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2003 Sierra 1500 Pickup
GMC 2003 Sierra 1500 Pickup User Manual
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2
Table of Contents
Contents
2
Safety Warnings and Symbols
4
Vehicle Damage Warnings
5
Vehicle Symbols
5
Model Reference
7
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
10
Manual Seats
10
Power Seats
11
Power Lumbar
11
Heated Seats
12
Reclining Seatbacks
12
Head Restraints
14
Seatback Latches
14
Folding the Rear Seat
15
Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab)
15
Rear Seats
15
Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab)
16
Safety Belts
17
Why Safety Belts Work
18
Questions and Answers about Safety Belts
21
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
22
Driver Position
23
Lap-Shoulder Belt
23
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
30
Right Front Passenger Position
31
Center Passenger Position
31
Lap Belt
32
Rear Seat Passengers
33
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
33
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
36
Safety Belt Extender
38
Older Children
39
Child Restraints
39
Infants and Young Children
41
Child Restraint Systems
45
Where to Put the Restraint
48
Top Strap
49
Top Strap Anchor Location
50
Right Front Passenger Position Top Strap Anchor (All Models)
50
Rear Seat Top Strap Anchors
51
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
53
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
56
Extended Cab and Crew Cab
56
Extended Cab
59
Securing a Child Restraint in Center Rear Seat Position
59
Crew Cab
59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position
61
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
61
Air Bag Systems
68
Where Are the Air Bags?
70
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
71
Single Stage Vs. Dual Stage Air Bags
72
Dual Stage Air Bags
72
Seat Position Sensors
72
Single Stage Air Bags
73
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
73
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
73
What will You See after an Air Bag Inflates?
74
Air Bag off Switch
75
Regular Cab and Extended Cab Models
75
Passenger Sensing System
81
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
84
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
85
Restraint System Check
86
Checking Your Restraint Systems
86
Replacing Restraint System Parts after a Crash
87
Table of Contents
88
Features and Controls
88
Keys
90
Remote Keyless Entry System
91
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
92
Remote Alarm
92
Battery Replacement
93
Matching Transmitter(S) to Your Vehicle
93
Doors and Locks
95
Power Door Locks
96
Delayed Locking
97
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
97
Rear Door Security Locks
99
Lockout Protection
99
Rear Doors
100
Tailgate
100
Tailgate Removal
101
Windows
102
Manual Windows
103
Power Windows
103
Express down Windows
103
Sun Visors
104
Swing-Out Windows
104
Lock-Out Switch
104
Theft-Deterrent Systems
105
Content Theft-Deterrent
105
Testing the Alarm
106
Passlock
107
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
108
New Vehicle Break-In
108
Ignition Positions
108
Key Release Button
109
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
110
Automatic Transmission
110
Manual Transmission
110
Starting Your Engine
110
Starting Your V8 Engine
111
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
112
Engine Coolant Heater
112
Automatic Transmission Operation
113
Tow/Haui Mode
116
Overdrive Disable
116
Five-Speed (VORTEC 6000 V8 Engine)
117
Manual Transmission Operation
117
Five-Speed
118
Shift Speeds
121
Shift Light
121
Front Axle Locking Feature
122
Manual Transfer Case
122
Four-Wheel Drive
122
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
123
Automatic Transfer Case
124
Shifting out of 4LO
126
Shifting into 2HI
126
Shifting into 4LO
126
Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
126
Shifting into NEUTRAL
127
Shifting out of NEUTRAL
127
Electronic Transfer Case
128
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI
129
Shifting from 4HI to 2HI
129
Shifting from 2Hl or 4HI to 4LO
130
Shifting from 4L0 to 4HI or 2HI
130
Parking Brake
131
Shifting into Park
132
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
134
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
134
Parking Your Vehicle
135
Shifting out of Park (P)
135
Engine Exhaust
136
Parking over Things that Burn
136
Engine Exhaust
137
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
137
Temperature and Compass Display
139
Manual Rearview Mirror
139
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
139
Electrochromic Mirror Operation
140
Compass Variance
140
Compass Calibration
141
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
141
Cleaning the Mirror
141
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display
141
Compass Operation
142
Temperature Display
142
Outside Manual Mirrors
144
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors
144
Outside West Coast-Type Mirrors
145
Outside Power Mirrors
145
Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror
146
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
146
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
146
