2003 GMC Sierra Owners Manual

Driver

Driving

Delayed Locking .......................................... Locks .......................................................... Power Door Locks ......................................... Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............................. Rear Door Security Locks Rear Doors .................................................

2-1 0 2-8 2-9 ............. 2-1 0 2-12 2-1 3

Position, Safety Belt ..................................... DRIVER DOOR AJAR ..................................... Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... DIC Operation and Displays .......................... ........................ DIC Warnings and Messages

1-16 3-67 3-50 3-50 3-60

At Night .................................................. 4-36 City ........................................................... 4-40 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Drunken ....................................................... 4-2 Freeway ..................................................... 4-41 Hill and Mountain Roads 4-44 .............................. In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-37 Winter ........................................................ 4-46 4-86 Driving On Grades .......................................... 4-46 Driving on Snow or Ice .................................... Driving Through Deep Standing Water ............... 4-39 ......................... Driving Through Flowing Water 4-39 Driving with a Trailer ....................................... 4-85 Dual Automatic Climate Control System ............. 3-24 3-21 Dual Climate Control System ............................ 1-65 Dual Stage Air Bags ........................................

Dual Tire Operation ......................... DVD

, ............ 5-74

............................................. Care of Your 3-124 Care of Your DVD Player ............................ 3-125 3-125 Cleaning the Video Screen .......................... Distortion .................................................. 3-1 23 Rear Seat Entertainment System .................. 3-1 11 DVD Player .................................................. 3-1 11

............

..... 2-68

Easy Exit Seat ............ Electrical System

Add-on Equipment ..................................... 5-1 11 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-1 11 Power Windows and Other Power Options ....... 5-1 1 1 5-1 11 Windshield Wiper Fuses Electrochromic Mirror Operation ................ 2-53, 2-55 Electronic Transfer Case .................................. 2-41 Emissions Inspection and Maintenance

.............................

Programs ...................................................

3-46

Engine

Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-23 Battery ....................................................... 5-50 Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-44 Coolant ...................................................... 5-33 Coolant Heater ............................ ..... 2-25 Coolant Temperature Gage ..... 3-42 6-16 Cooling System Inspection ........................ Engine Compartment Overview .................. 5-12

...........

Engine (cont.) Exhaust .... ...................................... Fan Noise .................................................. Oil ............................................................. Overheating ................................................ Starting ......................................................

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator

Check (If Equipped) ..................................... ENGINE COOLANT HOT ................................. Engine Coolant Level Check ............................. Engine Hour Meter Display ............................... Engine Oil Additives ........................................ Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled

Maintenance ................................................. Engine Oil Level Check ................................... ENGINE OVERHEATED .................................. Entertainment System

2-49 5-44 5-17 5-36 2-23

6-12 3-60 6-1 1 3-32 5-21

6-5 6-1 1 3-61

3-125 Cleaning the Video Screen .......................... DVD Distortion ....................................... 3-123 .... 3-17 3-17 2-16 1-52 1-49 1-31 3-13

Entry Lighting ...................................... Exit Lighting ................................................ .................................. Express Down Windows Extended Cab ................................................ Extended Cab and Crew Cab ........................... Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... Exterior Lamps ...............................................

FabricKarpet ................................................ Filter

Engine Air Cleaner ......................................

Finding a PTY Station (RDS, XMTM

and DAB) .................................

Finding a Station .................... Finish Care .................................................. Finish Damage ............................................. Five-Speed

3.75. 3.86. 3.69. 3.73. 3.84.

5-1 02

5-23

3-101 3-98 5-106 5-107

(VORTEC 4300 V6 and 4800 V8 Engines) ....... 2-31 Five-Speed (VORTEC 6000 V8 Engine) .............. 2-30 Fixed Mast Antenna ....................................... 3-125 Flash-To-Pass Feature ....................................... 3-9 Flat Tire 5-83 ........................................................ Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-84 Fluid

Automatic Transmission ........................ Manual Transmission .................................... Power Steering ........................................... Windshield Washer ......................................

5-25, 5-28 5-31 5-44 5-46 FM Stereo .................................................... 3-123 Fog Lamps 3-15 .................................................... Folding the Rear Seat ....................................... 1-8 Following Distance .......................................... 4-85 Footnotes ........................................................ 6-5 Four-wheel Drive .................................... 2-35, 5-58 Four-Wheel-Drive Light .................................... 3-48 Front Axle ...................................................... 5-59

Front Axle Locking Feature ............................... Front Reading Lamps ......................................... Front Storage Area Fuel ............................................................... Additives ...................................................... California Fuel .............................................. Filling a Portable Fuel Container ..................... ........................................... Filling Your Tank Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. Gage ......................................................... ........................................... Gasoline Octane Gasoline Specifications .................................. ....................................... Low Warning Light System Inspection .......................................

