🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

GMC

Model:

Sierra

Year:

2009

Platform:

GMT900

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Brand Identity:

GMC Sierra represents General Motors' premium truck offering, often positioned as a more upscale and professional-grade alternative to Chevrolet Silverado.

Competitors:

Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

Design Philosophy:

Ruggedness, capability, comfort, and modern styling.

Trim Levels:

Typically includes Work Truck (WT), SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali, each offering progressively more features and luxury.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North American market models

Secondary Coverage:

US and Canadian specifications

Estimated Page Count:

~400-500 pages (typical for this era and model)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), driveline components, 4WD system engagement (if applicable)

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheel and tire information

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument cluster, battery and charging system, basic electrical component identification

Interior:

Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating, interior trim and features

Exterior:

Exterior lighting, doors, locks, security, mirrors

Operation:

Vehicle operation, starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking, towing information

Maintenance:

Fluid checks and refills, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, scheduled maintenance information

Troubleshooting:

Warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery, tires)

Safety:

Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures

Depth:

Covers daily operation, routine maintenance, and basic owner-level troubleshooting.

Scope:

Designed for the vehicle owner, not a professional technician. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or detailed repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, etc.)

Searchability:

Likely contains searchable text for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of the original factory manual, preserving clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

The 2009 Sierra was available with several engine options, commonly including: 4.8L V8 (L20), 5.3L V8 (LMF7/LH6/LC9), 6.0L V8 (L76/L96), and the high-performance 6.2L V8 (L92/L9H).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 295 hp to 403 hp, depending on the engine variant.

Torque Range:

Approximately 305 lb-ft to 417 lb-ft, depending on the engine variant.

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Requirement:

Typically requires Regular Unleaded gasoline, with some higher output engines recommending or requiring premium for optimal performance. FlexFuel (E85) capability was common on V8 engines.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4L60E, 4L70E) was common for most engines.

Type:

6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 6L80E, 6L90E) was often paired with the larger V8 engines (6.0L, 6.2L).

Drive Modes:

Electronically controlled transmission with various drive modes (e.g., Tow/Haul mode).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab configurations, with various bed lengths (e.g., Short Bed, Standard Bed, Long Bed).

Curb Weight Range:

Typically ranges from approximately 4,800 lbs to over 5,500 lbs depending on configuration and drivetrain.

Towing Capacity:

Varies significantly by configuration, engine, and rear axle ratio, but can range from 7,000 lbs to over 10,000 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Typically received 5-star ratings for driver and front passenger in frontal impacts.

NHTSA Side Impact:

Typically received 5-star ratings for front and rear passengers in side impacts.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System

Stability Control:

Available StabiliTrak (electronic stability control) system, often standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags for driver and passenger. Available side-impact airbags and curtain airbags on some models.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. Three-point rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Available with AM/FM stereo, CD player, MP3 playback, and auxiliary input. Higher trims may include Bose premium audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a touch-screen navigation system (e.g., Chevrolet MyLink precursor).

Entertainment Features:

DVD entertainment system might be available on Crew Cab models as an option.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking assist sensors may be available on certain trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard feature on most audio systems for connecting external music players.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or based on oil life monitoring system. Consult manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 7,500 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Often recommended around 100,000 miles for normal service, but can be more frequent for severe use (e.g., towing). Specific interval and fluid type are critical.

Engine Oil:

Likely SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic for most V8 engines. Specific viscosity and API service category are crucial. (e.g., Dexos specification may not apply to this model year).

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron VI is the likely specification for the automatic transmissions used in this era.

Coolant:

Typically a 50/50 mix of Dex-Cool (orange) coolant and distilled water, or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant.

Common Problems:

Potential issues may include AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter noise, exhaust manifold leaks (especially on 5.3L V8), transmission torque converter shudder, and potential electrical gremlins. The manual will detail how to identify and address some of these at an owner level.

Filters:

Manual may reference specific filter types for oil, air, and cabin air, but actual GM part numbers are typically found in a separate parts catalog or service manual.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.0 to 7.0 quarts for V8 engines, depending on displacement and oil filter.

Cooling System Capacity:

Typically around 15-17 quarts for V8 engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Truck Legacy:

GMC has a long history of manufacturing trucks, dating back to the early 20th century. The Sierra nameplate has been used for GMC's full-size pickup trucks since 1998.

Generation:

The 2009 model year falls within the second generation of the GMT900 platform Sierra (2007-2013), which was a significant redesign from its predecessor, featuring improved aerodynamics, a more refined interior, and enhanced powertrains.

Manufacturing Locations:

Produced at various General Motors assembly plants in North America, including Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Silao, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Powertrain Awards:

The 5.3L V8 engine was a mainstay and frequently praised for its balance of power and efficiency, often appearing on Ward's 10 Best Engines list in previous iterations and remaining highly regarded.

Safety Awards:

The GMT900 platform generally received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to the Sierra's reputation for safety.