
reach the proper level.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Four-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these
vehicles.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check transfer case
uid unless you suspect there is a leak, or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
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A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you will need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care
not to overtighten the plug.
When to Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to change the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Active Transfer Case
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Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
A:Fill Plug
B:Drain PlugA:Fill Plug
B:Drain Plug
When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level from 0 (0 mm) to 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm) below the ller plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-15. 1500 Series
All except 1500 Series
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Noise Control System
Tampering with Noise Control
System Prohibited
The following information relates to compliance with
federal noise emission standards for vehicles with a
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg). The Maintenance Schedule
provides information on maintaining the noise control
system to minimize degradation of the noise emission
control system during the life of your vehicle. The noise
control system warranty is given in your warranty booklet.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold in the
United States.
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof:
1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance,
repair or replacement, of any device or element
of design incorporated into any new vehicle for
the purpose of noise control, prior to its sale
or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it
is in use; or
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element
of design has been removed or rendered inoperative
by any person.Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
Insulation:

Removal of the noise shields or any underhood
insulation.
Engine:

Removal or rendering engine speed governor, if the
vehicle has one, inoperative so as to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer specications.
Fan and Drive:

Removal of fan clutch, if the vehicle has one, or
rendering clutch inoperative.
Removal of the fan shroud, if the vehicle has one.
Air Intake:

Removal of the air cleaner silencer.
Modication of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:

Removal of the muffler and/or resonator.
Removal of the exhaust pipes and exhaust pipe
clamps.
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Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up Lamp 3047
Back-up Lamp* 1156
Cargo Lamp and Center
High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)912
Fender Marker W5WLL
High-Beam Headlamp 9005
Low-Beam Headlamp H11
License Plate Lamp 168
Stoplamp/Taillamp/
Turn Signal Lamp3047
Sidemarker Lamp 194
Stoplamp/Turn Signal
Lamp/Taillamp*1157
* Chassis Cab Models
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer/retailer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear or
cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline Engine)
on page 6-4for more information on wiper blade
inspection.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here is how to remove
the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from
the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of the
blade and turn the blade assembly away from the
arm connector.
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3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector and
make sure the grooved areas are fully set in the
locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-17.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty booklet
for details. For additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much exing. You could have an air-out
and a serious accident. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-34.
Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when your vehicle’s tires are
cold. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-76.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if your
vehicle’s tires have been damaged,
replace them.
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When you end this high-speed driving, return the tires
to the cold ination pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-34andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76.
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 5-95.
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 5-84.
Also seeScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline Engine)
on page 6-4.
{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.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76, for
information on proper tire ination.
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Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your
vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire ination pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is signicantly under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signicantly under-inated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-80for
additional information.
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The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-34, for an example of the Tire
and Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-76.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-84andTires on page 5-67.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could damage the Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors. Sensor
damage caused by using a tire sealant is not covered
by your warranty. Do not use liquid tire sealants.TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message
is also displayed. The low tire warning light and DIC
warning message come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause the malfunction light and DIC message to
come on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you re-install the
road tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching process was started but
not completed or not completed successfully after
rotating the vehicle’s tires. The DIC message and
TPMS malfunction light should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is performed successfully.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process” later in this
section.
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