transmission GMC SIERRA 1500 2014 User Guide

Black plate (42,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
5-42 Instruments and Controls
SeeTire Inspection on page 10-66,
Tire Rotation on page 10-67, Tire
Pressure Monitor System on
page 10-62, and Tire Pressure on
page 10-61.
TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD
AIR TO TIRE
If equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the
vehicle's tires is low. This message
also displays with a vehicle picture
to indicate the location of the low
tire. The low tire pressure warning
light will also come on. See Tire
Pressure Light on page 5-28. You
can receive more than one tire
pressure message at a time. If a tire
pressure message appears on the
DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have
the tire pressures checked and set
to those shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tires
on page 10-51, Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9-16, and Tire Pressure on
page 10-61. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) on page 5-30 orDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
on page 5-32.
Transmission Messages
4WD OFF
If equipped with four-wheel drive,
this message displays when the
four-wheel-drive system is
temporarily disabled due to an
overheated condition. The vehicle
will run in two-wheel drive when this
message is present. Once the
four-wheel-drive system cools down,
the message turns off and the
four-wheel-drive system returns to
normal operation.
4WD SHIFT IN PROGRESS
This message will display while the
four-wheel-drive system is shifting.
FOR 4WD LOW SLOW TO XXX
If a four-wheel drive shift into
Four-Wheel Drive Low is requested,
but the vehicle speed is too high,
this message will display until the
correct vehicle speed is reached.
FOR 4WD LOW SHIFT TO
NEUTRAL
If a four-wheel drive shift into
Four-Wheel Drive Low is requested,
and the vehicle speed is correct, but
the transmission is not in
N (Neutral), this message will
display until the transmission is
shifted to N (Neutral).
GRADE BRAKING OFF
This message displays when grade
braking has been disabled with the
Tow/Haul Mode button on the end of
the shift lever. See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9-38, Automatic
Transmission on page 9-34, and
Cruise Control on page 9-57.

Black plate (43,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Instruments and Controls 5-43
GRADE BRAKING ON
This message displays when grade
braking has been enabled with the
Tow/Haul Mode button on the end of
the shift lever. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 9-38, Automatic
Transmission on page 9-34, and
Cruise Control on page 9-57.
GRADE BRAKING ACTIVE
This message displays when grade
braking has been activated while
driving on downhill grades. This
message will only appear the first
time the feature is activated in an
ignition cycle. See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9-38, Automatic
Transmission on page 9-34, and
Cruise Control on page 9-57.
SERVICE 4WD
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive,
this message may display if a
problem occurs with the
four-wheel-drive system. If this
message appears, stop as soon as
possible and turn off the vehicle.
Make sure the key is in the LOCK/ OFF position for at least
one minute, then restart the vehicle
and check for the message on the
DIC display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when
you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs
service. See your dealer.
TO EXIT 4WD LOW SLOW
TO XXX
If a four-wheel drive shift out of
Four-Wheel Drive Low is requested,
but the vehicle speed is too high,
this message will display until the
correct vehicle speed is reached.
TO EXIT 4WD LOW SHIFT TO
NEUTRAL
If a four-wheel drive shift out of
Four-Wheel Drive Low is requested,
and the vehicle speed is correct, but
the transmission is not in
N (Neutral), this message will
display until the transmission is
shifted to N (Neutral).
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the transmission fluid
in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with
the transmission fluid temperature
high can cause damage to the
vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it
idle to allow the transmission to
cool. This message clears and the
chime stops when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
VEHICLE IN 4WD LOW
This message will display if the
vehicle is driven in Four-Wheel
Drive Low for about 10 minutes
above 72 km/h (45 mph).