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors
147
Outside Convex Mirror
147
Outside Heated Mirrors
147
Onstar System
148
Onstar Services
148
Onstar Personal Calling
149
Onstar Virtual Advisor
149
Onstar Steering Wheel Controls
149
Storage Areas
150
Glove Box
150
Cupholder(S)
150
Center Overhead Console
150
Sunglasses Storage Compartment
152
Front Storage Area
153
Center Console Storage Area
153
Vehicle Personalization
154
Memory Seat
154
Easy Exit Seat
155
Instrument Panel Overview
156
Instrument Panel Overview
159
Hazard Warning Flashers
161
Horn
161
Other Warning Devices
161
Tilt Wheel
162
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
162
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer
163
Turn and Lane Change Signals
163
Turn Signal on Chime
163
Flash-To-Pass Feature
164
Windshield Washer
164
Windshield Wipers
164
Cruise Control
165
Resuming a Set Speed
166
Setting Cruise Control
166
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
167
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
167
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
167
Using Cruise Control on Hills
167
Exterior Lamps
168
Automatic Headlamp System
169
Daytime Running Lamps
169
Lamps on Reminder
169
Fog Lamps
170
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch
171
Cargo Lamp
171
Exit Lighting
172
Front Reading Lamps
172
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
172
Interior Lamps
172
Accessory Power Outlets
173
Battery Run-Down Protection
173
Dome Lamps
173
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
174
Climate Controls
175
Fan Knob
175
Mode Knob
175
Temperature Knob
175
Dual Climate Control System
176
Defogging and Defrosting
177
Temperature Control
177
Outlet Adjustment
178
Rear Window Defogger
178
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
179
Operation Tips
179
Driver’s Side Temperature Knob
180
Passenger’s Side Temperature Knob
180
Automatic Operation
181
Manual Operation
182
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
185
Instrument Panel Cluster
186
Safety Belt Reminder Light
187
Speedometer and Odometer
187
Tachometer
187
Air Bag off Light
188
Air Bag Readiness Light
188
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator
191
Battery Warning Light
193
Up-Shift Light
194
Voltmeter Gage
194
Brake System Warning Light
195
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
196
Traction off Light
196
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
197
Transmission Temperature Gage
198
Check Engine Light
199
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
199
If the Light Is Flashing
200
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
201
If the Light Is on Steady
201
Oil Pressure Gage
202
Cruise Control Light
203
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
203
Overdrive Disable
203
Tow/Haul Mode Light
203
Fuel Gage
204
Low Fuel Warning Light
204
DIC Operation and Displays
205
Driver Information Center (DIC)
205
Business Trip
206
Personal Trip
206
Trip Information Button
206
Annual Log
207
Hourmeter
207
Season Odometer
207
Timer
207
Average Fuel Economy
208
Fuel Information Button
208
Fuel Range
208
Instant Fuel Economy
208
Alarm Warning Type
209
Personalization Button
209
Automatic Locking
210
Automatic Unlocking
210
Perimeter Lighting
211
Seat Position Recall
211
Remote Lock Feedback
212
Remote Unlock Feedback
212
Curb View Assist
213
Headlamps on at Exit
213
Display Language
214
Display Units (ENG/MET)
214
Change Engine Oil
215
DIC Warnings and Messages
215
Low Coolant Level
215
Select Button
215
Engine Overheated
216
Oil Pressure Low
216
Range Shift Inhibited
216
Reduced Engine Power
216
Service Brake Booster
217
Service Brake System
217
Service 4 Wheel Steer
218
Service 4Wd
218
Service Ride Control
218
Turn Signal on
218
Reduced Brake Power
219
Cargo Lamp on
220
Check Oil Level
220
Check Washer Fluid
220
Fuel Level Low
220
Trans Hot Idle Engine
221
Transmission Hot
221
Driver Door Ajar
222
Left Rear Door Ajar
222
Passenger Door Ajar
222
Right Rear Door Ajar
222
Audio System
223
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)
223
Setting the Time for Radios Without Radio Data Systems (RDS)
223
AM-FM Radio
224
Finding a Station
224
Playing the Radio
224
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
225
Setting Preset Stations
225
Setting the Tone (Bassnreble)
225
Radio Messages
226
Radio with CD
226
Digital Audio Broadcast
227
XM Radio Satellite Service
227
Setting the Tone (Bassttreble)
229
RDS and DAB Messages
231
Setting Preset Ptys (RDS Only)
231
XMTM Radio Messages
233
Playing a Compact Disc
235
Compact Disc Messages
236
Radio with Cassette and CD
237
Setting the Tone (Bassflreble)
240
Playing a Cassette Tape
247
Cassette Tape Messages
248
CD Adapter Kits
249
Listening to a DVD
251
Radio with Six-Disc CD
251
Adjusting the Speakers (Balancefade)
255
Setting the Tone (Basdtreble)
255
Finding a PTY Station
256
Playing a Specific Loaded Compact Disc
262
Using Song List Mode
264
Before You Drive
266
DVD Player
266
Rear Seat Entertainment System
266
DVD Player Buttons
267
DVD Messages
268
Ejecting a Disc
268
Stopping and Resume Playback
268
Remote Control
269
Remote Control Buttons
269
Video Screen
269
Headphones
271
Stereo RCA Jacks
271
Audio Output
272