2-35 (if Equipped) ................... 3-17 2-66 5-5 5-6 5-6 5-9 5-7 5-7 3-49 5-5 5-5 3-49 6-1 6 .... 3-53 .... 3-65

Fuel Information Button ......................... FUEL LEVEL LOW Fuses

..........................

Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... Windshield Wiper .......................................

5-1 11 5-1 11

Gage

.........................

Engine Coolant Temperature 3-42 Fuel .......................................................... 3-49 ............................................... 3-47 Oil Pressure ................................... Speedometer .... 3-32 Tachometer .............................................. 3-32 Transmission Temperature ................ 3-43 Voltmeter Gage ........................................... 3-39

......

Gasoline

Octane ........................................................ Specifications ...............................................

Glass Surfaces ............................................. ..................................................... Glove Box GM Mobility Program for Persons with

5-5 5-5 5-104 2-63

Disabilities .................................................... 7-5

Hazard Warning Flashers ................. Head Restraints ............................................... Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer .................... Headlamps .................................................... Bulb Replacement ....................................... Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime

, .............. 3-6 1-7 3-8 5-61 5-61

Running Lamps ........................................ Halogen Bulbs ............................................ Pickup Box Identification and Fender Marker

Lamps .................................................... .....................................

Roof Marker Lamps

Headphones ................................................. Heated Seats ................................................... Highway Hypnosis ........................................... Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. Hitches .......................................................... Hood

5-63 5-61

5-67 5-64 3-1 16 1-5 4-43 4-44 4-84

Checking Things Under ........ Release ................................................. Horn ...........................................................

......... 5-10 5-10 3-6

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank Gasoline Engines ........................................

5-41 How to Add Fluid ............................ 5-27, 5-30, 5-32 How to Check ........................ 5-25, 5-28, 5-31, 5-73 How to Check and Add Fluid ............................ 5-32 5-57 How to Check Lubricant ................................... How to Check Power Steering Fluid .................. 5-45 How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-15 Hydraulic Clutch ............................................. 5-32 Hydraulic Clutch System Check 6-13 ........................ .................................. 4-39 Hydroplaning ........

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-38 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-37 If the Light is Flashing ..................................... 3-45 If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-46 in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ....... 4-50 If You Are Stuck 4-66 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... If You’re Caught in a Blizzard ........................... 4-48 Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-21 Ignition Transmission Lock Check ...................... 6-14 Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-34 Inflation -- Tire Pressure .................................. 5-73

Inspection

Brake System ............................................. 6-17 Engine Cooling System ................................ 6-16 Exhaust System .......................................... 6-16 Fuel System ............................................... 6-16 Part C - Periodic Maintenance ....................... 6-16 Steering and Suspension .............................. 6-16 6-17 Throttle System ........................................... Transfer Case and Front Axle

(Four-wheel Drive) ...........

Installing a Garage Door Opener Instrument Panel

................ 6-17 ................... 2-63

Cluster .................................................... Overview .....................................................

3-31 3-4 Instrument Panel Brightness Control .................. 3-17 Instrument Panel Fuse Block .......................... 5-1 12 Interior Lamps ................................................ 3-17 Interior Plastic Components ............................ 5-1 04

Jump Starting ..

. 5-51

........

Key Lock Cylinders Service .............................. Key Release Button (Manual Transmission) Keyless Entry System ....................................... Keys ...............................................................

6-13 ........ 2-22 2-4 2-3

L

Lamps

Exterior ................................... interior ....................................................... Lamps On Reminder ....................................... Lap Belt ........................................................ Lap-Shoulder Belt ........................................... LATCH System

LATCH System

Child Restraints ........................................... Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the ........................................ ............................................

Latches, Seatback Leather ........................................................ Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)

...................................

.... 3-13 3-1 7 3-14 1-25 1-1 6

1-46

1-49 1-7 5-1 04

2-47 ............ 3-67

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab) Light

Air Bag Off .............................................. Air Bag Readiness ....................................... Anti-Lock Brake System Warning .......................................... Battery Warning ................................. Brake System Warning Cruise Control ............................................. Four-Wheel-Drive .........................................

