2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI ABS

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Driving and Operating 207
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the
regular brake pedal down, then
pushing down the parking brake
pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light
0 116.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down, then
push down momentarily on the
parking brake pedal until you feel
the pedal release. Slowly pull your
foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released
when you begin to drive, the brake system warning light will flash and a
chime will sound warning you that
the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on a hill, see
Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 228.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
230 Driving and Operating
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbefore starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0199.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see
Engine Overheating 0270.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
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 0346.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
276 Vehicle Care
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0116.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0346.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0255.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0355.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
320 Vehicle Care
3. Use the wheel wrench and turnit counterclockwise to loosen
the wheel nuts. Do not remove
the wheel nuts yet.
Front Position –1500 Models
4. If the flat tire is on the front of the vehicle (1500 models),
position the jack under the
bracket attached to the
vehicle's frame, behind the flat
tire, as shown.
Front Position –All Other Models
If the flat tire is on the front of
the vehicle (all other models),
position the jack under the
vehicle, as shown.Rear Position –1500 Models
5. If the flat tire is on the rear, for 1500 models position the jack
under the rear axle about 5 cm
(2 in) inboard of the shock
absorber bracket.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Vehicle Care 321
Rear Position–All Other Models
For all other models, position
the jack under the rear axle
between the spring anchor and
the shock absorber bracket.
If a snow plow has been added
to the front of the vehicle, lower
the snow plow fully before
raising the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack head is
positioned so that the rear axle
is resting securely between the
grooves that are on the
jack head.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack,
you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
6. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is
enough room for the spare tire
to fit under the wheel well.
7. Remove all the wheel nuts andtake off the flat tire.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Vehicle Care 335
1. Drive the rear wheels onto thedolly.
2. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0207.
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 0207.
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 0200 for the proper
procedure.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0355.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Index 387
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . . . 192
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 247
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 265
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 67
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 63
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .113
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 206 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
392 Index
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 208
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
I
Idle SystemFast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Indicator Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 42
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 129
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 28
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 294
Lamps Auxiliary RoofMounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 149
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . .115
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 221
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 118
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Light Hill Decent Control . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 152
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .116
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 120
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 120
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
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