GMC SIERRA 2010 Owner's Manual

If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is bright enough outside. During that
delay, the instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 4‑14.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the control to the off position.
The headlamps will also stay on after you exit the
vehicle. This feature can be programmed using the
Driver Information Center (DIC), if equipped. See DIC
Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on
page 4‑75.
If the vehicle is not equipped with DIC buttons, exit
lighting is automatic. When it is dark enough outside,
the exterior lamps remain on for 30 seconds after the
ignition is moved from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF.
For vehicles without a radio, the instrument panel light
remains on for 30 seconds with the driver's door closed.
For vehicles with a radio, the instrument panel light
remains on for 10 minutes with the driver's door closed.
See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 3‑23.
The regular headlamp system can be turned on when
needed.
Puddle Lamps
If the vehicle has puddle lamps, they come on when the
unlock button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
Transmitter is pressed. The lamps time out or turn off
once the engine is started.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the control is located next
to the exterior lamps control on the instrument panel,
to the left of the steering column.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position for the
fog lamps to come on.
#(Fog Lamps): Press to turn the fog lamps on or off.
A light will come on in the instrument panel cluster.
When the fog lamps are turned on, the parking lamps
automatically turn on.
When the headlamps are changed to high-beam, the
fog lamps also go off. When the high-beam headlamps
are turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps
to be on along with the fog lamps.
4-13

Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp
If the vehicle has this feature, this button includes wiring
provisions for a dealer or a qualified service center to
install an auxiliary roof lamp.
This button is located on
the overhead console.
When the wiring is connected to an auxiliary roof
mounted lamp, pressing the bottom of the button will
activate the lamp and illuminate an indicator light at the
bottom of this button. Pressing the top of the button will
turn off the roof mounted lamp and indicator.
The emergency roof lamp circuit is fused at 30 amps,
so the total current draw of the attached lamps should
be less than this value. The attachment points for the
roof lamp circuits are two blunt cut wires located above
the overhead console, a dark green switched power
wire and a black ground wire. For further information on roof mount emergency lamp
installation, please visit the GM Upfitter website at
www.gmupfitters.com or contact your dealer.
If the vehicle has this button, the vehicle may have the
snow plow prep package. For further information see
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipmenton
page 5‑36.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D (Instrument Panel Brightness) : This feature
controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights
and is located next to the exterior lamp control.
Push the knob to extend out and then it can be turned.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the instrument panel lights. Turning the knob to
the farthest clockwise position turns on the dome lamps.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or
closed.
4-14

Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the
exterior lamps control.
k(Dome Off):Press the button in and the dome
lamps remain off when a door is opened. Press the
button again to return it to the extended position so that
the dome lamps come on when a door is opened.
Entry Lighting
The vehicle has an illuminated entry feature.
When the doors are opened, the dome lamps will
come on if the dome override button is in the extended
position. If the dome override button is pressed in,
the lamps will not come on.
Exit Lighting
The interior lamps come on when the key is removed
from the ignition. They turn off automatically in
20 seconds. The lights do not come on if the dome
override button is pressed in.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps, they are located on the
overhead console.
To turn on the reading lamps, press the button located
next to each lamp. To turn them off, press the button
again.
The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn the lamps on or off, press the
button located next to the lamp.
If the vehicle has a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment
(RSE) system, press the lamp lenses to turn the lamps
on or off.
The lamps are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
Cargo Lamp
The cargo lamps come on by turning the instrument
panel brightness control knob to the farthest clockwise
position. This knob is located on the instrument panel
and also turns on the dome lamps.
The cargo lamp can be used if more light is needed
in the cargo area of the vehicle or in the top-box storage
units.
4-15

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery's temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high
speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads,
and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest
levels of corrective action, this action may be noticeable
to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. See
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome and reading lamps,
if they are left on for more than 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned off. The cargo lamp shuts off after
20 minutes. This prevents the battery from
running down.
4-16

