
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-
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Vehicle Care 271
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode 0272
for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
steam coming from it. Turn it off
and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
vehicles engine is overheated,
the liquids in it can catch fire. You
or others could be badly burned.
Stop the engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode 0272
for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious
problem.
If there is an engine overheat
warning, but no steam is seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can
get a little too hot when the vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer; see Trailer Towing
0 231.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
272 Vehicle Care
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an
engine driven cooling fan, push
down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
five minutes while the vehicle is
parked. If the warning is still there,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until itcools down. Also, see
“Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
following.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message displays, an
overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps to prevent engine damage. In
this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil 0258.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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368 Customer Information
.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.
General Motors of Canada
Limited requires
pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders. 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
to Roadside Assistance.
Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for
parts and labor for repairs not
covered by the warranty are the
owner responsibility.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Customer Information 371
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 notspecify 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 replacement
parts. 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
0
367.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number.
. Driver license number.
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number.
. Vehicle license plate number.
. Vehicle make, model, and
model year.
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
. Insurance company and policy
number.
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
390 Index
Driving (cont'd)For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 173
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 175
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288, 290
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Emergency OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Engine (cont'd)
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 255
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Cooling System Messages . . . 128
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 109
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 193
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 375 Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 146
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 148
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 150
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 261, 264
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
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