2016 GMC SIERRA tow

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 121
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 122
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 123
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 123
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 124
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 137
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 137
Airbag On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 140
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 141
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . 143
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 144
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 144
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light (2500/3500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 145
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
StabiliTrak
®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 145
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 146
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 147
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 147 Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 148
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Brake System Messages . . . . . 154
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 154
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 154
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 155
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 155
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 156
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 156
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Ride Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Airbag System Messages . . . . 158
Safety Belt Messages . . . . . . . . 158
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Steering System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
122 Instruments and Controls
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Transmission Messages . . . . . . 160
Vehicle ReminderMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 162
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . . 163
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 163
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 170
Universal Remote System
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Controls
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place. Tilt and Telescoping Steering
Wheel
To adjust the tilt and telescoping
steering wheel, if equipped:
1. Push the lever (1) down to move the steering wheel
forward or rearward. Lift the
lever up to lock the wheel in
place.
2. Pull the lever (2) toward you to move the steering wheel up or
down, then release the lever to
lock the wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 141
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 0278.
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 0356. 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.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 143
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes on
when the parking brake is set. The
light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays on
after the parking brake is fully
released, it means the vehicle has a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The pedal might be harder to push,
or the pedal can go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See
Towing the Vehicle0439.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may
also sound when the light comes on
steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but
the antilock brakes are not
functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake
system warning light are on, the
vehicle's antilock brakes are not
functioning and there is a problem
with the regular brakes. See your
dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 142 andBrake System
Messages 0154.Four-Wheel-Drive Light

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
144 Instruments and Controls
The four-wheel-drive light comes on
when a vehicle with a manual
transfer case is shifted into
four-wheel drive and the front axle
engages.
Some delay between the shifting
and the light coming on is normal.
SeeFour-Wheel Drive 0293 for
more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul
Mode feature, this light comes on
when the Tow/Haul Mode has been
activated.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0292.
Hill Descent Control Light
If equipped, the Hill Descent Control
light comes on when the system is
ready for use. When the light
flashes, the system is active.
See Hill Descent Control
(HDC) 0305.
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) Light (2500/3500
Series)
If equipped, this light comes on
briefly while starting the vehicle. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced.
This light is green if LDW is on and
ready to operate.
This light changes to amber and
flashes to indicate that the lane
marking has been crossed without
using a turn signal in that direction.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
(2500/3500 Series) 0314.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light (1500 Series)
If available, this light comes on
briefly while starting the vehicle.
If it does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced.
This light is green if LKA is available
to assist.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
154 Instruments and Controls
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. SeeBrake
Fluid 0380.
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 0339 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 obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the hood is not fully
closed. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the hood for
obstructions, and close the hood
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH
ENGINE TEMP
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
See
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 0135. To avoid added strain
on a hot engine, the air conditioning
compressor automatically turns off.
When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back
on. You can continue to drive your
vehicle.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 155
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATING IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0135.
When towing, use Tow/Haul mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0292.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the engine cooling
system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop
and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message clears when
the engine has cooled to a safe
operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message. See Engine
Oil Life System 0366 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil0363 and
Maintenance Schedule 0454.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil 0363.
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine oil becomes hotter than the
normal operating temperature. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it
cools down. See
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0135.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil 0363.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
may sound when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating 0375 for more
information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
160 Instruments and Controls
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the system
is relearning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must
be relearned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection 0414, Tire
Rotation 0414, Tire Pressure
Monitor System 0409, and Tire
Pressure 0408.
TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD
AIR TO TIRE
If equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the
vehicle's tires is low. This message
also displays with a vehicle picture
to indicate the location of the low
tire. The low tire pressure warning
light will also come on. See Tire
Pressure Light 0146. You can
receive more than one tire pressure
message at a time. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop
as soon as you can. Have the tire
pressures checked and set to those shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Tires0399,
Vehicle Load Limits 0269, and Tire
Pressure 0408. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0148
or Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0150.
Transmission Messages
4WD OFF
If equipped with four-wheel drive,
this message displays when the
four-wheel-drive system is
temporarily disabled due to an
overheated condition. The vehicle
will run in two-wheel drive when this
message is present. Once the
four-wheel-drive system cools down,
the message turns off and the
four-wheel-drive system returns to
normal operation.
4WD SHIFT IN PROGRESS
This message will display while the
four-wheel-drive system is shifting.
FOR 4WD LOW SHIFT TO
NEUTRAL
If a four-wheel drive shift into 4nis
requested, and the vehicle speed is
correct, but the transmission is not
in N (Neutral), this message will
display until the transmission is
shifted to N (Neutral).
FOR 4WD LOW SLOW TO XXX
If a four-wheel drive shift into 4nis
requested, but the vehicle speed is
too high, this message will display
until the correct vehicle speed is
reached.
GRADE BRAKING ACTIVE
This message displays when grade
braking has been activated while
driving on downhill grades. This
message will only appear the first
time the feature is activated in an
ignition cycle. See Tow/Haul Mode
0 292, Automatic Transmission
0 286, and Cruise Control 0306.