GMC 2006 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual page 130

Six-Speed (VORTEC™ 8.1L V8 and
®
DURAMAX ™ 6.6L V8 Engines)
This six-speed pattern is unique to GM manual
transmissions. The transmission always repositions
the shift lever to NEUTRAL, which is located between
FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) gear.
To prevent unintentional gear selections, additional force
is required to move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) or
FIRST (1). Use FIRST (1) when trailer towing, driving
with payload in the pickup box or launching on a grade.
Otherwise, start in SECOND (2) gear. Only shift into
FIRST (1) when the vehicle has stopped moving.
During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use,
start the vehicle moving in FIRST (1) gear. This allows
the clutch components to wear-in properly.
2-36
Here is how to operate
your transmission.
FIRST (1): With the vehicle at a stop, release the brake,
press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then,
slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. Only downshift into FIRST (1) when
the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the shift lever
will not go into FIRST (1), put the lever in NEUTRAL and
let up on the clutch pedal to fully engage the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal again. Then, shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2): With the vehicle at a stop, release the
brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. With the vehicle moving, press the
clutch pedal and upshift into SECOND (2) from FIRST (1)
while applying light pressure to the right on the shifter.
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal. If you come to a complete stop and the
shift lever will not go into SECOND (2), put the lever in
NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal to fully engage
the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again. Then, shift into
SECOND (2).
THIRD (3): Press the clutch pedal and upshift into
THIRD (3). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Upshift
into the higher forward gears the same way as you
do THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.