check engine light GMC SIERRA 2014 User Guide

Black plate (38,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
5-38 Instruments and Controls
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine oil becomes hotter than the
normal operating temperature. Stop
and allow the vehicle to idle until it
cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 5-16.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. See Engine
Oil on page 10-10.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime
may sound when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 10-23
for more information.
This message also displays when
the vehicle's engine power is
reduced. Reduced engine power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this
message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the fuel level is low.
Refuel as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gauge on page 5-14 andFuel
on page 9-68.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along
with the malfunction indicator lamp
on the instrument cluster if the
vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened
properly. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5-22. Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank
on page 9-71. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off.

Black plate (41,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
Instruments and Controls 5-41
STABILITRAK OFF may also
display when the stability control
has been automatically disabled.
The following conditions can cause
this message to appear:
.The system is overheating,
which could occur if StabiliTrak
activates continuously for an
extended period of time.
.The brake system warning light
is on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 5-24.
.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 AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5-18 and
Airbag System on page 3-21 for
more information.
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 on page 2-13.
Steering System
Messages
POWER STEERING ASSIST
REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE
This message may display if a
problem occurs with the electric
power steering system. If this
message appears, steering effort
maybe slightly higher than normal.
The vehicle is still safe to drive. Use
caution while in reduced assist
mode. See Steering on page 9-4.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when there
is a problem with electronic power
steering. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service. See Steering on
page 9-4.

Black plate (55,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
Driving and Operating 9-55
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. SeeTrailer
Sway Control (TSC) on page 9-98.
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 on page 9-14
and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this
section.
When the transfer case is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low, the stability
system is automatically disabled,
the StabiliTrak OFF light comes 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
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.

Black plate (98,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - CRC - 6/6/14
9-98 Driving and Operating
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.
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 the
instrument cluster. Vehicle speed
must be reduced. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak can reduce
engine torque to help slow the
vehicle. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-54.
{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 on page 9-89 for
trailer ratings and hitch setup
recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-13
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-17
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-23
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
(6.0L V8 Engine Only) . . . . . 10-25 Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Noise Control System . . . . . . 10-35
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-36
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-37
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-38
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-42
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49

Black plate (30,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
10-30 Vehicle Care
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{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. See“Checking Brake
Fluid” in this section.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5-24. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check the
brake fluid. See
Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-5.
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 new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
{Warning
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.

Black plate (91,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
Vehicle Care 10-91
{Warning
Using an open flame near a
battery can cause battery gas to
explode. People have been hurt
doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you
need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that
first. If you do not, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles could
be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Negative (−)
will go to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the
dead battery because this can
cause sparks.
5.3L Shown, 4.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L and
6.6L Similar
7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal
of the vehicle with the dead
battery.

Black plate (9,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
Service and Maintenance 11-9
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required. Battery
The battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 for GM
approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.

Black plate (1,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . 9-28, 9-29
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . . 9-32
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-99
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-99
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-17
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-23
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Light On-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
On-Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
On-Off Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-20
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-96
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-101
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . 9-61
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Audio System Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Automatic
Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33, 9-34
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 10-14

Black plate (2,1)GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
5853626) - 2014 - 3rd crc - 6/6/14
i-2 INDEX
Automatic TransmissionManual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Shift Lock Control
Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
B
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Voltage and Charging
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . 10-37
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . 7-32, 7-34, 7-39, 7-44, 7-48
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22 Brake
Pedal and Adjustable
Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . 9-23, 9-24
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Center High-MountedStoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5, 10-40
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . 10-42
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . iii
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . 9-32, 9-33
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . 9-12, 9-13
Card Reader SD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4