GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 35
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
If it becomes difficult to turn a key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. SeeOnStar
Overview 0486.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency
Statement 0482.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
. Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle. .
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
. Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
. If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter functions may
work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from
the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 035.
With Remote Start (without
Remote Start Similar)
/(Remote Vehicle Start) :
If equipped,
/is used to start the
engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 037.
Q(Lock) : Press to lock all doors
and the tailgate.
If enabled in Vehicle
Personalization, the turn signal
lamps flash once to indicate locking
has occurred. If enabled through the
DIC, the horn chirps when
Qis
pressed again within three seconds.
See Vehicle Personalization 0163.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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36 Keys, Doors, and Windows
PressingQarms the alarm system.
See Vehicle Alarm System 042.
If equipped with auto mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Qfor
one second will fold the mirrors. The
auto mirror folding feature will not
operate unless it is enabled. See
Folding Mirrors 047 and Vehicle
Personalization 0163.
K(Unlock) : Press once to unlock
only the driver door. If
Kis pressed
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors and the tailgate
unlock. The interior lamps may
come on and stay on for 20 seconds
or until the ignition is turned on.
If enabled in Vehicle
Personalization, the turn signal
lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization 0163. If enabled
through the DIC, the exterior lamps
may turn on. See Vehicle
Personalization 0163.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter
disarms the alarm system. See
Vehicle Personalization 0163. If equipped with auto mirror folding,
pressing and holding
Kfor
one second will unfold the mirrors.
The auto mirror folding feature will
not operate unless it is enabled.
See Folding Mirrors 047 and
Vehicle Personalization 0163.
On some models, press, release
and then press and hold
Kto open
all of the windows. Pressing the
button again will stop the windows.
See Vehicle Alarm System 042.
7(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm) : Press and release one
time to initiate vehicle locator. The
turn signal lamps flash and the horn
sounds three times.
Press and hold
7for at least
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to ON/
RUN or
7is pressed again. The
ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for
the panic alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
Each vehicle can have up to
eight transmitters programmed to it.
See your dealer for transmitter
programming.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery in the
transmitter soon if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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156 Instruments and Controls
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the fuel level is low.
Refuel as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gauge0133
and Fuel 0317.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the malfunction indicator lamp
on the instrument cluster if the
vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened
properly. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0141.
Reinstall the fuel cap fully. See
Filling the Tank 0320. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap allows fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn this
light and message off.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs to
be replaced in the transmitter. See
“Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 035.
Lamp Messages
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime
sounds if a turn signal is left on for
1.2 km (0.75 mi). Move the turn
signal lever to the off position.
Object Detection System
Messages
FORWARD COLLISION
ALERT OFF
This message displays when the
Forward Collision Alert has been
turned off.
FRONT CAMERA BLOCKED
CLEAN WINDSHIELD
This message displays when the
camera is blocked. Cleaning the
outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror may correct the
issue. The Lane Departure Warning
(LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA),
and Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
will not operate.
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when
attempting to activate the Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) system
when it is temporarily unavailable.
The LDW system does not need
service.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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354 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 355
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 356
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 366
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 367
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 370
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 370
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 375
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Battery - North America . . . . . . 382
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 385
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 386
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 387
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 387
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 388
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Electrical System Overload . . . 391
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
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382 Vehicle Care
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0358 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0355.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0434 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt. Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to
Maintenance Schedule
0 454 to determine when to check
the lubricant.
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 461
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0463 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Customer Information 477
.Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have
OnStar
®. For security reasons,
the driver must present
identification before this service
is given.
. 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.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
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
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Index 497
Antilock Brake System(ABS) (cont'd)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 309
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 185
Audio Players
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 367, 370
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Automatic Transmission (cont'd)
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Auxiliary
Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 180
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
B
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Battery - North America . . . . 382, 434
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 387
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . 218, 219, 223, 228
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Brake
Pedal and AdjustableThrottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 142
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Brakes (cont'd)
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 277
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391 Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 318