GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 121
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 122
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 123
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 123
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 124
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 137
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 137
Airbag On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 140
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 141
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . 143
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 144
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 144
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 145
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 145
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 146
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 147
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 147 Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 148
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Brake System Messages . . . . . 154
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 154
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 154
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 155
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 155
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 156
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 156
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Airbag System Messages . . . . 158
Safety Belt Messages . . . . . . . . 158
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Steering System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
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Instruments and Controls 137
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There may be a passenger safety
belt reminder light near the
passenger airbag status indicator.
SeePassenger Sensing
System 080.
For vehicles equipped with the
passenger safety belt reminder light,
when the vehicle is started this light
flashes and a chime may come on
to remind passengers to fasten their
safety belt. Then the light stays on
solid until the belt is buckled. This
cycle continues several times if the
passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on. The front passenger safety belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat
such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other
electronic device. To turn off the
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system (if equipped), the
pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring, and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
see
Airbag System 072.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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158 Instruments and Controls
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
traction control is active. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0303.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when the
StabiliTrak system has been turned
off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To limit wheel spin and realize the
full benefits of the stability
enhancement system, you should
normally leave StabiliTrak on. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0303.
STABILITRAK OFF may also
display when the stability control
has been automatically disabled.
The following conditions can cause
this message to appear:
. The system is overheating,
which could occur if StabiliTrak
activates continuously for an
extended period of time.
. The brake system warning light
is on. See Brake System
Warning Light 0142. .
The stability system takes longer
than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving
conditions.
. An engine or vehicle-related
problem has been detected and
the vehicle needs service. See
your dealer.
. The transfer case is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low.
The message turns off as soon as
the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
Safety Belt Messages
SHIFTER LOCKED. BUCKLE
SEATBELT
This message displays if the vehicle
is equipped with the Safety Belt
Assurance System and the driver
and front outboard passenger,
if present, safety belts are not
buckled. The vehicle will not shift
out of P (Park). Buckle the safety
belt(s) to unlock the shift lever.
This system may not allow the
vehicle to shift out of P (Park) if an
object —such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device —is on
the front outboard passenger seat.
If this happens, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
If the driver or front outboard
passenger unbuckles their safety
belt while driving, the safety belt
reminder chime and light(s) will
come on. See Safety Belt
Reminders 0137.
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Instruments and Controls 159
SHIFTER UNLOCKED. BRAKE
TO SHIFT
This message displays when the
Safety Belt Assurance System times
out and allows the vehicle to be
shifted out of P (Park) after
30 seconds following brake apply.
See“Safety Belts” and“Child
Restraints” in the Index for
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.
This system may not function
properly if the airbag readiness light
is on. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0137.
Security Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart, so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation 044.
Steering System
Messages
STEERING ASSIST IS
REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE
This message may display if a
problem occurs with the electric
power steering system. If this
message appears, steering effort
may be slightly higher than normal.
The vehicle is still safe to drive. Use
caution while in reduced assist
mode. If this message is persistent
or appears repeatedly, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Steering 0259.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
(1500 Series)
This message displays when there
is a problem with electric power
steering. If this message displays
and a reduction in steering
performance or loss of power
steering assistance is noticed. See
your dealer. See Steering0259.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
(2500/3500 Series)
This message displays when there
is a problem with the power steering
assist system. If this message
displays the vehicle can be driven
but should be repaired as soon as
possible. See your dealer. See
Steering 0259.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
If equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
system is not working properly. The
tire pressure light also flashes and
then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure
Light 0146. Several conditions may
cause this message to appear. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 410. If the warning comes on and
stays on, there may be a problem
with the TPMS. See your dealer.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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258 Driving and Operating
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 064.
. 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.
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.
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Driving and Operating 261
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without four-wheel drive and vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR)
tires must not be driven off-road
except on a level, solid surface. For
contact information about the
original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear safety belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.
Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped. .
Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
. Remove any underbody air
deflector, if equipped. Re-attach
the air deflector after off-road
driving.
. See Hill Descent Control
(HDC) 0305
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to
remove the front fascia lower air
dam. However, driving without the
air dam reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for
extended periods without the front
fascia lower air dam installed can
cause improper air flow to the
engine. Re-attach the front fascia
air dam after off-road driving.
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284 Driving and Operating
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you
can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without first pulling it toward
you. If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult
to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver
seat. To find out how, seeShifting
Into Park 0283.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission. You will then be
able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is
designed to:
.
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).
. Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0434. To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever all
the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, then have the vehicle
serviced soon.
This vehicle may have the Safety
Belt Assurance System, which may
prevent the vehicle from shifting out
of P (Park). See Safety Belt
Messages 0158.
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Driving and Operating 325
If parking the rig on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0454.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0277.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy
or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as expected.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
(Continued)