
GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
In Brief 7
1.Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0152.
2. Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) System (If Equipped).
See Towing Equipment 0237.
3. Exterior Lamp Controls 0146.
Fog Lamps 0151 (If
Equipped).
4. Air Vents 0160.
5. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0 150.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
0 100.
6. Favorite Switches (Out of View). See Steering Wheel
Controls 099.
Volume Switches (Out of View).
See Steering Wheel Controls
0 99.
7. Instrument Cluster 0106.
8. Hazard Warning Flashers
0150
9. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0193. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If
Equipped). See
Tow/Haul
Mode 0199.
Range Selection Mode (If
Equipped). See Manual Mode
0 196.
10. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0149.
11. Infotainment 0156.
12. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 052 (If Equipped).
13. Power Outlet (Alternating Current) (If Equipped). See
Power Outlets 0102.
14. Power Outlets 0102.
15. USB Port. See Infotainment
0 156.
16.
gTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0208.
0Pedal Adjust Switch (If
Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal
0 184.
{Cargo Lamp 0152.
XParking Assist Button (If
Equipped). See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing
0 215.
ALane Keep Assist (LKA)
(1500 Series) 0221 (If
Equipped).
5Hill Descent Control Switch
(If Equipped). See Hill Descent
Control (HDC) 0210.
qExhaust Brake (If
Equipped). See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Auxiliary Button (If Equipped).
See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0247.
17. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0157.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 099
(If Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Controls. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0123.
19. Hood Release. See Hood
0 254.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
18 In Brief
Transfer Case Controls
The vehicle will have one of two
styles of transfer case controls. Use
these controls to shift into and out of
the different four-wheel drive
modes.
Electronic Transfer Case
This transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.Automatic Transfer Case
This transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.
The different drive options that may
be available are described following.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :
This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : This setting is ideal for use
when road surface traction
conditions are variable.
Do not use AUTO mode to park on
a steep grade with poor traction
such as ice, snow, mud or gravel. In AUTO mode only the rear wheels
will hold the vehicle from sliding
when parked. If parking on a steep
grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as on snowy or icy
roads or in most off-road situations.
N (Neutral) : Shift to this setting
only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0331
or Trailer Towing 0231.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting sends maximum power to all
four wheels. Choose Four-Wheel
Drive Low when driving in deep
sand, mud, or snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0200.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 30
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 32
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Doors
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 35
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 37
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . 41
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 42
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the
ignition, and children or others
could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with the
ignition key.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
38 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the vehicle
theft system in the vehicle.
See your dealer to get a new key
blank cut exactly as the ignition key
that operates the system.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
If equipped, adjust trailer-tow
mirrors for a clear view of the area
behind you. Manually pull out the
mirror head to extend it for better
visibility when towing a trailer.
The lower portion of the mirror is
convex. A convex mirror's surface is
curved to see more from the driver
seat. The convex mirror can be
adjusted manually to the driver
preferred position for better vision.
The mirror may have a turn signal
arrow that flashes in the direction of
the turn or lane change.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Instruments and Controls 115
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
ON/RUN and the engine is not
running. SeeIgnition Positions
0 185.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0252. If the light is flashing :
A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady : A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. A loose or missing fuel cap may
cause the light to come on. See
Filling the Tank 0226. A few
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Instruments and Controls 125
engine oil life system, press and
hold
Vfor several seconds while
the Oil Life display is active. See
Engine Oil Life System 0261.
Tire Pressure : Shows the
approximate pressures of all four
tires. Tire pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds
per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is
shown in amber. See Tire Pressure
Monitor System 0302 andTire
Pressure Monitor Operation 0303.
Best Fuel Economy : Displays
average fuel economy, the best fuel
economy over the selected
distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Press
pto change the selected
distance. Press and hold
Vwhile
this display is active to reset the
best fuel economy and average fuel
economy. This display can also be
reset by selecting reset in the menu.
