GMC SIERRA 1500 2013 Owners Manual

Black plate (35,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-35
3 (Third):This position is also used
for normal driving. It reduces vehicle
speed more than D (Drive) without
using the brakes. You might choose
3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when
driving on hilly, winding roads, when
towing a trailer, so there is less
shifting between gears and when
going down a steep hill.
2 (Second): This position reduces
vehicle speed even more than
3 (Third) without using the brakes.
You can use 2 (Second) on hills.
It can help control vehicle speed as
you go down steep mountain roads,
but then you would also want to use
the brakes off and on.
If you manually select 2 (Second) in
an automatic transmission, the
transmission will start in second
gear. You can use this feature for
reducing the speed of the rear
wheels when you are trying to start
the vehicle from a stop on slippery
road surfaces. 1 (First):
For the Hydra-Matic
4-Speed transmission this position
reduces vehicle speed even more
than 2 (Second) without using the
brakes. You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the
vehicle is moving forward, the
transmission does not shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
For an Allison Transmission or
Hydra-Matic 6-Speed transmission,
this position reduces vehicle speed
without using the brakes. You can
use it for major/severe downgrades
and off-road driving where the
vehicle would otherwise accelerate
due to steepness of grade. When
you shift to 1 (First) it provides the
lowest gear appropriate to current
road speed and continues to
downshift as the vehicle slows,
eventually downshifting to
1 (First) gear.
Notice: Spinning the tires or
holding the vehicle in one place
on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
Vehicles with a gasoline engine and
6-Speed automatic transmission
have Normal Mode Grade Braking
that is enabled when the vehicle is
started, but is not enabled in Range
Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds
when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle. The first time
the system engages for each
ignition key cycle, a DIC message
will be displayed. See
Transmission
Messages on page 5‑44.
To disable or enable Normal Mode
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for

Black plate (36,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
three seconds. A DIC message
displays. SeeTransmission
Messages on page 5‑44.
For iother forms of grade braking,
see Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑37
and Cruise Control on page 9‑56.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
(Allison®Transmission or
Hydra-Matic®6-Speed
Transmission)
The vehicle may have a Range
Selection Mode. The Range
Selection Mode helps control the
vehicle's transmission and vehicle
speed while driving down hill or
towing a trailer by letting you select
a desired range of gears. To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the steering column
shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving
conditions.
When M (Manual Mode) is selected
a number displays next to the M,
indicating the current gear.
This number is the highest gear that
can be used. However, the vehicle
can automatically shift to lower
gears as it adjusts to driving
conditions. This means that all
gears below that number are
available. When 5 (Fifth) is selected,
1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are
automatically shifted by the vehicle,
but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until
the plus/minus button located on the
steering column lever is used to
change to the gear. Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active.
See
Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑37.
While using Range Selection Mode,
Cruise Control and the Tow/Haul
Mode can be used.
If the vehicle has an exhaust brake,
it can also be used, but will not
automatically downshift the
transmission. See Exhaust Brake in
the Duramax Diesel supplement.
Notice: Spinning the tires or
holding the vehicle in one place
on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.

Black plate (37,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-37
Low Traction Mode
If the vehicle has the Allison
Transmission, a 4-Speed automatic
transmission, or the Hydra-Matic
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
with the 6.0L engine, it has a Low
Traction Mode that assists in vehicle
acceleration when road conditions
are slippery, such as with ice or
snow. While the vehicle is at a stop,
select the second gear range using
Range Selection Mode. This will
limit torque to the wheels helping to
prevent the tires from spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission have a Tow/Haul
Mode. The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts
the transmission shift pattern to
reduce shift cycling, providing
increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling
when driving down steep hills or
Mountain grades, towing, or hauling
heavy loads.
The selector button is located on the
end of the shift lever. Turn the Tow/
Haul Mode on and off by pressing
the button. When the Tow/Haul
Mode is enabled, a light on the
instrument panel cluster will
come on. See
Tow/Haul Mode Light on
page 5‑25 andHill and Mountain
Roads on page 9‑11 for more
information.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing Equipment on page 9‑89 for
more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
(6-Speed Automatic
Transmission)
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 “Tow/Haul Mode” listed
previously and Manual Mode on
page 9‑36. 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.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-38 Driving and Operating
On vehicles with a gasoline engine,
to disable or enable Tow/Haul
Grade Braking within the current
ignition key cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for
three seconds. A DIC message will
be displayed. SeeTransmission
Messages on page 5‑44.
On vehicles with a diesel engine.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking can
be enabled or disabled by pressing
the Tow/Haul Mode button. Use the
exhaust brake and Tow/Haul Mode
for maximum grade braking.
See Towing Equipment on
page 9‑89 for more information.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑32 andCruise Control on
page 9‑56.Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive,
you can send the engine's driving
power to all four wheels for extra
traction. To get the most satisfaction
out of Four-Wheel Drive, you must
be familiar with its operation. Read
the following before using
Four-Wheel Drive. See the
appropriate text for the transfer case
in the vehicle.
Notice: Driving on clean, dry
pavement in Four-Wheel Drive
High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for
an extended period of time may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive
on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low for
extended periods of time.
While driving on clean dry pavement
and during tight turns, you may
experience vibration in the steering
system. If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®,
shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low
will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak off. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑53.
Front Axle
The front axle engages and
disengages automatically when you
shift the transfer case. Some delay
for the axle to engage or disengage
is normal.
Manual Transfer Case

