lane assist GMC SIERRA 1500 2009 Owners Manual

Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as possible
from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.
4-9

{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 4-13for information
about driving off-road.
4-29

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
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