2003 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual

2003 GMC Sierra owners manual
Year:
2003
Make:
GMC
Model:
Sierra
Rating:
(7)

Online manual

Size:
27.31 MB

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
2
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
Rear Seats
15
Rear Seat Operation (Extended Cab)
15
Rear Seat Operation (Crew Cab)
16
Safety Belts
17
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
17
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
21
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
22
Driver Position
23
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
30
Right Front Passenger Position
31
Center Passenger Position
31
Rear Seat Passengers
33
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
36
Safety Belt Extender
38
Child Restraints
39
Older Children
39
Infants and Young Children
41
Child Restraint Systems
45
Where to Put the Restraint
48
Top Strap
49
Top Strap Anchor Location
50
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
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position
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
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
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
Features and Controls
88
Keys
90
Remote Keyless Entry System
91
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
92
Doors and Locks
95
Power Door Locks
96
Delayed Locking
97
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
97
Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cabs)
99
Lockout Protection
99
Rear Doors
100
Tailgate
100
Windows
102
Manual Windows
103
Power Windows
103
Swing-Out Windows
104
Sun Visors
104
Theft-Deterrent Systems
105
Content Theft-Deterrent
105
Passlock
107
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
108
New Vehicle Break-In
108
Ignition Positions
108
Starting Your Engine
110
Engine Coolant Heater
112
Automatic Transmission Operation
113
Manual Transmission Operation
117
Four-Wheel Drive
122
Parking Brake
131
Shifting Into Park (P)
132
Shifting Out of Park (P)
135
Parking Your Vehicle
135
Parking Over Things That Burn
136
Engine Exhaust
136
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
137
Mirrors
139
Manual Rearview Mirror
139
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar, Compass and Temperature Display
139
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display
141
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
Storage Areas
150
Glove Box
150
Cupholder(s)
150
Center Overhead Console
150
Front Storage Area
153
Center Console Storage Area
153
Vehicle Personalization
154
Memory Seat
154
Instrument Panel
156
Instrument Panel Overview
159
Hazard Warning Flashers
161
Other Warning Devices
161
Horn
161
Tilt Wheel
162
Turn Signal/MuItifunction Lever
162
Exterior Lamps
168
Interior Lamps
172
Accessory Power Outlets
173
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
174
Climate Controls
175
Dual Climate Control System
176
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
179
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
185
Instrument Panel Cluster
186
Speedometer and Odometer
187
Tachometer
187
Safety Belt Reminder Light
187
Air Bag Readiness Light
188
Air Bag Off Light
188
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator
191
Battery Warning Light
193
Voltmeter Gage
194
Up-Shift Light
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
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
199
Oil Pressure Gage
202
Cruise Control Light
203
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
203
Tow/Haul Mode Light
203
Overdrive Disable
203
Fuel Gage
204
Low Fuel Warning Light
204
Driver Information Center (DIC)
205
DIC Operation and Displays
205
DIC Warnings and Messages
215
Audio System(s)
223
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)
223
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)
223
AM-FM Radio
224
Radio with CD
226
Radio with Cassette and CD
237
Radio with Six-Disc CD
251
Rear Seat Entertainment System
266
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
275
Theft-Deterrent Feature
276
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
277
DVD Distortion
278
Understanding Radio Reception
278
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
278
Care of Your CDs and DVDs
279
Care of Your CD and DVD Player
280
Cleaning the Video Screen
280
Fixed Mast Antenna
280
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
280
DAB Radio Antenna System
280
Chime Level Adjustment
280
Driving Your Vehicle
282
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
283
Defensive Driving
283
Drunken Driving
283
Control of a Vehicle
286
Braking
287
Traction Assist System (TAS)
290
Manual Selectable Ride
292
Locking Rear Axle
293
Steering
293
QUADASTEER
295
Off-Road Recovery
299
Loss of Control
301
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
302
Driving at Night
317
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
318
City Driving
321
Freeway Driving
322
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
323
Highway Hypnosis
324
Hill and Mountain Roads
325
Winter Driving
327
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
331
Towing
334
Towing Your Vehicle
334
Recreational Vehicle Towing
334
Loading Your Vehicle
337
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment
340
Truck-Camper Loading Information
344
Trailer Recommendations
346
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
346
Towing a Trailer
347
Power Take-Off (PTO)
373
Service and Appearance Care
376
Service
378
Doing Your Own Service Work
379
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
379
Fuel
380
Gasoline Octane
380
Gasoline Specifications
380
California Fuel
381
Additives
381
Fuels in Foreign Countries
382
Filling Your Tank
382
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
384
Checking Things Under the Hood
385
Hood Release
385
Engine Compartment Overview
387
Engine Oil
392
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
398
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison Transmission)
400
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmission)
403
Manual Transmission Fluid
406
Hydraulic Clutch
407
Engine Coolant
408
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
411
Engine Overheating
411
Cooling System
414
Engine Fan Noise
419
Power Steering Fluid
419
Windshield Washer Fluid
421
Brakes
422
Battery
425
Jump Starting
426
Rear Axle
432
Four-Wheel Drive
433
Noise Control System
435
Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited
435
Bulb Replacement
436
Halogen Bulbs
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
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
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
455
Wheel Replacement
455
Tire Chains
457
If a Tire Goes Flat
458
Changing a Flat Tire
459
Appearance Care
477
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
477
Care of Safety Belts
480
Weatherstrips
480
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
480
Sheet Metal Damage
482
Finish Damage
482
Underbody Maintenance
483
Chemical Paint Spotting
483
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
483
Vehicle Identification
485
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
485
Service Parts Identification Label
485
Electrical System
486
Add-on Electrical Equipment
486
Windshield Wiper Fuses
486
Power Windows and Other Power Options
486
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
486
Capacities and Specifications
495
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
499
Maintenance Schedule
500
Maintenance Schedule
501
Introduction
501
Your Vehicle and the Environment
501
Maintenance Requirements
501
How This Section is Organized
502
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
503
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
503
Scheduled Maintenance
504
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
510
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles (160, 1600 and 10000km)
510
At Each Fuel Fill
510
At Least Once a Month
510
At Least Twice a Year
511
At Least Once a Year
512
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
515
Steering and Suspension Inspection
515
Exhaust System Inspection
515
Fuel System Inspection
515
Engine Cooling System Inspection
515
Throttle System Inspection
516
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection
516
Brake System Inspection
516
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
517
Part E: Maintenance Record
520
Customer Assistance Information
524
Customer Assistance Information
525
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
525
Online Owner Center
526
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
527
Customer Assistance Offices
527
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
528
Roadside Assistance Program
529
Courtesy Transportation
530
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
532
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
533
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
533
Service Publications Ordering Information
533
Supplement
536
Index
538

