trans GMC SIERRA 2019 Manual Online

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 251
Vehicles without mode graphics on
the knob will have a menu selection
screen in the instrument cluster to
select the desired mode. When the
Drive Mode knob is rotated, the
mode list will display the next
available mode.If equipped, select Terrain Mode by
pressing the Terrain Mode button,
below the 4
mtransfer case button.
Modes:
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft
ride. When selected, there is no
indicator in the instrument cluster.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.When in Sport Mode, the vehicle will
shift automatically but may hold a
lower gear longer than it would in
the normal driving mode based on
braking, throttle input, and vehicle
lateral acceleration. See
Automatic
Transmission 0233. The steering
will change to provide more precise
control. The continuous damping will
change to provide better cornering
performance.
When selected, the Sport Mode light
displays in the instrument cluster.
Snow Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions. The
vehicle will upshift normally when
the vehicle is moving. The
acceleration will adjust to help
provide a smoother launch.
Snow Mode is only available on
two-wheel-drive vehicles. When
selected, the Snow Mode light
displays in the instrument cluster.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
252 Driving and Operating
Off-Road Mode
Use to improve driving at moderate
speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered
roads that have not been groomed
or plowed.
The accelerator pedal will be more
sensitive to provide finer control of
the torque at the wheels. Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), the Antilock
Brake System (ABS), and the
Traction Control System (TCS) will
change for optimal off-road
performance. Use this mode for
public off-road recreational driving.
SeeOff-Road Driving 0203.
When selected, the Off-Road Mode
indicator light displays in the
instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0238.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0286.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or
heavy load under the following
conditions:
. Through rolling terrain
. In stop-and-go traffic
. In busy parking lots where
improved low speed control of
the vehicle is desired
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or with no
trailer at all will not cause damage.
However, there is no benefit to
selecting Tow/Haul Mode when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result
in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
When selected, the Tow/Haul Mode
light will display in the instrument
cluster. If the vehicle is turned off with Tow/
Haul Mode active, Tow/Haul Mode
will remain active after the vehicle
has been turned on if the vehicle
was turned off for less than four
hours. Otherwise, the vehicle will
start up in Tour Mode.
Terrain Mode
Use for finer control during low
speed, off-road driving. When using
this mode it will mimic the
characteristics of four-wheel-drive
low without the torque capabilities.
Use when:
.
Traveling on very rough roads at
very low speeds, such as a
two-track or heavily rutted road.
. Traveling slowly in grassy fields.
. Pulling a boat out of the water
on a trailer.
. Using the vehicle for public
off-road recreational driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0203 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0209.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 253
When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle
will shift automatically but may hold
a lower gear longer to maximize
engine torque. The steering will
change to provide more precise
control. A unique pedal map,
transmission shift pattern, and rpm
control are utilized to give better
control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. When the vehicle
comes to a stop, Vehicle Hold is
engaged. TCS will be optimized for
maximum torque transfer across
axles, and Active Braking During Lift
Throttle will be engaged.Active Braking During Lift Throttle:
.
Automatically applies light
braking, similar to heavy engine
braking of four-wheel-drive low.
. In D (Drive), the vehicle will
apply light braking until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In
Manual L1 and Manual L2,
moderate braking may stop the
vehicle.
. Trailer braking is reduced.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
254 Driving and Operating
Terrain ModeDrive Select Expected Vehicle Behavior Ideal Terrain
Drive (L3-Lx) Minor deceleration when off
throttle and mild ability to
modulate throttle, mimicks
performance of 4-low without
torque multiplication. Grassy fields,
mild two tracks,
rutted roads,
large rolling hills,
L2 Moderate deceleration when
off throttle and moderate
ability to modulate throttle.
Will bring vehicle to a stop in
most cases. Mild rock crawling,
heavy ruts,
short, steeper grades,
L1 Significant deceleration when
off throttle and significant
ability to modulate throttle.
