towing GMC SIERRA 2009 User Guide

Some delay between shifting and when the indicator
light comes on is normal.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m4m4nN
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-45
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive for an extended period of time can
cause premature wear on the vehicle’s powertrain.
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel
Drive for extended periods of time.
4
n(Four-Wheel-Drive Low):This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need Four-Wheel-Drive Low. It sends maximum power to
all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low
if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep
snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®, shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
A parking brake symbol
is located next to the
N (Neutral) symbol as a
reminder to set the parking
brake before shifting the
transfer case into
N (Neutral).
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in Neutral. SeeParking
Brake on page 2-50.
2-38

N (Neutral):Shift to this setting only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing
on page 4-45orTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-45.
2
m(Two-Wheel-Drive High):This setting is used for
driving in most street and highway situations. The front
axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel-Drive High):Use this setting when
you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads
or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages
the front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best
setting to use when plowing snow.
You can shift from Two-Wheel-Drive High to
Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive High to
Two-Wheel-Drive High while the vehicle is moving.
In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to stop
or slow the vehicle to shift into Four-Wheel-Drive High.
When Using the Manual Transfer Case

Shifting should be made using quick motions.
Shifting slowly may make it more difficult to shift.
You may notice that it is harder to shift when the
vehicle is cold. After the vehicle warms up the
shifting will return to normal.
While in Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low
you may experience reduced fuel economy.
Avoid driving in Four-Wheel Drive on clean, dry
pavement. It may cause your tires to wear faster,
make the transfer case harder to shift, and run
noisier.
If the transfer case shifter is in the N (Neutral)
position and you have difficulty reaching the selected
transfer case mode, with the engine running, shift the
transmission momentarily to drive and then back to
N (Neutral). This will realign the gear teeth in the
transfer case and allow you to complete the shift.
2-39

Shifting In or Out of Neutral
1. With the vehicle running and the engine at an idle
set the parking brake.
2. Place the transmission into N (Neutral).
Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion into or
out of the N (Neutral) position.
Electronic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is
located next to the
steering column.
Use the dial to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m4m4nN
Normal YES
Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-45
You can choose among four driving settings:
Indicator lights in the dial show which setting you are in.
The indicator lights will come on briey when you turn on
the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come
on, you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
for service. An indicator light ashes while shifting the
transfer case and remains illuminated when the shift is
complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot
make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen
setting.
2-41

2m(Two-Wheel-Drive High):This setting is used for
driving in most street and highway situations. The front
axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel-Drive High):Use the
Four-Wheel-Drive High position when extra
traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads
or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages
the front axle to help drive the vehicle. This is the best
setting to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel-Drive Low):This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low while
driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep hills.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®, shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can
cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in P (Park). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
SeeParking Brake on page 2-50.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case
to N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45or
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-45for more information.
If the SERVICE 4–Wheel Drive message stays on,
you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
for service. See “Service 4–Wheel Drive message”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
2-42

If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak
®off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can
cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in P (Park). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
SeeParking Brake on page 2-50.
N (Neutral):Shift the vehicle’s transfer case
to N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45orTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-45for more information.If the SERVICE 4-Wheel Drive message stays on,
you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
for service. See “Service 4-Wheel Drive message”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel-Drive High
or AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive High or AUTO
position. This can be done at any speed, except when
shifting from Four-Wheel-Drive Low. The indicator light
will ash while shifting. It will remain on when the shift is
completed.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel-Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel-Drive High position.
This can be done at any speed, except when shifting
from Four-Wheel-Drive Low. The indicator light will
ash while shifting. It will remain on when the shift
is completed.
2-47

If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.
For vehicles without a release handle, set the parking
brake by holding the regular brake pedal down, then
pushing down the parking brake pedal.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-42.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down, then push down momentarily on the parking
brake pedal until you feel the pedal release. Slowly pull
your foot up off the park brake pedal. If the parking brake
is not released when you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will ash and a chime will sound warning
you that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.
2-51

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if the transfer case is in Neutral,
the vehicle will be free to roll, even if the shift lever
is in P (Park). So, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear — not in Neutral. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the
parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-50for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
2-52

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For more information,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-55.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running unless you have to.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
{CAUTION:
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case in
N (Neutral) will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission shift lever is in P (Park). So,
be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not in
N (Neutral). Always set the parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-52.
If pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.
2-56

Outside Manual Mirrors
Adjust the outside mirrors to see the side of the vehicle
and have a clear view of objects behind you.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, push
the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return to its original position.
Using hood-mounted air deectors and add-on convex
mirror attachments could decrease mirror performance.
Outside Towing Mirrors
If the vehicle has towing mirrors, they can be adjusted
for a clearer view of the objects behind you. Manually
pull out the mirror head to extend it for better visibility
when towing a trailer.
Manually fold the mirrors forward or rearward. The lower
portion of the mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface
is curved to see more from the driver seat. The convex
mirror can be adjusted manually to the driver preferred
position for better vision.
The mirror may have a turn signal arrow that ashes in
the direction of the turn or lane change.
2-58

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-33.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
C.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-53.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-34.
F. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-28. Tow/Haul Selector Button
(If Equipped). SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-34.
Range Selection Mode (Allison Transmission
and Hydra-Matic
®6-Speed Button (If Equipped).
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 2-28.
G.Audio System(s) on page 3-85.
H.Instrument Panel Storage on page 2-81.
I. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.
J.Exterior Lamps on page 3-16.
K.Hood Release on page 5-13.
L.Parking Brake on page 2-50.
M.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-20.Dome Lamps
on page 3-20.Fog Lamps on page 3-19
(If Equipped).
N.Cruise Control on page 3-13.
O.Tilt Wheel on page 3-8.P.Horn on page 3-8.
Q.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-141
(If Equipped).
R. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-37.
S. Ashtray (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-23.
T.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped).
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-62
(If Equipped). Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on
page 2-26. Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Button
(If Equipped).Windshield Washer on page 3-12.
U.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22.
V.Climate Control System (With Heater Only) on
page 3-24orClimate Control System (With Air
Conditioning) on page 3-25andDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-27.
W. Power Take Off (PTO) Control (If Equipped).
See Power Take Off (PTO) in the Duramax Diesel
Supplement Index.
X. Passenger Airbag Off Control (If Equipped).
SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-81.
Y.Glove Box on page 2-81.
3-5