3-33 3-33 ................... 3-41 3-38 3-40 3-48 3-48

Light (cont.)

.......................

Low Fuel Warning ....................................... 3-49 Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-44 Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator ................ 3-36 Safety Belt Reminder ............................... 3-32 Tow/Haul Mode ............ 3-48 Traction Off ................................................ 3-41 Up-Shift ..................................................... 3-39 3-96, 3-1 10 4-56 4-12 2-12 2-17

Listening to a DVD ................................ Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... Locking Rear Axle ........................................... Lockout Protection .......................................... Lock-Out Switch ............................................. Locks

Delayed Locking .......................................... Door ........................................................... Lockout Protection ....................................... Power Door .................................................. Programmable Automatic Door Locks Rear Door Security Locks .............................

2-10 2-8 2-12 2-9 ............. 2-10 2-12 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-20 .................................. LOW COOLANT LEVEL 3-60 3-49 Low Fuel Warning Light ................................... Lumbar

Power Controls ..................

...

1 -A

M

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . 5-124 Maintenance Schedule

At Each Fuel Fill ......................................... ................................ At Least Once a Month At Least Once a Year .................................. At Least Twice a Year .................................. At the First 100, 1, 000 and 6, 000 Miles

6-1 1 6-1 1 6-1 3 6-12

6-1 1 (1 60, 1 600 and 10 000km) ....................... Brake System Inspection .............................. 6-1 7 Engine Cooling System Inspection ................. 6-16 Exhaust System Inspection ........................... 6-1 6 Fuel System Inspection ................................ 6-16 6-3 How This Section is Organized ....................... 6-2 Introduction .................................................. Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2 Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services ......... 6-4 Part B - Owner Checks and Services ............. 6-1 1 Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 6-16 Part D - Recommended Fluids and

Lubricants ............................................... 6-1 8 Part E - Maintenance Record ........................ 6-21 ................................. Scheduled Maintenance 6-5 Steering and Suspension Inspection ............... 6-1 6 Throttle System Inspection ............................ 6-1 7 Transfer Case and Front Axle

(Four-wheel Drive) Inspection ....................

6-1 7 Using Your ................................................... 6-4 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2

10

..................... 4-88 Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-85 Making Turns ................................................. Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-44 Manual Seats ................................................... 1-3 4-11 Manual Selectable Ride ................................... ..................................... Manual Transfer Case 2-35 Manual Transmission ....................................... 2-23 Fluid .......................................................... 5-31 Operation ................................................... 2-30 Manual Transmission Check ............................. 6-12 Manual Windows 2-16 ............................................ Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle ............... 2-6 2-67 Memory Seat Message

.................................................

DIC Warnings and Messages

........................ Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/

3-60

Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) ................................... 7-5

Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass

and Temperature Display ........................... Automatic Dimming Rearview with Onstar@,

2-54

Compass and Temperature Display

............. 2-52 Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-52 Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 2-59 Outside Camper-Type Mirrors ........................ 2-57 ................................. 2-60 Outside Convex Mirror Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors ................... 2-60 ................................ Outside Heated Mirrors 2-60 2-57 Outside Manual Mirrors ................................

Mirrors (cont.)

......................... 2-59 Outside Power Camper-Type 2-59 Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .................... Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-58 Outside West Coast-Type Mirrors ................... 2-58 ............... vi ......... 7-3

......................... Model Reference MyGMLink.com ............................

New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-21 ...................... Noise Control System, Tampering 5-60 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . 5-124

Odometer ........................... Off -Road Recovery ............ Oil

................... 3-32 ................... 4-18

Engine ............................ Pressure Gage ........................................

............... 5-17 3-47 ......................................... 3-60 .... 3-61 1-32 7-3

............................ ........................................

..........................

OIL LIFE RESET OIL PRESSURE LOW Older Children, Restraints Online Owner Center

Onstar@ Personal Calling ................................. Onstar@ Services ............................................ Onstar@ Steering Wheel Controls ...................... Onstar@ System ............................................. Onstar@ Virtual Advisor .................................... Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off

Paved Roads .............................................. Other Warning Devices ...................................... Outlet Adjustment ................................... Outside

2-62 2-61 2-62 2-61 2-62

4-21 3-6 3-23, 3-29

Automatic Dimming Mirror ............................. Camper-Type Mirrors .................................... Convex Mirror ............................................. Curb View Assist Mirrors .............................. Heated Mirrors ............................................ Manual Mirrors ............................................ Power Foldaway Mirrors ............................... Power Mirrors ............................................. West Coast-Type Mirrors ..............................