Will bring vehicle to a stop in
most cases. Rock crawling
down hill
Active Braking During Lift Throttle
will reduce the back and forth
between the accelerator and brake
pedals.
Vehicle Hold Features:
. When the vehicle comes to a
stop on an incline grade in
forward gear or on a decline grade in reverse gear, Vehicle
Hold is engaged until the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
. When the vehicle is in forward
gear on a decline, the vehicle is
allowed to creep down the hill
when brake pedal is released without pressing accelerator
pedal. The vehicle will also
creep forward on flat ground.
. If the driver seat belt is removed
and the driver door is opened
while vehicle is being held, EPB
will be engaged.
. EPB will engage if vehicle is
held for an extended period.
Terrain Mode is only available on
vehicles equipped with the single
speed transfer case.
Terrain Mode can only be
active when:
. Vehicle speed is less than
80 km/h (50 mph).
. The transfer case is in 4
m.
Frequent use of this mode may
cause brake wear due to the light
braking.
The vehicle will automatically exit
the mode if the brakes get too hot.
Terrain mode can be turned back on
after the brakes have cooled.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 257
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, press +RES
up briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0140.
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
. Press and hold SET– down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
. To slow down in small
increments, press SET– down
briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0140.
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
previously 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, cruise braking
helps 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.
For other forms of descent control,
see
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
0 249, Automatic Transmission
0 233, and Tow/Haul Mode 0238.
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.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
5is pressed
or the ignition is turned off.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
282 Driving and Operating
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Tow/Haul Mode is recommended
for heavier trailers. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0238. If the
transmission downshifts too
often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode.
See Manual Mode 0235.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
. Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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 0232.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of
the combination by driving on a
level road surface before driving on
public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and
the brakes must all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate
trailer equipment can cause the
combination to operate in an
unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 283
tires, and mirrors. SeeTowing
Equipment 0290. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then
manually apply the trailer brake
controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally
check that the cargo and trailer are
secure and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused
by the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal
when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving 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 of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
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 that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
284 Driving and Operating
The vehicle 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.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, 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, see
Engine Overheating0336.
Viewing Systems
If equipped, the viewing systems on
the vehicle can improve visibility
while hitching, backing, and driving
with a trailer. See Driver Assistance
Systems 0258.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer 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, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
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.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving
a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out
of the vehicle before
backing onto the sloped part
of the ramp. Lower the
driver and passenger side
windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
290 Driving and Operating
weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to transfer some of the
cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer
tongue weight is too high or too low,
it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the
trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer
tongue weight on the trailer hitch
and rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load as
close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight,
including the carrier, is no more than
half of the maximum allowable
tongue weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight
that can be supported by the rear
axle of the vehicle. Do not exceed
the GAWR-RR for the vehicle, with
the tow vehicle and trailer fully
loaded for the trip including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using
a weight-distributing hitch, do not
exceed the GAWR-RR before
applying the weight distribution
spring bars.
The GAWR-RR for the vehicle is on
the Trailering Information Label.Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by,
and rough roads can affect the
trailer and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a
tow eye latched to a pintle hook.
Other trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle
and trailer axles. See
“Maximum
Trailer Tongue Weight” underTrailer
Towing 0286 for weight limits with
various hitch types.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Driving and Operating 295
Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the
Trailering App automatically
activates trailer lamps. The
Trailering App is not a substitute for
manually inspecting your trailer
lamps. SeeTrailering App 0301.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter
Tow/Haul Mode, see Driver Mode
Control 0250.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load. See Tow/Haul Mode 0238.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0286.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
. through rolling terrain.
. in stop-and-go traffic.
. in busy parking lots.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and
may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.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
brake systems. These instructions
apply to both types of electric 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 proportional to
the amount of vehicle braking. 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/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
antilock brake or StabiliTrak/ESC
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/ESC.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock
brake, or StabiliTrak/ESC systems
are not functioning properly, the