towing GMC SIERRA 2016 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
In Brief 7
1.Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0180.
2. Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) System (If Equipped).
See Towing Equipment 0339.
3. Exterior Lamp Controls 0174.
Fog Lamps 0179 (If
Equipped).
4. Air Vents 0253.
5. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change
Signals 0179.
Windshield Wiper/
Washer 0124.
6. Favorite Switches (Out of View). See Steering Wheel
Controls 0123.
Volume Switches (Out of View).
See Steering Wheel
Controls 0123.
7. Instrument Cluster 0130.
8. Hazard Warning
Flashers 0178.
9. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0286. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If
Equipped). See
Tow/Haul
Mode 0292.
Range Selection Mode (If
Equipped). See Manual
Mode 0289.
10. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0177.
11. Infotainment 0185.
12. Passenger Airbag On-Off Switch (If Equipped) (Out of
View). See Airbag On-Off
Switch 078.
13. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 061 (If Equipped).
14. Power Outlet 110/120V Alternating Current (If
Equipped). See Power
Outlets 0126.
15. Power Outlets 0126 (If
Equipped).
16. USB Port (Base Radio) 0205
or USB Port (Base Radio with
Touchscreen) 0208 (If
Equipped). 17.gTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0303.
0Pedal Adjust Switch (If
Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake
Pedal 0277.
{Cargo Lamp 0181.
XParking Assist Button (If
Equipped). See Assistance
Systems for Parking or
Backing 0309.
ALane Keep Assist (LKA)
(1500 Series) 0315 (If
Equipped).
5Hill Descent Control Switch
(If Equipped). See Hill Descent
Control (HDC) 0305.
qExhaust Brake (If
Equipped). See “Exhaust
Brake” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
gPower Take Off (PTO)
Switch (If Equipped). See the
Duramax diesel supplement.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
In Brief 23
Automatic Transfer Case
This transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.
The different drive options that may
be available are described following.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : This setting is ideal for use
when road surface traction
conditions are variable.
Do not use AUTO mode to park on
a steep grade with poor traction
such as ice, snow, mud or gravel. In AUTO mode only the rear wheels
will hold the vehicle from sliding
when parked. If parking on a steep
grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as on snowy or icy
roads or in most off-road situations.
N (Neutral) : Shift to this setting
only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0439
or Trailer Towing 0325.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting sends maximum power to all
four wheels. Choose 4
nwhen
driving in deep sand, mud, or snow,
and while climbing or descending
steep hills.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0293.
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
The base radio and base radio with
connectivity information is included
in this manual. See the infotainment
manual for information on the
uplevel radios, audio players,
phone, navigation system, Rear
Seat Entertainment (RSE), and
voice or speech recognition,
if equipped.
Radio(s)
Base Radio
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.
RADIO : Press to choose between
FM, AM, and SiriusXM
®,
if equipped.
MEDIA : Press to change the audio
source between CD, USB, AUX,
and Bluetooth
®Audio, if equipped.
{: Press to go to the Home Page.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
46 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Trailer-Tow Mirrors
If equipped, adjust trailer-tow
mirrors for a clear view of the area
behind you. Manually pull out the
mirror head to extend it for better
visibility when towing a trailer.
The lower portion of the mirror is
convex. A convex mirror's surface is
curved to see more from the driver
seat. The convex mirror can be
adjusted manually to the driver
preferred position for better vision.
The mirror may have a turn signal
arrow that flashes in the direction of
the turn or lane change.If equipped, the mirror housing may
have auxiliary cargo and clearance
lamps. See
Cargo Lamp 0181 and
Exterior Lamp Controls 0174.
Power Mirrors
Using hood-mounted air deflectors
and add-on convex mirror
attachments could decrease mirror
performance.
Base Power Mirrors
The power mirror controls are on the
driver door. 1. Press (1) or (2) to select the driver or passenger side mirror. 2. Press one of the four arrows on
the control pad to move the
mirror in the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and
the area behind it can be seen.
4. Move the selector switch to the center position when not
adjusting either outside mirror.Crew/Double Cab Premium
Shown, Other Models Similar
1. Press (1) or (2) to select the driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows on the control pad while the
indicator light on button (1)

