ignition GMC SIERRA 2010 Workshop Manual

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or
kilometers (used in Canada).
Engine Hour Meter Display
The Driver Information Center (DIC) can also display
the number of hours the engine has run. To display the
engine hours, turn the ignition off, press and hold the
reset button for at least four seconds. The hour meter
displays for up to 30 seconds, or until the ignition is
turned on. SeeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC
Buttons)
on page 4‑51or DIC Operation and Displays
(Without DIC Buttons)on page 4‑58for more
information.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero.
Press the reset button, located on the instrument panel
cluster next to the voltmeter, to toggle between the trip
odometer and the regular odometer. Holding the reset
button for approximately one second while the trip
odometer is displayed will reset it.
To display the odometer reading with the ignition off,
press the reset button.
See DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons)
on
page 4‑51or DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC
Buttons)on page 4‑58for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm). For a description of
how Grade Braking affects vehicle speed while the
Tow/Haul Mode is activated, see “Grade Braking
(Allison Transmission
®)” under Tow/Haul Modeon
page 3‑34for more information.
4-31

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger frontal
airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 4‑33
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but the
engine is not running,
as a check to show it is
working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
See DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65for
more information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the
light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
4-37

Voltmeter Gage
For vehicles with a
voltmeter gage, this gage
indicates the battery
voltage when the ignition
is turned on.
When the ignition is on, this gage indicates the battery
voltage.
When the engine is running, this gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage can
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading. This is normal. If the vehicle is operating
outside the normal operating range, the charging system light comes on. See
Charging System Light
on
page 4‑37for more information. The voltmeter gage
may also read lower when in fuel economy mode.
This is normal.
Readings outside the normal operating range can also
occur when a large number of electrical accessories are
operating in the vehicle and the engine is left idling for
an extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full power at
engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.
The vehicle can only be driven for a short time with the
readings outside the normal operating range. If the
vehicle must be driven, turn off all accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner.
Readings outside the normal operating range indicate a
possible problem in the electrical system. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
4-38

Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light
comes on when the parking brake is set. If the vehicle
is driven with the parking brake engaged, a chime
sounds when the vehicle speed is greater than
5 mph (8 km/h).
The vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking, both
parts need to be working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there
could be a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away.
This light can also come on due to low brake fluid.
SeeBrakes
on page 6‑39for more information.
United StatesCanada This light comes on briefly when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
fixed so it is ready to warn if there is a problem.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal might be harder to push or
might go closer to the floor. It can take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
See Towing Your Vehicle on page 5‑43.
4-39

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is
started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off. If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the
vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes. See
Brake System
Warning Light on page 4‑39.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
see DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65for all
brake related DIC messages.
4-40

Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure monitoring
system, this light comes
on briefly when the engine
is started. It provides
information about tire
pressures and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring
System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is
significantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC)
on page 4‑51for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the proper
pressure. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6‑72for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light flashes for
about a minute and stays on steady for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
on
page 6‑76for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
4-42

This light should come on
when the ignition is on,
but the engine is not
running, as a check to
show it is working. If it
does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light can
prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This
system assists the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction. Notice:
If the vehicle is continually driven with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle's fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that
might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
See Accessories and Modifications on page 6‑4.
4-43

Four-Wheel-Drive Light
The four-wheel-drive light
comes on when a vehicle
with a manual transfer
case is shifted into
four-wheel drive and the
front axle engages.
Some delay between the shifting and the light coming
on is normal.
See Four-Wheel Drive
on page 3‑36for more
information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the
tow/haul mode feature,
this light comes on when
the Tow/Haul mode has
been activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul Mode
on
page 3‑34.
Fuel Gage
United StatesCanada
When the ignition is on, the fuel gage shows about
how much fuel is left in the fuel tank.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the side of the
vehicle the fuel door is on.
The gage will first indicate empty before the vehicle is
out of fuel, but the vehicle's fuel tank should be
filled soon.
4-49

When the fuel tank is low the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message appears. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65for more information.
Here are some situations owners can experience with
the fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem with the
fuel gage.
.At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
.It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may
have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the fuel tank's
capacity to fill it.
.The gage goes back to empty when the ignition is
turned off.
For a diesel engine, see “Fuel Gage”in the Diesel
Engine Supplement.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light, under the fuel
gage, comes on briefly
while the engine is being
started.
This light and a chime comes on when the fuel tank is
low on fuel. The Driver Information Center also displays
a “FUEL LEVEL LOW” message. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages
on page 4‑65for more information.
When fuel is added this light and message should go
off. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
4-50

Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).
The DIC displays information about your vehicle. It also
displays warning messages if a system problem is
detected.
All messages will appear in the DIC display located
below the tachometer in the instrument panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was last
displayed before the engine was turned off.
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, see“DIC Operation and
Displays (With DIC Buttons)” later in this section and
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on
page 4‑75for the displays available.
If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, see “DIC
Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)” later in
this section for the displays available.
DIC Operation and Displays
(With DIC Buttons)
If your vehicle has DIC buttons, the information below
explains the operation of this system.
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons located on the instrument
panel, next to the steering wheel.
The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle system
information, and warning messages if a system problem
is detected.
The DIC also allows some features to be customized.
See DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
on
page 4‑75for more information.
If the vehicle has DIC buttons, you can also use the trip
odometer reset stem to view some of the DIC displays.
See “Trip Odometer Reset Stem Menu Items” later in
this section.
4-51