2003 GMC Sierra Overview

Introduction

The 2003 GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck that exemplifies rugged reliability and versatility, making it ideal for work and leisure. With its robust build quality, well-designed interiors, and a range of powerful engine options, the Sierra appeals to a broad spectrum of drivers—from hard-working professionals to weekend adventurers. The 2003 model year offers a sturdy platform with exceptional towing capabilities and a comfortable ride, ensuring that it can handle both daily commutes and heavy-duty tasks with ease.

Powertrains

Under the hood, the 2003 GMC Sierra boasts a variety of powertrains to meet diverse driving needs. The base model is equipped with a 4.3-liter V6 engine that delivers a respectable 195 horsepower, ideal for light-duty tasks. For those seeking more power, GMC offers V8 engine options including a 4.8-liter generating 285 horsepower and a 5.3-liter producing 295 horsepower, which enhance towing capacity and overall performance. A robust 6.0-liter V8 engine option, offering 300 horsepower, caters to those who require serious hauling prowess, while a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine provides unrivaled torque for heavy-duty performance.

Trims

The 2003 GMC Sierra is available in a variety of trims, including the base Work Truck, SL, SLE, and the upscale SLT. Each trim level offers increased features and luxury options, ranging from basic functionality in the Work Truck variant to high-end comforts like leather upholstery and enhanced sound systems in the SLT model. Optional extended and crew cab configurations provide extra seating and cargo versatility, catering to families and professionals alike.

Features

Standard features on the 2003 GMC Sierra may include air conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo, with available options for upgraded audio systems, power windows, and remote entry. Notably, safety features such as anti-lock brakes and multiple airbags contribute to the truck's reassuring performance on the road. Additionally, the optional Off-Road package provides enhanced suspension, making the Sierra suitable for backcountry adventures.

Owners Manual

The 2003 GMC Sierra’s owner's manual serves as an invaluable resource for vehicle operation and maintenance. It provides detailed information on the truck’s features, specifications, and scheduled maintenance guidelines, ensuring owners can maximize their vehicle's performance and longevity. The manual also includes troubleshooting tips, safety instructions, and warranty details, making it essential for new owners to familiarize themselves with their Sierra.

User manual download

The GMC Sierra owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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