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
48 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Auto Mirror Folding
If equipped, with the ignition off,
press and hold
Qon the RKE
transmitter for approximately
one second to automatically fold the
exterior mirrors. Press and hold
K
on the RKE transmitter for
approximately one second to unfold.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 035.
This feature is turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. See
Vehicle Personalization 0163.
Turn Signal Indicator
If equipped, indicator lights on the
mirror flash in the direction of the
turn or lane change.
Heated Mirrors
If equipped with heated mirrors:
1(Rear Window Defogger) :
Press to heat the mirrors. If the
vehicle has towing mirrors, only the
upper glass of the mirror is heated.
The lower convex part of the towing
mirrors is not heated. See
“Rear Window Defogger” under
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0250.
Automatic Dimming
Mirror
If equipped, the driver outside mirror
automatically adjusts for the glare of
the headlamps from behind. This
feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Blind Spot Mirrors
If equipped, there is a small convex
mirror built into the upper and outer
corner of the driver outside rearview
mirror. It can show objects that may
be in the vehicle's blind zone.
Driving with the Blind Spot
Mirror
Actual Mirror View

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Seats and Restraints 85
{Warning
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information0481.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
also be affected by changing or
moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, overhead console,
front sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle may have a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 141
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
ON/RUN and the engine is not
running. SeeIgnition
Positions 0278.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and
Modifications 0356. If the light is flashing :
A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady : A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 143
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes on
when the parking brake is set. The
light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays on
after the parking brake is fully
released, it means the vehicle has a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The pedal might be harder to push,
or the pedal can go closer to the
floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See
Towing the Vehicle0439.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may
also sound when the light comes on
steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but
the antilock brakes are not
functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake
system warning light are on, the
vehicle's antilock brakes are not
functioning and there is a problem
with the regular brakes. See your
dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 142 andBrake System
Messages 0154.Four-Wheel-Drive Light

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
154 Instruments and Controls
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. SeeBrake
Fluid 0380.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message may be displayed
when there is a problem with the
brake boost assist system. When
this message is displayed, the brake
boost assist motor might be heard
operating and you might notice
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal under these conditions. Take
the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system,
this message displays and a chime
may sound when there is a problem
with the ITBC system.
When this message displays, power
is no longer available to the trailer
brakes. As soon as it is safe to do so,
carefully pull your 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 this message still
displays, either your vehicle or the
trailer needs service. See your
dealer.
See
“Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System” underTowing
Equipment 0339 for more
information.
Compass Messages
Dashes may be displayed if the
vehicle temporarily loses
communication with the Global
Positioning System (GPS).
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime
may sound if a door is not fully
closed. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the hood is not fully
closed. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the hood for
obstructions, and close the hood
again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH
ENGINE TEMP
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
See
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 0135. To avoid added strain
on a hot engine, the air conditioning
compressor automatically turns off.
When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back
on. You can continue to drive your
vehicle.

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 155
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATING IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0135.
When towing, use Tow/Haul mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0292.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the engine cooling
system reaches unsafe
temperatures for operation. Stop
and turn off the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message clears when
the engine has cooled to a safe
operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message. See Engine
Oil Life System 0366 for
information on how to reset the
message. See Engine Oil0363 and
Maintenance Schedule 0454.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil 0363.
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. See
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0135.
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 0363.
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 0375 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

GMC Sierra Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234758) - 2016 - crc - 11/9/15
Instruments and Controls 161
GRADE BRAKING OFF
This message displays when grade
braking has been disabled with the
Tow/Haul Mode button on the end of
the shift lever. SeeTow/Haul Mode
0 292, Automatic Transmission
0 286, and Cruise Control 0306.
GRADE BRAKING ON
This message displays when grade
braking has been enabled with the
Tow/Haul Mode button on the end of
the shift lever. See Tow/Haul Mode
0 292, Automatic Transmission
0 286, and Cruise Control 0306.
SERVICE 4WD
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive,
this message may display if a
problem occurs with the
four-wheel-drive system. If this
message appears, stop as soon as
possible and turn off the vehicle.
Make sure the key is in the LOCK/
OFF position for at least
one minute, then restart the vehicle
and check for the message on the
DIC display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs
service. See your dealer.
SHIFT DENIED
This message displays when the
shift lever is in M (Manual Mode)
and a transmission range has been
selected that is unavailable at the
current vehicle speed.
TO EXIT 4WD LOW SHIFT TO
NEUTRAL
If a four-wheel drive shift out of 4nis
requested, and the vehicle speed is
correct, but the transmission is not
in N (Neutral), this message will
display until the transmission is
shifted to N (Neutral).
TO EXIT 4WD LOW SLOW
TO XXX
If a four-wheel drive shift out of 4nis
requested, but the vehicle speed is
too high, this message will display
until the correct vehicle speed is
reached.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
may sound if the transmission fluid
in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with
the transmission fluid temperature
high can cause damage to the
vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it
idle to allow the transmission to
cool. This message clears and the
chime stops when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
When towing, use Tow/Haul Mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0292.
VEHICLE IN 4WD LOW
This message will display if the
vehicle is driven in 4
nfor about
10 minutes above 72 km/h (45 mph).