5-65 GMC SIERRA 2008 Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
..............................................1-12
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-35
Airbag System
.........................................1-68
Restraint System Check
............................1-87
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-22
Mirrors
....................................................2-55
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-63
OnStar
®System
......................................2-65
Universal Home Remote System
................2-68
Storage Areas
.........................................2-74
Sunroof
..................................................2-79
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-25
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-34
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-54
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-80Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-50
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Rear Axle
...............................................5-51
Four-Wheel Drive
.....................................5-52
Front Axle
...............................................5-54
Noise Control System
...............................5-56
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-56
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-65
Tires
......................................................5-66
Appearance Care
...................................5-112
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-121
Electrical System
....................................5-122
Capacities and Specications
...................5-130
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 GMC Sierra Owner ManualM

Windshield Wipers
Clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using
them. If they are frozen to the windshield, gently
loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades may not
clear the windshield well, making it harder to see
and drive safely. If the blades do become damaged,
install new blades or blade inserts. For more information,
seeWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement on page 5-65.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Turn the band with the wiper symbol to control the
windshield wipers.
8(Mist):Turn the band to mist for a single wiping
cycle. Hold it there until the wipers start. Then let
go. The wipers stop after one wipe. Hold the band on
mist longer, for more wipe cycles.
9(Off):To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
6(Delay):Turn the band to adjust the delay time. The
delay between wiping cycles becomes shorter as
the band is moved to the top of the lever. This can be
very useful in light rain or snow.
6(Low Speed):Turn the band away from you to
the rst solid band past the delay settings, for steady
wiping at low speed.
?(High Speed):Turn the band further, to the
second solid band past the delay settings, for
high-speed wiping.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
If your vehicle has Rainsense™ II windshield wipers,
the moisture sensor is located next to the inside
rearview mirror and is mounted on the windshield. When
active, these sensors are able to detect moisture on
the windshield and automatically turn on the wipers.
To turn on the Rainsense™ feature, the wipers must be
set to one of the ve delay settings on the multifunction
lever. Each of the ve settings adjusts the sensitivity
of the rainsensor.
Since different drivers have different setting preferences,
it is recommended that the mid-range setting (position 3)
be used initially. For more wipes, select the higher
settings; for fewer wipes, select the lower settings
located closer to the off position on the multifunction
lever.
3-12

Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-56
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-59
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-59
Headlamps..................................................5-60
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp.............................................5-61
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps...........................................5-62
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-62
License Plate Lamp......................................5-64
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-65
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-65
Tires..............................................................5-66
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-67
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-71
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-74
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-76
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-76
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-78
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-81
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-84
Buying New Tires.........................................5-84Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-86
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-88
Wheel Replacement......................................5-88
Tire Chains..................................................5-90
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-91
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-92
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-93
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-98
Secondary Latch System..............................5-105
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...........5-108
Spare Tire.................................................5-112
Appearance Care
..........................................5-112
Interior Cleaning.........................................5-112
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-114
Leather......................................................5-114
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-115
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-115
Weatherstrips.............................................5-115
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-116
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-116
Finish Care................................................5-116
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

9. Make sure that the light from the headlamp is
positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal tape
line. The lamp on the left (A) shows the correct
headlamp aim. The lamp on the right (B) shows the
incorrect headlamp aim.
10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 for the opposite
headlamp.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see
Replacement Bulbs on page 5-65.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer/retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb
package.
5-59

Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up Lamp 3047
Back-up Lamp* 1156
Cargo Lamp and Center
High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)912
Fender Marker and Front Roof
MarkerW5WLL
Front Parking and Turn Lamp 3457A
High-Beam Headlamp 9005
Low-Beam Headlamp H11
License Plate Lamp 168
Stoplamp/Taillamp/Turn Signal Lamp 3047
Sidemarker Lamp 194
Stoplamp/Turn Signal Lamp/
Taillamp*1157
* Chassis Cab Models
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer/retailer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline
Engine) on page 6-4for more information on wiper blade
inspection.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here is how to remove
the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from
the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of the
blade, and turn the blade assembly away from
the arm connector.
5-65

Maintenance Footnotes (Gasoline
Engine)
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX
®
Diesel manual.
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage, and
parking brake cable guides. Control arm ball joints
on 2500/3500 series vehicles require lubrication
but should not be lubricated unless their temperature is
10°F (−12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.
Control arm ball joints on 1500 series vehicles are
maintenance-free. Vehicles used under severe
commercial operating conditions require lubrication on a
regular basis every 3,000 miles (5 000 km).(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts
as needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure
test of the cooling system and pressure cap and
cleaning the outside of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser is recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-65andWindshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-117for more information.
6-9

Audio System (cont.)
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-112
Radio Reception........................................3-125
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-122
Setting the Clock.........................................3-81
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-123
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-126
Audio System(s).............................................3-84
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-19
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-22, 5-25
Operation...................................................2-28
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-45
Electric Power Management..........................3-22
Run-Down Protection...................................3-23
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-42
System Warning Light..................................3-44
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-22
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-59Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp............................................5-61
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-59
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-56
Headlamps.................................................5-60
License Plate Lamps....................................5-64
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-62
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-65
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-62
Buying New Tires...........................................5-84
C
Calibration.............................................2-55, 2-57
California Fuel.................................................. 5-7
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-130
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-53, 4-31, 4-55
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-115
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-22
Cargo Management System.............................2-78
CD, MP3 ............................................3-102, 3-106
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-76
2

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

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-36
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-72
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-121
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-122
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-7
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-33
Visors...........................................................2-18
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-43
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-34
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-63
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-8
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-8
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-88
Different Size..............................................5-86
Replacement...............................................5-88
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-44
Windows.......................................................2-15
Manual......................................................2-16
Power........................................................2-16
Sliding Rear................................................2-17
Windshield
Rainsense™ II Wipers..................................3-12
Washer......................................................3-13
Washer Fluid..............................................5-40
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................5-65
Wiper Blades, Cleaning..............................5-117
Wiper Fuses.............................................5-123
Wipers.......................................................3-12
Winter Driving................................................4-31X
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-111
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-126
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14