2019 GMC SIERRA automatic transmission

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 251
Vehicles without mode graphics on
the knob will have a menu selection
screen in the instrument cluster to
select the desired mode. When the
Drive Mode knob is rotated, the
mode list will display the next
available mode.If equipped, select Terrain Mode by
pressing the Terrain Mode button,
below the 4
mtransfer case button.
Modes:
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft
ride. When selected, there is no
indicator in the instrument cluster.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.When in Sport Mode, the vehicle will
shift automatically but may hold a
lower gear longer than it would in
the normal driving mode based on
braking, throttle input, and vehicle
lateral acceleration. See
Automatic
Transmission 0233. The steering
will change to provide more precise
control. The continuous damping will
change to provide better cornering
performance.
When selected, the Sport Mode light
displays in the instrument cluster.
Snow Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions. The
vehicle will upshift normally when
the vehicle is moving. The
acceleration will adjust to help
provide a smoother launch.
Snow Mode is only available on
two-wheel-drive vehicles. When
selected, the Snow Mode light
displays in the instrument cluster.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 253
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 - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 257
.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 0140.
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 0140.
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)
0 249, Automatic Transmission
0 233, and Tow/Haul Mode 0238.
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
5is pressed
or the ignition is turned off.

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
Driving and Operating 295
Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the
Trailering App automatically
activates trailer lamps. The
Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer
lamps. SeeTrailering App 0301.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter
Tow/Haul Mode, see Driver Mode
Control 0250.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0238.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0286.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
. through rolling terrain.
. in stop-and-go traffic.
. in busy parking lots.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and
may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brake systems. These instructions
apply to both types of electric trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to
the trailer brakes is proportional to
the amount of vehicle braking. This
available power output to the trailer
brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’ s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak/ESC
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has
StabiliTrak/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock
brake, or StabiliTrak/ESC systems
are not functioning properly, the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 301
Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.
Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).
Trailering App
Trailer Light App
If equipped, the Trailer Lights App is
on the Home Page of the
infotainment display.Touch Start to cycle the trailer lights
on and off to determine if they are
working. The test follows this
sequence:
1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the
sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and
45 seconds, or until the test
deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test
will automatically end after
one minute and 45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates
when any of the following occur:
. The ignition is turned off. .
The transmission is shifted out
of P (Park).
. The brake pedal pressed.
. The turn signal is activated.
. The hazard warning lights
activated.
Trailering App
If equipped, the Trailering App is on
the Home Page of the infotainment
display.
This feature allows profiles for
connected trailers to be created to
view status, and to store and track
trailer usage information.
The Trailering App Preview will
appear when the Trailering App is
opened for the first time from the
Home Page. Touch GET STARTED
in the Trailering App to go into
the app.
When a trailer is electrically
connected, there will be an option to
create a profile, use a guest profile,
or cancel. After Cancel is selected a
third time, Don’t Remind Me will
display and touching that will turn off

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 305
3. The left turn signal light flashesthree times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and
45 seconds, or until the test
deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test
will automatically end after
one minute and 45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates
when any of the following occur:
. The ignition is turned off.
. The transmission is shifted out
of P (Park).
. The brake pedal is pressed.
. The turn signal is activated.
. The hazard warning lights are
activated.Trailer
1. Trailer Status Page
2. Trailer Tire Pressure/
Temperature
3. Mileage of Trailer
Mileage
The mileage accumulated while this
Trailer Profile is active will display.
Touch mileage to edit.
Tire Pressure and Temperature
If the TTPMS sensor-to-vehicle
learn process was completed, the
status view will display the current
tire pressure and temperature of the trailer tires related to the active
Trailer Profile. If a tire’
s pressure is
low or high, the color of the
pressure value will be amber. If a
sensor malfunctions, the values are
dashed lines. If the screen displays
“Service Tire Pressure Monitoring
System”, the vehicle needs to be
taken to a dealer for service.
Maintenance
1. Maintenance Status Page
2. List of Maintenance
Reminders
3. Add a New Maintenance Reminder

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
316 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 317
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 318
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 328
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 331
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 336
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 340
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Battery - North America . . . . . . 342
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 347
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 348
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 348
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 349
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 350
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 351
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 354
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 354
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 355
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374