Black plate (39,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-39
The transfer case shift lever is on
the floor to the right of the driver.
Use this lever to shift into and out of
Four-Wheel Drive.
A Four-Wheel Drive indicator light
comes on when you shift into
four-wheel drive and the front axle
engages. SeeFour-Wheel-Drive
Light on page 5‑25.
Some delay between shifting and
when the indicator light comes on is
normal.
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving Conditions Transfer Case Settings
2m 4m4n N
Normal YES Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 10‑87 orTowing the Vehicle on
page 10‑87.
Notice: Driving on clean, dry
pavement in four-wheel drive for
an extended period of time can
cause premature wear on the
vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive
on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel Drive for extended
periods of time. 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low):
This
setting also engages the front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may
never need Four-Wheel Drive Low.
It sends maximum power to all
four wheels. You might choose
Four-Wheel Drive Low if you are
driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, deep snow, and while climbing
or descending steep hills.

Black plate (40,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-40 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®,
shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low
will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak off. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑53.
A parking brake symbol is located
next to the N (Neutral) symbol as a
reminder to set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case into
N (Neutral).
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). SeeParking Brake on
page 9‑51.
N (Neutral): Shift to this setting
only when the vehicle needs to be
towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10‑87 orTowing the
Vehicle on page 10‑87.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High): This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
The front axle is not engaged in
two-wheel drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High): Use
this setting when you need extra
traction, such as on snowy or icy
roads or in most off-road situations.
This setting also engages the front
axle to help drive your vehicle. This
is the best setting to use when
plowing snow. You can shift from Two-Wheel Drive
High to Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive High to
Two-Wheel Drive High while the
vehicle is moving. In extremely cold
weather, it may be necessary to
stop or slow the vehicle to shift into
Four-Wheel Drive High.
When Using the Manual
Transfer Case
.Shifts into or out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low or N (Neutral) should
be made using quick motions to
avoid excessive gear grinding.
Shifting slowly may make it more
difficult to shift.
.You may notice that it is harder
to shift when the vehicle is cold.
After the vehicle warms up the
shifting will return to normal.
.While in Four-Wheel High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low you
may experience reduced fuel
economy.

Black plate (41,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-41
.Avoid driving in Four-Wheel
Drive on clean, dry pavement.
It may cause your tires to wear
faster, make the transfer case
harder to shift, and run noisier.
.If the transfer case shifter is in
the N (Neutral) position and you
have difficulty reaching the
selected transfer case mode,
with the engine running, shift the
transmission momentarily to
D (Drive) and then back to
N (Neutral). This will realign the
gear teeth in the transfer case
and allow you to complete the
shift.
Shifting from Two-Wheel Drive
High to Four-Wheel Drive High
.Shifts between Two-Wheel Drive
High and Four-Wheel Drive High
can be made at any vehicle
speed.
.Shift the transfer case lever in
one continuous motion into
either the Four-Wheel Drive High
or Two-Wheel Drive High
position.
.Shifting from Two-Wheel Drive
High to Four-Wheel Drive High
while the vehicle is in motion
may require that moderate force
be applied to the shift lever for a
few seconds before Four-Wheel
Drive High can be engaged,
especially in cold weather.
.In extremely cold weather, it may
be necessary to slow or stop the
vehicle to shift into Four-Wheel
Drive High.
.While in Four-Wheel Drive High,
the vehicle can be driven at any
posted legal speed limit.
Shifting In or Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low
Notice: Shifting the transfer case
into Four-Wheel-Drive Low while
moving at speeds faster than
5 km/h (3 mph) may cause
premature wear to the transfer case, and may cause the gears to
grind. To avoid causing
premature wear, and grinding the
gears, do not shift the transfer
case into Four-Wheel-Drive Low
while the vehicle is moving faster
than 5 km/h (3 mph).
.Shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low should be done, if possible,
with the vehicle at a slight roll,
5 km/h (3 mph) or less.
.Shift the transmission into
N (Neutral).
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See
Parking Brake on
page 9‑51.