2-59 2-57 2-60 2-60 2-60 2-57 2-59 2-58 2-58 Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror ................... 2-59 Overdrive Disable ........................................... 3-48 Overdrive Disable (Allison Transmissions) ........... 2-29 Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only) .......................................

Owners, Canadian Owner’s Information ........................................

...............................................

5-36 ii 7-11

11

P

Park (P)

Shifting Into ............................................ ............................................ Shifting Out of

Parking

Brake ........................................................ Over Things That Burn .................................

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission

2-45 2-48

2-44 2-49

Playing a Specific Loaded

Compact Disc ............................................

3-107 Playing the Radio ................... 3-69, 3.72, 3-83, 3-98 Power

Accessory Outlets ........................................ .................................................. Door Locks Electrical System ....................................... Lumbar Controls ........................................... Seat ............................................................ Steering Fluid .............................................

3-18 2-9 5-1 11 1-4 1-4 5-44 .................................................... 2-16 Power Steering ........................................... 4-12 4-92 Power Winches ...... 2-10

..........................................

....

QUADRASTEERTM ......................................... Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

4-14 ......... 1-14

.......................

Park (P) Mechanism Check

6-15 Parking on Hills .............................. .... 4-87 Windows Parking Your Vehicle ................................... 2-48 Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services ............ 6-4 Part B - Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-1 1 Programmable Automatic Door Locks Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections .......... 6-16 Part D . Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ....... 6-18 Part E - Maintenance Record ........................... 6-21 ..................... Passenger Air Bag Indicator 2-54, 2-57 Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator ................... 3-36 .............................. 3-67 PASSENGER DOOR AJAR Passenger Sensing System 1-74 ... Passing ................................................. 4-1 8. 4-85 ...................................................... 2-20 Passlock@ Payload ......................................................... 4-58 ..................................... Personalization Button 3-54 .................... 4-65 Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab Playing a Cassette Tape .................................. 3-92 Playing a 3-106

Radio Messages Radios

....................

.. 3.80. 3.94.

Compact

Disc

................

..... 3.71. 3.77,

..........................................................

3-89 3-68 AM-FM 3-69 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-123 ................ 3-125 Care of Your CD and DVD Player Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-124

......................................................

12

Radios (cont.)

DAB Radio Antenna System Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... ............................................ Radio with CD Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ Rear Seat Audio ........................................ Data Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Systems (RDS) ........................................

........................ 3-125 3-82 3-71 3-96 3-120

Setting the Time for Radios without Radio

Data Systems (RDS)

................................ Theft-Deterrent .......................................... Understanding Reception ............................

3-68

3-68 3-1 21 3-1 23

RANGE SHIFT INHIBITED

...........................

(Allison Transmission Only)

3-61 ............... 3-76, 3-88, 3-102 5-57 4-1 2 2-1 3 1-29 3-120 3-120 3-1 11 1-8, 1-9

RDS and DAB Messages Rear Axle ...................................................... Locking ...................................................... Rear Doors .................................................... Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... ........................................... Rear Seat Audio ............................... Rear Seat Audio Controls Rear Seat Entertainment System ..................... Rear Seat Operation Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions 1-26 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-26 Rear Seat Top Strap Anchors

(Extended Cab and Crew Cab) ......................

...............................

(Crew Cab Models)

......................................

1-46

Rear Seat Top Strap Anchors

(Extended Cab Models)

................................

1-44

Rear Window Defogger ............................ Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with

3-23, 3-28

Rearview Mirror. Automatic Dimming with

Compass and Temperature Display ................ 2-54 Onstar@. Compass and Temperature Display ..... 2-52 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-52 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-5 ............................. 4-53 Recreational Vehicle Towing REDUCED BRAKE POWER ............................. 3-64 ........................... REDUCED ENGINE POWER 3-61 Regular Cab and Extended Cab Models ............. 1-68 Remote Alarm .................................................. 2-5 Remote Control ............................................. 3-1 14 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-4 Remote Keyless Entry System. Operation ............ 2-5 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the

Spare Tire ..................................................

5-92 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-85 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-70 Replacing Brake System Parts .......................... 5-50 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ..... 1-80 Reporting Safety Defects

Canadian Government .................................. General Motors ........................................... United States Government .............................. Restraint System Check ...................................

