check engine light GMC SIERRA 1500 2017 User Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
150 Instruments and Controls
.The stability system takes longer
than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving
conditions.
. An engine or vehicle-related
problem has been detected and
the vehicle needs service. See
your dealer.
. The transfer case is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low.
The message turns off as soon as
the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
Safety Belt Messages
SHIFTER LOCKED. BUCKLE
SEATBELT
This message displays if the vehicle
is equipped with the Safety Belt
Assurance System and the driver
and front outboard passenger,
if present, safety belts are not
buckled. The vehicle will not shift
out of P (Park). Buckle the safety
belt(s) to unlock the shift lever.
This system may not allow the
vehicle to shift out of P (Park) if an
object —such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device —is on
the front outboard passenger seat.
If this happens, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
If the driver or front outboard
passenger unbuckles their safety
belt while driving, the safety belt
reminder chime and light(s) will
come on. See Safety Belt
Reminders 0129.
SHIFTER UNLOCKED. BRAKE
TO SHIFT
This message displays when the
Safety Belt Assurance System times
out and allows the vehicle to be
shifted out of P (Park) after
30 seconds following brake apply.
See “Safety Belts” and“Child
Restraints” in the Index for
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.
This system may not function
properly if the airbag readiness light
is on. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0130.
Security Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart, so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation 040.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Driving and Operating 247
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
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. See Tires0383.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips 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
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
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Driving and Operating 281
10 seconds. Then slowly
release the dial to the 4
n
position. The N (Neutral) light
will come on when the transfer
case shift to N (Neutral) is
complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then shift the transmission to
D (Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0423.
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired setting.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
desired gear.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light 0135.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
284 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the
drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the intended path. Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. See
Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) 0333.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0249
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in Four-Wheel Drive Low, the
stability system is automatically disabled,
gcomes on, and the
appropriate message will appear on
the DIC. Both traction control and
StabiliTrak are automatically
disabled in this condition.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
. Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Driving and Operating 301
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance may be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0133. If this occurs, return to your authorized
dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see
“Prohibited
Fuels” inFuel 0300.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel0300.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment Cleaner added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer. If your vehicle is able to use E85 or
FlexFuel, GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner - FlexFuel is the
only recommended additive for use.
Do not use any other additives with
an E85 or FlexFuel vehicle. See
E85 or FlexFuel
0301.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow sticker on the
fuel door can use either unleaded
gasoline or fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85). All other
vehicles should use only the
unleaded gasoline as described in
Fuel 0300.
The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuels website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Driving and Operating 333
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
Trailer Sway Control (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 0284.
{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 0324 for trailer ratings
and hitch setup
recommendations. Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications
0341.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
334 Driving and Operating
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)
0 133. 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 079 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 079.
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 72 km/h (45 mph)
with a snow plow mounted to the
vehicle. The vehicle could
overheat and be damaged.
Before installing a snow plow on the
vehicle, follow these guidelines:
Caution
If the vehicle does not have the
snow plow prep package, RPO
VYU, adding a plow can damage
the vehicle, and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Unless the vehicle was
built to carry a snow plow, do not
add one to the vehicle. If the
vehicle has RPO VYU, then the
payload the vehicle can carry will
be reduced when a snow plow is
installed. The vehicle can be (Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Vehicle Care 339
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 340
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 341
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 351
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 352
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 354
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 355
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 360
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Battery - North America . . . . . . 366
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 370
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 371
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 371
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 372
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 372
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Electrical System Overload . . . 376
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 385
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
Vehicle Care 355
equipped with a transmission fluid
level dipstick. There is a special
procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid in
these vehicles. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. SeeService
Publications Ordering
Information 0466.
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 0447.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 438. Be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0447.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “8-Cylinder Pickup Models”
under “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in
the Duramax diesel supplement for
the correct inspection and
replacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is on
the passenger side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0343.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air filter, see
Maintenance Schedule 0438.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connectors

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 5/3/16
366 Vehicle Care
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0134.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0438.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0343.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0447.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0343 for battery location.