2011 GMC SIERRA tow

Black plate (107,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-107
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels
Off the Ground)
Two‐Wheel‐Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle from
the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly. 3. Firmly set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9‑69.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Four‐Wheel‐Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to dolly
tow a four-wheel-drive vehicle from
the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow
vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑69.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.

Black plate (108,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
10-108 Vehicle Care
6. Use an adequate clampingdevice designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels are
locked into the straight position.
{WARNING
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). The driver or others
could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before
the transfer case is shifted to
N (Neutral).
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive
on page 9‑54 for the proper
procedure to select the neutral
position for the vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
After towing, see “Shifting Out of
Neutral” underFour-Wheel Drive on
page 9‑54.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Silicone grease on weatherstrips
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean
cloth. During very cold, damp
weather frequent application may
be required. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑8.
Washing the Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle's finish is to keep it clean
by washing it often.
Notice: Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by the
warranty. Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that
are petroleum based or that contain
acid or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal or plastic
on the vehicle. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from your
dealer. Follow all manufacturers'
directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.

Black plate (110,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
10-110 Vehicle Care
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a
lint free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer fluid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap
and a buildup of vehicle wash/
wax treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper
removal
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels and Trim
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft
clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged
if the vehicle is not washed
after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium,
calcium or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as
ice and dust. Always wash the
vehicle's chrome with soap
and water after exposure. Notice:
Using strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only approved
cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is
similar to the painted surface of the
vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
abrasive cleaners, cleaners with
acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could
damage the surface. Do not use
chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice: Using chrome polish on
aluminum wheels could damage
the wheels. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use chrome polish
on chrome wheels only.

Black plate (114,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
10-114 Vehicle Care
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment to remove dust
and loose dirt. A canister vacuum
with a beater bar in the nozzle
may only be used on floor carpet
and carpeted floor mats. For soils,
always try to remove them first with
plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much
of the soil as possible using one
of the following techniques:
.For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb
into the paper towel until no
more can be removed.
.For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Remove excess moisture. 3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain
water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. Test a small
hidden area for colorfastness before
using a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression
that a ring formation may result,
clean the entire surface.
A paper towel can be used to blot
excess moisture from the fabric or
carpet after the cleaning process.
Leather/Leatherette
Leather, and lighter colored leather
in particular, will need more frequent
cleaning to prevent the buildup of
dust, dirt, and colors transferred
from other items so that these do
not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth
dampened with water can be used.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can
be used. Your dealer has a GM
approved leather cleaner available
that provides superior cleaning
performance when used regularly
on finished automotive leathers.
Allow the leather to dry naturally.
Do not use heat, steam, spot lifters
or spot removers, or shoe polish on
leather. Many commercial leather
cleaners and coatings that are
sold to preserve and protect leather
may permanently change the
appearance and feel of the leather
and are not recommended.

Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (extreme duty
service) for vehicles mainly
driven off‐road in four‐wheel
drive. Vehicles used for farming,
mining, forestry, Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), and
snow plowing occupations meet
this definition. Check vent hose
at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be
sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During
any maintenance, if a power
washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody,
care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case
output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑19.
.Automatic transmission fluid
change (severe service) for
vehicles with Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) over
3 901 kg (8,600 lbs) or mainly
driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi,
police, or delivery service.
See Automatic Transmission
Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on
page 10‑13 orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) on page 10‑16.
.Four‐wheel drive only: Transfer
case fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly
driven when frequently towing
a trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. Check
vent hose at transfer case for
kinks and proper installation.
Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of
debris. During any maintenance,
if a power washer is used to
clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer
case output seals. High pressure
water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be
replaced.

Black plate (9,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Information 13-9
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
.Lock‐Out Service:Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock
may be available if you have
OnStar
®. For security reasons,
the driver must present
identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow From a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest GMC dealer for warranty
service, or if the vehicle was in
a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is also given when
the vehicle is stuck in the sand,
mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start:
Service to
jump start a dead battery.
.Trip Routing Service: Detailed
maps of North America when
requested either with the
most direct route or the most
scenic route. Additional travel
information is also available.
Allow three weeks for delivery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits
and Assistance: If your
trip is interrupted due
to a warranty failure,
incidental expenses may
be reimbursed during the
5 years/(160 000 km)
100,000 miles Powertrain
warranty period. Items
considered are hotel, meals,
and rental car.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
.Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
.Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.
Services Specific to
Canadian‐Purchased Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is approximately $5 Canadian.
Diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
.Trip Routing Service: Limit of
six requests per year.

Black plate (14,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
13-14 Customer Information
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement
parts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8
orRoadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10. Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and
telephone number.
.Driver license number.
.Owner name, address, and
telephone number.
.Vehicle license plate number.
.Vehicle make, model, and
model year.
.Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
.Insurance company and policy
number.
.General description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates? on page 3‑35.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered
by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist
on Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may
be obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.

Black plate (4,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
i-4 INDEX
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . 13-12
Danger, Warnings, andCautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Devices, Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Rear Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33 Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-91
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-20
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Dual Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
DVD
Rear Seat EntertainmentSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
E
E85 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-87
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-125
Electrical System Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20