battery replacement GMC SIERRA 1500 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (3,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See“Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.
With Remote Start (without
Remote Start Similar)
/(Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press
/
to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5 for additional information.
Q(Lock):Press to lock all the
doors.
If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the turn
signal lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again within
three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑48 for additional
information.
Pressing
Qarms the content
theft‐deterrent system. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑11.
K(Unlock): Press once to unlock
only the driver door. If
Kis pressed
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps may come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the turn
signal lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑48. If enabled through the
DIC, the exterior lights may turn on.
See “Approach Lighting” under
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑48.

Black plate (4,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
PressingKon the RKE transmitter
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-theft Alarm
System on page 2‑11.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.
Press and hold
Lfor more than
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
Lis pressed again.
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. When the replacement transmitter
is programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
for transmitter programming.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE
KEY message displays in the DIC.
Notice:
When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.Carefully insert the tool
into the notch located
along the parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

Black plate (43,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Instruments and Controls 5-43
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the fuel level is low.
Refuel as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gauge on page 5‑14andFuel
on page 9‑68 for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the
vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened
properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5‑22. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank
on page 9‑72. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.
Key and Lock Messages
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs to
be replaced in the transmitter. See
“Battery Replacement”
under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Lamp Messages
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime
sounds if a turn signal is left on for
1.2 km (0.75 mi). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
Object Detection System
Messages
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL
This message displays if there is
something interfering with the park
assist system. See Ultrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9‑61 for
more information.
PARK ASSIST OFF
After the vehicle has been started,
this message displays to remind the
driver that the URPA system has
been turned off. Press the set/reset
button or the trip odometer reset
stem to acknowledge this message
and clear it from the DIC display. To
turn the URPA system back on, see
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑61.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
7-38 Infotainment System
Headphones
A. Battery cover
B. Channel 1 or 2 switch
C. Power button
D. Volume control
E. Power indicator light
The RSE includes two 2-channel
wireless headphones that are
dedicated to this system. Channel 1
is dedicated to the video screen,
while Channel 2 is dedicated to
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) selections.
These headphones can be used tolisten to the radio, CDs, DVDs,
MP3s, DVD-As, or any auxiliary
source connected to A/V jacks or
the auxiliary input jack, if the vehicle
has this feature. The wireless
headphones have a power button,
channel 1 or 2 switch, and a volume
control.
Push the power button to turn on
the headphones. An indicator light
located on the headphones comes
on. If the light comes on, but there
is intermittent sound and/or static on
the headphones, or if the indicator
light does not come on, the batteries
might need to be replaced. See
“Battery Replacement”
later in this
section for more information. Switch
the headphones to Off when not
in use.
Infrared transmitters are located
at the rear of the overhead
console. The headphones shut off
automatically to save the battery
power if the RSE system and RSA
are shut off, or if the headphones
are out of range of the transmitters
for more than three minutes. If you move too far forward or step out of
the vehicle, the headphones lose
the audio signal.
To adjust the volume on the
headphones, use the volume control
located on the right side.
For optimal audio performance, the
headphones must be worn correctly.
Headphones should be worn with
the headband over the top of the
head for best audio reception. The
symbol L (Left) appears on the
outside bottom edge of the ear cup
and should be positioned on the left
ear. The symbol R (Right) appears
on the outside bottom edge of the
ear cup and should be positioned on
the right ear.
Notice:
Do not store the
headphones in heat or direct
sunlight. This could damage the
headphones and repairs will not
be covered by the warranty.
Storage in extreme cold can
weaken the batteries. Keep the
headphones stored in a cool, dry
place.

Black plate (39,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Infotainment System 7-39
If the foam ear pads attached to
the headphones become worn or
damaged, the pads can be replaced
separately from the headphone set.
To purchase replacement ear pads,
call 1-888-293-3332, then prompt
zero (0), or contact your dealer.
Battery Replacement
To change the batteries on the
headphones:
1. Turn the screw to loosen thebattery door located on the left
side of the headphones. Slide
the battery door open.
2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment. Make sure that
they are installed correctly, using
the diagram on the inside of the
battery compartment.
3. Replace the battery door and tighten the door screw.
If the headphones are to be stored
for a long period of time, remove the
batteries and keep them in a cool,
dry place.Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
Yellow: Video Input
White: Left Audio Input
Red: Right Audio Input
The A/V jacks are color coded to
match typical home entertainment
system equipment.
The A/V jacks, located on the rear
of the floor console, allow audio or
video signals to be connected from
an auxiliary device such as a
camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE system. Adapter
connectors or cables (not included)
may be required to connect the
auxiliary device to the A/V jacks.
Refer to the manufacturer
’s
instructions for proper usage.
Power for auxiliary devices is not
supplied by the radio system.
To use the auxiliary inputs of the
RSE system, connect an external
auxiliary device to the color-coded
A/V jacks and turn both the auxiliary
device and the video screen power
on. If the video screen is in the DVD
player mode, pressing the AUX
(auxiliary) button on the remote
control switches the video screen
from the DVD player mode to the
auxiliary device. The audio of the
connected source can be listened to
over the speakers by sourcing the
radio to the auxiliary device or by
sourcing the RSA to the Rear Aux
and listening with the wireless
headphones on Channel 2 or
with the wired headphones.

