power steering GMC SIERRA DENALI 2018 Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 237If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering Electric Power Steering (1500
Series) If the vehicle has electric power
steering, it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem. If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is
held in that position for an extended
period of time, power steering assist
may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Hydraulic Power Steering
(2500/3500 Series) (2500/3500 Series – All Regular
Cab, Double Cab/Crew Cab
without Digital Steer Assist)
The power steering system may
require maintenance. See Power
Steering Fluid (1500 Series) 0 365
or Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500
Series) 0 365 . If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system malfunctions, the vehicle
can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer.
(2500/3500 Series – Double Cab/
Crew Cab with Digital Steer
Assist)
The vehicle has a Digital Steer
Assist power steering system that
varies the amount of effort required
to steer the vehicle. Less steering
effort is required at slower speeds.
At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases. The system helps the
steering wheel return to center at
low speeds. Pressing the Tow/Haul
button adjusts steering effort for
driving conditions described in Tow/
Haul Mode 0 271 .
The power steering system may
require maintenance. See Power
Steering Fluid (1500 Series) 0 365
or Power Steering Fluid (2500/3500
Series) 0 365 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
238 Driving and Operating If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system malfunctions, the vehicle
can be steered but may require
increased effort. See your dealer.
CautionIf the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
for more than 15 seconds,
damage may occur to the power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.
Curve Tips .
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
.
Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
.
Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
.
Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies .
There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
.
Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and
then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control Skidding There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.
Braking Skid — wheels are not
rolling.
.
Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 257This position locks the ignition and
steering wheel. It also locks the
transmission. The key can be
removed in LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
does not work, then the vehicle
needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This may cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).
This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift
to P (Park). Turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake 0 281 .
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
{ WarningTurning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY. CautionUsing a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) : This
position lets things like the radio
and the windshield wipers operate
while the engine is off. It also
unlocks the steering wheel. Use this
position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
258 Driving and Operating The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running. The
transmission is also unlocked in this
position.
If the key is left in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. The vehicle may not
start if the battery is allowed to drain
for an extended period of time.
3 (START) : This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened and the
ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF, and the key is in the
ignition.
Starting the Engine If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the Duramax diesel
supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra eAssist
supplement. CautionIf you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 336 .
CautionIf the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the power steering
system and there may be loss of
power steering assist.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. CautionDo not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure 1. Turn the ignition key to START.
When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will
go down as the engine gets
warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the
oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light
is on and the FUEL LEVEL
LOW message is displayed in
the Driver Information Center
(DIC), hold the ignition switch
in the START position to
continue engine cranking.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
272 Driving and Operating On vehicles with a diesel engine,
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking can
be enabled or disabled by pressing
the Tow/Haul Mode button. Use the
exhaust brake and Tow/Haul Mode
for maximum grade braking.
See Towing Equipment 0 325 .
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission 0 265
and Cruise Control 0 285 .
Drive Systems Four-Wheel Drive If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction.
Read the appropriate section for
transfer case operation before
using.
CautionDo not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
m and 4
n (if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle ’ s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
4
m or 4
n may:
.
Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
.
Cause tires to wear faster.
.
Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier. { WarningIf equipped with four-wheel drive,
the vehicle will be free to roll if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral),
even when the shift lever is in
P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear — 2
m , 4
m , or 4
n or set the
parking brake before placing the
transfer case in N (Neutral). See
Shifting Into Park 0 262 .
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
n may damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
n and 4
m or from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 277Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Set the parking brake and
apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on with the
engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to
2
m .
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
6. Start the engine and shift the
transmission to the
desired gear. Automatic Transfer Case
If equipped, use the transfer case
knob next to the steering wheel to
shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will blink on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
turned on. The light that remains on
will indicate the state of the
transfer case.
If the indicator mark on the switch
does not match up with the light
then that likely means the switch
was moved when the ignition
was off. The indicator mark on the switch
must line up with the indicator light
before a shift can be commanded.
To command a shift rotate the
transfer case switch to the new
desired position. The light will blink
meaning that the shift is in progress.
When the shift is completed the new
position will be illuminated. If the
transfer case can not complete a
shift command, it will go back to its
last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) : Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0 430
or Towing the Vehicle 0 430 .
2
m (Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use
for driving on most streets and
highways. The front axle is not
engaged. This setting provides the
best fuel economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable.
When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's
power is sent to the front and rear

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 281Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake Set the parking brake by holding the
regular brake pedal down, then
pushing down the parking brake
pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
See Brake System Warning Light
0 152 .
CautionDriving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down, then
push down momentarily on the
parking brake pedal until you feel
the pedal release. Slowly pull your
foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released
when you begin to drive, a DIC message will appear and a chime
will sound warning you that the
parking brake is still on.
Brake Assist The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Driving and Operating 331
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 brake
system, 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.
{ WarningConnecting 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
(Continued) Warning (Continued) system only with electric or
electric over hydraulic trailer
brakes.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply
Lever
2. Trailer Gain Adjustment
Buttons
The ITBC system has a control
panel on the instrument panel to the
left of the steering column. See
Instrument Panel 0 6 . The control

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
Vehicle Care 341
Vehicle Care General Information General Information . . . . . . . . . . 342
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements . . . . . 343
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Vehicle Checks Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 353
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 354
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(8-Speed Transmission) . . . . . 357
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 358
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 363
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Power Steering Fluid (1500
Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Power Steering Fluid (2500/
3500 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Battery - North America . . . . . . 369
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 373
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 374
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 375
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 375
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 376
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Headlamp Aiming Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Electrical System High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Electrical System Overload . . . 380
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 381
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Wheels and Tires Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 391
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-11349177) - 2018 - CRC - 10/17/17
350 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting - North America
0 426 .
2. Battery - North America 0 369 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0 359 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 358 .
5. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“ How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid ” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) 0 354
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8-Speed Transmission)
0 357 .
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 350 .
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 350 .
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System
0 359 . 9. Remote Negative ( – ) Location.
See Jump Starting - North
America 0 426 .
10. Power Steering Fluid
Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid (1500 Series) 0 365 or
Power Steering Fluid (2500/
3500 Series) 0 365 .
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid
0 366 .
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid 0 368 .
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped).
See Battery - North America
0 369 .
14. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 381 .
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra supplement. Engine Oil For diesel engine vehicles, see
“ Engine Oil ” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“ Selecting the Right Engine Oil ”
in this section.
.
Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “ Checking
Engine Oil ” and “ When to Add
Engine Oil ” in this section.
.
Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0 353 .
.
Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “ What to Do with
Used Oil ” in this section.