2008 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual
Year:
2008
Make:
GMC
Model:
Sierra
Rating:
Table of Contents
2008 GMC Sierra Denali BookTOC
1
Seats and Restraint Systems
5
Front Seats
6
Power Seats
6
Power Lumbar
7
Heated Seats
8
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals
8
Reclining Seatbacks
10
Head Restraints
12
Rear Seats
13
Rear Seat Operation (Split Bench)
13
Safety Belts
14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
19
Lap-Shoulder Belt
28
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
33
Lap Belt
33
Safety Belt Extender
34
Child Restraints
35
Older Children
35
Infants and Young Children
38
Child Restraint Systems
41
Where to Put the Restraint
44
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
45
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
54
Airbag System
58
Where Are the Airbags?
61
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
63
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
65
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
65
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?
66
Passenger Sensing System
67
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
72
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
72
Restraint System Check
74
Checking the Restraint Systems
74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
75
Features and Controls
77
Keys
79
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
80
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
81
Remote Vehicle Start
84
Doors and Locks
86
Door Locks
86
Power Door Locks
87
Delayed Locking
87
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
87
Rear Door Security Locks
88
Lockout Protection
89
Rear Doors
89
Tailgate
89
Windows
91
Manual Windows
91
Power Windows
92
Sliding Rear Window
93
Power Sliding Rear Window
93
Sun Visors
94
Theft-Deterrent Systems
94
Content Theft-Deterrent
94
96
Operation
96
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
98
New Vehicle Break-In
98
Ignition Positions
98
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
99
Starting the Engine
100
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
101
Engine Coolant Heater
102
Automatic Transmission Operation
103
Tow/Haul Mode
107
Parking Brake
108
Shifting Into PARK (P)
109
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
110
Parking Over Things That Burn
111
Engine Exhaust
111
Running the Engine While Parked
112
Mirrors
113
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display
113
Outside Power Mirrors
115
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
117
Object Detection Systems
119
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
119
OnStar® System
121
Universal Home Remote System
125
Universal Home Remote System
125
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED)
125
Storage Areas
132
Glove Box
132
Cupholder(s)
132
Instrument Panel Storage
132
Center Console Storage
133
Rear Seat Armrest
133
Cargo Management System
133
Sunroof
134
Instrument Panel
137
Instrument Panel Overview
140
Hazard Warning Flashers
142
Other Warning Devices
142
Horn
142
Tilt Wheel
142
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
143
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
144
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
144
Flash-to-Pass
145
Windshield Wipers
145
Windshield Washer
146
Cruise Control
147
Exterior Lamps
150
Headlamps on Reminder
151
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
152
Automatic Headlamp System
152
Puddle Lamps
153
Fog Lamps
153
Instrument Panel Brightness
154
Dome Lamps
154
Dome Lamp Override
154
Entry Lighting
154
Exit Lighting
154
Reading Lamps
155
Cargo Lamp
155
Electric Power Management
155
Battery Run-Down Protection
156
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
156
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
157
Climate Controls
158
Climate Control System (With Air Conditioning)
158
Climate Control System (Heater Only)
160
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
162
Outlet Adjustment
168
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
169
Instrument Panel Cluster
170
Speedometer and Odometer
171
Trip Odometer
171
Tachometer
171
Safety Belt Reminders
172
Airbag Readiness Light
173
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
174
Charging System Light
176
Voltmeter Gage
176
Brake System Warning Light
177
Antilock Brake System Warning Light
178
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light
179
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
179
Tire Pressure Light
180
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
180
Oil Pressure Gage
184
Oil Pressure Light
185
Security Light
185
Fog Lamp Light
186
Cruise Control Light
186
Highbeam On Light
186
Tow/Haul Mode Light
186
Fuel Gage
187
Driver Information Center (DIC)
188
DIC Operation and Displays (Using DIC Buttons)
188
DIC Operation and Displays (Using Trip Odometer Reset Stem)
194
DIC Warnings and Messages
195
DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)
204
Audio System(s)
212
Setting the Clock
213
Radio(s) (MP3)
215
Using an MP3 (Radio with Six-Disc Player)
233
Using an MP3 (Radio with CD and DVD Player)
238
XM Radio Messages
243
Navigation/Radio System
244
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
245
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
254
Theft-Deterrent Feature
256
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
256
Radio Reception
257
Fixed Mast Antenna
258
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
258
Driving Your Vehicle
259
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
260
Defensive Driving
260
Drunk Driving
260
Control of a Vehicle
261
Braking
261
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
262
Braking in Emergencies
263
StabiliTrak® System
263
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
265
Steering
266
Off-Road Recovery
268
Passing
268
Loss of Control
268
Off-Road Driving
270
Driving at Night
283
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
283
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
285
Highway Hypnosis
285
Hill and Mountain Roads
285
Winter Driving
286
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
290
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
290
Recovery Hooks
291
Loading Your Vehicle
292
Truck-Camper Loading Information
298
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
298
Towing
299
Towing Your Vehicle
299
Recreational Vehicle Towing
299
Towing a Trailer
299
Trailer Recommendations
312
Service and Appearance Care
313
Service
315
Accessories and Modifications
315
California Proposition 65 Warning
316
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