Black plate (41,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Infotainment System 7-41
If a DVD is playing and the screen
is raised to its locked position, the
screen remains on. This is normal,
and the DVD continues to play
through the previous audio source.
Use the remote control power button
or eject the disc to turn off the
screen.
The overhead console contains the
infrared transmitters for the wireless
headphones and the infrared
receivers for the remote control.
They are located at the rear of the
console.
Notice:Avoid directly touching
the video screen, as damage may
occur. See “Cleaning the Video
Screens” later in this section for
more information.Remote Control
To use the remote control, aim it at
the transmitter window at the rear
of the RSE overhead console and
press the desired button. Direct
sunlight or very bright light could
affect the ability of the RSE
transmitter to receive signals from
the remote control. If the remote
control does not seem to be
working, the batteries might need
to be replaced. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight
could also affect the function of the
remote control.
If a CD or DVD is in the Radio DVD
slot, the remote control
O(power)
button can be used to turn on the
video screen display and start the
disc. The radio can also turn on the
video screen display. See Operation
on page 7‑3 for more information.
Notice: Storing the remote
control in a hot area or in direct
sunlight can damage it, and the
repairs will not be covered by the
warranty. Storage in extreme cold
can weaken the batteries. Keep
the remote control stored in a
cool, dry place.
If the remote control becomes lost
or damaged, a new universal
remote control can be purchased.
If this happens, make sure the
universal remote control uses a
code set of Toshiba®.

Black plate (43,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Infotainment System 7-43
r(Fast Reverse):Press this
button to quickly reverse the DVD or
CD. To stop fast reversing a DVD
video, press the play/pause button.
To stop fast reversing a DVD audio
or CD, release the fast reverse
button. This button might not work
when the DVD is playing the
copyright information or the
previews.
[(Fast Forward): Press this
button to fast forward the DVD or
CD. To stop fast forwarding a DVD
video, press the play/pause button.
To stop fast forwarding a DVD audio
or CD, release the fast forward
button. This button might not work
while the DVD is playing the
copyright information or the
previews.
e(Audio): Press this button to
change audio tracks on DVDs that
have this feature when the DVD is
playing. The format and content of
this function vary for each disc.
{(Subtitles): Press this button to
turn on or off subtitles and to move
through subtitle options when a
DVD is playing. The format and
content of this function vary for
each disc.
AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button
to switch the system between the
DVD player and an auxiliary source.
2(Camera): Press this button to
change camera angles on DVDs
that have this feature while a DVD is
playing. The format and content of
this function vary for each disc.
1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad):
The numeric keypad provides the
capability of direct chapter or track
number selection.
\(Clear): Press this button within
three seconds after entering a
numeric selection, to clear all
numerical inputs.
}10 (Double Digit Entries): Press
this button to select chapter or track
numbers greater than nine. Press
this button before entering the
number.
Battery Replacement
To change the remote control
batteries, do the following:
1. Slide the rear cover back on the remote control.
2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment. Make sure they
are installed correctly using the
diagram on the inside of the
remote control.
3. Replace the battery cover.
If the remote control is to be stored
for a long period of time, remove the
batteries and keep them in a cool,
dry place.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) . . . 10-11
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-17
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-22 Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-25
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Noise Control System . . . . . . 10-34
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-35
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-36
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-37
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Pick-Up Box Identification and Fender Marker
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-42
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48

Black plate (30,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
10-30 Vehicle Care
Battery
If the vehicle is a Hybrid, see the
Hybrid Supplement for more
information.
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery (or batteries). Refer to the
replacement number on the original
battery label when a new battery is
needed. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6 for battery
location.
{WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{WARNING
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑88 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3 to determine when to
check the lubricant.
How to Check Lubricant
Electric Shift Transfer Case
A. Fill Plug
B. Drain Plug

Black plate (9,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/15/11
Service and Maintenance 11-9
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it
properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain
vehicle performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required. It is recommended
that your dealer perform these
services—their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle
best. Your dealer can also
perform a thorough assessment
with a multi‐point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may
need attention. The following list is
intended to explain the services
and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required. Battery
The battery supplies power to
start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break‐down or failure
to start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion‐free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if
they squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians
can inspect the belts and
recommend replacement when
necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s
systems and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12 for GM
approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.