GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
224 Driving and Operating
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for
more than five seconds will place the vehicle
in Service Mode. The instruments and audio
systems will operate as they do when the
vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able
to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0338. Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key must be in the vehicle.
Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The driver may observe a minor, and
temporary, brake pedal kickback when
starting the vehicle. This is normal.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts. When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), press ENGINE START/STOP
to continue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
pressing ENGINE START/STOP for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
234 Driving and Operating
The shift lever always starts from a center
position, represented by an up/down arrow
on the shift pattern. After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the center position.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If the vehicle is turned off while at a
relatively high vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically shift to
N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is stopped,
P (Park) is automatically selected.
P :This position locks the rear wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine to prevent
the vehicle from moving easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0227 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 228 and Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0309.
{Warning
If 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, 4m,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or 4n— or set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral).
See Four-Wheel Drive 0240.
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled transmission. The
shift lock release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of P (Park)
unless the ignition is on, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock release button is
pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to P (Park)
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 235
automatically unless the vehicle is in
N (Neutral), See“Car Wash Mode” later in
this section.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting
Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0227 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter) 0228
and Shifting out of Park (Mechanical Shifter)
0 229 or]Shifting out of Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0229.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the shift lever
needs service. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park), check to
see if the P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle, hold
the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed
exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up. If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or L (Low), or L (Low)
or D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is
too high, the vehicle may shift to
N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle speed and
try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward to R (Reverse). R will be
illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0214. N :
In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.
It may automatically shift into P (Park).
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
240 Driving and Operating
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
will be displayed next to the L in the DIC.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0128 orDriver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0130. All gears below that
number are available to use. For example,
when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L,
1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth) gear, tap
the right steering wheel control or shift into
D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high. If the
vehicle speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not
be completed. Slow the vehicle, then tap the
left steering wheel control to the desired
lower gear range.
Cruise control can be used while in ERS.
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 0249 to activate Tow/
Haul Mode.
For vehicles without Driver Mode Control,
press the Tow/Haul button on the center
stack.
If equipped, the Stop/Start system will
become unavailable when Tow/Haul Mode is
active.
If equipped with Active Hydraulic Assist, the
vehicle will provide a stiffer steering
response when Tow/Haul mode is engaged
to provide enhanced steering functionality.
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
(Mechanical Shifter) 0237 or
Manual Mode (Electronic Shifter) 0239.
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 0317.
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.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in
4
mand 4n(if equipped) for an extended
period of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the vehicle’s
powertrain.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
Driving and Operating 243
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. 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
to indicate the state of the request. Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message displays.
Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, DIC messages will
display. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for
this shift to occur. After this time, a graphic
in the instrument cluster will indicate that
the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again. Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds until
the N (Neutral) graphic starts flashing in
the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the graphic stops flashing.
If the parking brake and/or brake pedal
is not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the original
state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed
to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds,
the transfer case will remain in its
original state. This will be indicated in
the instrument cluster.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0245.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
248 Driving and Operating
When the transfer case (if equipped) is in 4
n, the stability system is automatically
disabled, and
gcomes on in the instrument
cluster. Both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC are
automatically disabled.
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
dcomes 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
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Drive the vehicle.
If
dcomes 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.
Caution
Do 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. To turn TCS on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iin 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
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. To
turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again, press
and release
g. The Traction Off lightiand
StabiliTrak/ESC Off light
gin the instrument
cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if
the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph). TCS
will remain off until
gis pressed or until
the ignition is turned off and then back on.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0342.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
386 Vehicle Care
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 215.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. If the vehicle has DIC
buttons, tire pressure levels can be viewed. For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0
128 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 130.
The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 215, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0384.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 389, Tire Rotation 0390 and
Tires 0377.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light flashes for about one minute and then
stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. A DIC warning message also displays.
The malfunction light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message should go off
after the road tire is replaced and the
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-15883563) - 2022 - CRC - 11/19/21
412 Vehicle Care
Caution
If a vehicle with two-wheel drive or a
single-speed transfer case is towed with
all four wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles and vehicles with a
single-speed transfer case should not be
towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Dinghy Towing (Vehicles with a
Two-Speed Transfer Case)
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive vehicles
with a two-speed transfer case that have an
N (Neutral) and a 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive
Low) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can allow
the vehicle to move even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or others
could be injured. Set the parking brake
and use wheel blocks before shifting the
transfer case to N (Neutral).
To dinghy tow: 1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a
level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under
Four-Wheel Drive 0240.
5. With the engine running, release the parking brake and verify that the
transfer case is in N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission to D (Drive) and then to
R (Reverse). There should be no
movement while shifting the
transmission.
6. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Turn the vehicle off.
9. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine. To do this, take your foot off the
brake pedal then press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for five seconds until the
green light on the button is illuminated.
See Ignition Positions 0222.
{Warning
To avoid death, serious injury,
or property damage, before dinghy
towing the vehicle, always disconnect and
secure the negative battery cable and
cover the negative battery post and cable
with a non-conductive material. If the
battery is left connected or the battery
cable contacts the post, the Electric
Parking Brake may activate during
towing, which could cause a crash.