transmission GMC SIERRA 2017 Service Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
302 Driving and Operating
When enabled, if the vehicle is at a
speed above 22 km/h (14 mph) and
less than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC
message will display. SeeVehicle
Speed Messages 0167.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Cruise Control
With cruise control a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads. If equipped with an Allison or
Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic
transmission, see
“Tow/Haul Mode
Grade Braking” underTow/Haul
Mode 0288 for an explanation of
how cruise control interacts with the
Range Selection Mode, Tow/Haul
Mode, and Grade Braking systems.
If the cruise control is being used
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0299. If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0308. When
road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be
turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control disengages.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
304 Driving and Operating
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold SET– until the
desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
. To slow down in small
increments, briefly press SET– .
For each press, the vehicle goes
about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0132.
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly pressing SET–
will result in cruise
control set to the current vehicle
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed.
While going downhill:
. Vehicles with a 6-speed
automatic transmission and a
gasoline engine have Cruise
Grade Braking to help maintain
driver selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
cruise control is active. It is not
enabled in Range Selection
Mode. It assists in maintaining
driver selected speed when
driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and
transmission to slow the vehicle. To disable and enable Cruise
Grade Braking for the current
ignition key cycle, press and
hold the Tow/Haul button for
five seconds. A DIC message
displays. See
Transmission
Messages 0164.
. Vehicles with a diesel engine
have Cruise Grade Braking
enabled when Tow/Haul Mode is
on, the exhaust brake is on,
or both are on.
For other forms of descent control,
see Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 301, Automatic Transmission
0 283, and Tow/Haul Mode 0288.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
. Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. To turn off cruise control,
press
5.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
320 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0439. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0440.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply to
trailer towing. .
The trailer must be equipped
with brakes adequate for the
intended use. A loaded trailer
weighing more than 900 kg
(2,000 lb) must be equipped with
its own brake system, with
brakes working on all axles.
Trailer braking equipment
conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
The Tow/Haul Mode may be
used if the transmission shifts
too often. See Tow/Haul Mode
0 288.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0282.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Driving and Operating 321
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
The structure, tires, and brakes of
the trailer must be rated to carry the
load. Inadequate trailer equipment
can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. Get familiar with
the handling and braking of the rig.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start
the combination moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear
before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if
the transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0288.

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)