2017 GMC SIERRA check engine light

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
350 Driving and Operating
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0144
. A device connected to the DLC
— such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 085 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 86.
For information on wiring auxiliary
switches, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, follow these guidelines:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, RPO
VYU, adding a plow can damage
the vehicle, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Unless the vehicle was
built to carry a snow plow, do not
add one to the vehicle. If the
vehicle has RPO VYU, then the
payload the vehicle can carry will
be reduced when a snow plow is
installed. The vehicle can be (Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 355
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 356
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 357
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 367
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 368
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 371
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 371
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 376
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Battery - North America . . . . . . 383
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 386
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 387
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 388
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 388
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 389
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Electrical System Overload . . . 392
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 402
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 371
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least
twice using the procedure described
previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact the dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. This vehicle is not
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in theservice manual. See
Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 483.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0464.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 455. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0464.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “8-Cylinder Pickup Models”
under “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” inthe Duramax diesel supplement for
the correct inspection and
replacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is on
the passenger side of the engine
compartment. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0359.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0455.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
382 Vehicle Care
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0145.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0455.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0359.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0464.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 437
The positive (+) terminal is
under a red plastic cover at the
positive battery post. To
uncover the positive (+)
terminal, open the red plastic
cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote
negative (−) terminals, see
Engine Compartment Overview
0359.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles
could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will
go to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Negative (−)
will go to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a
remote negative (−) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the
dead battery because this can
cause sparks.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
462 Service and Maintenance
.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 0464 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 - 4/18/17
498 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . . . 281
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 350
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 238
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 371
Air Conditioning . . . . . .243, 245, 246
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 81 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 74
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 143
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197, 199
Antenna Fixed Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 297

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
500 Index
California (cont'd)Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .357, 383, 435
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 120
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 143 Check
Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 388
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 89
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106, 110
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243, 245
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . 243, 245
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243, 245
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 481
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Control Light Hill Descent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 138
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243, 245, 246
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 477 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Customer Information
Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 483