mirror GMC SIERRA DENALI 2003 Owner's Manual

Freeway Driving
Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways,
expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the
safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most
important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the
same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow.
Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to
the freeway.
If you have a clear view of the freeway as
you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin
to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect
to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close
to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal,
check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as
often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the
traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit
or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in
your “blind” spot.
4-34

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as "highway
hypnosis"? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush
of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't
let it happen to you!
If it does, your vehicle can leave
the road in
less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
comfortably cool interior.
to the
sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat
or rolling terrain.
4-36

Safety Chains
You should always attach safety chains between your
vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road
if it becomes separated from
the hitch.
You may attach the safety chains to the attaching point
on the hitch platform. Always leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 Ibs. (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only
if:
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
The trailer’s brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes. If
everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
the
port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid
to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the floor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
4-56

Care of Your (cont.)
CD Player
................................ ... 3-84
CDS
.......................................................... 3-84
Cargo Lamp
............................. ... 3-14
CARGO LAMP
ON ....................... ... 3-56
Cassette Tape Messages
................................. 3-73
Cassette Tape Player Service
........................... 6-10
CD Adapter Kits
............................................. 3-74
CD Changer
................................................... 3-78
CD Functions
................................................. 3-80
Center Console Storage Area
........................... 2-39
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
.................. 5-98
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts
............. 1-22
Chains, Tires .................................................. 5-68
Check Cargo Lamp
............................................... 5-56
CHANGE ENGINE OIL .................................... 3-54
Engine Light
.................................... ... 3-38
Check Engine Light
.......................... ... 3-38
CHECK OIL LEVEL
..................................... 3-58
CHECK WASHER FLUID
................................. 3-58
Checking Brake Fluid
...................................... 5-40
Checking Coolant ............................................ 5-26
Checking Engine Oil
........................................ 5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood
...................... 5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-73
Chemical Paint Spotting
................................... 5-91 Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
............................... 1-36
Infants and Young Children
........................... 1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children
(LATCH System) .......................... 1-43
Older Children ............................................. 1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
LATCH System
........................................ 1-46
Rear Seat Position
................................... 1-48
Outside Seat Position
............................ 1-46
Front Seat Position
................................... 1-50
Top Strap ................................................... 1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location
............................ 1-41
Cigarette Lighter
............................................. 3-17
Where
to Put the Restraint
........................... 1-38
Cleaning Inside of Your Vehicle
.................................. 5-86
Outside
of Your Vehicle ................................ 5-88
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-91
Weatherstrips
.............................................. 5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
....................... 5-89
Cleaning the Mirror
......................................... 2-30
Climate Control Dual Automatic
..... . 3-18

Driving Through Flowing Water ..................... 4-32
Driving with a Trailer
....................................... 4-56
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
.......... 3-18
E
Easy Exit Seat .................... .... 2-43
Electrical System
Add-on Equipment
...................................... 5-95
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-95
Power Windows and Other Power Options
...... 5-95
Windshield Wiper Fuses
............................... 5-95
Electrochromic Mirror Operation
........................ 2-28
Maintenance Programs
................................. 3-40
Air CleanedFilter
......................................... 5-1 9
Battery
....................................................... 5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light
............ 3-38
Coolant
...................................................... 5-24
Coolant Heater
............................................ 2-17
Coolant Temperature Gage
........................ 3-36
Cooling System Inspection
......................... 6-14
Engine Compartment Overview
...................... 5-1 2
Exhaust
..................................................... 2-26
Fan Noise
.................................................. 5-36
Oil
............................................................. 5-13
Overheating
................................................ 5-27
Starting
...................................................... 2-1 6
Emissions
Inspection and
Engine ENGINE COOLANT HOT
................................. 3-54
Engine Coolant Level Check
............................. 6-10
Engine Hour Meter Display
............................... 3-26
Engine
Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled
Engine
Oil Additives
........................................ 5-17
Engine Oil Level Check
................................... 6-10
Entry Lighting
......................... ............. 3-15
Maintenance
................................................. 6-5
ENGINE OVERHEATED
.................................. 3-54
Erasing HomeLink@ Buttons
...... ......... 2-38
Exit Lighting
............................... ............. 3-15
Express-Down Windows
................................... 2-11
Extender, Safety Belt
....................................... 1-29
Exterior Lamps
............................................... 3-11
F
FabridCarpet ................................................. 5-87
Engine Air Cleaner
...................................... 5-19
Filter
Finding
a PTY Station
(RDS, XMTM and DAB)
................................. 3-67
Finding a Station
............................................ 3-64
Finish Care
.................................................... 5-89
Finish Damage
............................................... 5-91
Fixed Mast Antenna
........................................ 3-84
Flash-To-Pass Feature
....................................... 3-6
Flat Tire
........................................................ 5-68
Flat Tire, Changing
......................................... 5-69

