brake GMC SIERRA 1500 2016 Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 2016, Model line: SIERRA 1500, Model: GMC SIERRA 1500 2016Pages: 509, PDF Size: 7.89 MB
Page 347 of 509

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
346 Driving and Operating
.There is a fault present in the
wiring to the trailer brakes (a
CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message will also display on
the DIC).
. The ITBC system is not working
due to a fault (a SERVICE
TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message will also display in
the DIC).
Manual Trailer Brake Apply
The Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever is used to apply the trailer ’s
electric brakes independent of the
vehicle’s brakes. Sliding the lever to
the left will apply only the trailer
brakes. Use this lever to adjust
Trailer Gain to properly adjust the
power output to the trailer brakes.
The trailer's and the vehicle's brake
lamps will come on when either
vehicle brakes or manual trailer
brakes are applied. Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a
specific trailering condition and must
be adjusted anytime vehicle loading,
trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are
over-gained or under-gained may
not stop the vehicle and the trailer
as intended and can result in a
crash. Always follow the
instructions to set the Trailer Gain
for the proper trailer stopping
performance.
Use the following to adjust Trailer
Gain for each towing condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road
surface representative of the
towing condition and free of
traffic at about 32 to 40 km/h
(20 to 25 mph) and fully apply
the Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever. Adjusting Trailer Gain at
speeds lower than 32 to
40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) may
result in an incorrect gain
setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain Adjustment
Buttons, to just below the point
of trailer wheel lock-up,
indicated by trailer wheel
squeal or tire smoke when a
trailer wheel locks.
Trailer wheel lock-up may not
occur if towing a heavily loaded
trailer. In this case, adjust the
Trailer Gain to the highest
allowable setting for the towing
condition.
3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions
change or if trailer wheel
lock-up is noticed at any time
while towing.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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348 Driving and Operating
A GM dealer may be able to
diagnose and repair problems with
the trailer. However, any diagnosis
and repair of the trailer is not
covered under the vehicle warranty.
Contact your trailer dealer for
assistance with trailer repairs and
trailer warranty information.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
TSC feature. Trailer sway is
unintended side-to-side motion of a
trailer while being towed. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the
TSC detects that sway is increasing,
the vehicle brakes are selectively
applied at each wheel, to help
reduce excessive trailer sway. If the
vehicle is equipped with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has
the electric actuated brake system,
StabiliTrak may also apply the trailer
brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light will flash on theinstrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0303.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped
with TSC, trailer sway could result
in loss of control and the vehicle
could crash. If excessive trailer
sway is detected, slow down to a
safe speed. Check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes. These could include an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration,
excessive vehicle-trailer speed,
or improperly inflated or incorrect
vehicle or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment 0339 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations. Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications
0356.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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.
Page 355 of 509

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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
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356 Vehicle Care
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals.
SeeBattery - North America 0382
and Jump Starting - North
America 0434.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the warranty. Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 085.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 359
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0434.
2. Battery - North America 0382.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0371.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0370.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0367
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) 0370.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location. See Jump Starting - North
America 0434.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System 0371.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0380.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0379.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0392.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 361
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0434.
2. Battery - North America 0382.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0371.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0370.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0367
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) 0370.
6. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0434.
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System 0371.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363. 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0379.
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0380.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0392.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 363
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0434.
2. Battery - North America 0382.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0371.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0370.
5. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0367
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed
Transmission) 0370.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0363.
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling
System 0371. 9. Remote Negative (–) Location.
See Jump Starting - North
America 0434.
10. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid (1500 Series) 0378 or
Power Steering Fluid (2500/
3500 Series) 0378.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0379.
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0380.
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped). SeeBattery - North
America 0382.
14. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0392.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra supplement.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see
“Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0366.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
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GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 367
3. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6 Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0463.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 454. Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0463.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,
prepare the vehicle: 1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level surface.
Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about