2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 Owners Manual

Black plate (7,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Climate Controls 8-7
0(Defrost):Press to clear the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and the side window
vents. The air conditioning
compressor also comes on, unless
the outside temperature is below
freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear.
See Air Vents on page 8-8.
A/C (Air Conditioning): Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to
show that the air conditioning is
enabled. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run. The A/C
light will stay on even if the outside
temperatures are below freezing.
@(Recirculation): Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated to
quickly cool the inside of the
vehicle. It can also be used to help
reduce outside air and odors that enter the vehicle. The air
conditioning compressor also comes
on when this mode is activated.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
K(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in ON/
RUN. The rear window defogger
stays on for approximately
10 minutes after the button is first
pressed. Each subsequent press,
the rear window defogger stays on
for five minutes. The defogger also
turns off if the ignition is turned to
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
{Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Heated Mirror: If equipped with
heated outside rearview mirrors, the
mirrors heat to help clear fog or frost
from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defog button is
pressed. See Heated Mirrors on
page 2-16.

Black plate (8,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
8-8 Climate Controls
Sensors
The solar sensor, located in the
defrost grille in the middle of the
instrument panel, monitors the solar
heat. Do not cover the solar sensor
or the system will not work properly.
There is also an exterior
temperature sensor behind the front
grille. This sensor reads the outside
air temperature and helps maintain
the temperature inside the vehicle.
Any cover on the front of the vehicle
including a snow plow, could cause
a false reading in the displayed
temperature.The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
maintain comfort settings by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan
speed, and the air delivery mode.
The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing
the sun. The recirculation mode will
also be used as needed to maintain
cool outlet temperatures.
Air Vents
Use the air vents in the center and
on the side of the instrument panel
to direct airflow. Use the
thumbwheels near the air vents to
open or close off the airflow.
Air vents blow warm air on the side
windows in cold weather. If Floor,
Defog or Defrost modes are
selected, a small amount of air will
come from the vents close to the
window. If the airflow is shut off
using the thumbwheels, warm air
will be directed to the other
instrument panel vents. This is
normal operation.
Use the thumbwheels to turn vent
airflow on or off based on the mode
selected.

Black plate (9,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Climate Controls 8-9
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. To find out what type of
filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11-14.
1. Open the lower glove box door completely.
2. Remove the four screws from around the lower glove box. The
door does not need to be
removed to access the screws.
3. Close the lower glove box doorand pull from its frame to
remove the entire unit.

Black plate (10,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
8-10 Climate Controls
4. Release the two tabs holding theservice door. Open the service
door and remove the old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Close the service door and secure the tabs.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 9-11
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-12
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-14
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-24
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 9-29
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Active Fuel Management
®. . . 9-32
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-34
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-54
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . 9-61
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-70
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-70
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70

Black plate (2,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-2 Driving and Operating
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-71
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-72
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-73
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-74
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-74
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-77
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-89
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-98
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-99
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 9-99
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-103
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.

Black plate (3,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-3
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety Belts on
page 3-12.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.

Black plate (4,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-4 Driving and Operating
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
(1500 Series)
If the vehicle has electric power
steering, it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is
held in that position for an extended
period of time, power steering assist
may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Steering System
Messages on page 5-41.Hydraulic Power Steering
(2500/3500 Series)
If the vehicle has hydraulic power
steering, it may require
maintenance. See Power Steering
Fluid (2500/3500 Series) on
page 10-26 orPower Steering Fluid
(1500 Series) on page 10-26. If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or a
system malfunctions, the vehicle
can be steered but may require
increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
{Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
for more than 15 seconds,
damage may occur to the power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.