service GMC SIERRA 2016 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 32
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . 121
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 184
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 256
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 453
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 472
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 483
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 486
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/12/15
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, GMC, the
GMC Truck Emblem, and SIERRA
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name“General
Motors of Canada Company” for
GMC Division wherever it appears
in this manual. This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle,
model variants, country
specifications, features/applications
that may not be available in your
region, or changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner manual.
If the vehicle has the Duramax®
diesel engine, see the Duramax
diesel supplement for additional and
specific information on this engine.
If the vehicle has the bi-fuel engine,
see the Silverado/Sierra Bi-Fuel
supplement for additional and
specific information on this engine.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement.
Refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm the
features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 23133520 B Second Printing©2015 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
0:
Adjustable Pedals
9: Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g: Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®(if equipped)
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
24 In Brief
MENU :Press to select a menu.
g:Press to seek the previous
station or track.
l: Press to seek the next station
or track.
See “Base Radio” inOverview
(Base Radio) 0186 orOverview
(Base Radio with
Touchscreen) 0189.
Base Radio with Touchscreen
O:Press to turn the system on.
Press and hold to turn it off. When
on, press to mute; press again to
unmute. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
{: Press to go to the Home Page.
7:Press to seek the previous
station or track.
6: Press to seek the next station
or track.
See “Base Radio with Touchscreen”
in Overview (Base Radio) 0186 or
Overview (Base Radio with
Touchscreen) 0189.
Setting the Clock
See Clock 0125.
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with a SiriusXM®satellite
radio tuner and a valid SiriusXM
satellite radio subscription can
receive SiriusXM programming.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
SiriusXM service.
For more information refer to:
. www.siriusxm.com or call
1-866-635-2349 (U.S.).
. www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-209-0079 (Canada). See
Satellite Radio (Base Radio)
0 196 orSatellite Radio (Base
Radio with Touchscreen) 0197.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input jack and USB
ports in the center console or
armrest. There may be a USB port
in the upper glove box. External
devices such as iPods
®, laptop
computers, MP3 players, and USB
storage devices may be connected,
depending on the audio system.
See USB Port (Base Radio) 0205
or USB Port (Base Radio with
Touchscreen) 0208 andAuxiliary
Jack 0209.
Bluetooth®
The Bluetooth®system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle audio system
and controls.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 35
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.
If it becomes difficult to turn a key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. SeeOnStar
Overview 0486.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency
Statement 0482.
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 RKE transmitter functions may
work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from
the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 035.
With Remote Start (without
Remote Start Similar)
/(Remote Vehicle Start) :
If equipped,
/is used to start the
engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 037.
Q(Lock) : Press to lock all doors
and the tailgate.
If enabled in Vehicle
Personalization, 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 0163.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 45
The security light, in the instrument
cluster, comes on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. It may be
necessary to check the fuse. See
Fuses0392. If the engine still does
not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the first key may be
faulty. See your dealer. It is possible for the immobilizer
system to learn new or replacement
keys. Up to eight keys can be
programmed for the vehicle. To
program additional keys, see
Keys
0 32. To program additional
transmitters, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 035.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the vehicle
theft system in the vehicle.
See your dealer to get a new key
blank cut exactly as the ignition key
that operates the system.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Seats and Restraints 61
Automatically Recalling Memory
Positions (Auto Recall)
If programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, the Auto
(Automatic) Memory Recall feature
automatically recalls the current
driver’s previously stored 1 or 2
position when the ignition is
changed from OFF to ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY.
See “Auto Memory Recall” under
“Comfort and Convenience” in
Vehicle Personalization 0163.
To stop recall movement, press one
of the memory, power mirror or
power seat controls; or press the
adjustable pedal control (if
equipped).
RKE Transmitters are not labeled
with a number. If your memory seat
position is stored to 1 or 2 but this
position is not automatically
recalling, then store your positions
to the other button or switch RKE
transmitters with the other driver. Easy Exit Recall
If programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, the easy exit
feature automatically recalls the
previously stored
B(Exit) position.
See “Storing Memory Positions”
listed previously. See also Vehicle
Personalization 0163.
Easy exit recall automatically
activates when one of the following
occurs:
. The vehicle is turned off and the
driver door is opened within a
short time.
. The vehicle is turned off with the
driver door open.
Obstructions
If something has blocked the driver
seat and/or adjustable pedals while
recalling a memory position, the
recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction. Then do one of the
following:
. For manual or automatic recall
positions, press and hold the
appropriate manual control for two seconds. Try recalling again
by pressing the appropriate
memory button.
. For exit recall position, press
and hold the appropriate manual
control for the exit feature not
recalling for two seconds. Then
try recalling the exit position
again.
If the memory position is still not
recalling, see your dealer for
service.
Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats
{Warning
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against (Continued)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
78 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the
fuel system after the airbags inflate.
The feature may also activate,
without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. You can lock the doors,
and turn off the interior lamps, and
turn off the hazard warning flashers
by using the controls for those
features.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the front outboard
passenger airbag.
. Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for the vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.
. The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data
Recording and Privacy 0484
and Event Data
Recorders 0484.
. Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.
Airbag On-Off Switch
If the passenger side instrument
panel endcap has the switch
pictured in the following illustration,
the vehicle has an airbag on-off
switch that you can use to manually

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
80 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
passenger frontal airbag unless
the person sitting there is in a risk
group.
To turn off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag, insert the
ignition key into the switch, push in,
and move the switch to the off
position.
The word OFF or the off symbol will
come on in the passenger airbag
status indicator located in the
overhead console to let you know
that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is off, after the system
check is completed. The airbag off
light will come on and stay on to letyou know that the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag is off. See
Airbag On-Off Light
0138. The front
outboard passenger airbag will
remain off until you turn it back on
again.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. For
example, the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag could
inflate even though the airbag
on-off switch is turned off.
To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have the vehicle serviced
right away. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0137 for more information,
including important safety
information.To turn the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag on again, insert the
ignition key into the switch, push in,
and move the switch to the on
position.
The front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is now enabled
(may inflate). See Airbag On-Off
Light 0138.
Passenger Sensing
System
If the vehicle has one of the
following indicators, then the vehicle
has a passenger sensing system for
the front outboard passenger
position, unless there is an airbag
on-off switch on the instrument
panel endcap. If there is an airbag
on-off switch, the vehicle does not

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
82 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure child restraints in the rear
seat. Consider using another
vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.
If the vehicle does not have a rear
seat that will accommodate a
rear-facing child restraint, a
rear-facing child restraint should not
be installed in the vehicle, even if
the airbag is off.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag if:
. The front outboard passenger
seat is unoccupied.
. The system determines an infant
is present in a child restraint. .
A front outboard passenger
takes his/her weight off of the
seat for a period of time.
. There is a critical problem with
the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag,
the off indicator will light and stay lit
as a reminder that the airbag is off.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0139.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting
properly in the front outboard
passenger seat.
When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbag to be
enabled, the on indicator will light
and stay lit as a reminder that the
airbag is active. For some children, including
children in child restraints, and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn
off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag, depending upon the
person's seating posture and body
build. Everyone in the vehicle who
has outgrown child restraints should
wear a safety belt
properly
—whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0137 for more information,
including important safety
information.