suspension GMC SIERRA DENALI 2003 Owners Manual

SERVICE 4WD
If a problem occurs with the four wheel drive system,
this message will appear on the DIC.
If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn
off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed,
or appears again when you begin driving, the four wheel
drive system needs service.
SERVICE AIR SUSPENSION
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this
message will appear
on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn
off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed,
or appears again when you begin driving, the air
suspension system needs service.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 314 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will
hear a chime. Move the turn signaVmultifunction lever to
the
off position. Pressing the select button will
acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC
display.
CARGO LAMP ON
If the cargo lamp is on, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Turn
off the vehicle
and check the liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for
the message on the
DIC display. Pressing the select
button will acknowledge this message and clear it from
the DIC display.
3-56

If the water isn’t too deep, drive slowly through it. At
faster speeds, water splashes on your ignition system
and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur
if you
get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your
tailpipe is under water, you’ll never be able to start your
engine. When you go through water, remember that
when your brakes get wet, it may take you longer
+- stop.
,,jving thr,,gh rushing water can be
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle
downstream and you and your passengers
could drown. If it’s only shallow water, it can
still wash away the ground from under your
tires, and you could lose traction and roll the
water.
~ vehicle over. Don’t drive through rushing
I
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation
in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due
to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
See
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads on page 4-30 for
more information on driving through water.
4-28

The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
In the case of a sudden stop or collision,
things carried in the bed of your truck could
shift forward and come into the passenger
area, injuring you and others. If you put things
in the bed of your truck, you should make sure
they are properly secured. Do
not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can
break, and
it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash.
Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Your warranty does not cover parts or components that
fail because of overloading.
This will help you decide how much cargo and installed
equipment your truck can carry.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
If you put things inside your vehicle - like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
- they go as fast
as the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or
if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
4-46

Used Replacement Wheels
-
Putting a used wheel your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or how far
it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new
GM original
equipment wheel.
I I
Tire Chains
Don’t use lire chains. There’s not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount sf clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
CAUTION: (Continued) tire chains could cause
, -u to lose cc..-rol
of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured in
a crash. Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for use on
your vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device
if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices
that will
fit, install them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially
if you maintain your tires properly. If air
goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out
slowly. But
if you should ever have a “blowout”, here are
a few tips about what to expect and what
to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot
off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
5-68

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule ...................................... 6.2
introduction
................................................... 6.2
Your Vehicle and the Environment
.................... 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
.............................. 6-2
How This Section is Organized
......................... 6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
........... 6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
.................... 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance
................................... 6-5
Part
B: Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-10
At Each Fuel Fill
.......................................... 6-10
At Least Once a Month
................ ......... 6-10
At Least Twice a Year
............................... 6-11 At Least
Once a Year
................................... 6-11
Part
C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections ......... 6.14
Steering and Suspension Inspection
................ 6.14
Exhaust System inspection
............................ 6-14
Fuel System Inspection
.................................. 6.14
Engine Cooling System inspection
................... 6.14
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
........................ 6.15
Brake System Inspection
................................ 6.15
Part
D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .... 6-16
Part E: Maintenance Record
........................... 6.18
Transfer Case and
Front Axle
6- 1

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-73
for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and filter change.
Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case shift
linkage and parking brake cable guides. Ball joints
should not be lubricated unless their temperature is
10°F (-12°C) or higher or they could be damaged.
After the services are performed, record the date,
odometer reading and who performed the service on the
maintenance record pages in Part
E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page 5-62 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace filter
if necessary. An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote
t.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
6-6

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See
Service Publications
Ordering lnformation on page
7- 10.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page
2-26.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-1 4

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1 -800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes
a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00
7-1 0

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