Headlamps (cont.) Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-52
Pickup Box Identification and Fender
Marker Lamps
......................................... 5-58
Roof Marker Lamps
..................................... 5-54
Heated Seats
................................................... 1-3
Highway Hypnosis
........................................... 4-36
Hill and Mountain Roads
.................................. 4-36
Hitches
.......................................................... 4-55
HomeLink@ Transmitter
.................................... 2-35
Hood Checking Things Under
................................ 5-10
Release
..................................................... 5-1 0
Horn ............................................................... 3-4
How to Add Coolant
to the Coolant
Surge Tank
................................................. 5-32
How
to Add Fluid ............................................ 5-23
How
to Check ........................................ 5-21, 5-62
How to Check Lubricant
................................... 5-50
How to Use This Manual
.............. ......... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-1 3
HomeLink@ Transmitter, Programming
................ 2-35
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
.................. 5-37
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-32
I
if No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
................................................ 5-29
If Steam
Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-28
If the Light is Flashing ..................................... 3-39
If the Light is On Steady
................................. 3-39
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
....... 4-42
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-51
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard ........................... 4-40
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
...................... 6-13
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors
......................... 2-12
infants and Young Children, Restraints
............... 1-32
Inflation
- Tire Pressure ................................... 5-62
inspection Ignition Positions
............................................. 2-15
Brake System
............................................. 6-15
Exhaust System
.......................................... 6-14
Fuel System
............................................... 6-14
Engine Cooling System
................................ 6-14
Part
C - Periodic Maintenance ....................... 6-14
Steering and Suspension
.............................. 6-14
Cluster
....................................................... 3-25
Overview
..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel
7

M
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts .......... 5-1 05
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fi!!
......................................... 6-10
At Least Once a Month ................................ 6-10
At Least Once a Year
.................................. 6-1 1
At Least Twice a Year .................................. 6-1 1
Brake System Inspection
.............................. 6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection
................. 6-14
Exhaust System Inspection
........................... 6-1 4
How This Section is Organized
....................... 6-3
Introduction
.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
............................. 6-2
Part
A - Scheduled Maintenance Services ......... 6-4
Part
B - Owner Checks and Services ............. 6-10
Part C
- Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 6-1 4
Part D
- Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
............................................... 6-1 6
Part E
- Maintenance Record ........................ 6-1 8
Scheduled Maintenance
................................. 6-5
Steering and Suspension Inspection
............... 6-14
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
..................... 4-59
Fuel
System Inspection
................................ 6-14
Using Your
................................................... 6-4
Making Turns
................................................. 4-57
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................ 3-38
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
............... 2-5
Memory Seat ................................................. 2-42
..... 3-53
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages ...............
Mexico. Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico
and
U.S. Virgin Islands) ................................. 7-4
Mirrors Automatic Dimming Rearview with Onstar@,
Compass and Temperature Display
............. 2-28
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
................. 2-31
Outside Convex Mirror
................................. 2-32
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors
................... 2-32
Outside Heated Mirrors
............... ......... 2-32
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
.................... 2-31
Outside Power Mirrors
.................................. 2-31
MyGMLink.com
................................................ 7-3
New Vehicle Break-In
.........................
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ....
..... 2-15
.... 5-105
Odometer ...................................................... 3-26
Off-Road Recovery
.......................................... 4-13
Oil Engine
....................................................... 5-13
Pressure Gage
............................................ 3-40
OIL LIFE RESET
............................................ 3-54
9

