2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 towing

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 439
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier. A wheel lift tow truck
could damage the vehicle.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are dinghy and dolly towing. Dinghy
towing is towing the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground. Dolly
towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two
wheels on a dolly.
Follow the tow vehicle
manufacturer
’s instructions. See
your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with all four wheels on the
ground.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 441
11. With a foot on the brake pedal,release the parking brake.
Keep the ignition key in the
towed vehicle in ACC/
ACCESSORY to prevent the
steering column from locking.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then shift the transmission to
P (Park), and move the ignition
key to OFF.
3. Connect the battery.
4. Apply the brake pedal.
5. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off. Shift the
transfer case out of N (Neutral)
to Two-Wheel Drive High. See
“Shifting out of N (Neutral)”
under Four-Wheel Drive 0293.
See your dealer if the transfer
case cannot be shifted out of
N (Neutral). 6. Check that the vehicle is in
Two-Wheel Drive High by
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the
ignition.
8. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Release the parking brake.
10. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature
display will default to 0 °C (32 °
F) but will reset with normal
usage.Dolly Towing
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground) –Two-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles
Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with the rear wheels on the
ground, the transmission could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the
ground.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
442 Vehicle Care
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with the rear wheels on
the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions
for internal lubrication while being
towed.
To dolly tow a two-wheel-drive
vehicle, the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels on the dolly.
See“Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)” later in this section.
Front Towing (Front Wheels Off
the Ground) –Four-Wheel-Drive
VehiclesTo dolly tow a four-wheel-drive
vehicle from the front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake.
{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). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
5. Use a clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position. 6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
7. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0293 for the proper
procedure.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is
firmly attached to the tow
vehicle.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 443
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off
the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
To dolly tow a two-wheel-drive
vehicle from the rear:1. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
2. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0301.
3. Put the transmission in P (Park).
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions. 5. Use a clamping device
designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
6. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
{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). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
To dolly tow a four-wheel-drive
vehicle from the rear: 1. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
2. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0301.
3. Put the transmission in P (Park). 4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Use a clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
6. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
Neutral” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0293 for the proper
procedure.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
454 Service and Maintenance
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services.
Normal Service
All maintenance services, including
those listed under Additional
Required Services, are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0269.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0317. Severe Service
In addition to the normal service
schedule, some vehicles require
service more often. Severe service
is for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high-speed or
competitive driving.
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0357.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0363.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0408.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0414.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer
Fluid 0379.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Customer Information 477
.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 not 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 Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 805 km (500 mi).
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.
Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a
regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles
. Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is up to 7 liters. Diesel fuel
delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
. Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: Must be over
150 kilometers from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside
Assistance advisor will help to
make arrangements and explain
how to receive payment.
. Alternative Service: If
assistance cannot be provided
right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give
permission to get local
emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100,
after sending the original receipt

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
480 Customer Information
Aftermarket collision parts are also
available. These are made by
companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for the vehicle.
As a result, these parts may fit
poorly, exhibit premature durability/
corrosion problems, and may not
perform properly in subsequent
collisions. Aftermarket parts are not
covered by the GM New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, and any vehicle
failure related to such parts is not
covered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you
choose a collision repair facility that
meets your needs before you ever
need collision repairs. Your dealer
may have a collision repair center
with GM-trained technicians and
state-of-the-art equipment, or be
able to recommend a collision repair
center that has GM-trained
technicians and comparable
equipment.
Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GM
vehicle with comprehensive and
collision insurance coverage. There
are significant differences in the
quality of coverage afforded by
various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide
reduced protection to the GM
vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs through the use of
aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not
specify aftermarket collision parts.
When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you ensure that the
vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not
available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.
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 replacementparts. 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
0476.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number.
. Driver license number.
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number.
. Vehicle license plate number.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Index 499
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 479
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 484
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 490
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 471
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 309
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148, 150
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 312
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 30 Driving (cont'd)
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 266
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 268
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395, 397
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Emergency
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 487
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Engine (cont'd)
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 358
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Cooling System Messages . . . 154
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 134
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 286
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 484
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 174
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 176