How to Change the Video Format When in the Auxiliary Mode
272
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
275
Rear Seat Audio Controls
275
Theft-Deterrent Feature
276
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
277
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
278
DVD Distortion
278
FM Stereo
278
Onstap System
278
Understanding Radio Reception
278
XM Satellite Radio Service
278
Care of Your Cds and Dvds
279
Care of Your CD and DVD Player
280
Chime Level Adjustment
280
Cleaning the Video Screen
280
DAB Radio Antenna System
280
Fixed Mast Antenna
280
XMTM Satellite Radio Antenna System
280
Driving Your Vehicle
282
Defensive Driving
283
Drunken Driving
283
Your Driving. the Road. and Your Vehicle
283
Control of a Vehicle
286
Anti-Lock Brake System
287
Braking
287
Braking in Emergencies
289
Using Anti-Lock
289
Traction Assist System (TAS)
290
Manual Selectable Ride
292
Driving on Curves
293
Locking Rear Axle
293
Power Steering
293
Steering Tips
293
Steering in Emergencies
294
Quadrasteer
295
Off-Road Recovery
299
Passing
299
Loss of Control
301
Skidding
301
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
302
Before You Go Off-Roading
305
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
305
Environmental Concerns
306
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
306
Traveling to Remote Areas
306
Scanning the Terrain
307
Surface Conditions
307
Surface Obstacles
307
Driving on Off-Road Hills
308
Approaching a Hill
309
Driving Uphill
309
Driving Downhill
312
Driving Across an Incline
313
Stalling on an Incline
314
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice
315
After Off-Road Driving
316
Driving in Water
316
Driving at Night
317
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
318
Driving through Deep Standing Water
320
Driving through Flowing Water
320
Hydroplaning
320
City Driving
321
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
321
Freeway Driving
322
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
323
Highway Hypnosis
324
Hill and Mountain Roads
325
Driving on Snow or Ice
327
Winter Driving
327
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
329
If You Are Stuck: in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
331
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It out
332
Using the Recovery Hooks
332
Dinghy Towing
334
Recreational Vehicle Towing
334
Towing Your Vehicle
334
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
334
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
335
Dolly Towing
336
Loading Your Vehicle
337
2-Tiered Loading
339
Add-On Equipment
339
Payload
339
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
340
Truck-Camper Loading Information
344
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
346
Trailer Recommendations
346
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
347
Towing a Trailer
347
Weight of the Trailer
349
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
364
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
364
Hitches
365
Safety Chains
365
Trailer Brakes
365
Backing up
366
Driving with a Trailer
366
Following Distance
366
Making Turns
366
Driving on Grades
367
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
367
Parking on Hills
368
Basic Trailer Wiring
369
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
369
Trailer Wiring Harness
369
When You Are Ready to Leave after Parking on a Hill
369
Trailer Wiring Harness Package
370
Camper/Fifth-Wheel Trailer Wiring Package
371
Auxiliary Battery
372
Power Take-Off (PTO)
373
Power Winches
373
Preset Mode
374
Step-Bumper Pad
375
Service and Appearance Care
376
Service
378
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
379
Doing Your Own Service Work
379
Fuel
380
Gasoline Octane
380
Gasoline Specifications
380
Additives
381
California Fuel
381
Filling Your Tank
382
Fuels in Foreign Countries
382
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
384
Checking Things under the Hood
385
Hood Release
385
Engine Compartment Overview
387
Engine Oil
392
Checking Engine Oil
393
When to Add Engine Oil
394
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
395
When to Change Engine Oil
396
How to Reset the GM Oil Life System
397
What to Do with Used Oil
397
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
398
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison Transmission)
400
When to Check and Change
400
Checking the Fluid Level
401
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmission)
403
Cold Check Procedure
404
Consistency of Readings
405
How to Add Fluid
405
Manual Transmission Fluid
406
How to Check and Add Fluid
407
Hydraulic Clutch
407
When to Check and What to Use
407
Engine Coolant
408
Checking Coolant
409
Adding Coolant
410
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
411
Engine Overheating
411
If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine
412
If no Steam Is Coming from Your Engine
413
Cooling System
414
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank Gasoline Engines
416
Engine Fan Noise
419
Power Steering Fluid
419
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
420
What to Use
420
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
420
Adding Washer Fluid
421
Windshield Washer Fluid
421
Brake Fluid
