GMC SIERRA 2011 Service Manual

Black plate (35,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-35
On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life
System can be reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN withthe engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the display shows
100%, the system is reset.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑87. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑84.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

Black plate (36,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
1-36 In Brief
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.:1-800-GMC-8782
(1‐800‐462-8782)
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0801
As the owner of a new GMC, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8
or Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑10 for more
information. Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press theQbutton
and the current GPS location will
be sent to an OnStar advisor who
will assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.gmcownercenter.com (U.S.)
or www.gm.ca (Canada).
OnStar®
For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
Advisors to provide a wide range
of safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to
see if you need help.

Black plate (37,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-37
How OnStar Service Works
Q:Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to
answer questions.
]: Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.
X: Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more
information, see the OnStar Owner's
Guide; visit www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY
1‐877‐248‐2080; or push the
Q
button to speak with an OnStar
Advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide in
the glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.
OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.OnStar service can’t work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with
a wireless service provider for
service in that area, and the
wireless service provider has
coverage, network capacity,
reception, and technology
compatible with OnStar service.
Service involving location
information about the vehicle
can’t work unless GPS signals
are available, unobstructed,
and compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle has to have
a working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment isn’t properly
installed or you haven’t maintained
it and the vehicle is in good working
order and in compliance with
all government regulations.

Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
1-38 In Brief
If you try to add, connect, or modify
any equipment or software in the
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems OnStar can’t
control may prevent service to you,
such as hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather, electrical system design
and architecture of the vehicle,
damage to important parts of the
vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone
network congestion or jamming.
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑3 for more information.
On some vehicles, the Talk button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio
if the OnStar Advisor cannot be
heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly.
Push the
Qbutton and request a
vehicle diagnostic check. If the light
appears clear (no light appears),
your OnStar subscription has
expired and all services have been
deactivated. Push the
Qbutton to
confirm that the OnStar equipment
is active.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Doors
Rear Doors (Extended Cab) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-12
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-13
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Trailer-Tow Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-18
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Rear Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Roof
Sunroof (Extended Cab) . . . . . 2-21
Sunroof (Crew Cab) . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Black plate (2,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key is used for the ignition and
all door locks.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle.See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.
Notice:
If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,
call the Roadside Assistance
Center. See Roadside Assistance
Program (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑8 orRoadside Assistance
Program (Mexico) on page 13‑10.

Black plate (3,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance.
The transmitter may be
too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3.
With Remote Start
(without Remote Start Similar)
/(Remote Vehicle Start):
For vehicles with this feature,
press
/to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle
Start on page 2‑5 for additional
information.
Q(Lock): Press to lock all the
doors.
If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC),
the turn signal lamps flash once
to indicate locking has occurred.
If enabled through the DIC, the
horn chirps when
Qis pressed
again within three seconds.
See Vehicle Personalization
(with DIC Buttons) on page 5‑52
for additional information.
Pressing
Qarms the content
theft‐deterrent system.
See Anti-Theft Alarm
System on page 2‑12.

Black plate (4,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows
K(Unlock):Press once to unlock
only the driver door. If
Kis pressed
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps may come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the turn
signal lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑52. If enabled through
the DIC, the exterior lights may turn
on. See “Approach Lighting” under
Vehicle Personalization (with DIC
Buttons) on page 5‑52.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft Alarm
System on page 2‑12.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times. Press and hold
Lfor more than
two seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly
for 30 seconds. The alarm turns
off when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
Lis pressed again.
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.
The vehicle comes with two
transmitters. Each transmitter will
have a number on it: "1" or "2."
These numbers correspond to the
driver of the vehicle. For example,
the memory seat position for
driver 1 will be recalled when
using the transmitter labeled "1",
if enabled through the DIC.
See “Memory Seat, Mirrors,
and Pedals” underPower Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑4 andVehicle
Personalization (with DIC Buttons)
on page 5‑52 for more information.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter
is programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also
be reprogrammed. Any lost or
stolen transmitters will no longer
work once the new transmitter
is programmed. Each vehicle
can have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
for transmitter programming.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
Notice:When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.

Black plate (5,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with aflat, thin object, such as a flat
head screwdriver.
.Carefully insert the tool into
the notch located along
the parting line of the
transmitter. Do not insert
the tool too far. Stop as
soon as resistance is felt.
.Twist the tool until the
transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
If available, this feature allows you
to start the engine from outside of
the vehicle. It may also start up the
vehicle's heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger.
Normal operation of the system will
return after the key is turned to the
ON/RUN position.
If the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, the climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperatures. If the
vehicle does not have an automatic
climate control system, the system
will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was set to when the vehicle was
last turned off. During a remote start, if the vehicle
has an automatic climate control
system and heated seats, the
heated seats will turn on during
colder outside temperatures and
will shut off when the key is turned
to ON/RUN. If the vehicle does
not have an automatic climate
control system, during remote start,
manually turn the heated seats on
and off. See
Heated Front Seats on
page 3‑8 for additional information.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements
on remote starting of vehicles.

Black plate (6,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual - 2011
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
Do not use the remote start
feature if the vehicle is low on fuel.
The vehicle may run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote
start feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However,
the range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑3
for additional information.
/(Remote Start): This button will
be on the RKE transmitter if the
vehicle has remote start. To start the vehicle using the remote
start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
The vehicle's doors will
lock. Immediately press and
hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash. If you cannot see
the vehicle's lamps, press and
hold
/for two to four seconds.
Pressing
/again after the
vehicle has started will turn
the engine off.
When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on and
remain on while the vehicle is
running.
If the vehicle is left running,
it will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done. 3. If it is the first remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps, while the
engine is still running, to extend
the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can
be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
To cancel a remote start:.Aim the RKE transmitter at
the vehicle and press and
hold
/until the parking
lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then
back off.