GMC 2006 Sierra - Manual (Page 131)

NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal.
Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift
to REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal. Also, use REVERSE (R),
along with the parking brake, when turning off your
engine and parking your vehicle.
Shift Speeds
{ CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
Do not allow the engine rpm to overspeed and enter the
tachometer red lines. Engine overspeed occurs when
downshifting, or descending a grade, at too high a vehicle
speed. When going down steep grades, always select a
gear at least one position lower than you would use on
climbing a grade. This will allow the vehicle’s engine to
provide some braking and help to slow the vehicle as it
goes down the grade. Monitor your vehicle speed,
acceleration and engine rpm while applying the brakes
as you go down the grade to ensure you have complete
control over the vehicle.
If your engine speed drops below 600 rpm, or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. When operating on slippery surfaces,
downshift at lower than normal vehicle speeds to prevent
the tires from slipping.
In bench seat equipped vehicles, move the tallest
beverage containers to the right cupholder to provide
additional clearance for the shift lever.
For vehicles equipped with a center console, the front
cup holder pulls out and turns 180° to provide additional
clearance between tall beverage containers and the
shift lever.
2-37