Black plate (42,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-42 Driving and Operating
.Shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low with the vehicle at a stop
may be more difficult. You may
be unable to complete the shift
to Four-Wheel Drive Low, and
the transfer case will end up in
N (Neutral). This is normal, and
is a function of the gear teeth
aligning in the transfer case.
When this happens, make sure
the engine is on, shift the
transmission momentarily to
D (Drive) and back to
N (Neutral), and then complete
the transfer case shift.
.Shift the transfer case shift lever
in one continuous motion into
the Four-Wheel Drive Low
position.
.When in Four-Wheel Drive Low
do not drive faster than
72 km/h (45 mph). This will
reduce wear and extend the life
of your transfer case.Shifting In or Out of Neutral
1. With the vehicle running and the
engine at an idle, set the parking
brake.
2. Place the transmission into N (Neutral).
Shift the transfer case in one
continuous motion into or out of the
N (Neutral) position.
Electronic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located
next to the steering column.
Use the dial to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.

Black plate (43,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
Driving and Operating 9-43
Recommended Transfer Case Settings
Driving ConditionsTransfer Case Settings
2m 4m4n N
Normal YES Severe YES
Extreme YES
Vehicle in Tow* YES
*See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 10‑87 orTowing the Vehicle on
page 10‑87.
You can choose among four driving
settings:
Indicator lights in the dial show
which setting you are in. The
indicator lights will come on briefly
when you turn on the ignition and
one will stay on. If the lights do not
come on, you should take the
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light flashes while
shifting the transfer case and
remains illuminated when the shift is
complete. If for some reason the
transfer case cannot make a
requested shift, it will return to the
last chosen setting.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High):
This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations. The
front axle is not engaged in
Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy. 4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High):
Use
the Four-Wheel Drive High position
when extra traction is needed, such
as on snowy or icy roads or in most
off-road situations. This setting also
engages the front axle to help drive
the vehicle. This is the best setting
to use when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low): This
setting also engages the front axle
and delivers extra torque. You may
never need this setting. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels.
You might choose Four-Wheel Drive
Low while driving off-road in deep
sand, deep mud, deep snow, and
while climbing or descending steep
hills.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®,
shifting into Four-Wheel Drive Low
will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak off. See StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑53.

Black plate (44,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 8/14/12
9-44 Driving and Operating
{WARNING
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). SeeParking Brake on
page 9‑51.
N (Neutral): Shift the vehicle's
transfer case to N (Neutral) only
when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10‑87 orTowing the Vehicle
on page 10‑87 for more information.
If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE
message stays on, you should take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service. See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL
DRIVE” underTransmission
Messages on page 5‑44. Shifting Into Two-Wheel
Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel
Drive High position. This can be
done at any speed, except when
shifting from Four-Wheel Drive Low.
See
“Shifting Out of Four-Wheel
Drive Low” for more information.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel
Drive Low
When Four-Wheel Drive Low is
engaged, vehicle speed should be
kept below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Extended high-speed operation in
Four-Wheel Drive Low may damage
or shorten the life of the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel Drive
Low position, the ignition must be in
ON/RUN and the vehicle must be
stopped or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). The preferred method
for shifting into Four-Wheel Drive
Low is to have the vehicle moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph). Turn the
knob to the Four-Wheel Drive Low
position. You must wait for the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light
to stop flashing and remain on
before shifting the transmission
in gear.
Notice:
Shifting the transmission
into gear before the requested
mode indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case. To help avoid
damaging the vehicle, always wait
for the mode indicator lights to
stop flashing before shifting the
transmission into gear.
It is typical for the vehicle to exhibit
significant engagement noise and
bump when shifting between
Four-Wheel Drive Low and
Four-Wheel Drive High ranges or
from transfer case N (Neutral) with
the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the
Four-Wheel Drive Low position
when the vehicle is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator
light will flash for 30 seconds and
not complete the shift. After