GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
206 Driving and Operating wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.
Allow extra following distance.
.
Pass with caution.
.
Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.
Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.
Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires 0 358 .
.
Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include: .
Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.
Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{ WarningUsing the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{ Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
(Continued) Warning (Continued) loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
.
Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
.
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
.
Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 311
Vehicle Care General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 312
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements . . . . . 313
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 323
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Air Filter Life
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 326
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 331
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 335
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Battery - North America . . . . . . 337
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 342
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 343
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 343
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 344
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 345
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Headlamp Aiming Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Bulb Replacement Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 349
Electrical System Electrical System Overload . . . 349
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 350
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Wheels and Tires Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 360
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 359Warning (Continued).
Underinflated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently
to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires
are cold..
Overinflated tires are
more likely to be cut,
punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact — such
as when hitting a pothole.
Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.
Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the
tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
Replace any tires that
have been damaged by
impacts with potholes,
curbs, etc. .
Improperly repaired tires
can cause a crash. Only
the dealer or an
authorized tire service
center should repair,
replace, dismount, and
mount the tires. .
Do not spin the tires in
excess of 56 km/h
(35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow,
mud, ice, etc. Excessive
spinning may cause the
tires to explode.
All-Season Tires This vehicle may come with
all-season tires. These tires are
designed to provide good overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original
equipment tires designed to GM's
specific tire performance criteria
have a TPC specification code
molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be
identified by the last two characters
of this TPC code, which will
be “ MS. ”
Consider installing winter tires on
the vehicle if frequent driving on
snow or ice-covered roads is
expected. All-season tires provide
adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they
may not offer the same level of
traction or performance as winter
tires on snow or ice-covered roads.
See Winter Tires 0 359 .
Winter Tires This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered
roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent
driving on ice or snow covered
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
360 Vehicle Care roads is expected. See your dealer
for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection.
Also, see Buying New Tires 0 378 .
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter
tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.
Use tires of the same brand and
tread type on all four wheel
positions.
.
Use only radial ply tires of the
same size, load range, and
speed rating as the original
equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment tires
may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If winter
tires with a lower speed rating are
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability. Low-Profile Tires If the vehicle has 275/60R20 or
275/50R22 size tires, they are
classified as low-profile tires.
CautionLow-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can
occur when coming into contact
with road hazards like potholes,
or sharp edged objects, or when
sliding into a curb. The warranty
does not cover this type of
damage. Keep tires set to the
correct inflation pressure and
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards. All-Terrain Tires This vehicle may have all-terrain
tires. These tires provide good
performance on most road surfaces,
weather conditions, and for off-road
driving. See Off-Road Driving 0 200 .
The tread pattern on these tires may
wear more quickly than other tires.
Consider rotating the tires more
frequently than at 12 000 km
(7,500 mi) intervals if irregular wear
is noted when the tires are
inspected. See Tire Inspection
0 375 .
Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is
molded into the sidewall. The
examples show a typical
passenger and light truck tire
sidewall.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
Vehicle Care 379Warning (Continued)
This vehicle may have a
different size spare than the
road tires originally installed
on the vehicle. When new, the
vehicle included a spare tire
and wheel assembly with a
similar overall diameter as the
road tires and wheels, so it is
all right to drive on it. The
spare tire was developed for
use on this vehicle and will not
affect vehicle handling.
{ Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle. Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires ’ maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0 369 .
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 209 for the label location and
more information about the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{ Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
380 Vehicle Care Warning (Continued)wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0 378 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 313 .
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1½) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/15/18
438 Customer Information .
Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
.
Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest GMC dealer for warranty
service, or if the vehicle was in a
crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the
vehicle is stuck in the sand,
mud, or snow.
.
Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
.
Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
.
Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance .
Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws
.
Legal fines
.
Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a
regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered. Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles .
Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is up to 7 L. Diesel fuel delivery
may be restricted. Propane and
other fuels are not provided
through this service.
.
Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
.
Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: Must be over
150 km from where your trip was
started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside
Assistance advisor will help to
make arrangements and explain
how to receive payment.
.
Alternative Service: If
assistance cannot be provided
right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give
permission to get local
emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100,
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - crc - 5/16/18
460 Index Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 254
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Automatic
Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
B Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Battery - North America . . . . 337, 395
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 344
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 151
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . 335
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 264
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 216
Bulb Replacement
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 349
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347 Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
C Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
California
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .313, 337, 395,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 126
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382