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Driving and Operating 315
Warning (Continued)
departing the lane on the side
where it has detected a lane
marking. Always keep your
attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Always keep the
windshield, headlamps, and
camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LDW in
bad weather conditions.
How the System Works
The LDW camera sensor is on the
windshield ahead of the rearview
mirror.
To turn LDW on and off, press
@on
the center stack. The control
indicator will light when LDW is on.
When LDW is on,@is green if
LDW is available to warn of a lane
departure. If the vehicle crosses a
detected lane marking without using
the turn signal in that direction,
@
changes to amber and flashes.
Additionally, there will be three
beeps, or the driver seat will pulse
three times on the right or left,
depending on the lane departure
direction.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The system may not detect lanes as
well when there are:
. Close vehicles ahead.
. Sudden lighting changes, such
as when driving through tunnels.
. Banked roads. If the LDW system is not functioning
properly when lane markings are
clearly visible, cleaning the
windshield may help.
LDW alerts may occur due to tar
marks, shadows, cracks in the road,
temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road
imperfections. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service. Turn LDW off if these
conditions continue.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
(1500 Series)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal
in that direction. It may also provide
a Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system alert as the lane marking is
crossed. The LKA system will not
assist or provide an LDW alert if it
detects that you are actively
steering. Override LKA by turning
the steering wheel. LKA uses a
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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318 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap,
E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the
vehicle. SeeE85 or FlexFuel 0319.
For all vehicles except those with
the 6.2L V8 engine, use regular
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. Do not
use gasoline with an octane rating
below 87, as it may cause engine
damage and will lower fuel
economy.
If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine
(VIN Code J), use premium
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher.
Regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher can be used,
but acceleration and fuel economy
will be reduced, and an audible
knocking noise may be heard. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 91 octane rating or
higher, the engine needs service. Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving or
starting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
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Driving and Operating 343
.White: Ground
. White/Green: Back-up Lamps
. Red/Green: Battery Feed
. Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
If the vehicle is equipped with the
heavy-duty trailering option, see
“Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package” earlier in this section.
When the camper-wiring harness is
ordered without the heavy-duty
trailering package, a seven-wire
harness with a seven-pin connector
is at the rear of the vehicle and is
tied to the vehicle's frame.
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are
included with the vehicle as part of
the trailer wiring package. These
provisions are for an electric brake
controller.
The harness should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at the end of
the shift lever turns on and off the
Tow/Haul Mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
cluster comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is on. Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. See
Tow/Haul
Mode 0292.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0325. Tow/Haul is
most useful under the following
driving conditions:
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through
rolling terrain.
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic.
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to the
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Driving and Operating 349
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 141. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 085 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 085.
For information on wiring auxiliary
switches, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 64 km/h (40 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, here are some things you
need to know:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, adding
a plow can damage the vehicle,
and the repairs would not be
covered by warranty. Unless the
vehicle was built to carry a snow
plow, do not add one to the
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
snow plow prep package, called
RPO VYU, then the payload the
vehicle can carry will be reduced (Continued)
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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380 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications 0468.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 358 for the location of the
reservoir.
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462 Service and Maintenance
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0449 and
Exterior Care 0444.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed. Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
.
Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
. Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.
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498 Index
California (cont'd)Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .355, 382, 434
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 118
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 140 Check
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 387
Malfunction Indicator
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 88
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 108
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246, 248
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . 246, 248
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246, 248
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 479
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 488 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Control Light Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 135
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 475 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 481
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
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500 Index
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 178
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
FlexFuel
E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 119
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
Fluid Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 367, 370
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 293, 382
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 143
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 61
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 146
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 285
Requirements, California . . . . . 318
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Fuses (cont'd)
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395, 397
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 170Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 134
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 453
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476