GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 257
This position locks the ignition and
steering wheel. It also locks the
transmission. The key can be
removed in LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
does not work, then the vehicle
needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This may cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park). Turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0281.
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
274 Driving and Operating
.Shifting while the vehicle is in
motion may require that
moderate force be applied to the
shift lever before 4
mcan be
engaged, especially in cold
weather.
. In extremely cold weather, it may
be necessary to slow or stop the
vehicle to shift.
. While in 4
m, the vehicle can be
driven at any posted legal speed
limit.
Shifting In or Out of 4
n
Caution
Shifting the transfer case into 4n
while moving at speeds faster
than 5 km/h (3 mph) may cause
premature wear to the transfer
case, and may cause the gears to
grind.
1. If possible, shift with the vehicle moving 5 km/h (3 mph)
or less. 2. Shift the transmission into
N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case shift lever in one continuous motion.
4. Shifting with the vehicle at a stop may be more difficult. It is
possible that the shift will not
complete and the transfer case
will remain in N (Neutral). This
is normal. To complete the
shift, with the engine running,
shift the transmission to
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 0281.
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
turned on. 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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 277
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on 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
turned on. 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.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0430
or Towing the Vehicle 0430.
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.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
power is sent to the front and rear
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
292 Driving and Operating
To turn the rear parking assist
symbols or guidance lines on or off,
see“Rear Camera” underVehicle
Personalization 0165.
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 8 km/h (5 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
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 Driving
0236.
FCA can be disabled with either the
FCA steering wheel control or,
if equipped, through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0165.
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
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
454 Service and Maintenance
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.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 0456 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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Index 495
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 178
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 180
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 126
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Fluid AutomaticTransmission . . . . . . . . . . . 354, 357
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Fluid (cont'd)
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 294
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 272, 370
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 153
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 65
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 156
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 264
Requirements, California . . . . . 300 Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 381
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385, 386
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 143
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Transmission Temperature . . . . 145
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 446
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Index 497
Lamps (cont'd)Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 297
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 154
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Lighting (cont'd)
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Lights Airbag On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 152
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 155
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 156
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 179
Hill Descent Control . . . . . . . . . . 153
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 153
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 146
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Lights (cont'd)
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 156
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 448
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
502 Index
Towing (cont'd)Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 334
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . 334
Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . 354, 357
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 145
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 410
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 172Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Updates Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 460
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 154 Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 380
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 295
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . .411
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 98
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482