
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
260 Driving and Operating
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This
position lets things like the radio
and the windshield wipers operate
while the engine is off. It also
unlocks the steering wheel. Use this
position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.
If the key is left in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. The vehicle may not
start if the battery is allowed to drain
for an extended period of time.
3 (START) :
This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened and the
ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF, and the key is in the
ignition.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0334.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the power steering
system and there may be loss of
power steering assist.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
276 Driving and Operating
D (Drive) and back to
N (Neutral), and reattempt the
transfer case shift.
Shifting In or Out of N (Neutral) 1. Have the engine running.
2. Set the parking brake. Press and hold the brake pedal. See
Parking Brake 0282.
3. Place the transmission into N (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case lever in one continuous motion into or
out of N (Neutral).
Electronic Transfer Case
Use the transfer case knob, next to
the steering wheel, to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive for extra
traction.
All of the lights will blink on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
moved to the ON/RUN position. The
light that remains on will indicate the
state of the Transfer Case.
If the indicator mark on the switch
does not match up with the light
then that likely means the switch
was moved when the ignition
was off.
The indicator mark on the switch
must line up with the indicator light
before a shift can be commanded.
To command a shift rotate the
transfer case switch to the new
desired position. The light will blink
meaning that the shift is in progress.
When the shift is completed the new
position will be illuminated. If the
transfer case can not complete a
shift command, it will go back to its
last chosen setting.Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0423
or Towing the Vehicle 0422.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
nif
driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
When engaged, keep vehicle speed
below 72 km/h (45 mph).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
278 Driving and Operating
4. Shift the transmission toN (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then to D (Drive). There should
be no movement of the vehicle
while shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0423. 10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to 2
m.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case. 6. Start the engine and shift the
transmission to the
desired gear.
Automatic Transfer Case
If equipped, use the transfer case
knob next to the steering wheel to
shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will blink on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
moved to the ON/RUN position. The
light that remains on will indicate the
state of the Transfer Case.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Driving and Operating 293
Front and Rear Parking Assist can
be turned off, on, or on with towbar
through vehicle personalization. See
“Park Assist”underVehicle
Personalization 0155. If the parking
assist is turned off through vehicle
personalization, the parking assist
button on the center stack will be
disabled. To turn the parking assist
on again, select On in the vehicle
personalization menu. The On with
Towbar setting allows for the
parking assist to work properly with
a small item attached to the trailer
hitch. Turn off parking assist when
towing a trailer.
To turn the rear parking assist
symbols or guidance lines on or off,
see “Rear Camera” underVehicle
Personalization 0155.
Assistance Systems for
Driving
If equipped, when driving the
vehicle in a forward gear, Forward
Collision Alert (FCA), Lane
Departure Warning (LDW), and/or Lane Keep Assist (LKA) can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash
damage.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
If equipped, the FCA system may
help to avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps or pulses the driver seat.
FCA also lights an amber visual
alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds
above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0239.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA
steering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Service and Maintenance 445
.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 0447 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/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

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Index 493
W
WarningBrake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 296
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 404
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 87
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Windshield
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 372
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Wiring, High Voltage Devices . . . 376