heating GMC SIERRA 2004 User Guide

TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
(Allison TransmissionžOnly)
If the transmission ¯uid in the vehicle gets hot, this
message will appear on the DIC, and you will hear a
chime. The chime will stop when the transmission ¯uid
temperature is less that 265ÉF (129ÉC). Driving with
the transmission ¯uid temperature high can cause
damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This message will
clear when the ¯uid temperature reaches a safe level.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission ¯uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission ¯uid or while transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will
hear a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to
the off position. Press the select button to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
Audio System(s)
Notice:Before you add any sound equipment to
your vehicle ± like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two-way radio ± be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it's very important to
do it properly. Added sound equipment may
interfere with the operation of your vehicle's engine,
radio or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle's systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added
improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and to give years of listening pleasure. You will get
the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with
it ®rst. Figure out which radio you have in your vehicle,
®nd out what your audio system can do and how to
operate all of its controls to be sure you're getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your
audio system even after the ignition is turned off.
See ªRetained Accessory Power (RAP)º under
Ignition
Positions on page 2-22.
3-73

Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes ± and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system only if:
·The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
·The trailer's brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of ¯uid from your vehicle's
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won't work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
the port on the master cylinder that sends the ¯uid
to the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and ®nally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can not see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See
Engine
Exhaust on page 2-53
. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
·Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
·Keep the rear-most windows closed.
·If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See
Climate Control System
on page 3-21.
4-91

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ¯ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ¯ash, telling other drivers
you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ¯ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow in
DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission
to lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See
Tow/Haul Mode
Light on page 3-53.If you have a 5-speed manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH (5) gear.
Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need
to, a lower gear).
If you have a 6-speed manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use SIXTH (6) gear.
Drive in FIFTH (5) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with
the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off. For manual
transmissions, let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the transmission out of
gear and the parking brake applied, for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-36.
4-93

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

How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper ¯uid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it's in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-36.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
žcoolant will:
·Give freezing protection down to-34ÉF (-37ÉC).
·Give boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
·Protect against rust and corrosion.
·Help keep the proper engine temperature.
·Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOLžmay
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs ®rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
ž(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-33

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
more information on
location.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
You will ®nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46. In addition, you will
®nd a ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message in the Driver Information
Center on the instrument panel. See
Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-55.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
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 your 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. See
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
5-36

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch ®re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº under
Engine Overheating on page 5-36
for information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
Notice:If your engine catches ®re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. See ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº under
Engine
Overheating on page 5-36for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
5-37

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 GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer's booklet
included with your vehicle's Owner's Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
·Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
muchfriction. You could have an air-out
and a serious accident. See ªLoading Your
Vehicleº in the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
·
Underin¯ated 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 tires are cold.
·Overin¯ated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact Ð such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
·Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into the
sidewall. The following illustrations are examples of a
typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall.
5-76

Electrical System (cont.)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-126
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-126
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-126
Electronic Transfer Case..................................2-44
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-51
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-23
Battery.......................................................5-52
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-49
Coolant......................................................5-33
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-44
Oil .............................................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-36
Starting......................................................2-23
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-68
Engine Hour Meter Display...............................3-35
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-21
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-68
Entertainment System
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-131
DVD Distortion..........................................3-129
Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Environmental Concerns..................................4-24
Event Data Records (EDR)..............................7-10Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Express Down Windows..................................2-17
Extended Cab................................................1-58
Extended Cab and Crew Cab...........................1-55
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering................4-90
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-23
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XMŸ).......................3-80, 3-92, 3-105
Finding a Station..................3-75, 3-78, 3-90, 3-103
Finish Care..................................................5-120
Finish Damage.............................................5-122
Five-Speed (VORTECŸ 4300 V6 and
4800 V8 Engines)........................................2-31
Five-Speed (VORTECŸ 6000 V8 Engine)...........2-30
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-131
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-95
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-96
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-25, 5-28
Manual Transmission....................................5-31
Power Steering...........................................5-45
6

Headlamps (cont.)
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-66
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-64
Pickup Box Identi®cation and Fender Marker
Lamps....................................................5-70
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-67
Headphones.................................................3-122
Heated Seats................................................... 1-6
Heating.........................................................3-31
Heavy-DutyTrailer Wiring Harness Package........4-96
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-44
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-45
Hitches..........................................................4-88
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
for Gasoline Engines....................................5-41
How to Add Fluid............................5-27, 5-30, 5-32
How to Check........................5-25, 5-28, 5-31, 5-85
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-33
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-59
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-46
How to Inspect...............................................5-23
How to Use This Manual...................................... iiHow to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-32
Hydroplaning..................................................4-40
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-38
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-37
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-50
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-50
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-49
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-51
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-71
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-35
In¯ation - Tire Pressure...................................5-84
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-34
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-19
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-126
Interior Lamps................................................3-19
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-53
8