check engine GMC SIERRA 2008 Repair Manual

(l)Extreme Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven off-road in four-wheel
drive, or is used for heavy trailer towing. Farming,
mining, forestry, and Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) vehicles meet this definition.
(m)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.
(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 you drive 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 the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
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 5-130.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
6-11

Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-28.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-74. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-92.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-81.
6-12

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 you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-49.
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 PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
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 you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-49.
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 PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), 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 PARK (P).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your 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
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). 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

Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc.
on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your
dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle. Some
modules may also store data about how you operate the
vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average
speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s
personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
7-16

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp...............................................5-61
Center Seat...................................................1-12
Chains, Tire...................................................5-90
Charging System Light....................................3-43
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-48
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-120
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-42
Infants and Young Children...........................1-38
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-45
Older Children.............................................1-35
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-57
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................1-58, 1-62, 1-66
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-44
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-24
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-118
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-116
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-114
Finish Care...............................................5-116
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-115Cleaning (cont.)
Interior.....................................................5-112
Leather....................................................5-114
Tires........................................................5-119
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-119
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-116
Weatherstrips............................................5-115
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-117
Climate Control System...........................3-25, 3-27
Dual Automatic............................................3-28
Outlet Adjustment........................................
3-33
Clock, Setting.................................................3-81
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass...............................................2-55, 2-57
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-46
Heater, Engine............................................2-26
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-30
Cooling System..............................................5-34
Cruise Control................................................3-14
Cruise Control Light........................................3-52
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-75
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-9
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-5
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-5
3

Electrical System (cont.)
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-126
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-48
Coolant......................................................5-28
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-39
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-33
Overheating................................................5-30
Running While Parked..................................2-54
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-21
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-21
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-35
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-17F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage.............................................5-119
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-126
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-11
Flat Tire........................................................5-91
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-92
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-108
Fluid.....................................................5-22, 5-25
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-20
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-52
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-36, 5-52
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-53
Front Axle......................................................5-54
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
5

Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage.........................................................3-53
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-54
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-125
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-126
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-123
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-53
Oil Pressure...............................................3-50
Speedometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-43
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-68
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-74
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-8
Head Restraints..............................................1-10
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-56
Headlamps....................................................5-60
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-59
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-18
Exterior Lamps............................................3-17
Flash-to-Pass..............................................3-11
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-59
High/Low Beam Changer..............................3-11
On Reminder..............................................3-18
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-62
Heated Seats................................................... 1-6
Heater...................................................3-25, 3-27
Heater...........................................................3-28
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-52
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-29
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-30
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-12
Release.....................................................5-13
Horn............................................................... 3-8
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-19
6

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-57
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-55
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-55
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-58
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-61
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-59
Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors...........................2-59
MP3 ..................................................3-102, 3-106
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.....................................................3-112
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-22
Noise Control System, Tampering......................5-56
O
Odometer......................................................3-36
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-36
Off-Road Driving.............................................4-12Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Gage............................................3-50
Pressure Light.............................................3-51
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-35
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-65
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-69
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-8
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-33
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-23
Outside
Manual Mirrors............................................2-58
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-61
Power Mirrors.............................................2-59
Trailer-Tow Mirrors.......................................2-59
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-33
Owner Checks and Services.............................6-11
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
9

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-57
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display..................2-55
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-55
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-15
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-35
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-50
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..................................................5-98
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-93
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-65
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-17
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-87
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-88
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-34Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-18
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-54
SSafety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-37
Safety Belts
Care of....................................................5-115
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-19
Lap Belt.....................................................1-34
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-28
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-35
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-33
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches...........................................1-11
Seats
Center Seat................................................1-12
Head Restraints..........................................1-10
Heated Seats............................................... 1-6
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-5
Memory, Mirrors and Pedals........................... 1-6
Power Lumbar.............................................. 1-5
Power Seats................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation............................1-12, 1-13
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-8
Seatback Latches........................................1-11
11