7-10 7-10 7-9 6-12 Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-79 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a

Crash .....................................................

1-80

13

Restraint Systems

................... 1-79 Checking ..................... Replacing Parts ....................................... 1-80 Restraints. Head ............................................... 1-7 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-23 RFA # BATTERY LOW .................................... 3-67 Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-24 Right Front Passenger Position Top Strap Anchor

(All Models) ................................................

1-43 ............. 3-67

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab) Roadside

Assistance Program .......................................

7-6 ................... 4-51 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-50

Safety Belt

Safety Belts

Reminder Light ............................................

3-32

...... 5-105 Care of ................................... Center Passenger Position ............................ 1-24 Driver Position ............................................ 1-1 6 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-15 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-1 4 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults ...................................... .................................

Rear Seat Passengers

1-29 1-26

Safety Belts (cont.)

Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-24 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-31 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-23 Safety Belts Are for Everyone 1-10 Safety Chains ................................................. 4-84 Safety Warnings and Symbols iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-5 Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-7 Seats

..............................

.......................

Head Restraints ........................................ Heated Seats ............................................... Manual ........................................................ Memory ..................................................... Power Lumbar .............................................. Power Seats ................................................. Rear Seat Operation ............................... Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... Seatback Latches .......................................... Secondary Latch System ................................. Securing a Child Restraing

1-7 1-5 1-3 2-67 1-4 1-4 1-8, 1-9 1-5 1-7 5-87

Center Front Seat Position ...................

. 1-54

Securing a Child Restraint

Center Rear Seat Position ............................ 1-52 ................... 1-49 Designed for the LATCH System Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... 1-49 Right Front Seat Position .............................. 1-54 3-60

Select Button .................................................

14

Service ...........................................................

5-3

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your

.......................................

Vehicle .....................................................

5-4 Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-4 3-44 Engine Soon Light Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-1 0 SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER ............................. 3-63 SERVICE 4WD ............................................... 3-63 SERVICE AIRBAG .......................................... 3-61 ........................... SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER 3-62 ............................. SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM 3-62 Service Bulletins ............................................. 7-1 0 Service Manuals ............................................. 7-10 .............................. SERVICE RIDE CONTROL 3-63 Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) ..... 3-76, 3-87, 3-102 Setting Preset Stations ............ 3-70, 3-74, 3-85, 3-99 Setting the Time

Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ......... 3-68 Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..... 3-68 Setting the Tone (BassTTreble) ......... 3-70, 3-74, 3-85, 3-1 00 ..................................... Sheet Metal Damage 5-107 Shift Speeds .................................................. 2-34 (P) ....................................... 2-45 Shifting Into Park Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-48 ..................................... Single Stage Air Bags 1-66 Single Stage vs . Dual Stage Air Bags ................ 1-65 Six-Speed (VORTEC 8100 V8 and DURAMAXTM

6600 V8 Engines) .......................................

2-32

Skidding ........................................................ 4-20 Snow Plow .................................................... 4-59 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....................... 4-40 Spare Tire Check ............................................ 6-12 Special Fabric Cleaning Problems .................... 5-1 03 Specifications. Capacities ............................... 5-1 20 Speedometer .................................................. 3-32 Starter Switch Check ....................................... 6-13 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-23 Starting Your V8 Engine .................................. 2-24 Steering ........................................................ 4-12 Steering and Suspension Inspection .................. 6-16 ..... 4-13 Steering in Emergencies ...................... Steering Tips .................................................. 4-12 Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ....................... 3-122 Step-Bumper Pad ........................................... 4-94 Stereo RCA Jacks ......................................... 3-1 16 Storage Areas ................................................ 2-63 Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-66 Center Overhead Console ............................. 2-63 Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-63 Front Storage Area ...................................... 2-66 Glove Box .................................................. 2-63 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ............... 5-99 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-50 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-17 Sunglasses Storage Compartment ..................... 2-65 Swing-Out Windows ........................................ 2-17

15

....

Tachometer ......................... ........ 3-32 Tailgate .......................... ........................ 2-13 Tailgate Removal ............................................ 2-1 4 Taillamps ....................................................... 5-67 Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) ........................ 5-70 Tampering With Noise Control System

Prohibited ................................................... Temperature and Compass Display .................... Temperature Display ........................................ Testing the Alarm ......................................... Theft-Deterrent, Radio ................................ Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ Passlock@ ................................................... Throttle System Inspection ............................... Tilt Wheel ........................................................ Tire Inflation Check ......................................... Ti res .............................

