automatic transmission GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Owner's Guide

Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2Electronic Suspension Control,
Automatic Level Control Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
Fuses Usage
4 Engine Controls
5Engine Control Module,
Throttle Control
6 Trailer Brake Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensor
9 Antilock Brakes System 2
10 Trailer Back-up Lamps
11 Driver Side Low-Beam Headlamp
12 Engine Control Module (Battery)
13Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Right Side)
14Transmission Control Module
(Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16Passenger Side Low-Beam
Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)
5-128

Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 X Automatic 0.060 in (1.52 mm)
4.8L V8 C Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with
Active Fuel Management™
(Iron Block)0 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 Flexible
Fuel with Active
Fuel Management™
(Aluminum Block)3 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 with Active Fuel
Management™ (Iron Block)J Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 with Active
Fuel Management™
(Aluminum Block)M Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6.0L V8 (Iron Block) K Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6.0L V8 with Active
Fuel Management™
(Aluminum Block)Y Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6.2L V8 Flexible Fuel
(Aluminum Block)2 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5-133

Additional Required Services
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (IorII) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Vehicles without a lter restriction
indicator: Replace engine air cleaner
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-22.•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid
and lter (normal service).•
Four-wheel drive only: Change transfer
case uid (extreme duty service).
See footnotes (g) and (l).• •••••
6-7

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking the
Restraint Systems on page 1-91.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door
hinge, locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose
is unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer case output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the transfer case and should
be replaced.(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is
over 8600 lbs or if the vehicle is mainly driven under
one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-32
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one,
works properly. Replace as needed.
6-10

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-50.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-50.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.
6-13

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only
when the shift lever is in P (Park).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and the transmission
in N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care
to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
6-14

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the maintenance schedule section in the
DURAMAX
®Diesel manual.
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certied for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-32.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967,
in Canada 89021320).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series) –
Four-Wheel
DriveSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
6-15

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Front Axle
(1500,
2500 HD,
and 3500 HD
Series)SAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specication 9986115.
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specication 9986115.
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel
Drive)DEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle
Propshaft
Spline or
One-Piece
Propshaft
Spline
(Two-Wheel
Drive with
4-Speed
Auto. Trans.)Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879,
in Canada 10953511) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of GM 9985830.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Tailgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seats,
and Fuel
Door HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Tailgate Handle
Pivot Points,
Hinges, Latch
Bolt, and
LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with
Teon, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12371287,
in Canada 10953437).
6-16

Appearance Care (cont.)
Tires........................................................5-121
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-122
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-118
Weatherstrips............................................5-118
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-120
Ashtray.........................................................3-23
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 7-7
Audio System.................................................3-84
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-140
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-118
Setting the Clock.........................................3-85
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-142
Audio System(s).............................................3-87
Audio Systems
Radio Reception........................................3-141
Rear Seat (RSA).......................................3-138
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-140
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-18
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-24, 5-27
Operation...................................................2-28
Auxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp....................................3-19
Axle, Rear.....................................................5-51B
Battery..........................................................5-45
Electric Power Management..........................3-21
Run-Down Protection...................................3-22
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................6-18
Bluetooth
®....................................................3-118
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-6
Pedal and Adjustable Throttle........................2-26
Brake Fluid....................................................5-41
Brakes..........................................................5-41
Antilock....................................................... 4-5
Parking......................................................2-50
System Warning Light..................................3-42
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-22
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-66
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp......................................5-62
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-19
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-61
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-58
Headlamps.................................................5-61
2

Engine (cont.)
Coolant......................................................5-32
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-44
Cooling System...........................................5-30
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Exhaust.....................................................2-55
Fan Noise..................................................5-39
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-17
Oil Life System...........................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-38
Overheating................................................5-36
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Exit Lighting...................................................3-20
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-37
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finish Damage.............................................5-121
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-142
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-10
Flat Tire........................................................5-93
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-94
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-110
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-24, 5-27
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-19
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-50
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-53
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-51
Front Axle......................................................5-56
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-8
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-9
Economy Driving........................................... 4-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-13
Filling the Tank...........................................5-11
Fuels in Foreign Countries............................5-10
Gage .........................................................3-51
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-7
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-7
Low Fuel Warning Light................................3-52
Fuel Management, Active.................................2-28
6