GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
156 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) indicate
the status of the vehicle or some
action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing the thumbwheel. The
messages that require immediate
action cannot be cleared until that
action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
.Service Messages
. Fluid Levels .
Vehicle Security
. Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. A reduction in propulsion
power can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try
restarting after the vehicle has been
off for 30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/
H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal, brakes,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
170 Lighting
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
An arrow on the instrument cluster
flashes in the direction of the turn or
lane change.
Move the turn signal lever all the
way up or down to signal a turn.
Partially raise or lower the lever for
less than one second until the arrow
starts to flash to signal a lane
change. This causes the turn
signals to automatically flash three
times. It will flash six times if Tow/
Haul Mode is active. Holding the
turn signal lever for more than
one second will cause the turn
signals to flash until the lever is
released.The lever returns to its starting
position whenever it is released.
If after signaling a turn or a lane
change the arrows flash rapidly or
do not come on, a signal bulb could
be burned out. If equipped with LED
turn signals, see your dealer.
Replace any burned out bulbs. If a
bulb is not burned out, check the
fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers 0370.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more
than 1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime
sounds at each flash of the turn
signal. A message may appear in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Vehicle Messages 0156. To
turn the chime and message off,
move the turn signal lever to the off
position.
Fog Lamps
If equipped, the fog lamp control is
near the exterior lamp control to the
left of the steering column.
The ignition must be on for the fog
lamps to come on.
#: Press to turn the fog lamps on
or off. A light will come on in the
instrument cluster.
When the fog lamps are turned on,
the parking lamps automatically
turn on.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
304 Driving and Operating
Trailer Lamps
Always check that all trailer lamps
are working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
If equipped, the Trailering App will
monitor the RH turn/brake lamp
circuit, LH turn/brake lamp circuit,
running lamp circuit, and reverse
lamp circuits on the trailer. DIC
messages and Trailering App alerts
may be displayed if lighting circuit
issues are detected on the trailer.
Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the
Trailering App automatically
activates the trailer lamps. The
Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer
lamps. SeeTrailering App 0310.
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 0238.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0226.
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 “Trailer Weight ”under Trailer
Towing 0292.
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,
heavy or light steering efforts, 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
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 327
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 328
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 329
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 341
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 344
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 351
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 354
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 356
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Battery - North America . . . . . . 358
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 362
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 363
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 364
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 364
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 365
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 369
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 370
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 370
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 367
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing
procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent
bulbs with aftermarket LED
replacement bulbs. This can
cause damage to the vehicle
electrical system.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps
Base Level Headlamp
Assembly
1. Turn Signal Lamps
Headlamp Replacement
See your dealer for headlamp
replacement.
Turn Signal Lamp
Replacement
Base Level1. Open the hood.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the headlamp assembly
and pull it straight out.
3. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of the bulb socket.
4. Replace the bulb and reverse Steps 1–3 to reinstall.
Uplevel
See your dealer for headlamp
replacement.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
368 Vehicle Care
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps
Base Level Taillamp Assembly
1. Stoplamp/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Back-Up Lamp
Uplevel Taillamp Assembly
See your dealer for taillamp
replacement.
It is recommended to replace the
grommets when replacing a bulb.
See your dealer.
To replace one of these bulbs:1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two rear lamp assembly screws.
4. Pull the rear lamp assembly
outward and rearward away
from the box side to remove it
from the vehicle.
5. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise.
6. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket.
7. Replace the bulb and reverse Steps 1–5 to reinstall.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Vehicle Care 369
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp
This procedure is for the regular cab
only. For crew cab and double cab
see your dealer.
1. Cargo Lamp Bulbs
2. Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) Bulb
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the two screws and lift off the lamp assembly.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it
straight out.
3. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket.
License Plate Lamp
To replace the bulb:
1. Reach behind the rear bumper and locate the bulb.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull the
bulb straight out of the socket.
3. Replace the bulb and reverseStep 2 to reinstall.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Index 489
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 257
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . 270
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
B
Battery Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Battery (cont'd)
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Battery - North America . . . . 358, 419
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 364
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Brake Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 140
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . 356
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 AutomaticEmergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 272
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 208
Bulb Replacement Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 369
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .329, 358, 419, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116