5-60 2-52 2-55 2-1 9 3-1 21 2-1 8 2-1 8 2-20 6-1 7 3-7 6-1 1 .............. 5-72, 5-107 Buying New Tires 5-78 Chains ....................................................... 5-82 .................................... Changing a Flat Tire 5-84 Dual Tire Operation ..................................... 5-74 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-83 Inflation -- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-73 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-74 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-79

........................................

16

Tires (cont.)

....

the Instrument Panel ............................

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance .................... Wheel Replacement When It Is Time for New Tires

...... 5-80 ...... 5-80 ...... 5-77 ......... ................. 2-25 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater Top of 5-104 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-42 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-43 Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) ............... 2-47 .................. 4-83 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires ........... 2-29 Tow/Haul Mode (Automatic Transmission) Tow/Haul Mode Light ....................................... 3-48 3-48 Tow/Haul Mode, Overdrive Disable .................... Towing

.................................. Power Take-Off (PTO) Recreational Vehicle ..................................... Towing a Trailer .......................................... Your Vehicle ...............................................

Traction

Assist System (TAS) ...................................... Manual Selectable Ride ................................ Off Light ................................................. .............................

...

TRACTION ACTIVE Trailer

Recommendations ....................................... 4-65 4-84 4-88 4-89

Trailer Brakes ................................................. Trailer Wiring Harness ..................................... Trailer Wiring Harness Package ........................

4-92 4-53 4-66 4-53

4-9 4-11 3-41 3-65

TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE

(Allison Transmission Only)

Transfer Case ................................................ Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-wheel Drive)

Inspection ...................................................

6-1 7

........................... 3-66 5-58

Transmission

..................................

Fluid. Automatic 5-25, 5-28 Fluid, Manual .............................................. 5-31 Temperature Gage ....................................... 3-43 Up-Shift Light .............................................. 3-39 3-66 2-26 2-30

..................................... TRANSMISSION HOT Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... Transmission Operation, Manual ........................ Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit

Repair Manual

............................................

7-10 Transportation Options ............. .................. 7-8 Trip Information Button .................................... 3-51 Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-32 Truck-Camper Loading Information .................... 4-63 Signals .......................... Turn and Lane Change 3-8 3-63 TURN SIGNAL ON ......................................... Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-7 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer .................. 4-86

Underbody Flushing Service ............................. 6-15 Underhood Fuse Block ................................... 5-1 15 Understanding Radio Reception ....................... 3-1 23 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-79 United States ................................................... 7-4 Up-Shift Light .................................... ...... 3-39 Using Cleaner on Fabric ................................ 5-103 Using Song List Mode ................................... 3-109 Using the Recovery Hooks ............................... 4-51

Vehicle

Control ......................................... Damage Warnings ........................................... Loading ...................................................... Parking Your ............................................... Symbols .........................................................

.... 4-5 iv 4-56 2-48 iv

Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN) ............................................ 5-1 10 Service Parts Identification Label .................. 5-1 10

Vehicle Personalization

Memory Seat

......................... Vehicle Storage ...................... Video Screen Vinyl ........................................ Visors .................................. Voltmeter Gage

.............

............

..........................................

, ............. 2-67 ............. 5-50 ........ 3-1 14 .... 5-104 ...... 2-17 3-39

17

W

Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ................ 3-30 Warnings

3-60 3-6 3-6 ... III iv 5-105 6-1 2 4-68 4-83 5-20 5-48 5-22 5-34, 5-45, 5-46, 5-57

DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... Other Warning Devices .................................. Safety and Symbols ......................................... Vehicle Damage ..............................................

Washing Your Vehicle .................................... Weatherstrip Lubrication ................................... Weight of the Trailer ........................................ Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ What to Add .................................................. What to Do with Used Oil ................................ What to Use .......................... Wheels

Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... Replacement ............................................... When to Add Engine Oil .................................. When to Change Engine Oil

5-80 5-80 5-19

(GM Oil Life SystemTM) ................................

5-21 When to Check ...................................... 5-31, 5-73 .................... When to Check and Change 5-25, 5-28 to Use ..................... When to Check and What 5-32 When to Check Lubricant ................................. 5-57 When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-45

When You Are Ready

to Leave After Parking on

a Hill ......................................................... Where to Put the Restraint ............................... Why Safety Belts Work ................ Windows .......................................

