wiring GMC SIERRA 1500 2016 User Guide

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Driving and Operating 347
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
In addition to displaying TRAILER
GAIN and OUTPUT through the
DIC, trailer connection and ITBC
system status are displayed on
the DIC.
TRAILER CONNECTED: This
message will briefly display when a
trailer with electric brakes is first
connected to the vehicle. This
message will automatically turn off
in about 10 seconds. This message
can be acknowledged before it
automatically turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This
message will display if:
.The ITBC system first
determines connection to a
trailer with electric brakes and
then the trailer harness becomes
disconnected from the vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is stationary, this
message will automatically turn
off in about 30 seconds. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected. If the disconnect occurs while
the vehicle is moving, this
message will continue until the
ignition is turned off. This
message will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
. There is an electrical fault in the
wiring to the trailer brakes. This
message will continue as long
as there is an electrical fault in
the trailer wiring. This message
will also turn off if it is
acknowledged.
To determine if the electrical fault is
on the vehicle side or trailer side of
the trailer wiring harness
connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears,
the electrical fault is on the
vehicle side. If the CHECK TRAILER
WIRING message only
reappears when connecting the
trailer wiring harness to the
vehicle, the electrical fault is on
the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM: This message will display
when there is a problem with the
ITBC system. If this message
continues over multiple ignition
cycles, there is a problem with the
ITBC system. Have the vehicle
serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER
WIRING or SERVICE TRAILER
BRAKE SYSTEM message displays
while driving, the ITBC system may
not be fully functional or may not
function at all. When traffic
conditions allow, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of the road
and turn the ignition off. Check the
wiring connection to the trailer and
turn the ignition back on. If either of
these messages continues, either
the vehicle or trailer needs service.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Driving and Operating 349
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 141. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 085 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 085.
For information on wiring auxiliary
switches, see www.gmupfitter.com
or contact your dealer.
Adding a Snow Plow or
Similar Equipment
Caution
Do not exceed 64 km/h (40 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, here are some things you
need to know:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, adding
a plow can damage the vehicle,
and the repairs would not be
covered by warranty. Unless the
vehicle was built to carry a snow
plow, do not add one to the
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
snow plow prep package, called
RPO VYU, then the payload the
vehicle can carry will be reduced (Continued)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
352 Driving and Operating
W.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. =
(318 x (122 + 305))/305 = 445 kg
(980 lb)
So, if the front axle reserve capacity
is more than 445 kg (980 lb), the
snow plow could be added without
exceeding the front GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added on
the front of the vehicle if it is
compensated for by carrying fewer
passengers or less cargo, or by
positioning cargo toward the rear.
This has the effect of reducing the
load on the front. However, the front
GAWR, rear GAWR, and Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must
never be exceeded.
{Warning
On some vehicles that have
certain front mounted equipment,
such as a snow plow, it may be
possible to load the front axle to
the front gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) but not have enough (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
weight on the rear axle to have
proper braking performance. If the
brakes cannot work properly, you
could have a crash. To help the
brakes work properly when a
snow plow is installed, always
follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast
to ensure a proper front and rear
weight distribution ratio, even
though the actual front weight
may be less than the front
GAWR, and the total vehicle
weight is less than the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Maintaining a proper front and
rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper
braking performance.
Total vehicle reserve capacity is the
difference between the GVWR and
the weight of the truck with full fuel
and passengers. It is the amount of
weight that can be added to the vehicle before reaching the GVWR.
Keep in mind that reserve capacity
numbers are intended as a guide
when selecting the amount of
equipment or cargo the truck can
carry. If unsure of the vehicle's front,
rear, or total weight, go to a weigh
station and weigh the vehicle. Your
dealer can also help with this.
The total vehicle reserve capacity
for the vehicle can be found in the
lower right corner of the
Certification/Tire label as shown
previously.
See your dealer for additional
advice and information about using
a snow plow on the vehicle. Also,
see
Vehicle Load Limits 0269.
Emergency Roof Lamp
Provisions
Vehicles with the RPO VYU snow
plow prep package also have an
emergency roof lamp provision
package, RPO TRW. Wiring for the
emergency roof lamp is provided
above the overhead console. See
Auxiliary Roof-Mounted Lamp 0180
for switch location.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
354 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 355
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 356
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 366
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 367
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 370
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 370
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 375
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Battery - North America . . . . . . 382
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 385
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 386
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 387
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 387
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 388
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Electrical System Overload . . . 391
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Vehicle Care 391
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the two screws and liftoff the lamp assembly.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it
straight out.
3. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket.
Replacement Bulbs
For replacement bulbs, contact your
dealer.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses to protect
against an electrical system
overload. Fuses also protect power
devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, there
are some spare fuses and a fuse
puller in the Instrument Panel Fuse
Block. The same amperage fuse
can also be borrowed. Choose
some feature of the vehicle that is
not needed to use and replace it as
soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
392 Vehicle Care
Fuses
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by
fuses. This greatly reduces the
chance of fires caused by electrical
problems.
Look at the silver-colored band
inside the fuse. If the band is broken
or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new
one of the identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can
be temporarily borrowed from
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
you can.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
The engine compartment fuse block
is in the engine compartment, on
the driver side of the vehicle.
Lift the cover to access the fuse
block.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.
A fuse puller is available in the left
instrument panel fuse block.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Index 501
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 178
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 147
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 176
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 147
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heater Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Heating and Air
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246, 248
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 409
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 266
Hill Descent Control (HDC) . . . . . 305
Hill Descent Control Light . . . . . . . 144
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 302
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190, 192
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
I
Idle SystemFast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Indicator Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 485
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 49 Internet Radio
Pandora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 434
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 156
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 35
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 401
Lamps Auxiliary RoofMounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 177
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 141
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 507
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . 144
TowingDriving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 322
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 322
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 439
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 348
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . 348
Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . 367, 370
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Truck-Camper Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 419
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 170Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Updates Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205, 208
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 467
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Vehicle (cont'd)
Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . . 162
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 145
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 391
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 314
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
508 Index
WheelsAlignment and Tire Balance . . 421
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 92
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Windshield
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 387
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Wiring, High Voltage Devices . . . 391