wheel GMC SIERRA 2004 Owners Manual

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Extended Cab Long Box HD (4WD)**
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs. (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs. (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
K-2500 Crew Cab Short Box HD (4WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs. (5 443 kg)
12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg)20,000 lbs. (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs.
(1 133 kg) maximum.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-2500 Crew Cab Long Box HD (4WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,700 lbs. (4 399 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V83.73
4.1012,000 lbs. (5 443kg)
12,000 lbs. (5 443kg)20,000 lbs. (9 072 kg)
22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 2,500 lbs.
(1 133 kg) maximum.
4-83

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-3500 Extended Cab (2WD)
6000 V8 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 445 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,400 lbs. (6 985 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
C-3500 Crew Cab (2WD)*
6000 V8 4.10 9,600 lbs. (4 354 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 4.10 15,200 lbs. (6 894 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel 3.73 15,000 lbs. (6 803 kg)** 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs.
(1 587 kg) maximum.
** Limited to 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) with weight distributing hitch.
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Regular Cab (4WD)
6000 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 9,900 lbs. (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 10,100 lbs. (4 581 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Dual Rear
Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
4-84

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
6.6L V8 Single Rear
Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
K-3500 Extended Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 9,500 lbs. (4 309 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
6000 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 9,700 lbs. (4 399 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
8100 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Dual
Rear Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
* Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs.
(1 587 kg) maximum.
4-85

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
K-3500 Crew Cab (4WD)*
6000 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 9,300 lbs. (4 218 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
6000 V8 Single Rear
Wheel4.10 9,500 lbs. (4 309 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)
8100 V8 Dual Rear
Wheel4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
6.6L V8 Diesel Single
Rear Wheel3.73 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 22,000 lbs. (9 979 kg)
*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 3,500 lbs.
(1 587 kg) maximum.
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total allowable weight of the completely loaded
vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo,
equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle
should not be exceeded.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in
your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
Booklet.In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communications Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
4-86

Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 to
25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount speci®ed in the trailering chart for your vehicle.
See ªWeight of theTrailerº, and ªFifth-Wheel and
Gooseneck Traileringº in this section.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension
that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on
the rear axle.
After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them
right by moving some items around in the trailer.Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are in¯ated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on the
Certi®cation label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see Loading Your Vehicle for more information. Then
be sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
or the GAWR, including the weight of the trailer
tongue. If you use a weight distributing hitch, make sure
you don't go over the rear axle limit before you apply
the weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch.
4-88

Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers can be used with
many pickup models. These trailers place a larger
percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow
vehicle than conventional trailers. Make sure this weight
does not cause the vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 to
25 percent of the trailer weight up to the maximum
amount speci®ed in the trailering chart for your vehicle.
See ªWeight of the Trailerº in this section for more
information.
The hitch should be located in the pickup bed so that
it's centerline is over or slightly in front of the rear axle.
Take care that it is not so far forward that it will
contact the back of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box pickups. Trailer pin
box extensions and sliding ®fth wheel hitch assemblies
can help this condition. There should be at least six
inches of clearance between the top of the pickup box
and the bottom of the trailer shelf that extends over
the box.
Make sure the hitch is attached to the tow vehicle frame
rails. Do not use the pickup box for support.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. If you are towing a trailer up to 5,000 lbs.
(2 271 kg) with a factory-installed step bumper, you
may attach the safety chains to the attaching points on
the bumper. If you are towing a trailer up to your
vehicle's trailer rating limit you may attach the safety
chains to the attaching point on the hitch platform. If you
are towing with an aftermarket hitch follow the trailer
or hitch manufacturer's recommendation for attaching
safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so
you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
4-90

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the ¯oor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-92

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet for an automatic transmission, or into
gear for a manual transmission.
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. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or REVERSE (R) for a
manual transmission.5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
NEUTRAL.
6. Release the regular brakes.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake ®rmly set. Your vehicle
can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow.
Always put the shift lever fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake ®rmly set.
If the transfer case on four-wheel-drive vehicles
is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear Ð not in
NEUTRAL.
4-94

The eight-wire harness contains the following trailer
circuits:
·Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
·Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
·Brown: Taillamps
·White: Ground
·Light Green: Back-up Lamps
·Light Blue: CHMSL
·Red: Battery Feed
·Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes, you can
get a jumper harness (electric trailer brake control)
with a trailer battery feed fuse from your dealer.
If you need to tow a light-duty trailer with a standard
four-way round pin connector you can also get an
adapter from your dealer.
Camper/Fifth-Wheel Trailer Wiring Package
The eight-wire camper harness is located under the
front edge of the pickup box on the driver's side of the
vehicle, attached to the frame bracket. A connector
will have to be added to the wiring harness which
connects to the camper.
The eight-wire harness contains the following
camper/trailer circuits:
·Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
·Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
·Brown: Taillamps
·White: Ground
·Light Green: Back-up Lamps
·Light Blue: Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL)
·Red: Battery Feed
·Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
4-97

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmission
ž) ..........................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Allison
Transmission
ž) ..........................................5-28
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-31
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-32
Engine Coolant.............................................5-33
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-36
Engine Overheating.......................................5-36Cooling System............................................5-39
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-44
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-45
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-46
Brakes........................................................5-48
Battery........................................................5-52
Jump Starting...............................................5-53
Rear Axle.......................................................5-59
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-60
Noise Control System.....................................5-62
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-62
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-64
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-64
Headlamps..................................................5-64
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-66
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-67
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp.............................................5-69
Pickup Box Identi®cation and Fender Marker
Lamps.....................................................5-70
Taillamps.....................................................5-71
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-74
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1