4-88 1-41 ............ 1-11 ........ 2-15 2-16 2-16 2-17 5-106 3-9 5-46 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ................ 6-11 Windshield Wiper

Manual .................................................. Power ........................................................ Swing-Out Windows ..................................... Windshield and Wiper Blades .......................... Windshield Washer ........................................... Fluid ..........................................................

Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-71 5-1 11 Fuses ...................................................... 3-9 4-46 6-12

Windshield Wipers ............................................ Winter Driving ................................................ Wiper Blade Check .........................................

XMTM Satellite Radio Antenna System XMTM Satellite Radio Service ..........................

.............. 3-125 3-123

Your Vehicle and the Environment .......................

6-2

18

The 2003 GMC Sierra Owner Manual

.....................

Features and Controls

.......................................

....................................... ...................................... ............................

Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Air Bag Systems Restraint System Check

Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 ............................................... 1-3 1-8 ............................................... ............................................. 1-10 1-32 1-61 1-79 ......... 2-1 ........................................................ 2-3 2-8 ................................................. 2-1 5 2-1 8 ....... 2-21 2-52 2-61 2-63 2-67 ..... 3-1 3-4 3-20 ......... 3-30 .................. 3-50 3-68

Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStaP System Storage Areas Vehicle Personalization

Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages and Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s)

.................................................... ...................................... ......................................... .......................

...................... ......................................

.......................................

............................

.....................

Instrument Panel

Indicators

Driving Your Vehicle

.......................................

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing

4-1 ........ 4-2 ................................................... 4-53 5-1 5-3 5-5

Service and Appearance Care .......................... ..................................................... .........................................................

Service Fuel Checking Things Under

the Hood

.......................................... ............................................... ..................................... ............................... ....................................

Rear Axle Four-wheel Drive Noise Control System Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care Vehicle Identification Electrical System Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

...................................................... ................................... ............................... ....................................

5-10 5-57 5-58 5-60 5-61 ......... 5-71 5-72 5-1 02 5-1 10 5-1 11 ................... 5-1 20 ...... 5-1 24 6-1 6-2 7-1 .................. 7-2 7-9

Maintenance Schedule ..................................... ................................ Customer Assistance Information ....................

Maintenance Schedule

Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects

............................

Index

.................................................................

Canadian Owners

You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 How to Use This Manual

Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things.

Index

A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC, the GMC Truck Emblem and the name SIERRA are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name ”General Motors of Canada Limited” for GMC whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. X 2315 A First Edition

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 06/24/02 All Rights Reserved

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were

to ignore the warning.

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice will tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage or indicator. If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage or indicator reference the following topics in the Index:

Seats and Restraints Systems in Section 1 Features and Controls in Section 2 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 Climate Controls in Section 3

0 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3

Audio Systems in Section 3 Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

iv

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

LATCH BOTH LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS TO PROTECT OCCUPANT DO NOT TWIST SAFEiTY BELT WHEN AlTACHlNG

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

COOCANT cc

ENGINE

MASTER

JGHTING -

B- / , % @e PARKING PC

TURN SIGNALS

SWITCH

BAlTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

TEMP

LAMPS

FUSE BOX ACCESS

ENGINE COOLANT FAN

COOLANT a '"0 PRESSURE Y% $0 ANTI-LOCK (@)

ENGINE OIL

FUEL

OWNER'S MANUAL

SERVICE

SERVICE MANUAL

LAMPS

BRAKES

MOVE SEAT

FULLY \$%

/z

DO NOT INSTALL A REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION

REARWARD* SECURE CHILD SEAT

PULL BELT

COMPLETELY THEN SECURE CHILD SEAT

POWER WINDOW

DO NOT INSTALL A FORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION

DAYTIME RUNNING

LAMPS .e.

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT

SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BAlTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

\\Ir4

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE

I BATTERY

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Regular Cab Pickup

Extended Cab Pickup

Chassis Cab

Crew Cab@

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats ...................................................... 1.3

Rear Seats .......................................................

