
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
In Brief 7
1.Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0172.
2. Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) System (If Equipped).
See Towing Equipment 0324.
3. Exterior Lamp Controls 0166.
Fog Lamps 0171 (If
Equipped).
4. Air Vents 0234.
5. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change
Signals 0170.
Windshield Wiper/
Washer 0114.
6. Favorite Switches (Out of View). See Steering Wheel
Controls 0113.
Volume Switches (Out of View).
See Steering Wheel
Controls 0113.
7. Instrument Cluster 0121.
8. Hazard Warning
Flashers 0170
9. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0267. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If
Equipped). See
Tow/Haul
Mode 0273.
Range Selection Mode (If
Equipped). See Manual
Mode 0270.
10. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0169.
11. Infotainment 0176.
12. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 055 (If Equipped).
13. Power Outlet (Alternating Current) (If Equipped). See
Power Outlets 0117.
14. Power Outlets 0117.
15. USB Port. See Infotainment 0176.
16.
gTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0284.
0Pedal Adjust Switch (If
Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake
Pedal 0258.
{Cargo Lamp 0172.
XParking Assist Button (If
Equipped). See Assistance
Systems for Parking or
Backing 0291.
ALane Keep Assist (LKA)
(1500 Series) 0298 (If
Equipped).
@Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) (2500/3500 Series)
0 296 (If Equipped).
5Hill Descent Control Switch
(If Equipped). See Hill Descent
Control (HDC) 0286.
qExhaust Brake (If
Equipped). See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Auxiliary Button (If Equipped).
See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0334.
17. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0231.
18. Steering Wheel Controls 0113
(If Equipped).

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
18 In Brief
Electronic Transfer Case
This transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.Automatic Transfer CaseThis transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.
The different drive options that may
be available are described following.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :
This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : This setting is ideal for use
when road surface traction
conditions are variable.
Do not use AUTO mode to park on
a steep grade with poor traction
such as ice, snow, mud or gravel. In AUTO mode only the rear wheels
will hold the vehicle from sliding
when parked. If parking on a steep
grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as on snowy or icy
roads or in most off-road situations.
N (Neutral) : Shift to this setting
only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0423
or Trailer Towing 0307.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting sends maximum power to all
four wheels. Choose 4
nwhen
driving in deep sand, mud, or snow,
and while climbing or descending
steep hills.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0274.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 33
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 35
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Doors
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 38
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 40
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . 44
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 45
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 45
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the
ignition, and children or others
could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with the
ignition key.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 41
See your dealer to get a new key
blank cut exactly as the ignition key
that operates the system.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Manual Mirrors
If equipped, adjust manual mirrors
by moving the mirror up and down
or left to right to see a little of the
side of the vehicle and to have a
clear view behind the vehicle. Using hood-mounted air deflectors
and add-on convex mirror
attachments could decrease mirror
performance.
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
If equipped, adjust trailer-tow
mirrors for a clear view of the area
behind you. Manually pull out the
mirror head to extend it for better
visibility when towing a trailer.
The lower portion of the mirror is
convex. A convex mirror's surface is
curved to see more from the driver

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
134 Instruments and Controls
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.
Check the following:
. A loose or missing fuel cap may
cause the light to come on. See
Filling the Tank 0302. A few
driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the
light off.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See
Fuel
0300.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0334. See
your dealer if assistance is needed. The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.
The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the ignition is in ON/RUN
while the engine is off.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
144 Instruments and Controls
Trailer Brake :On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, the trailer brake
display appears in the DIC.
TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer
gain setting. This setting can be
adjusted from 0.0 to 10.0 with either
a trailer connected or disconnected.
OUTPUT shows the power output to
the trailer any time a trailer with
electric brakes is connected. Output
is displayed as a bar graph. Dashes
may appear in the OUTPUT display.
Speed Signs : Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation.
Following Distance : Used to
select the alert timing for the
Forward Collision Alert (FCA). See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0293.
Blank Page : Shows no
information. Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge :
Shows the temperature of
the automatic transmission fluid in
either degrees Celsius (°C) or
degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Off Road : Displays vehicle pitch
and roll information, road wheel
angle, and four-wheel drive (4WD)
status.Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V.
The messages that require
immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously and clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
The following are the possible
messages and some information
about them.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Instruments and Controls 145
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages
BATTERY LOW START
VEHICLE
When the vehicle’s battery is
severely discharged, this message
will display and four chimes will
sound. Start the vehicle
immediately. If the vehicle is not
started and the battery continues to
discharge, the climate controls,
heated seats, and audio systems
will shut off and the vehicle may
require a jump start. These systems
will function again after the vehicle
is started.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
battery voltage drops below
expected levels and features are
disabled. Turn off all unnecessary
accessory features.
SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM
On some vehicles, this message
displays if there is a problem with
the battery charging system. Under
certain conditions, the charging
system light may also turn on in the
instrument cluster. See Charging
System Light 0132. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Have the electrical
system checked as soon as
possible. See your dealer.
TRANSPORT MODE ON
This message is displayed when the
vehicle is in transport mode. Some
features can be disabled while in
this mode, including Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE), remote start,
and the vehicle alarm system. Take
the vehicle to your dealer for service
to turn transport mode off.
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. See Brake
Fluid 0365.
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.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
146 Instruments and Controls
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 0324 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 0127. 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. 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. See
Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0127.
When towing, use Tow/Haul mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0273.
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.