Top Consumers : Shows a list of
the features that are currently
impacting the fuel economy, in order from highest to lowest. If a feature is
turned off, it will be removed from
the list.
Economy Trend :
Shows history of
the Average Fuel Economy from the
last 50 km (30 mi). Each bar
represents about 5 km (3 mi) of
driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most
recent distance on the right side.
Press and hold
Vto clear the graph
or press
pto reset through
the menu.
ECO Index : The bar graph
provides feedback on the efficiency
of current driving behavior. The
graph shows a value that is based
on current fuel consumption
compared to what is expected from
the vehicle with good and bad
driving habits. It also shows if the
Active Fuel Management is active
and in V4 mode, or inactive and in
V8 mode. See Active Fuel
Management
®0 192.
Engine Hours : Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run.
This display also shows the engine
idle hours. Trailer Brake :
On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, the trailer brake
display appears in the DIC.
TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer
gain setting. This setting can be
adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected.
OUTPUT shows the power output to
the trailer any time a trailer with
electric brakes is connected. Output
is displayed as a bar graph. Dashes
may appear in the OUTPUT display.
Speed Signs : Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation.
Following Distance : Used to
select the alert timing for the
Forward Collision Alert (FCA). See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0218.
Blank Page : Shows no
information.
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Instruments and Controls 127
SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, this message
displays if there is a problem with
the battery charging system. Under
certain conditions, the charging
system light may also turn on in the
instrument cluster. SeeCharging
System Light 0114. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Have the electrical
system checked as soon as
possible. See your dealer.
TRANSPORT MODE ON
This message is displayed when the
vehicle is in transport mode. Some
features can be disabled while in
this mode, including Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE), remote start,
and the vehicle alarm system. Take
the vehicle to your dealer for service
to turn transport mode off.
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. See Brake
Fluid 0275.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message may be displayed
when there is a problem with the
brake boost assist system. When
this message is displayed, the brake
boost assist motor might be heard
operating and you might notice
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal under these conditions. Take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message displays and a chime
may sound when there is a problem
with the ITBC system.
When this message displays, power
is no longer available to the trailer
brakes. As soon as it is safe to do so,
carefully pull your vehicle over to
the side of the road and turn the
ignition off. Check the wiring
connection to the trailer and turn the
ignition back on. If this message still
displays, either your vehicle or the
trailer needs service. See your
dealer.
See
“Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System” underTowing
Equipment 0237 for more
information.
Compass Messages
Dashes may be displayed if the
vehicle temporarily loses
communication with the Global
Positioning System (GPS).
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
may sound if a door is not fully
closed. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for
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GMC Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234761) - 2016 - crc - 7/24/15
Instruments and Controls 135
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the transmission fluid
in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with
the transmission fluid temperature
high can cause damage to the
vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it
idle to allow the transmission to
cool. This message clears and the
chime stops when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
When towing, use Tow/Haul Mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. SeeTow/Haul Mode
0 199.
VEHICLE IN 4WD LOW
This message will display if the
vehicle is driven in 4
nfor about
10 minutes above 72 km/h (45 mph).
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
CHECK TRAILER WIRING
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message may display and a
chime may sound when one of the
following conditions exists:
. A trailer with electric brakes
becomes disconnected from the
vehicle.
‐If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is stopped, this
message clears itself after a
short time.
‐ If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is moving, this
message stays on until the
ignition is turned off.
. There is a short in the wiring to
the electric trailer brakes.
When this message displays, power
is no longer available to the trailer
brakes. As soon as it is safe to do so,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road and turn the ignition
off. Check the wiring connection to
the trailer and turn the ignition back
on. This message clears if the trailer
is reconnected. This message also
clears if you acknowledge it. If this
message still displays, either the
vehicle or the trailer needs service.
See your dealer.
See
“Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System” underTowing
Equipment 0237.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when ice
conditions are possible.
TRAILER CONNECTED
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message displays briefly when
a trailer with electric or electric over
hydraulic brakes is first connected
to the vehicle.
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