Manual Seats ................................................ 1-3 Power Seats .................................................. 1-4 Power Lumbar ............................................... 1-4 Heated Seats ................................................. 1-5 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................ 1-5 Head Restraints ............................................. 1-7 Seatback Latches ........................................... 1-7 1-8 Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) ................ 1-8 Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) ...................... 1-9 Safety Belts ................................................... 1-1 0 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................ 1-1 0 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ...... 1-14 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................. 1-15 Driver Position .............................................. 1-1 6 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .................. 1-23 Right Front Passenger Position ....................... 1-24 Center Passenger Position ............................. 1-24 .................................. 1-26 Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children

and Small Adults ....................................... 1-29 Safety Belt Extender ..................................... 1-31

Child Restraints ............................................. 1-32 Qlder Children .............................................. 1-32 Infants and Young Children ............................ 1.34 ...... 1-38 Child Restraint Systems ................... Where to Put the Restraint ............................. 1-41 Top Strap .................................................... 1-42 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................. 1-43 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) ........................... 1-46

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the

LATCH System ......................................... 1-49

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position ............................................

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear

Seat Position ............................................ Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front

1-49

1-52

Seat Position ............................................ 1-54

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front

Air Bag Systems ............................................

Seat Position ............................................ 1-54 1-61 Where Are the Air Bags? ............................... 1-63 When Should an Air Bag Inflate? .................... 1-64 What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ..................... 1-66 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? ..................... 1-66

1-1

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Restraint System Check .................................. 1.79 ................... 1-79

Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a

Crash ...................................................... 1-80

What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates? ... 1-67 Air Bag Off Switch ........................................ 1-68 Passenger Sensing System ............................ 1.74 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ......... 1.77 Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped

Vehicle .................................................... 1.78

1 -2

Front Seats

Manual Seats

You can lose control of the veh.,.e if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

If your vehicle has a manual bucket or a split bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever located at the front of the seat. Lift the lever to unlock the seat. Using your body, slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.

1-3

Power Seats

If your vehicle has power reclining seats, you can use the vertical control to adjust the angle of the seatback.

If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with these controls located on the outboard sides of the seats. Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the forward edge of the horizontal control. Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the whole horizontal control forward or rearward. Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the rear edge of the horizontal control. Moving the whole horizontal control up or down raises or lowers the entire seat cushion.

1 -4

To increase or decrease support, press and hold the front or rear of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower seatback for more lateral support. To increase or decrease support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.

Heated Seats

Reclining Seatbacks

If your vehicle has this feature, the button used to control .the driver’s heated seat is located on the driver’s door panel. The button used to control the passenger’s heated seat is located on the passenger’s door panel.

To heat the entire seat, press the horizontal button. Press the button to cycle through the temperature settings of high, medium, and low. The indicator light will glow to indicate the level of heat selected. To heat only the seatback, press the vertical button with the heated seatback symbol. An indicator light on the button will glow to designate that only the seatback is being heated. The engine must be running for them to operate. The heated front seats will be canceled after the ignition is turned off. If you still want to use the heated front seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need to press the heated seat button again.

To adjust the front seatback, lift the manual lever located on the outboard side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lift the lever again without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will go to an upright position. If your vehicle has power seats with a power recliner, see Power Seats on page 7-4 for further information on how to operate the reclining seatback feature.

1 -5

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

1 -6

Head Restraints

Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. To raise the head restraint pull up on the head restraint. On some models the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

The rear seat head restraints in your vehicle may be adjustable. They work the same as the front seat head restraints, except they do not tilt forward and rearward. Seatback Latches

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

The seatbacks fold forward to let you access the rear of the cab. To fold a front seatback forward, lift the lever at the base of the seat to release the seatback. The lever is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.

1 -7

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab) Folding the Rear Seat

2. Fold the seat cushion upward until it latches with

the seatback.

3. Push and pull on the seat to make sure the seat

secure.

is

The extended cab’s rear seat can also be folded open for more seating space. To use the seat do the following:

1. Push rearward on the seat cushion while pulling up on the release strap under the seat cushion. Pull the seat cushion downward until it latches.

2. After pulling the seat cushion down, pull up on it to

make sure it is locked.

1 -8

Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab) The second row rear seat has a 60/40 split seat. Either side of the rear seat may be folded down to give you more cargo space. Make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat and that the head restraints are completely lowered. To fold the rear seat, do the following:

2. After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the

seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seat more upright. The lever at the base of the seat must be turned rearward to release the seatback.

To return the seat to the passenger position do the following: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward all

the way.

2. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into position. 3. Pull forward on the seatback and up on the seat

cushion to make sure the seat is securely in place.

Check to see that the buckles on the driver’s side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions.

1-9

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

1-10

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a