2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI key

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 267CautionShifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
CautionA transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently. D : This position is for normal
driving. It provides the best fuel
economy. If more power is needed
for passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
.
Going less than about 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.
Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts
down to the next gear and has
more power.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode
when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts
too often.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “ Skidding ” under
Loss of Control 0 238 . The vehicle has a shift stabilization
feature that adjusts the transmission
shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid
upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an
upshift, if the engine is able to
maintain vehicle speed by analyzing
things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load.
If the shift stabilization feature
determines that a current vehicle
speed cannot be maintained, the
transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear.
In some cases, this could appear to
be a delayed shift, however the
transmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptive
shift controls. The adaptive shift
control process continually
compares key shift parameters to
pre-programmed ideal shifts stored
in the transmission ’ s computer. The
transmission constantly makes
adjustments to improve vehicle
performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with
a heavy load or when the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
268 Driving and Operating temperature changes. During this
adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best
settings.
When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission's gear shifting
could be delayed providing more
stable shifts until the engine warms
up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This
difference in shifting is normal.
L : This position allows selection of
a range of gears appropriate for
current driving conditions.
If equipped, see “ Range Selection
Mode ” under Manual Mode 0 268 .
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
(Continued) Caution (Continued) When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking If equipped with a gasoline engine
and an automatic transmission,
Normal Mode Grade Braking is
enabled when the vehicle is started,
but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle. The first time
the system engages for each
ignition key cycle, a DIC message
will be displayed.
To disable or enable Normal Mode
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message
displays. For other forms of grade braking,
see Tow/Haul Mode 0 271 and
Cruise Control 0 285 .
Kickdown Mode If equipped, the accelerator pedal
provides an additional downshift
after pressing through the kickdown
feature.
It requires extra pedal pressure near
the end of its travel to engage.
Manual Mode Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Mode
helps control the vehicle's
transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a
trailer by letting you select a desired
range of gears.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 271Low Traction Mode If equipped, Low Traction Mode
assists in vehicle acceleration when
road conditions are slippery, such
as with ice or snow. While the
vehicle is at a stop, select L2 using
Range Selection Mode. This will
limit torque to the wheels and help
to prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission have a Tow/Haul
Mode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts
the transmission shift pattern to
reduce shift cycling. This provides increased performance, vehicle
control, and enhanced transmission
and engine cooling when driving
down steep hills or mountain
grades, when towing, or when
hauling heavy loads.
The selector button is on the end of
the shift lever. Turn the Tow/Haul
Mode on and off by pressing the
button. When the Tow/Haul Mode is
enabled, a light on the instrument
cluster will come on.
For an eAssist vehicle, the Stop/
Start function will become
unavailable when Tow/Haul Mode is
active.
For an eAssist vehicle, the
Regenerative Braking functionality is
disabled when using the Tow/Haul
Mode. See the eAssist supplement.
See Tow/Haul Mode Light 0 153 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0 245 .
Also see “ Tow/Haul Mode ” under
Towing Equipment 0 325 . Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is
only enabled while the Tow/Haul
Mode is selected and the vehicle is
not in the Range Selection Mode.
See “ Tow/Haul Mode ” listed
previously and Manual Mode 0 268 .
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
assists in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
If equipped, on vehicles with a
gasoline engine, to disable or
enable Tow/Haul Grade Braking
within the current ignition key cycle,
press and hold the Tow/Haul button
for five seconds. When the button is
released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message is
displayed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
288 Driving and Operating To disable and enable Cruise
Grade Braking for the current
ignition key cycle, press and
hold the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. A DIC message
displays.
.
Vehicles with a diesel engine
have Cruise Grade Braking
enabled when Tow/Haul Mode is
on, the exhaust brake is on,
or both are on.
For other forms of descent control,
see Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 284 , Automatic Transmission
0 265 , and Tow/Haul Mode 0 271 . Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.
Press
* .
.
Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.
To turn off cruise control,
press
5 .
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
5 is pressed
or the ignition is turned off. Driver Assistance
Systems This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{ WarningDo not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving
0 236 .
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Vehicle Care 343
California Proposition
65 Warning
{ WarningMost motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0 369
and Jump Starting - North America
0 426 and the back cover. California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 90 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
374 Vehicle Care .
Removal of the fan shroud,
if equipped.
Air Intake:
.
Removal of the air cleaner
silencer.
.
Modification of the air cleaner.
Exhaust:
.
Removal of the muffler and/or
resonator.
.
Removal of the exhaust pipes
and exhaust pipe clamps.
Starter Switch Check
{ Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. 2. Apply both the parking brake
and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{ Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be
ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check While parked and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition off
in each shift lever position.
.
The ignition should turn off only
when the shift lever is in
P (Park).
.
The ignition key should come
out only when the ignition is off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
416 Vehicle Care
Double Cab
1. Wheel Blocks
2. Wing Nut Retaining Tool Kit
3. Tool Kit
4. Jack
5. Jack Knob
For regular cab models, the
equipment you will need is behind
the passenger seat. For double and
crew cab models, the equipment is
on the shelf behind the passenger
side second row seat.
1. Turn the knob on the jack
counterclockwise to lower the
jack head to release the jack
from its holder. 2. Turn the wing nut
counterclockwise to remove the
wheel blocks and the wheel
block retainer.
3. Turn the wing nut used to
retain the storage bag and
tools counterclockwise to
remove it.
Use the jack handle extensions and
the wheel wrench to remove the
underbody-mounted spare tire.
1. Spare Tire (Valve Stem
Pointed Down)
2. Tire/Wheel Retainer
3. Hoist Cable 4. Hoist Assembly
5. Hoist Shaft
6. Jack Handle Extensions
7. Wheel Wrench
8. Spare Tire Lock (If
Equipped)
9. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
10. Hoist End of Extension Tool
1. Open the spare tire lock cover
on the bumper and use the
ignition key to remove the
spare tire lock (8). To remove
the spare tire lock, insert the
ignition key, turn, and pull
straight out.
2. Assemble the wheel wrench (7)
and the two jack handle
extensions (6), as shown.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
432 Vehicle Care Warning (Continued)be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).
To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being
towed behind the tow vehicle,
facing forward and on a level
surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle
being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and
start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to
N (Neutral). See “ Shifting into
N (Neutral) ” under Four-Wheel
Drive 0 272 . Check that the
vehicle is in N (Neutral) by
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
5. Turn the engine off. CautionFailure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage
to the vehicle.
6. Disconnect the negative
battery cable at the battery and
secure the nut and bolt. Cover
the negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to
prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
7. Shift the transmission to
P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
8. Move the steering wheel to
make sure the steering column
is unlocked. 9. With a foot on the brake pedal,
release the parking brake.
Keep the ignition key in the
towed vehicle in ACC/
ACCESSORY to prevent the
steering column from locking.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then
shift the transmission to
P (Park), and turn the ignition
key off.
3. Connect the battery.
4. Apply the brake pedal.
5. Turn the ignition on with the
engine off. Shift the transfer
case out of N (Neutral) to
Two-Wheel Drive High. See
“ Shifting out of N (Neutral) ”
under Four-Wheel Drive 0 272 .
See your dealer if the transfer
case cannot be shifted out of
N (Neutral).