316
Doing Your Own Service Work
316
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
317
Fuel
317
Gasoline Octane
317
Gasoline Specifications
317
California Fuel
318
Additives
318
Fuels in Foreign Countries
319
Filling the Tank
320
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
322
Checking Things Under the Hood
322
Hood Release
323
Engine Compartment Overview
324
Engine Oil
325
Engine Oil Life System
328
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
329
Automatic Transmission Fluid
332
Engine Coolant
335
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
338
Engine Overheating
338
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
340
Cooling System
341
Engine Fan Noise
345
Power Steering Fluid
346
Windshield Washer Fluid
347
Brakes
348
Battery
351
Jump Starting
352
All-Wheel Drive
357
Rear Axle
358
Front Axle
359
Headlamp Aiming
361
Bulb Replacement
364
Halogen Bulbs
364
Headlamps
364
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime Running Lamps
365
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp
366
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
367
License Plate Lamp
368
Replacement Bulbs
369
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
369
Tires
370
Tire Sidewall Labeling
371
Tire Terminology and Definitions
374
Inflation - Tire Pressure
377
Tire Pressure Monitor System
378
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
380
Tire Inspection and Rotation
384
When It Is Time for New Tires
385
Buying New Tires
386
Different Size Tires and Wheels
388
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
388
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
390
Wheel Replacement
390
Tire Chains
391
If a Tire Goes Flat
392
Changing a Flat Tire
393
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
394
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
397
Secondary Latch System
403
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
406
Spare Tire
410
Appearance Care
410
Interior Cleaning
410
Fabric/Carpet
412
Leather
412
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces
413
Wood Panels
413
Care of Safety Belts
413
Weatherstrips
414
Washing Your Vehicle
414
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
414
Finish Care
414
Windshield and Wiper Blades
415
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim
416
Tires
417
Sheet Metal Damage
417
Finish Damage
417
Underbody Maintenance
417
Chemical Paint Spotting
417
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
418
Vehicle Identification
419
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
419
Service Parts Identification Label
419
Electrical System
420
Add-On Electrical Equipment
420
Windshield Wiper Fuses
420
Power Windows and Other Power Options
420
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
420
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
421
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
423
Underhood Fuse Block
424
Capacities and Specifications
428
Maintenance Schedule
429
Maintenance Schedule
430
Introduction
430
Maintenance Requirements
430
Your Vehicle and the Environment
430
Using the Maintenance Schedule
430
Scheduled Maintenance
432
Additional Required Services
434
Maintenance Footnotes
435
Owner Checks and Services
437
At Each Fuel Fill
437
At Least Once a Month
438
At Least Once a Year
438
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
440
Maintenance Replacement Parts
442
Engine Drive Belt Routing
443
Maintenance Record
444
Customer Assistance Information
447
Customer Assistance and Information
448
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
448
Online Owner Center
450
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
451
Customer Assistance Offices
451
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
452
Roadside Assistance Program
452
Scheduling Service Appointments
455
Courtesy Transportation
455
Collision Damage Repair
457
Reporting Safety Defects
460
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
460
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
461
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
461
Service Publications Ordering Information
461
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
462
Event Data Recorders
463
OnStar®
464
Navigation System
464
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
464
Index
465
2008 GMC Sierra Overview
Introduction
The 2008 GMC Sierra stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, offering a blend of rugged capability and modern luxury. As a full-size pickup truck, it caters to both work and play, making it a versatile choice for those who demand performance, comfort, and style. With a bold exterior presence and a well-appointed interior, the Sierra embodies the spirit of adventure and reliability that GMC is known for.
Powertrains
The 2008 GMC Sierra offers a range of powertrains to suit various needs. The base engine is a robust 4.3L V6 that delivers adequate power for everyday tasks. For those seeking more strength, there are two V8 options: a 4.8L V8 that produces 295 hp and a more powerful 5.3L V8 with 315 hp. Additionally, a 6.0L V8 option is available for heavy-duty applications, ensuring that there's a suitable engine for both efficiency and towing capabilities. The Sierra also features an optional 6-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its performance and fuel efficiency.
Trims
The 2008 Sierra comes in several trims to accommodate diverse preferences. From the work-oriented WT (Work Truck) trim to the more luxurious SLT and the upscale Denali, buyers have numerous options. Each trim level adds different features, enhancing comfort and style, making it easy to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Features
The Sierra is equipped with a host of features aimed at both utility and comfort. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, and a sound system with CD player. Higher trims offer premium leather seating, advanced audio systems, navigation, and dual-zone climate control, elevating the driving experience. Safety is not overlooked, with options for stability control, antilock brakes, and an extensive airbag system.
Owner's Manual
The 2008 GMC Sierra comes with a comprehensive owner's manual, providing essential information regarding vehicle operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This manual serves as a valuable resource for owners, ensuring they can maximize the performance and longevity of their truck with proper care and timely service.
User manual download
The GMC Sierra owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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