422
Checking Brake Fluid
423
Brake Wear
424
Battery
425
Brake Adjustment
425
Brake Pedal Travel
425
Replacing Brake System Parts
425
Vehicle Storage
425
Jump Starting
426
Jumper Cable Removal
431
Rear Axle
432
To Check Lubricant
432
When to Check Lubricant
432
Four-Wheel Drive
433
Transfer Case
433
Front Axle
434
Noise Control System
435
Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited
435
Bulb Replacement
436
Headlamps
436
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime Running Lamps
438
Roof Marker Lamps
439
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp
441
Pickup Box Identification and Fender Marker Lamps
442
Taillamps
442
Replacement Bulbs
445
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models)
445
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
446
Tires
447
Inflation Tire Pressure
448
Dual Tire Operation
449
Tire Inspection and Rotation
449
When It Is Time for New Tires
452
Buying New Tires
453
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
454
Temperature
455
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
455
Wheel Replacement
455
Used Replacement Wheels
456
Tire Chains
457
If a Tire Goes Flat
458
Changing a Flat Tire
459
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
460
Secondary Latch System
462
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing Spare Tire
467
Front Position
469
Rear Position
469
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
474
Appearance Care
477
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
477
Fabric/Carpet
477
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
478
Using Cleaner on Fabric
478
Glass Surfaces
479
Leather
479
Top of the Instrument Panel
479
Vinyl
479
Care of Safety Belts
480
Washing Your Vehicle
480
Weatherstrips
480
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
481
Finish Care
481
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
481
Windshield and Wiper Blades
481
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
482
Finish Damage
482
Sheet Metal Damage
482
Chemical Paint Spotting
483
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
483
Underbody Maintenance
483
Engine Identification
485
Service Parts Identification Label
485
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
485
Add-On Electrical Equipment
486
Electrical System
486
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
486
Power Windows and Other Power Options
486
Windshield Wiper Fuses
486
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
487
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
489
Underhood Fuse Block
490
Capacities and Specifications
495
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
499
Maintenance Schedule
500
Introduction
501
Maintenance Requirements
501
Maintenance Schedule
501
Your Vehicle and the Environment
501
How this Section Is Organized
502
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
503
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
503
Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled Maintenance
504
Scheduled Maintenance
504
15,000 Miles
505
22,500 Miles
505
7,500 Miles (12 500 Km)
505
25,000 Miles (41 500 Km)
506
30,000 Miles
506
37,500 Miles (62 500 Km)
506
45,000 Miles (75 000 Km)
506
50,000 Miles
507
52,500 Miles (87 500 Km)
507
60,000 Miles (100 000 Km)
507
67,500 Miles (112 500 Km)
507
75,000 Miles (125 000 Km)
508
82,500 Miles (137 500 Km)
508
90,000 Miles (150 000 Km)
508
97,500 Miles
508
100,000 Miles (166 000 Km)
509
150,000 Miles (240 000 Km)
509
200,000 Miles (332 000 Km)
509
At each Fuel Fill
510
At Least Once a Month
510
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
510
Tire Inflation Check
510
At Least Twice a Year
511
Manual Transmission Check
511
Spare Tire Check
511
Wiper Blade Check
511
At Least Once a Year
512
Automatic Transmission Check
512
Body Lubrication Service
512
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
512
Key Lock Cylinders Service
512
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check
513
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
513
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
514
Underbody Flushing Service
514
Exhaust System Inspection
515
Fuel System Inspection
515
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
515
Brake System Inspection
516
Throttle System Inspection
516
Transfer Case and Front Axle Inspection
516
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
517
Customer Assistance Information
524
Customer Assistance Information
525
Courtesy Transportation
530
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
531
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
531
Shuttle Service
531
Transportation Options
531
Additional Program Lnformation
532
Reporting Safety Defects
532
Index
538
Brake System Inspection
547
Engine Cooling System Inspection
547
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
547
Part E Maintenance Record
547
Throttle System Inspection
547
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection
547
5
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GMC 2003 Sierra 1500 Pickup Specifications
General
Brand
GMC
Model
2003 Sierra 1500 Pickup
Category
Automobile
Language
English
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