GMC SIERRA 2009 Owner's Manual

Problem Recommended Action
The remote control does
not work.Check to make sure there
is no obstruction between
the remote control and
the transmitter window.
Check the batteries to
make sure they are not
dead or installed
incorrectly.
After stopping the player,
I push Play but sometimes
the DVD starts where I left
off and sometimes at the
beginning.If the stop button was
pressed one time, the
DVD player resumes
playing where the DVD
was stopped. If the stop
button was pressed two
times the DVD player
begins to play from the
beginning of the DVD.
The auxiliary source is
running but there is no
picture or sound.Check that the RSE video
screen is in the auxiliary
source mode.
Check the auxiliary input
connections at both
devices.Problem Recommended Action
Sometimes the wireless
headphone audio cuts out
or buzzes.Check for obstructions,
low batteries, reception
range, and interference
from cellular telephone
towers or by using a
cellular telephone in
the vehicle.
Check that the
headphones are on
correctly using the L (left)
and R (right) on the
headphones.
I lost the remote and/or
the headphones.See your dealer/retailer
for assistance.
The DVD is playing, but
there is no picture or
sound.Check that the RSE video
screen is sourced to the
DVD player.
3-137

DVD Display Error Messages
The DVD display error message depends on the radio
that is in the vehicle. The video screen can display
one of the following:
Disc Load/Eject Error:This message displays when
there are disc load or eject problems.
Disc Format Error:This message displays, if the disc
is inserted with the disc label wrong side up, or if
the disc is damaged.
Disc Region Error:This message displays, if the disc
is not from a correct region.
No Disc Inserted:This message displays, if no disc
is present when EJECT or DVD AUX is pressed on
the radio.
DVD Distortion
Video distortion can occur when operating cellular
phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Position Systems
(GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies.
It might be necessary to turn off the DVD player when
operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle.
*Excludes the OnStar
®System.
Cleaning the RSE Overhead Console
When cleaning the RSE overhead console surface, use
only a clean cloth dampened with clean water.
Cleaning the Video Screen
When cleaning the video screen, use only a clean cloth
dampened with clean water. Use care when directly
touching or cleaning the screen, as damage could result.
3-138

Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
Vehicles with this feature allow the rear seat passengers
to listen to and control any of the music sources:
radio, CDs, DVDs, or other auxiliary sources. However,
the rear seat passengers can only control the music
sources the front seat passengers are not listening to
(except on some radios where dual control is allowed).
For example, rear seat passengers can control and
listen to a CD through the headphones, while the
driver listens to the radio through the front speakers.
The rear seat passengers have control of the volume for
each set of headphones.
The RSA functions can be used even while the main
radio is off. The front audio system will display the
headphone icon when the RSA is on, and will disappear
from the display when it is off.
Audio can be heard through wired headphones (not
included) plugged into the jacks on the RSA. If the
vehicle has this feature, audio can also be heard on
Channel 2 of the wireless headphones.
Depending on the audio system, the rear speakers may
continue to play when the RSA audio is active through
the headphones.To listen to an iPod or portable audio device through
the RSA, attach the iPod or portable audio device to the
front auxiliary input (if available), located on the front
audio system. Turn the iPod on, then choose the
front auxiliary input with the RSA SRCE button.
P(Power):Press this button to turn the RSA on
or off.
Volume:Turn the volume knob to increase or to
decrease the volume of the wired headphones.
The left knob controls the left headphones and the
right knob controls the right headphones.
3-139

SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch between
the radio (AM/FM), XM™ (if equipped), CD, and if
the vehicle has these features, DVD, front auxiliary,
and rear auxiliary.
©¨(Seek):When listening to FM, AM, or XM™
(if equipped), press the seek arrows to go to the
previous or to the next station or channels and stay
there. This function is inactive, with some radios, if the
front seat passengers are listening to the radio.
Press and hold either seek arrow until the display
ashes, to tune to an individual station. The display
stops ashing after the buttons have not been pushed
for more than two seconds. This function is inactive, with
some radios, if the front seat passengers are listening
to the radio.
While listening to a disc, press the left seek arrow to
go back to the start of the current track or chapter
(if more than ten seconds have played). Press the
right seek arrow to go the next track or chapter on the
disc. This function is inactive, with some radios, if
the front seat passengers are listening to the disc.
While a DVD video menu is being displayed, press
either seek arrow to perform a cursor up or down on the
menu. Hold either seek arrow to perform a cursor left
or right on the menu.PROG (Program):Press this button to go to the
next preset radio station or channel set on the main
radio. This function is inactive, with some radios, if the
front seat passengers are listening to the radio.
While a CD or DVD audio disc is playing, press this
button to go to the beginning of the CD or DVD audio.
This function is inactive, with some radios, if the
front seat passengers are listening to the CD or
DVD audio.
While a disc is playing in the CD or DVD changer, press
this button to select the next disc, if multiple discs are
loaded. This function is inactive, with some radios, if the
front seat passengers are listening to the disc.
While a DVD video menu is being displayed, press the
PROG button to perform the menu function, Enter.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of the
vehicle’s radio by learning a portion of the Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN). The radio does not operate
if it is stolen or moved to a different vehicle.
3-140

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Vehicles with audio
steering wheel controls
could differ depending on
the vehicle’s options.
Some audio controls
can be adjusted at the
steering wheel.
w(Next):Press to go to the next radio station stored
as a favorite, or the next track if a CD/DVD is playing.
xc(Previous/End):Press to go to the previous
radio station stored as a favorite, the next track
if a CD/DVD is playing, to reject an incoming call, or
end a current call.
bg(Mute/Push to Talk):Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on.
For vehicles with OnStar
®or Bluetooth systems press
and hold
bgfor longer than two seconds to interact
with those systems. SeeOnStar®System on page 2-71
andBluetooth®on page 3-119in this manual for more
information.SRCE (Source/Voice Recognition):Press to switch
between the radio (AM, FM, XM), CD, and for vehicles
with, DVD, front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.
For vehicles with the navigation system, press and hold
this button for longer than one second to initiate
voice recognition. See “Voice Recognition” in the
Navigation System manual for more information.
+
e−e(Volume):Press to increase or to decrease
the radio volume.
¨(Seek):Press to go to the next radio station while in
AM, FM, or XM™. Press
¨to go to the next track or
chapter while sourced to the CD or DVD slot. Press
the
¨if multiple discs are loaded to go to the next disc
while sourced to a CD player.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power
outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
3-141

AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause station
frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations boost the power
levels during the day, and then reduce these levels
during the night. Static can also occur when things like
storms and power lines interfere with radio reception.
When this happens, try reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Although the radio has a built-in electronic circuit that
automatically works to reduce interference, some static
can occur, especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception
from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States,
and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to
fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under
heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the
vehicle’s radio. This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls, charging the phone’s
battery, or simply having the phone on. This interference
causes an increased level of static while listening to
the radio. If static is received while listening to the radio,
unplug the cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The xed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged as long as it is securely attached
to the base. If the mast becomes slightly bent, straighten
it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure the antenna is
tightened to its base. If tightening is required, tighten by
hand until fully seated plus one quarter turn.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of
the vehicle. Keep the antenna clear of obstructions
for clear radio reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the
XM system may be affected if the sunroof is open.
3-142

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
Locking Rear Axle..........................................4-9
Steering........................................................4-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-10
Passing.......................................................4-11
Loss of Control.............................................4-11
Off-Road Driving...........................................4-12
Driving at Night............................................4-25
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-25Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-26
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-27
Winter Driving..............................................4-28
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-30
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-30
Recovery Hooks...........................................4-31
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-32
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.......4-38
Truck-Camper Loading Information..................4-42
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab..................4-45
Towing..........................................................4-45
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-45
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-45
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-51
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-84
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively
is to wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They
Are for Everyone on page 1-16.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2

Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your
reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol.
You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision
if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home
in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual
motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured.For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance
of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than
if the person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems than the tires and
road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of
the vehicle. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-4.
4-3

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-42.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between the
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight
of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster
with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic
and allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot
of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the
brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will still be some power
brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to
stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-4.
4-4