Black plate (48,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
5-48 Instruments and Controls
Reverse Tilt Mirror
When on, the driver and/or
passenger mirrors will tilt downward
when the vehicle is shifted to
R (Reverse) to improve visibility of
the ground near the rear wheels.
Select Off, On - Driver and
Passenger, On - Driver, or On -
Passenger.
Auto Mirror Folding
When on, the outside rearview
mirrors will automatically fold or
unfold when the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) lock or unlock button is
pressed and held.
Select Off or On.
Lighting
Select and the following may
display:
.Vehicle Locator Lights
.Exit LightingVehicle Locator Lights
This feature will flash the exterior
lamps when
Kon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
pressed to locate the vehicle.
Select Off or On.
Exit Lighting
This allows the selection of how
long the exterior lamps stay on
when leaving the vehicle when it is
dark outside.
Select Off, 30 Seconds, 60
Seconds, or 120 Seconds.
Power Door Locks
Select and the following may
display:
.Unlocked Door Anti-lockout
.Auto Door Unlock
.Delayed Door Lock Unlocked Door Anti-lockout
When on, this feature will keep the
driver door from locking when the
door is open. If Off is selected, the
Delayed Door Lock menu will be
available.
Select Off or On.
Auto Door Unlock
This allows selection of which of the
doors will automatically unlock when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park)
with an automatic transmission or
when the vehicle is turned off with a
manual transmission.
Select Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.
Delayed Door Lock
When on, this feature will delay the
locking of the doors. To override the
delay, press the power door lock
switch on the door.
Select Off or On.

Black plate (52,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
5-52 Instruments and Controls
Do not use the Universal Remote
system with any garage door opener
that does not have the stop and
reverse feature. This includes any
garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Read the instructions completely
before programming the Universal
Remote system. It may help to have
another person assist with the
programming process.
Keep the original hand-held
transmitter for use in other vehicles
as well as for future programming.
Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated.
See“Erasing Universal Remote
System Buttons” later in this
section.
To program a garage door opener,
park outside directly in line with and
facing the garage door opener
receiver. Clear all people and
objects near the garage door. Make sure the hand-held transmitter
has a new battery for quick and
accurate transmission of the
radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal
Remote System
For questions or help programming
the Universal Remote system, call
1-800-355-3515 or see
www.homelink.com.
Programming involves
time-sensitive actions, and may time
out causing the procedure to be
repeated.
To program up to three devices:
1. Hold the end of the hand-held
transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to
3 in) away from the Universal
Remote system buttons with the
indicator light in view. The
hand-held transmitter was
supplied by the manufacturer of
the garage door opener receiver. 2. At the same time, press and
hold both the hand-held
transmitter button and one of the
three Universal Remote system
buttons to be used to operate
the garage door. Do not release
either button until the indicator
light goes from a slow to a rapid
flashing light. Then release both
buttons.
Some garage door openers may
require substitution of Step 2
with the procedure under “Radio
Signals for Canada and Some
Gate Operators” later in this
section.
3. Press and hold the newly programmed Universal Remote
system button for five seconds
while watching the indicator light
and garage door activation.
.If the indicator light stays on
continuously or the garage
door moves when the
button is pressed, then

Black plate (53,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Instruments and Controls 5-53
programming is complete.
There is no need to
complete Steps 4–6.
.If the indicator light does
not come on or the garage
door does not move, a
second button press may
be required. For a second
time, press and hold the
newly programmed button
for five seconds. If the light
stays on or the garage door
moves, programming is
complete.
.If the indicator light blinks
rapidly for two seconds,
then changes to a solid light
and the garage door does
not move, continue with
programming Steps 4–6.
Learn or Smart Button
4. After completing Steps 1–3, locate the Learn or Smart button
inside the garage on the garage
door opener receiver. The name
and color of the button may vary
by manufacturer.
5. Press and release the Learn or Smart button. Step 6 must be
completed within 30 seconds of
pressing this button.
6. Inside the vehicle, press and hold the newly programmed
Universal Remote system button
for two seconds and then
release it. If the garage door
does not move or the lamp on
the garage door opener receiver does not flash, press and hold
the same button a second time
for two seconds, then release it.
Again, if the door does not move
or the garage door lamp does
not flash, press and hold the
same button a third time for
two seconds, then release it.
The Universal Remote system
should now activate the
garage door.
Repeat the process for
programming the two remaining
buttons.
Radio Signals for Canada and
Some Gate Operators
For questions or programming help,
call 1-800-355-3515 or see
www.homelink.com.
Canadian radio-frequency laws and
some U.S. gate operators require
transmitter signals to time out or quit
after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long

