power steering GMC SIERRA 2009 User Guide

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

Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, decide if it is too steep to
climb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hard to
judge. On a very small hill, for example, there may be
a smooth, constant incline with only a small change in
elevation where you can easily see all the way to the top.
On a large hill, the incline may get steeper as you near
the top, but you might not see this because the crest of
the hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs.
Consider this as you approach a hill:
Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get
sharply steeper in places?
Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the
surface cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you
will not have to make turning maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your
path, such as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts?
What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and
walk the hill if you do not know. It is the smart
way to nd out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have
ruts, gullies, troughs, and exposed rocks because
they are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive up the hill:
Use a low gear and get a rm grip on the steering
wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
speed. Not using more power than needed can
avoid spinning the wheels or sliding.
{CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills,
always try to go straight up.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.
If the path twists and turns, you might want to
nd another route.
Ease up on the speed as you approach the top of
the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to be more visible to
approaching traffic on trails or hills.
4-18

Trailer Brake Control Panel
A. Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
B. Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons
The ITBC system has a control panel located on
the instrument panel to the left of the steering column.
SeeInstrument Panel Overview (Base/Uplevel version)on page 3-4orInstrument Panel Overview (Premium
version) on page 3-6for more information on location.
The control panel allows adjustment to the amount of
output, referred to as trailer gain, available to the electric
trailer brakes and allows manual application of the trailer
brakes. The Trailer Brake Control Panel is used along
with the Trailer Brake Display Page on the DIC to adjust
and display power output to the trailer brakes.
Trailer Brake DIC Display Page
The ITBC system displays messages into the vehicle’s
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-66for more information.
The display page indicates Trailer Gain setting, power
output to the electric trailer brakes, trailer connection
and system operational status.
4-72

Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are included with the vehicle as
part of the trailer wiring package. These provisions are
for an electric brake controller. The instrument panel
contains blunt cut wires behind the steering column for
the trailer brake controller. The harness contains the
following wires:
Dark Blue: Brake Signal to Trailer Connector
Red/Black: Battery
Light Blue/White: Brake Switch
White: Ground
It should be installed by your dealer/retailer or a
qualied service center.
If the vehicle is equipped with an ITBC, the blunt cuts
exist, but are not connected further in the harness.
If an aftermarket trailer brake controller is installed,
the ITBC must be disconnected. Do not power
both ITBC and aftermarket controllers to control
the trailer brakes at the same time.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery provision can be used to supply
electrical power to additional equipment that may be
added, such as a slide-in camper. If the vehicle has this
provision, this relay will be located on the drivers side of
the vehicle, next to the underhood electrical center.Be sure to follow the proper installation instructions
that are included with any electrical equipment that
is installed.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not use equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating for the auxiliary battery provision.
Trailer Recommendations
Subtract the hitch loads from the Cargo Weight Rating
(CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of the load the
vehicle can carry. It does not include the weight of the
people inside, but you can gure about 150 lbs. (68 kg)
for each passenger. The total cargo load must not be
more than the vehicles CWR.
Weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached, so
the GVWR or GAWR are not exceeded. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without
the spring bars in place.
The best performance is obtained by correctly spreading
out the weight of the load and choosing the correct
hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.
4-84

Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements.............................................5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-7
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)...........................................5-24
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-34
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-37
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-49
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Noise Control System.....................................5-54
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-54
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-55
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 5-28.
C. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-44.
D.Battery on page 5-43.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission) on page 5-21orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed Transmission) on
page 5-24.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-44.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-38.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-40.L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-126.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil” in the
DURAMAX®Diesel manual.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid
level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-15.
5-38

(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as
shown in item C of the light truck (LT-Metric) tire
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certied to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
5-70

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse
block access door is
located on the driver side
edge of the instrument
panel.
Pull off the cover to access the fuse block.
The vehicle may not use all of the fuses shown.
Fuses Usage
1 Rear Seats
2 Rear Accessory Power Outlet
3 Steering Wheel Controls Backlight
4 Driver Door Module
5-123

Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The center instrument panel fuse block is located
underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.
Top View
Harness
ConnectorUsage
BODY 2 Body Harness Connector 2
BODY 1 Body Harness Connector 1
BODY 3 Body Harness Connector 3
Harness
ConnectorUsage
HEADLINER 3 Headliner Harness Connector 3
HEADLINER 2 Headliner Harness Connector 2
HEADLINER 1 Headliner Harness Connector 1
SEO/UPFITTERSpecial Equipment Option Uptter
Harness Connector
Circuit Breaker Usage
CB1Passenger Side Power Window
Circuit Breaker
CB2 Passenger Seat Circuit Breaker
CB3 Driver Seat Circuit Breaker
CB4 Rear Sliding Window
5-125