GMC SIERRA 1500 2014 Owners Manual

Black plate (73,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-73
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not
top off or overfill the tank and wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care on page 10-96.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it
clockwise until it clicks. It will require
more effort to turn the fuel cap on
the last turn as you tighten it. Make
sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-22.
The TIGHTEN GAS CAP message
displays on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) if the fuel cap is not
properly installed. See Fuel System
Messages on page 5-38 for more
information.{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
{Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap might not fit properly,
might cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5-22.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
(Continued)

Black plate (74,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-74 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-94.
For towing the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor
home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10-94.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply to
trailer towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often under heavy loads and/
or hilly conditions.
.Turn off Park Assist when
towing.

Black plate (75,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-75
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-33. Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.

Black plate (76,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-76 Driving and Operating
Making Turns
{Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-38.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, see
Engine Overheating on
page 10-23.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

Black plate (77,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-77
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
If the vehicle is bi-fuel, see the
bi-fuel supplement.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See
New Vehicle Break-In on
page 9-24.
{Warning
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well or even at all. The driver and
passengers could be seriously
injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer
only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the
vehicle.

Black plate (78,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-78 Driving and Operating
{Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of
the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight of the Trailer” later in this
section.
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. It can depend on
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue
weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later
in this section for more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver but all required
trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from the
trailer weight rating. For kingpin weight and trailer
tongue weight information, see
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later
in this section.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Weights listed apply for
conventional trailers and fifth-wheel
trailers unless otherwise noted.

Black plate (79,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-79
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 903 kg (6,400 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
4.3L V6 (b) 4.102 223 kg (4,900 lb) 4 309 kg (9,500 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 311 kg (7,300 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 722 kg (6,000 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 491 kg (9,900 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 216 kg (11,500 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 445 kg (9,800 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 443 kg (12,000 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 631 kg (5,800 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 400 kg (9,700 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 126 kg (11,300 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)

Black plate (80,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-80 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 3.424 355 kg (9,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 443 kg (12,000 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.232 676 kg (5,900 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 084 kg (6,800 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 445 kg (9,800 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 171 kg (11,400 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 400 kg (9,700 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 443 kg (12,000 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.232 858 kg (6,300 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 266 kg (7,200 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 627 kg (10,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 266 kg (7,200 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 221 kg (7,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)

Black plate (81,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-81
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 994 kg (6,600 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 354 kg (9,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 080 kg (11,200 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 352 kg (11,800 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 (b) 3.422 994 kg (6,600 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 307 kg (11,700 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.423 039 kg (6,700 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 994 kg (6,600 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)

Black plate (82,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 8/15/13
9-82 Driving and Operating
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.424 354 kg (9,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.735 352 kg (11,800 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
6.2L V8 3.424 309 kg (9,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.735 352 kg (11,800 lb) 7 938 kg (17,500 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box
4.3L V6 (b) 3.423 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.083 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 491 kg (9,900 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box
6.0L V8 3.734 400 kg (9,700 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 441 kg (14,200 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
2500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Long Box
6.0L V8 3.734 627 kg (10,200 lb) 7 257 kg (16,000 lb)
6.0L V8 –Conventional Trailer 4.105 897 kg (13,000 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)
6.0L V8 –Fifth-Wheel Trailer 4.106 668 kg (14,700 lb) 9 299 kg (20,500 lb)