GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
358 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0447.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0343.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
5.3L V8 Shown, 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8, and 6.2L V8 Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, wait until it cools down. The
coolant level should be at or above
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
362 Vehicle Care
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
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil 0348.
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
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages. This fan noise may also be heard
when starting the engine. It will go
away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling
fan(s), the fans may be heard
spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
high outside temperatures,
or operation of the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to
high speed and an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans
may run after the engine has been
turned. off. This is normal and no
service is required.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
432 Vehicle Care
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. If equipped with power assist steps, extend
them and then use a high pressure
wash to clean all joints and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. Refer to
“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
484 Index
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 464
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 470
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 469
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Diagnostics
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 456
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 290
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 293 Driving (cont'd)
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 26
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 247
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 249
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
E
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379, 381
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Emergency
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 343
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Cooling System Messages . . . 146
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 126
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 267
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Index 485
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 469
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 166
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 168
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 170
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 110
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 352, 354
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Fluid (cont'd)
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 295
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 274, 367
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 136
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Front Seats
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 55
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 139 Fuel (cont'd)
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 266
Requirements, California . . . . . 301
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379, 381
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 162Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 126
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Transmission Temperature . . . . 128
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 437
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Index 487
Lamps (cont'd)Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 298
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 136
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Light
Hill Decent Control . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 172
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Airbag On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Lights (cont'd)
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 134
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 138
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 139
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 168
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 136
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 129
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 138
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Locks (cont'd)
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 139
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 438 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 133
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11