Black plate (3,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Lighting 6-3
When the high beams are on, this
indicator light on the instrument
cluster will also be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the
high-beam headlamps to signal a
driver in front of you that you want
to pass. It works even if the
headlamps are in the automatic
position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever
toward you, then release it.
If the headlamps are in the
automatic position or on low beam,
the high-beam headlamps will turn
on. They will stay on as long as you
hold the lever toward you. The
high-beam indicator on theinstrument cluster will come on.
Release the lever to return to
normal operation.
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to
see the front of the vehicle during
the day. Fully functional DRL are
required on all vehicles first sold in
Canada.
The DRL system comes on when
the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is
in AUTO.
.The transmission is not in
P (Park).
.The light sensor determines it is
daytime.
When the DRL system is on, only
the DRL are on. The taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, instrument panel
lights, and other lamps will not
be on.
When it begins to get dark, the
automatic headlamp system
switches from DRL to the
headlamps.
To turn off the DRL, turn the exterior
lamp control to the off position and
then release. For vehicles first sold
in Canada, off will only work when
the vehicle is in P (Park).
Automatic Headlamp
System
When the exterior lamp control is
set to AUTO and it is dark enough
outside, the headlamps come on
automatically.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 9-11
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-12
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-14
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Truck-Camper LoadingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-24
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Fast Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 9-29
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Active Fuel Management
®. . . 9-32
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-34
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-54
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . 9-61
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-70
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-70
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70

Black plate (8,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-8 Driving and Operating
Before driving on a hill, assess the
steepness, traction, and
obstructions. If the terrain ahead
cannot be seen, get out of the
vehicle and walk the hill before
driving further.
When driving on hills:
.Use a low gear and keep a firm
grip on the steering wheel.
.Maintain a slow speed.
.When possible, drive straight up
or down the hill.
.Slow down when approaching
the top of the hill.
.Use headlamps even during the
day to make the vehicle more
visible.
{Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high
speed can cause an accident.
There could be a drop-off,
embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be
seriously injured or killed. As you
near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
.Never go downhill forward or
backward with either the
transmission or transfer case in
N (Neutral). The brakes could
overheat and you could lose
control.
{Warning
If the vehicle has the two‐speed
automatic transfer case, shifting
the transfer case to N (Neutral)
can cause your vehicle to roll
even if the transmission is in(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
P (Park). This is because the
N (Neutral) position on the
transfer case overrides the
transmission. You or someone
else could be injured. If leaving
the vehicle, set the parking brake
and shift the transmission to
P (Park). Shift the transfer case to
any position but N (Neutral).
.When driving down a hill, keep
the vehicle headed straight
down. Use a low gear because
the engine will work with the
brakes to slow the vehicle and
help keep the vehicle under
control.

Black plate (12,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-12 Driving and Operating
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10-51.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep the interior
temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).

Black plate (15,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-15
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10-75.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. For four-wheel-drive
vehicles, shift into Four-Wheel Drive
High. Turn the TCS off. Shift back
and forth between R (Reverse) and
a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. See
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-94.
Recovery hooks can be used, if the
vehicle has them.
Recovery Hooks
{Warning
Never pull on recovery hooks
from the side. The hooks could
break and you and others could
be injured. When using recovery
hooks, always pull the vehicle
from the front.{Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
There are recovery hooks at the
front of the vehicle. Use them if the
vehicle is stuck off-road and needs
to be pulled some place to continue
driving.