
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Instruments and Controls 123
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 124
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 125
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 125
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 126
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Transmission Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 140
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 141
Airbag On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 143
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 144
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . 147
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . 147
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . 147
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light (2500/3500) . . . . 147
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light (1500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 148
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 148
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 150 Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 150
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 151
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . 151
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 151
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 152
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level Cluster) . . . . . . . . 152
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel and Denali
Cluster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Brake System Messages . . . . . 158
Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 158
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 158
Engine Cooling System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 159
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 160
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 160
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 160
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Object Detection System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
124 Instruments and Controls
Ride Control SystemMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Airbag System Messages . . . . 162
Safety Belt Messages . . . . . . . . 163
Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Steering System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Transmission Messages . . . . . . 164
Vehicle Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 167
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . . 167
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 167
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 174
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Controls
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place. Tilt and Telescoping Steering
Wheel
To adjust the tilt and telescoping
steering wheel, if equipped:
1. Push the lever (1) down to move the steering wheel
forward or rearward. Lift the
lever up to lock the wheel in
place.
2. Pull the lever (2) toward you to move the steering wheel up or
down, then release the lever to
lock the wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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140 Instruments and Controls
When the engine is running, this
gauge shows the condition of the
charging system. The gauge can
transition from a higher to lower or a
lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating
outside the normal operating range,
the charging system light comes on.
SeeCharging System Light 0143
for more information. The voltmeter
gauge may also read lower when in
fuel economy mode. This is normal.
Readings outside the normal
operating range can also occur
when a large number of electrical
accessories are operating in the
vehicle and the engine is left idling
for an extended period. This
condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to
provide full power at engine idle. As
engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as
higher engine speeds allow the
charging system to create maximum
power.
The vehicle can only be driven for a
short time with the readings outside
the normal operating range. If the
vehicle must be driven, turn off all accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner and unplug all
chargers and accessories.
Readings outside the normal
operating range indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There may be a passenger safety
belt reminder light near the
passenger airbag status indicator.
See
Passenger Sensing System
0 81.
For vehicles equipped with the
passenger safety belt reminder light,
when the vehicle is started this light
flashes and a chime may come on
to remind passengers to fasten their
safety belt. Then the light stays on
solid until the belt is buckled. This
cycle continues several times if the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Instruments and Controls 141
passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat
such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other
electronic device. To turn off the
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system (if equipped), the
pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring, and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
seeAirbag System 073.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away. If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on.
See
Airbag System Messages
0 162.
Airbag On-Off Light
If the vehicle has an airbag on-off
switch, it also has a passenger
airbag status indicator located in the
overhead console.
United States
Canada and Mexico
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
ON and OFF, or the symbol for on

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Instruments and Controls 163
Safety Belt Messages
SHIFTER LOCKED. BUCKLE
SEATBELT
This message displays if the vehicle
is equipped with the Safety Belt
Assurance System and the driver
and front outboard passenger,
if present, safety belts are not
buckled. The vehicle will not shift
out of P (Park). Buckle the safety
belt(s) to unlock the shift lever.
This system may not allow the
vehicle to shift out of P (Park) if an
object—such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device —is on
the front outboard passenger seat.
If this happens, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
If the driver or front outboard
passenger unbuckles their safety
belt while driving, the safety belt
reminder chime and light(s) will
come on. See Safety Belt
Reminders 0140.
SHIFTER UNLOCKED. BRAKE
TO SHIFT
This message displays when the
Safety Belt Assurance System times
out and allows the vehicle to be
shifted out of P (Park) after
30 seconds following brake apply.
See “Safety Belts” and“Child
Restraints” in the Index for
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.
This system may not function
properly if the airbag readiness light
is on. See Airbag Readiness Light
0 141.
Security Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart, so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation 045.
Steering System
Messages
STEERING ASSIST IS
REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE
This message may display if a
problem occurs with the electric
power steering system. If this
message appears, steering effort
may be slightly higher than normal.
The vehicle is still safe to drive. Use
caution while in reduced assist
mode. If this message is persistent
or appears repeatedly, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Steering 0255.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
(1500 Series)
This message displays when there
is a problem with electric power
steering. If this message displays
and a reduction in steering
performance or loss of power
steering assistance is noticed. See
your dealer. See Steering0255.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
254 Driving and Operating
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety Belts
0 65.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time. Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 257
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without four-wheel drive and vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR)
tires must not be driven off-road
except on a level, solid surface. For
contact information about the
original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear safety belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.
Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped. .
Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
. Remove any underbody air
deflector, if equipped. Re-attach
the air deflector after off-road
driving.
. See Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 301
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to
remove the front fascia lower air
dam. However, driving without the
air dam reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for
extended periods without the front
fascia lower air dam installed can
cause improper airflow to the
engine. Reattach the front fascia
air dam after off-road driving.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 281
To shift out of P (Park):1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever all
the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, then have the vehicle
serviced soon.
This vehicle may have the Safety
Belt Assurance System, which may
prevent the vehicle from shifting out
of P (Park). See Safety Belt
Messages 0163.Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
Vehicles with a V8 or V6 gasoline
engine may have Active Fuel
Management. This system allows
the engine to operate on either all of
its cylinders, or in V4 mode,
depending on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such
as cruising at a constant vehicle
speed, the system will operate in
the V4 mode, allowing the vehicle to
achieve better fuel economy. When
greater power demands are
required, such as accelerating from
a stop, passing, or merging onto a
freeway, the system will maintain
full-cylinder operation. If the vehicle has an Active Fuel
Management indicator, see
Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level Cluster) 0152 orDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel
and Denali Cluster) 0154 for more
information on using this display.