GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 211
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0232.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See “Rocking the Vehicle to Get It
Out” later in this section.
The Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control can often help to
free a stuck vehicle. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 247. If TC/ESC cannot free the
vehicle, see “Rocking the Vehicle to
Get it Out” following.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains 0387.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then make sure the
wheels are pointed straight ahead.
For four-wheel-drive vehicles, shift
into Four-Wheel Drive High. Turn
the TCS off. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. See
Towing the Vehicle 0403. Recovery
hooks can be used, if the vehicle
has them.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
282 Driving and Operating
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Tow/Haul Mode is recommended
for heavier trailers. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0238. If the
transmission downshifts too
often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode.
See Manual Mode 0235.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
. Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
when towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0232.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of
the combination by driving on a
level road surface before driving on
public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and
the brakes must all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate
trailer equipment can cause the
combination to operate in an
unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
292 Driving and Operating
Weight-Distributing Hitch and Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be useful with some trailers. Use the following guidelines to determine if a
weight-distributing hitch should be used.Vehicle Series Trailer Weight Weight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) OptionalRefer to trailer
manufacturer ’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required50%
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender
height above the front axle
distance (2) before and after the
connecting trailer. Adjust the spring
bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is approximately half
way between the first and second
measurements.
Tires
.
Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the
vehicle. .
Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0363 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach safety chains
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer.
If the trailer being towed weighs up
to 2 271 kg (5,000 lb) with a
factory-installed step bumper, safety
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 317
Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 386
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 399
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 387
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt,
or wheel nut is replaced on a dual
wheel setup, check the wheel nut
torque after 160,1 600, and
10 000 km (100,1,000, and
6,000 mi) of driving. For proper
torque, see “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 435.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0388 for
more information. Used Replacement Wheels{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has LT265/70R17,
LT275/65R18, 275/60R20,
or 275/50R22 size tires, do not
use tire chains. They can damage
the vehicle because there is not
enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
(Continued)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
388 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to
lose control of the vehicle and
you or others may be injured in a
crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust, or remove
the device if it is contacting the
vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that
will fit, install them on the rear
tires.
Caution
Use tire chains only where legal
and only when necessary. Use
chains that are the proper size for
the tires. If the vehicle has
265/70R17 or 265/65R18 size
tires, they may be installed on the
tires of the rear axle only. If the
vehicle has 255/70R17 size tires,
they may be installed on the tires
of the front and rear axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting
the vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues,
slow down until it stops. Driving
too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage the
vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if there ever is a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
Customer Information 443
.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 - 5/13/19
Index 465
Assistance Systems forDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 259
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic
Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Battery - North America . . . . 342, 400
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 349
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 153
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . 340
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 269
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 220
Bulb Replacement Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 354
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
California
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .318, 342, 400, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 127
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387