2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI ignition

GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Driving and Operating 191
Warning (Continued)
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You
or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
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, see
Shifting
Into Park 0190.
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 0326.
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.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Driving and Operating 193
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0190 and
Engine Exhaust 0192.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0228.
Automatic
Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic
shift lever position indicator within
the instrument cluster. This display
comes on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON/RUN position.
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
Heavy-Duty 6-Speed Automatic
Transmission Shown, Others
Similar
See “Range Selection Mode” under
Manual Mode 0196.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
196 Driving and Operating
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
If equipped with a gasoline engine
and an automatic transmission,
Normal Mode Grade Braking is
enabled when the vehicle is started,
but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle. The first time
the system engages for each
ignition key cycle, a DIC message
will be displayed. SeeTransmission
Messages 0133. To disable or enable Normal Mode
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message
displays. See
Transmission
Messages 0133.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Tow/Haul Mode 0199 and
Cruise Control 0211.
Kickdown Mode
The accelerator pedal provides an
additional downshift after pressing
through the kickdown feature.
It requires extra pedal pressure near
the end of its travel to engage.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Mode
helps control the vehicle's
transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a
trailer by letting you select a desired
range of gears.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Driving and Operating 199
Low Traction Mode
If equipped, Low Traction Mode
assists in vehicle acceleration when
road conditions are slippery, such
as with ice or snow. While the
vehicle is at a stop, select M2 using
Range Selection Mode. This will
limit torque to the wheels and help
to prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
The vehicle has a Tow/Haul Mode.
The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce
shift cycling, providing increased
performance, vehicle control, andenhanced transmission and engine
cooling when driving down steep
hills or mountain grades, towing,
or hauling heavy loads.
The selector button is on the end of
the shift lever. Turn the Tow/Haul
Mode on and off by pressing the
button. When the Tow/Haul Mode is
enabled, a light on the instrument
cluster will come on.
See
Tow/Haul Mode Light 0118 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0173.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment 0237.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is
only enabled while the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected and the vehicle is
not in the Range Selection Mode.
See “Tow/Haul Mode” listed
previously and Manual Mode0196.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
assists in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle. On vehicles with a gasoline engine,
to disable or enable Tow/Haul
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message is
displayed. See
Transmission
Messages 0133.
On vehicles with a diesel engine,
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking can
be enabled or disabled by pressing
the Tow/Haul Mode button. Use the
exhaust brake and Tow/Haul Mode
for maximum grade braking.
See Towing Equipment 0237.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission 0193
and Cruise Control 0211.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
200 Driving and Operating
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction. Read the appropriate
section for transfer case operation
before using.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
mand 4n(if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle’s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive may:
. Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
. Cause tires to wear faster.
. Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier.
{Warning
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See Parking Brake
0 207.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
nand 4mor from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak®off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0208.
Electronic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob, next to
the steering wheel, to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive for extra
traction.
Indicator lights on the knob show
which setting the transfer case is in.
The N (Neutral) indicator is on the
face of the knob. The indicator lights
display briefly when the ignition is
turned on, and one will stay on.
If the lights display momentarily
when the ignition is in ON/RUN, but
none stay on, the knob may have
been turned while the vehicle was
off. To see the indicator, turn the
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Driving and Operating 201
knob to another position so that it
matches the actual transfer case
setting. If no lights display, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
An indicator light flashes while
shifting and until the shift is
complete.
If the transfer case cannot complete
a requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting. Turn the control
back to the previous setting to see
the indicator light.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Shift the transfer case
to N (Neutral) only when towing the
vehicle. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0331 orTowing the Vehicle
0 331. 2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :
Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
nif
driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
When engaged, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0208.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
when extra traction is needed. The
front axle engages and helps when
driving on snowy or icy roads, when
off-roading, or when plowing snow.
The vehicle can be shifted from 2
m
to 4mwhile the vehicle is moving. Shifting Into 4
m
Turn the knob to 4mat any speed
up to 121 km/h (75 mph), except
from 4
n. The indicator light will flash
while shifting and will remain on the
selected setting.
Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4
n.
Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, vehicle speed
should be kept below 72 km/h
(45 mph).
1. The ignition must be in ON/ RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral). It is
best for the vehicle to be
moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h
(1 to 2 mph).
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
202 Driving and Operating
2. Turn the knob to 4n. Wait for
the 4
nindicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
nindicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob
to 4
mto see the indicator. With the
vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. To shift out of 4nthe vehicle
must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with
the transmission in N (Neutral)
and the ignition in ON/RUN.
It is best for the vehicle to be
moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h
(1 to 2 mph). 2. Turn the knob to 4
mor 2m.
Wait for the 4
mor 2mindicator
light to stop flashing before
shifting the transmission
into gear.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
mor 2mindicator light will flash
for 30 seconds, but will not complete
the shift. With the vehicle moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the
transmission in N (Neutral), attempt
the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift to N (Neutral):
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake
pedal. See Parking Brake
0 207.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m. 6. Turn the transfer case knob
clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then shift the transmission to
D (Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park).
10. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0331.
11. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Driving and Operating 203
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob next to
the steering wheel to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive.
Indicator lights display which setting
the transfer case is in. N (Neutral) is
indicated on the face of the knob.
The indicator lights will display
briefly when the ignition is turned on
and one will stay on. If the lights
display momentarily when the
ignition is in ON/RUN, but none stay
on, the knob may have been turned
while the vehicle was off. To see the
indicator, turn the knob to another
position so that it matches the actual transfer case setting. If no
lights display, take the vehicle to
your dealer for service. An indicator
light flashes while shifting the
transfer case and remains
illuminated when the shift is
complete.
If the transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting. Turn the knob
back to the previous transfer case
setting to see the indicator.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Shift the vehicle's
transfer case to N (Neutral) only
when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0331
or Towing the Vehicle 0331.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
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