OIL PRESSURE LOW ..................................... 3-54
Older Children. Restraints
................................ 1-30
Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-3
Onstar@ Personal Calling
................................. 2-34
Onstar@ Services
............................................ 2-33
Onstar@ Steering Wheel Controls
...................... 2-34
Onstar@ System
............................................. 2-33
Onstar@ Virtual Advisor
.................................... 2-34
Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
Off
Paved Roads ..................
Other Warning Devices ........
Outlet Adjustment ................
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror
.
Convex Mirror .................
Curb View Assist Mirrors ..
Heated Mirrors ................
Power Foldaway Mirrors ...
...
......................... 4-16
........................... 3-4
......................... 3-23
......................... 2-31
......................... 2-32
......................... 2-32
......................... 2-32
......................... 2-31
Power Mirrors
............................................. 2-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
.......................................... 5-27
Owners, Canadian
............................................... ii
Owner’s Information ........................................ 7-1 0
P
Park (P)
Parking Shifting
Out
of ............................................ 2-25
Brake
........................................................ 2-22
Over Things That Burn
................................. 2-26
Park (P) Mechanism Check
........................... 6-13
Parking on
Hills .............................................. 4-58
Shifting Into
................................................ 2-23
Parking
Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P)
Part A
- Scheduled Maintenance Services ............ 6-4
Part B
- Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-10
Part C
- Periodic Maintenance Inspections .......... 6-14
Part D
- Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .... 6-16
Part E
- Maintenance Record ........................... 6-18
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
............................. 2-30
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator
................... 3-30
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
.............................. 3-60
Passenger Sensing System
.............................. 1-68
Passing
......................................................... 4-14
Passlock@
...................................................... 2-14
10

Payload ...................................................... 4-47
Personalization Button
..................................... 3-47
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
.................... 4-50
Playing a Cassette Tape
.................................. 3-72
Playing a Compact Disc
................................... 3-74
Power
Playing
the Radio
........................................... 3-63
Accessory Outlets
........................................ 3-1 6
Electrical System
......................................... 5-95
Lumbar Controls
........................................... 1-3
Seat
............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid
............................................. 5-37
Windows
.................................................... 2-1 1
Power Steering ................................................ 4-9
Programming the HomeLink@ Transmitter
........... 2-35
Puddle Lamps
................................................ 3-13
Door Locks
.................................................. 2-7
Q
QUADRASTEERTM ......................................... 4-10
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
......... 1-12 Radios (cont.)
CD Changer
............................................... 3-78
Rear Seat Audio
.......................................... 3-76
Theft-Deterrent
............................................ 3-81
Understanding Reception
.............................. 3-82
Rear Axle
...................................................... 5-50
Locking
........................................................ 4-8
Rear Doors
...................................................... 2-8
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
...................... 1-27
Rear Seat Audio
............................................. 3-76
Rear Seat Audio Controls
................................. 3-77
Rear Seat Operation
......................................... 1-7
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
............. 1-24
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts
.................. 1-24
Rear Seat Top Strap Anchors
........................... 1-42
Rear Window Defogger
.................................... 3-22
DAB
Radio Antenna System
.......................... 3-84
Radio with Cassette and CD
......................... 3-62
Setting the Time
.......................................... 3-61
RDS and DAB Messages
................................. 3-68
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Onstar@, Compass and Temperature
Disdav
............................................. ...... 2-28 Id ..........................................
R
Reclining Seatbacks 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing
............................. 4-45
............................. Radio Messages 3-69
Radios 3-61 REDUCED BRAKE POWER
3-57
REDUCED ENGINE POWER 3-54 .............................................
........................... ..........................................................
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ 3-83 Remote Alarm .................................................. 2-4
Care of Your CD Player
............................... 3-84 kxr~ote Keyless EntV System ............................ 2-3
Care of Your CDs
........................................ 3-84 Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-4
11