2012 GMC SIERRA 1500 instrument cluster

Black plate (3,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑10.
B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
C. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑30.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5 (Out of View).
E. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑12.
F. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑35.
Tow/Haul Selector Button (If
Equipped). See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9‑39. Range Selection Mode (Allison
Transmission and Hydra-Matic®
6‐Speed Button) (If Equipped).
See
Manual Mode on
page 9‑38.
G. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
H. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4‑1.
I. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped). See
Trailer Towing on page 9‑78.
J. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
K. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑22.
L. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑5. M.
Parking Brake on page 9‑54.
N. Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑6
(If Equipped).
O. Cruise Control on page 9‑58.
P. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
Q. Horn on page 5‑4.
R. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2 (If Equipped).
S. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive on
page 10‑30.
T. Ashtray (If Equipped). See Ashtrays on page 5‑11 and
Cigarette Lighter on page 5‑10.

Black plate (7,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
In Brief 1-7
A.Air Vents on page 8‑10.
B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
C. Instrument Cluster on
page 5‑12.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5 (Out of View).
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑35.
Range Selection Mode
(If Equipped). See Manual
Mode on page 9‑38.
F. Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑39
(If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑30. H.
Infotainment on page 7‑1.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
J. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped). See
Trailer Towing on page 9‑78.
K. Dome Lamps on page 6‑8.
L. Automatic Transfer Case Control (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive on
page 10‑30.
M. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑22.
N. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑5.
O. Parking Brake on page 9‑54.
P. Cruise Control on page 9‑58. Q.
Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
R. Horn on page 5‑4.
S. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
T. Climate Control Systems (with
Air Conditioning) on page 8‑1 or
Climate Control Systems (with
Heater Only) on page 8‑4
(If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 8‑5
(If Equipped).
U. Power Outlets on page 5‑9.
Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped).
See Ashtrays on page 5‑11 and
Cigarette Lighter on page 5‑10.

Black plate (30,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
1-30 In Brief
Cruise Control
T:Press to turn the system on
or off. The indicator light is on when
cruise control is on and turns off
when cruise control is off.
+ RES: Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously set
speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.
SET −:Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or make the
vehicle decelerate.
[: Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑58.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
navigation system manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system.
The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points of
interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.
See the navigation system manual
for more information.
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on
the instrument panel, next to the
steering wheel.
Some vehicles do not have the
buttons shown, however some of
the menus can be viewed by using
the trip odometer reset stem.

Black plate (13,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned
to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or START from the LOCK/OFF
position.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The security light will come on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses that someone is using the
wrong key, it prevents the vehicle
from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.
If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, there may be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. Turn the ignition off and try
again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the
fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 10‑44. If the
engine still does not start with the
other key, the vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle does start, the first key
may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key III+ to
have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see
your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the
system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the
system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has
a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.

Black plate (23,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Seats and Restraints 3-23
{WARNING
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children, but
not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle safety belt
system nor its airbag system
is designed for them. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in the
vehicle. To read how, seeOlder
Children on page 3‑39 orInfants
and Young Children on
page 3‑41.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑18 for
more information.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver airbag is in the middle of
the steering wheel.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-4
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-17
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-18
Airbag On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-22
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . 5-26
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . 5-26
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-27
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . 5-27
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-28
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-28
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-29
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-40
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-40
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-42
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-42
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-43
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-43
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-43
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-44
Airbag System Messages . . . . 5-45
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Starting the Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45

Black plate (12,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
5-12 Instruments and Controls
Instrument Cluster
English Light Duty Premium Shown. Metric, Uplevel, Base and Heavy Duty Similar.

Black plate (13,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Instruments and Controls 5-13
For vehicles with a DURAMAX®
Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX®
Diesel Supplement for more
information.
For vehicles with a Hybrid, see the
Hybrid Supplement for more
information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the
vehicle's speed in either kilometers
per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven, in either
kilometers or miles.
Engine Hour Meter Display
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
can also display the number of
hours the engine has run. To display
the engine hours, turn the ignition
off, then press and hold the reset
button for at least four seconds.The hour meter displays for up to
30 seconds, or until the ignition is
turned on. See
Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑30 for more
information.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far
the vehicle has been driven since
the trip odometer was last set
to zero.
Press the reset button, located on
the instrument panel cluster next to
the voltmeter, to toggle between
the trip odometer and the regular
odometer. Holding the reset button
for approximately one second while
the trip odometer is displayed will
reset it. To display the odometer reading
with the ignition off, press the reset
button.
See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑30 for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine
speed in revolutions per minute
(rpm). For a description of how
Grade Braking affects vehicle
speed while the Tow/Haul Mode is
activated, see Tow/Haul Mode on
page 9‑39 for more information.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.