GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
244 Driving and Operating When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in Four-Wheel Drive Low, the
stability system is automatically
disabled,
g comes on, and the
appropriate message will appear on
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Both traction control and StabiliTrak/
ESC are automatically disabled in
this condition.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.
Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
.
Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and d comes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
d comes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait
15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
d comes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC is on the center stack.
CautionDo not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g . The traction off light
idisplays in the instrument cluster.
The appropriate message will
display in the DIC. To turn TCS on
again, press and release
g . The
traction off light
i displayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
g until the
traction off light
i and the
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
g come
on and stay on in the instrument
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
248 Driving and Operating Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “ Weight of the Trailer ” under
Trailer Towing 0 281 .
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load under the following
conditions:
.
Through rolling terrain
.
In stop-and-go traffic
.
In busy parking lots where
improved low speed control of
the vehicle is desired
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or with no
trailer at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to
selecting Tow/Haul Mode when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
When selected, the Tow/Haul Mode
light will display in the instrument
cluster. If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/
Haul Mode active, Tow/Haul Mode
will remain active after the vehicle
has been turned on if the vehicle
was turned off for less than four
hours. Otherwise, the vehicle will
start up in Tour Mode.
Terrain Mode
Use for finer control during low
speed, off-road driving. When using
this mode it will mimic the
characteristics of four-wheel-drive
low without the torque capabilities.
Use when:
.
Traveling on very rough roads at
very low speeds, such as a
two-track or heavily rutted road.
.
Traveling slowly in grassy fields.
.
Pulling a boat out of the water
on a trailer.
.
Using the vehicle for public
off-road recreational driving.
See Off-Road Driving 0 200 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0 206 . When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle
will shift automatically but may hold
a lower gear longer to maximize
engine torque. The steering will
change to provide more precise
control. A unique pedal map,
transmission shift pattern, and rpm
control are utilized to give better
control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. When the vehicle
comes to a stop, Vehicle Hold is
engaged. TCS will be optimized for
maximum torque transfer across
axles, and Active Braking During Lift
Throttle will be engaged.
Active Braking During Lift Throttle:
.
Automatically applies light
braking, similar to heavy engine
braking of four-wheel-drive low.
.
In D (Drive), the vehicle will
apply light braking until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In
Manual L1 and Manual L2,
moderate braking may stop the
vehicle.
.
Trailer braking is reduced.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
250 Driving and Operating When Terrain Mode is selected:
.
Auto Engine Start/Stop will be
disabled.
.
The Terrain Mode indicator
displays on the instrument
cluster.
Limited-Slip Differential If equipped, the limited-slip
differential can give more traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.
It works like a standard axle most of
the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. For vehicles with the
limited-slip differential, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 415 .Locking Rear Axle Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
{ WarningCruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
252 Driving and Operating .
To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, press +RES
up briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0 138 .
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.
Press and hold SET – down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.
To slow down in small
increments, press SET – down
briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0 138 .
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing SET – will result in cruise
control set to the current vehicle
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed.
While going downhill, cruise braking
helps maintain driver selected
speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
cruise control is active. It is not
enabled in Range Selection Mode. It assists in maintaining driver
selected speed when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
For other forms of descent control,
see Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 245 , Automatic Transmission
0 229 , and Tow/Haul Mode 0 234 .
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.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 271are temporarily unavailable. This
message could be due to a blocked
camera. The LKA system does not
need service. Clean the outside of
the windshield behind the rearview
mirror.
LKA assistance and/or LDW alerts
may occur due to tar marks,
shadows, cracks in the road,
temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road
imperfections. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service. Turn LKA off if these
conditions continue. Fuel Top Tier Fuel GM recommends the use of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline to keep
the engine clean, reduce engine
deposits, and maintain optimal
vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline marketers
and applicable countries. Recommended Fuel
(Except 6.2L V8 Engine) For diesel engine vehicles, see
“ Fuel for Diesel Engines ” in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap
or a yellow sticker on the fuel door,
E85 or FlexFuel can be used. If the
vehicle does not have a yellow fuel
cap or yellow sticker, do not use
gasoline with ethanol levels greater
than 15% by volume. See E85 or
FlexFuel 0 272 .
Use regular unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. Do not use gasoline with a
posted octane rating of less than 87,
as this may cause engine knock and
will lower fuel economy.
Recommended Fuel (6.2L
V8 Engine) Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or
FlexFuel. Do not use gasoline with
ethanol levels greater than 15% by
volume.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
272 Driving and Operating Premium unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 93 is
highly recommended for best
performance and fuel economy.
Unleaded gasoline with an octane
rated as low as 87 can be used.
Using unleaded gasoline rated
below 93 octane, however, will lead
to reduced acceleration and fuel
economy. If knocking occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon
as possible, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 93 octane rating, the
engine needs service.
Prohibited Fuels Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:
(Continued) Caution (Continued) .
For vehicles that are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled
greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level
ethanol blends (16 – 50%
ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
.
Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal,
ferrocene, and aniline.
These fuels can corrode
metal fuel system parts or
damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.
Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control
system and spark plugs.
.
Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst. Fuels in Foreign
Countries The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see Prohibited
Fuels 0 272 .
Fuel Additives TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus − Gasoline to
the vehicle ’ s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15,000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus − Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle ’ s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
E85 or FlexFuel Vehicles with a yellow fuel sticker
on the fuel door can use either
unleaded gasoline or fuel containing
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 273up to 85% ethanol (E85). All other
vehicles should use only the
unleaded gasoline as described in
Recommended Fuel (Except 6.2L
V8 Engine) 0 271 or Recommended
Fuel (6.2L V8 Engine) 0 271 .
The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuel website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB – 3.512 in Canada. Do not use
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on. The starting characteristics of E85
or FlexFuel make it unsuitable for
use when temperatures fall below
− 18 °C (0 °F). Use gasoline or add
gasoline to the E85 or FlexFuel.
Because E85 or FlexFuel has less
energy per liter (gallon) than
gasoline, the vehicle will need to be
refilled more often. See Filling the
Tank 0 273 .
The only GM approved aftermarket
additive is ACDelco Fuel System
Treatment Plus-FlexFuel. Follow the
instructions on the bottle for proper
use. This product is available at
your GM dealer.
Caution
Some additives are not
compatible with E85 or FlexFuel
and can harm the vehicle's fuel
system. Use only additives
approved by GM for E85 or
FlexFuel vehicles. Damage
caused by unapproved additives
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. CautionDo not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Filling the Tank If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel supplement
for more information.
{ Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.
To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
274 Driving and Operating Warning (Continued).
Turn off the engine when
refueling.
.
Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
.
Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.
Avoid using electronic
devices while refueling.
.
Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
.
Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
.
Fuel can spray out if the
refueling nozzle is inserted
too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Insert the refueling
nozzle slowly and wait for
any hiss noise to stop prior
to beginning to flow fuel. The fuel door is on the driver side of
the vehicle. The vehicle has a
capless refueling system and does
not have a fuel cap. The filling
nozzle must be fully inserted and
latched prior to starting fuel flow.
{ Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
.
Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
Fuel spills.
.
Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0 403 .
{ WarningIf a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.