automatic transmission GMC SIERRA 2017 Owner's Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
322 Driving and Operating
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating 0376.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface. If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake. 5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0455.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 325
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 3.23 2 722 kg (6,000 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
4.3L V6 4.10 2 087 kg (4,600 lb) 4 309 kg (9,500 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 3 130 kg (6,900 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.42 4 037 kg (8,900 lb) 6 350 kg (14,000 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 3.23 2 540 kg (5,600 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission 3.42 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission –Conventional
Trailer 3.42 4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
326 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package –Conventional
Trailer 3.42 5 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.735 035 kg (11,100 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73
4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.234 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23
4 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.425 670 kg (12,500 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42
5 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 3.232 449 kg (5,400 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 327
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8 3.08 2 858 kg (6,300 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.424 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
3 901 kg (8,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
3 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package –Conventional
Trailer 3.42
4 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
4 808 kg (10,600 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73
4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.234 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
328 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23 3 856 kg (8,500 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.425 398 kg (11,900 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42
4 808 kg (10,600 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 2WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.232 495 kg (5,500 lb) 4 990 kg (11,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 903 kg (6,400 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission 3.42
4 264 kg (9,400 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission 3.42
4 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42
4 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.734 990 kg (11,000 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 218 kg (9,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 670 kg (12,500 lb) 8 255 kg (18,200 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
330 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 082 kg (9,000 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42 4 173 kg (9,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42 4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 944 kg (10,900 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73
4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.234 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23
3 901 kg (8,600 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.425 352 kg (11,800 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42
5 126 kg (11,300 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 331
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Standard Box 4.3L V6 3.42 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.08 2 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.08 2 722 kg (6,000 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 6-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
3 674 kg (8,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission –Gooseneck/
Fifth-Wheel Trailer 3.42
3 765 kg (8,300 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42
4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.734 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.73
4 853 kg (10,700 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.234 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
332 Driving and Operating
1500/2500/3500 Series Pickups–SAE J2807 Compliant
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight (c) GCWR (a)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.23 3 719 kg (8,200 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 –Conventional Trailer 3.425 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
6.2L V8 –Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel
Trailer 3.42
4 763 kg (10,500 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Crew Cab Short Box (b) 4.3L V6 3.423 175 kg (7,000 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 767 kg (6,100 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)
5.3L V8 3.424 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
5.3L V8, 8-speed automatic
transmission with Enhanced
Towing Package 3.42
4 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
5.3L V8 3.734 899 kg (10,800 lb) 7 575 kg (16,700 lb)
6.2L V8 3.234 128 kg (9,100 lb) 6 804 kg (15,000 lb)
6.2L V8 3.425 307 kg (11,700 lb) 8 029 kg (17,700 lb)
1500 Series 4WD Regular Cab Long Box 4.3L V6 3.423 357 kg (7,400 lb) 5 806 kg (12,800 lb)
5.3L V8 3.082 948 kg (6,500 lb) 5 443 kg (12,000 lb)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 345
selection of Tow/Haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load.
Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to
the trailer brakes is based on the
amount of brake pressure being
applied by the vehicle’s brakesystem, and on the type of trailer
brakes detected. This available
power output to the trailer brakes
can be adjusted to a wide range of
trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’
s brake, antilock brake,
and StabiliTrak systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak
systems to activate, power sent to
the trailer's brakes will be
automatically adjusted to minimize
trailer wheel lock-up. This does not
imply that the trailer has StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’s brake, antilock brake,
or StabiliTrak systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC
system may not be fully functional
or may not function at all. Make sure
all of these systems are fully
operational to ensure full
functionality of the ITBC system.
The ITBC system is powered
through the vehicle's electrical
system. Turning the ignition off will
also turn off the ITBC system. The
ITBC system is fully functional only
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an
air brake system may result in
reduced or complete loss of trailer
braking. There may be an
increase in stopping distance or
trailer instability which could
result in personal injury or
damage to the vehicle, trailer,
or other property. Use the ITBC
system only with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 355
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 356
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 357
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 367
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 368
Automatic Transmission Fluid (8 Speed Transmission) . . . . . 371
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 371
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 376
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Power Steering Fluid (2500/ 3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Battery - North America . . . . . . 383
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 386
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 387
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 388
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 388
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 389
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Electrical System Overload . . . 392
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 402
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406