automatic transmission GMC SIERRA 2009 Owner's Guide

Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
4.3L V6 X Automatic 0.060 in (1.52 mm)
4.8L V8 C Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with
Active Fuel Management™
(Iron Block)0 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with
Active Fuel Management™
(Aluminum Block)3 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 with Active Fuel
Management™ (Iron Block)J Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5.3L V8 with Active Fuel
Management™
(Aluminum Block)M Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6.0L V8 (Iron Block) K Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6.0L V8 with Active Fuel
Management™
(Aluminum Block)Y Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
6.2L V8 Flexible Fuel
(Aluminum Block)2 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5-131

Additional Required Services
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 following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (IorII) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Vehicles without a lter restriction
indicator: Replace engine air cleaner
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-19.•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (normal service).•
Four-wheel drive only: Change transfer
case uid (extreme duty service).
See footnotes (g) and (l).• •••••
6-7

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge,
locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. Check to be sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. 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.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if
the vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is over
8600 lbs or if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-29
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
(l)Extreme Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven off-road in four-wheel
drive. Vehicles used for farming, mining, forestry,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and snow
plowing occupations meet this definition.
(m)Severe Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
Frequent trailer towing.
Taxi, police, or delivery service.
6-10

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 starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-50.
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 P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.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 P (Park).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
6-13

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the 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 N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). 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

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
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.
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series) -
Four-Wheel
DriveSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
Front Axle
(1500 HD,
1500 AWD,
2500,
2500 HD, and
3500 Series)SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specication 9986115.
6-15

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90
Synthetic Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specication 9986115.
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel
Drive)DEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle
Propshaft
Spline or
One-Piece
Propshaft
Spline
(Two-Wheel
Drive with
4-Speed Auto.
Trans.)Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879,
in Canada 10953511) or lubricant
meeting requirements of
GM 9985830.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Tailgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seats,
and Fuel Door
HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Tailgate Handle
Pivot Points,
Hinges, Latch
Bolt, and
LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease
with Teon, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12371287,
in Canada 10953437).
6-16

Audio System (cont.)
Setting the Clock.........................................3-86
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-140
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-142
Audio System(s).............................................3-88
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-18
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-21, 5-24
Operation...................................................2-28
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-19
B
Battery..........................................................5-43
Electric Power Management..........................3-21
Run-Down Protection...................................3-22
Bluetooth
®....................................................3-119
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-6
Brake Fluid....................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-40
System Warning Light..................................3-42
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-22
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-58
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp......................................5-59
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-58Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-55
Headlamps.................................................5-58
License Plate Lamps....................................5-63
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-60
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-63
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-61
Buying New Tires...........................................5-84
C
Calibration.....................................................3-63
California Fuel.................................................. 5-7
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements............................................... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-129
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-13, 2-55, 4-28
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-116
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-21
Cargo Management System.............................2-84
CD, MP3 ............................................3-108, 3-113
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-82
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp.........................................5-59
2

Electrical System (cont.)
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-126
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-122
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-45
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-44
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-55
Fan Noise..................................................5-37
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-37
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-20
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-37
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finish Damage.............................................5-120
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-142
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-10
Flat Tire........................................................5-91
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-92
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-109
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-21, 5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-19
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-50
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-37, 5-51
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-51
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
5

Time, Setting..................................................3-86
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-45
Tires.............................................................5-65
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-119
Buying New Tires........................................5-84
Chains.......................................................5-90
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-92
Cleaning...................................................5-120
Different Size..............................................5-86
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-75
High-Speed Operation..................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-91
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-73
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-98
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-77
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-76
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-98
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-93
Secondary Latch System............................5-106
Spare Tire................................................5-113
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-109
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-66
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-88Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-89
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-83
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................2-34
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-45
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-51
Your Vehicle...............................................
4-45
Traction
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-6
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-84
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-21, 5-24
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-28
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-42
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-9
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-86
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-74
Operation...................................................2-75
13