2019 GMC SIERRA DENALI wheel

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
234 Driving and Operating 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear before shifting from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) 10th 9th 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after shifting from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) - Tow/Haul not engaged L7 L7 L7 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1
Range after shifting from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) - Tow/Haul engaged L7 L7 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L3 L2 L1
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0 234 .
While using Range Selection Mode,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul
Mode can be used.
If the vehicle has an exhaust brake,
it can also be used, but will not
automatically downshift the
transmission. See “ Exhaust Brake ”
in the Duramax diesel supplement. CautionSpinning 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.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
Low 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
prevent the tires from spinning.
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. See Driver
Mode Control 0 246 to activate Tow/
Haul Mode.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 235If equipped, the Stop/Start system
will become unavailable when Tow/
Haul Mode is active.
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 Manual Mode 0 232 . 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.
See Towing Equipment 0 285 .Drive Systems Four-Wheel Drive If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction.
Read the appropriate section for
transfer case operation before
using.
CautionDo not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
m and 4
n (if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle ’ s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
m or 4
n may:
.
Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
.
Cause tires to wear faster.{ WarningIf equipped with four-wheel drive,
the vehicle will be free to roll if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral),
even when the shift lever is in
P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear — 2
m , 4
m , or 4
n — or set the
parking brake before placing the
transfer case in N (Neutral). See
Shifting Into Park 0 225 .
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
n may damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump is
normal when shifting between 4
n and 4
m or N (Neutral), with the
engine running.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
236 Driving and Operating Shifting into 4
n will turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0 243 .
Automatic Transfer Case Two-Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case
controls are used to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive. To shift the transfer case, press the
desired button. The graphic in the
instrument cluster will flash while a
shift is in progress. The graphic
displayed will change to indicate the
setting requested
When the shift is complete the
graphic will stop flashing. The DIC
message turns off once the shift is
complete. If the transfer case can
not complete a shift request, 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
0 399 or Towing the Vehicle 0 398 .
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
conditions are variable. When
driving in AUTO, the front axle is
engaged, and the vehicle's power is
sent to the front and rear wheels automatically based on driving
conditions. This setting provides
slightly lower fuel economy than 2
m .
4
m (Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when
off-roading, or when plowing snow.
4
n (Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
nwhen driving off-road in deep sand,
deep mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
While driving in 4
n , keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
n will turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 243 .
Shifts between 2
m , 4
m and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 239Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Turn the ignition on with engine
off.
See Ignition Positions (Key
Access) 0 217 or Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access)
0 219 .
2. Set the Parking Brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0 241 .
3. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral)
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m .
Transfer case shifts out of
N (Neutral) can only be made
when the transfer case is in 2
m . When the shift to 2
m is
complete, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will stop
flashing. If the transfer case
cannot complete a shift, the
graphic will return to the
previously selected setting. Single Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case
controls are used to shift into and
out of four-wheel drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the
desired button. The graphic in the
instrument cluster will flash while a
shift is in progress. The graphic
displayed will change to indicate the
setting requested
When the shift is complete the
graphic will stop flashing. The DIC
message turns off once the shift is
complete. If the transfer case can
not complete a shift request, it will
go back to its last chosen setting. The settings are:
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.
4
m (Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when
off-roading, or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive)
Use when road surface conditions
are variable. When driving in AUTO,
the front axle is engaged, and the
vehicle's power is sent to the front
and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. This
setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m .
Shifts between 2
m , 4
m and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
240 Driving and Operating The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has
completed. A DIC message
displays.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed,
the DIC message disappears, the
4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has
completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the
4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4
graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated. Brakes Antilock Brake
System (ABS) This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 152 .
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear noise or
feel vibration while the ABS is
operating.
The Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak indicator light will flash to
indicate that ABS is active. When

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
242 Driving and Operating If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake
pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch
momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Yor PARK light is off.
If the
8 light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Y or PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer. CautionDriving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist The Brake Assist feature assists in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
Electronic Brake Control Module
(EBCM) which controls the hydraulic
brake circuits to detect when the
driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an
attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle and to provide additional
braking beyond a normal brake
pedal apply. Minor noise during this
time is normal and the brake pedal
should be applied as the driving
dictates. The Brake Assist feature
will automatically disengage when
the brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{ WarningDo not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely.
You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving 0 198 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
Driving and Operating 243This feature is designed to prevent
the vehicle from rolling, either
forward or rearward, during vehicle
drive off. HSA will be automatically
activated after the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill on a grade.
During the transition period between
when the brake pedal is released
and the accelerator pedal is
pressed, HSA holds the braking
pressure to ensure that there is no
rolling. The brakes will automatically
release when the accelerator pedal
is applied. It will not activate if the
vehicle is in a drive gear and facing
downhill, or if the vehicle is facing
uphill and in R (Reverse). Ride Control Systems Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control System Operation The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the
drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. See Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) 0 293 .
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak/ESC
begins to limit wheel spin, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise
control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0 208
and “ Turning the Systems Off and
On ” later in this section.

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