towing GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Workshop Manual

If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
ve minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and
engine performance. This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.
Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-17.
5-38

Engine Fan Noise
If the vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan, when
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch
is not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages, so you may
hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should
not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning
properly. The fan will slow down when additional cooling
is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
the air conditioning system, the fans may change to
high speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans will change to low
speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-16for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-39

(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

(l)Extreme Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven off-road in four-wheel drive.
Vehicles used for farming, mining, forestry, Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), and snow plowing
occupations meet this definition.
(m)Severe Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
Frequent trailer towing.
Taxi, police, or delivery service.
(n)Vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a
Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles
sold in the United States and recommended for
vehicles sold in Canada.
(p)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter or change indicator (if equipped) at each engine
oil change.
(q)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
At the First 100, 1,000 and
6,000 Miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km)
For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut
torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-131.
6-11

Services Provided
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identication
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or Highway:
Tow to the nearest GMC dealer for warranty service,
or if the vehicle was in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is also given when the vehicle is stuck in
the sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
at tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inated.
It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with the
most direct route or the most scenic route. Additional
travel information is also available. Allow three
weeks for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the 5 years/
100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain warranty
period. Items considered are hotel, meals, and
rental car.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
7-9

Repair Facility
We recommend that you choose a collision repair facility
that meets your needs before you ever need collision
repairs. Your dealer/retailer may have a collision repair
center with GM-trained technicians and state of the art
equipment, or be able to recommend a collision repair
center that has GM-trained technicians and comparable
equipment.
Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There
are signicant differences in the quality of coverage
afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced protection to your GM
vehicle by limiting compensation for damage repairs by
using aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance
companies will not specify aftermarket collision parts.
When purchasing insurance, we recommend that you
assure your vehicle will be repaired with GM original
equipment collision parts. If such insurance coverage is
not available from your current insurance carrier,
consider switching to another insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read
your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the
end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are all right. If you
are uninjured, make sure that no one else in your
vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your vehicle
only if its position puts you in danger or you are
instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental
frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash.
This will help guard against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
7-13

Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-45
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-6
Manual Seats................................................... 1-4
Manual Windows............................................2-16
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals...................... 1-8
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-66
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-57
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-57
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-60
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-60
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-57
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-59
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-58
Outside Towing Mirrors.................................2-58
Park Tilt .....................................................2-60
MP3 ..................................................3-106, 3-111
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.....................................................3-118
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-22
Noise Control System, Tampering......................5-57
O
Odometer......................................................3-35
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-35
Off-Road .......................................................4-13
Driving.......................................................4-13
Recovery....................................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System.................................5-20
Pressure Gage............................................3-48
Pressure Light.............................................3-49
Older Children, Restraints................................1-38
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-70
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-74
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-33
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-22
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-60
Heated Mirrors............................................2-60
Manual Mirrors............................................2-57
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-59
Power Mirrors.............................................2-58
Towing Mirrors............................................2-58
10

R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-19
Radio(s)........................................................3-87
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-118
Reception.................................................3-141
Setting the Clock.........................................3-85
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-140
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-11
Reading Lamps..............................................3-21
Rear Axle......................................................5-51
Locking........................................................ 4-9
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-11
Rear Doors....................................................2-12
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-82
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System.......................3-138
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-129
Rear Seat Operation...............................1-14, 1-15
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)..............................2-64
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-57
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-57
Reclining Seatbacks........................................1-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-15
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-33Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-47
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 7-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation . . . 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-100
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-95
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-66
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-17
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government................................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the U.S.
Government................................................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-91
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-92
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-32
Roof
Sunroof......................................................2-84
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-56
12

Tires (cont.)
Cleaning...................................................5-121
Different Size..............................................5-88
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-78
High-Speed Operation..................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-93
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-76
Inspection and Rotation................................5-84
Installing the Spare Tire..............................5-100
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-80
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-79
Removing the Flat Tire...............................5-100
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-95
Secondary Latch System............................5-107
Sidewall Labeling.........................................5-68
Spare Tire................................................5-114
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-110
Terminology and Denitions...........................5-73
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-89
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-90
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-90
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-86
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................2-34
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-47
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-53
Trailer Recommendations..............................4-84
Your Vehicle...............................................4-47Traction
StabiliTrak®System....................................... 4-6
Trailer
Towing Recommendations.............................4-84
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-24, 5-27
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-28
Transportation Program, Courtesy......................7-10
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-44
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-9
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-89
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-73
Operation...................................................2-74
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Loading......................................................4-34
Running While Parked..................................2-56
Symbols......................................................... iv
15