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone.
The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets
located below the climate control system, or may have
one accessory power outlet and one cigarette lighter.
The cigarette lighter is designed to fit only in the
receptacle closest to the driver.
There may be another accessory power outlet in the
rear cargo area. If the vehicle has a floor console, there
is an accessory power outlet inside the storage bin and
one on the rear of the floor console.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the
protective cap. When not in use, always cover the
accessory power outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied to
the outlets. Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating. Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for additional information on the
accessory power plugs.
The accessory power outlets are powered, even when
the ignition is in LOCK/OFF. Continuing to use power
outlets while the ignition is in LOCK/OFF may cause the
vehicle's battery to run down.
Notice:
Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice: Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
4-17

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The vehicle may have a front ashtray located near the
center of the instrument panel. Pull on the door to
open it. The ashtray may have a cigarette lighter.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other flammable items are
put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the
ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, open the door and pull the
ashtray bin toward you. To replace the ashtray, insert
the ashtray bin inside the ashtray door and press down
until it engages. To use the cigarette lighter, push it in
all the way, and let go. When it is ready for use, the
lighter pops back out.
Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
(With Heater Only)
With this system the heating and ventilation can be
controlled.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
4-18

Temperature Control :Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turn the knob all
the way counterclockwise to turn the front system off.
Air Delivery Mode Control : Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle. The knob can be
positioned between two modes to select a combination
of those modes.
Select from the following:
H (Vent) : Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
) (Bi-Level) : Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets. 6
(Floor) : Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some
air directed to the windshield, side window, and second
row floor outlets. In this mode, the system automatically
selects outside air.
- (Defog) : This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, floor outlets,
and side window vents.
0 (Defrost) : This mode removes fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window vents, with some air
directed to the floor vents. The system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
4-19

Climate Control System
(With Air Conditioning)
With this system the heating, cooling, and ventilation
can be controlled.
A. Fan Control
B. Temperature Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Air Conditioning E. Outside Air
F. Recirculation
G. Rear Window Defogger Temperature Control :
Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turn the knob all
the way counterclockwise to turn the front system off.
Air Delivery Mode Control : Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airflow
inside the vehicle. The knob can be positioned between
two modes to select a combination of those modes.
Select from the following:
H (Vent) : Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
) (Bi-Level) : Air is divided between the instrument
panel and floor outlets.
6 (Floor) : Air is directed to the floor outlets, with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
In this mode, the system automatically selects outside
air. Recirculation cannot be selected in floor mode.
- (Defog) : This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield, floor outlets,
and side window vents.
4-20

0(Defrost) : This mode removes fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window vents, with some air
directed to the floor vents. The system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected in the defog
or defrost mode. When either mode is selected, the
system runs the air conditioning compressor, unless the
outside temperature is close to freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
:(Outside Air): Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that outside air
is on. In this mode outside air circulates throughout the
vehicle. The outside air mode can be used with all
modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation): Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show that
recirculation is on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the
air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with floor, defog
or defrost modes. If recirculation is selected with one of
these modes, the indicator light flashes three times and
then turns off. While in recirculation mode the windows
may fog when the weather is cold and damp. To clear
the fog, select either the defog or defrost mode and
increase the fan speed.
The recirculation mode can be turned off by pressing
the outside air button, or by turning off the ignition.
#
(Air Conditioning) : Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is on. The air conditioning can
be selected in any mode as long as the fan switch is on.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
4-21

Rear Window Defogger
For vehicles with a rear window defogger, a warming
grid is used to remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear) : Press to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light on the button comes on to show
that the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works when the ignition
is in ON/RUN. The rear window defogger stays on for
approximately 10 minutes after the button is pressed,
unless the ignition is turned to ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF. The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine.
Notice: Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. The vehicle also has a
flow-through ventilation system described later in this
section.
A. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. AUTO
D. Defrost E. Recirculation F. Outside Air G. Air Delivery Mode
Control
H. Display
I. Power Button
J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning L. PASS (Passenger)
4-22